Aviation watches were not born to seduce. They were designed to be read immediately, sometimes in extreme conditions, where errors are not permitted. It is this functional constraint that has shaped their aesthetic since the beginning of the 20th century: readable numbers, marked contrasts, hierarchical information, mechanical robustness.
There Aviation Cabin 01 clearly claims this heritage. I have been wearing it on my wrist for several days, keeping in mind its function, in addition to its aesthetic which I really like.
The concept of pilot’s watches: readability above all
In aviation, readability is a safety issue. The great historical navigation watches, whether civil or military, all met the same specifications: the time must be understood without thoughtat a glance.
The Carlingue Aviation 01 respects this logic. The Arabic numerals are large, well spaced, without unnecessary ornament. The hands are sized to be seen instantly, and the contrast remains high whatever the light conditions. The information is hierarchical, clear, effective.
This is not an aesthetic homage to aviation watches. It is functional continuity.
A crafted dial, without ever sacrificing reading
The dial of this version (ref. CT-002-D) deserves special mention. Its green gradient, combined with a circular satin finish, subtly captures the light. Depending on the angle, it changes tone slightly, without ever producing unwanted reflections.
This is an important point. Many textured or smoked dials end up hindering readability. Here, the balance is controlled. The dial lives, but does not distract the eye from its primary function: reading the time.
Even in bright light, the numbers and hands remain perfectly readable. This respect for function is, in my opinion, one of the strong points of this watch. Carlingue could easily have given in to the temptation to put aside the primary function in the name of pure aesthetics at a time when aviators no longer need this readability, but no.
What are the 24 hour bezel and GMT function used for?
The 24-hour bezel associated with the GMT hand is not decorative. It allows you to follow a second time zone, a GMT function historically linked to aviation, where changes in time markers are permanent.
The principle is simple:
- the GMT hand makes a complete revolution in 24 hours,
- the bezel allows you to shift the reading to another time zone,
- two hours can be read simultaneously, without calculation.
The bezel is readable, well contrasted, and firm enough to be handled without risk of unintentional disruption. It fulfills its role perfectly, without weighing down the dial.
Miyota 9075 movement: a rational and coherent choice
Carlingue has chosen to equip this Aviation 01 with a Miyota 9075a Japanese automatic movement oscillating at 28,800 vibrations/hour, with a power reserve of approximately 42 hours.
It is not a movement of prestige, but a movement reliable, robust, stableknown for handling daily use without flinching. In the context of a modern aviation watch, this choice is coherent. The mechanics are there to serve the use, not the discourse. So a “tractor” movement is appropriate.
On the back, we can explore the movement and its pretty Côtes de Genève.
Case, proportions and comfort on the wrist
With 40 mm in diameter and 13.65 mm thickthe Carlingue Aviation 01 strikes the right balance between presence and portability. The 316L steel case is soberly finished, without unnecessary effect. The domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective treated on the inside, improves readability while adding a slightly vintage touch.
The 100 meter water resistance allows daily use without constraints. It’s a watch that you wear without thinking about it, which remains an essential criterion for a so-called tool watch.
An aviator’s watch, but also an everyday watch
Despite its very marked DNA, the Carlingue Aviation 01 is not limited to technical use. Thanks to its contained proportions, its elaborate dial and the possibility of easily changing the bracelet, it can also be worn in a more dressed context.
This level of versatility is rare on aviation watches, often too massive or too distinctive to go beyond their register. Here, the balance is controlled. Indeed, put a Bell & Ross on your wrist and everyone will understand that you have a certain affinity with the world of aviation.
Value for money: a well-positioned equation
HAS 730 eurosthe Carlingue Aviation 01 offers:
- a serious construction,
- a domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal,
- a proven automatic movement,
- a truly usable GMT complication,
- very good readability,
- a Swiss blend.
At this price point, it’s difficult to find an aviation watch that is as technically consistent, without obvious compromises. The positioning is rational and controlled.
Cabin Aviation 01: technical sheet
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cabin |
| Model | Aviation 01 (Aviation Heritage Collection) |
| Reference tested | CT-002-D |
| Watch type | GMT automatic pilot’s watch |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, second time zone |
| Movement | Miyota 9075 automatic |
| Frequency | 28,800 vibrations/hour |
| Power reserve | About 42 hours |
| Housing | 316L stainless steel |
| Diameter | 40mm |
| Thickness | 13.65mm |
| Ice | Domed sapphire, internal anti-reflective |
| Bottom | Steel + sapphire crystal |
| Telescope | 24 hour bi-directional rotation |
| Dial | Green gradient, circular satin finish |
| Index | Arabic numerals + Super-Luminova |
| Needles | Sandblasted rhodium plated + Super-Luminova |
| Waterproofing | 100m (10ATM) |
| Bracelet | Leather-lined nylon, interchangeable |
| Other bracelets | Leather, nylon, Tattoo editions |
| Design | France |
| Assembly | Swiss |
| Public price | €730 |
See the watch on the Carlingue website
