Chotovelli & Figli Pilot Aviator Watch Jts 5200-11
Most of the replica watch collectors, which I consider close friends, tend to heavily concentrate on dive replica watches as far as their collections are concerned. However, some of those in the group enjoy having at least one pilot style replica watch in their collection just to provide that change of pace on any given day. Like myself, those that prefer having at least one pilot style replica watch in their collection look for models that have an appealing overall design and offer some quality specifications. Today I would like to discuss what I consider a relatively obscure replica watch brand, Chotovelli & Figli (sons). Chotovelli, according to their website, is a third generation replica watchmaker creating bold designs that are inspired by old gauges and speedometers from the car and aviation industry. You can read more about Chotovelli and their history HERE. The subject of this review, the Pilot Aviator Watch Jts 5200-11, has a full retail price point of around $400 USD and can be found through on-line retailers such as Amazon. The model offers a bold modern take on the Nav B pilot chronograph design with some decent overall specifications. The Pilot Aviator model comes with the following basic specifications:
- MOVEMENT: Quartz
- CASE: Aisi Stainless Steel 316L
- CASE DIAMETER: 47.2mm
- STRAP: Italian Calf Leather Strap
- WATER RESISTANCE: 10ATM
The case is composed of stainless steel with both brushed and high polished surfaces. Keep a polishing cloth handy, as the bezel is all high polished and will need to be wiped down quite frequently. The case measures 47.2mm in diameter and almost 52mm including the crown. The lug tip to lug tip measurement is nearly 57mm but still allows for a nice curve in the case design to prevent extreme overhang on the wrist. The replica watch weighs a mere 103 grams, so taking into account all of the dimensions along with the weight, this model should feel quite light and comfortable on the wrist but with some pause, which I will speak on later in the review. The nearly 57mm lug tip to lug tip measurement should make those of us with larger wrists feel pretty confident about how the replica watch will sit across the wrist. Since the model is a chronograph, the standard function pushers are located on either side of the large signed 10mm diamond style crown. The model is setup with a lefty design, as the crown and function pushers are located on the left side of the case, but that shouldn’t prevent anyone from wearing the replica watch on their left wrist if they choose to do so. Keep in mind the function pushers operate in the opposite way from the standard chronograph setup. At 10mm, the screw down crown is extremely easy to grasp and engage. The crown on this particular example is quite firm with no play whatsoever.
The Pilot Aviator is fitted with a large sapphire crystal measuring nearly 39mm in diameter which provides are great view of the large dial. The crystal does have a nice anti-reflective coating which keeps glare at a minimum. Beneath the crystal is a glossy black dial, which has dial markers and numerals painted on the dial in a glossy white finish. The dial is setup as a Nav B style with the minute numerals painted on the dial rather than hour indicators. I really like how Chotovelli went with some modern flair by only using the numerals on the Nav B style dial from the 30 to the 60 rather than around the entire dial. The dial is extremely clean and uncluttered with logos and branding placement at appropriate locations on the dial. The chronograph layout is slightly different than many chronograph replica watches, as instead of a one or two eye design, the Pilot Aviator only has one chronograph eye which is the 60-minute accumulator at the 3 o’clock position. The central red hand functions as the true chronograph second hand while the sub-dial at the 9 o’clock position shows 24-hour time. When the replica watch first arrived, at first glance, I didn’t notice a date function on this particular model. After closer inspection, I discovered a rather small date window positioned in a rather peculiar location just below the 30-minute mark on the chronograph minute accumulator. I am not overly fond of date windows on my replica watches anyhow so I actually like the camouflaged type design, which may or may not also appeal to many others. For those readers that consider themselves lume freaks, I have to report there is very little lume on this model. The hour and minute hands have a small amount of lume, which doesn’t glow brightly and has very little longevity. Overall, the dial is quite appealing providing a significant amount of surface area which is clean, uncluttered and will allow for easily discerning the time, which is of the utmost importance with pilot style replica watches.
The case back is screwed down to the upper part of the case. The case back has general specification information etched around the perimeter about the replica watch model that is typical of many case backs and also includes an etched plane and the brand name at its center. Beneath the case back is a modern Citizen quartz chronograph movement caliber 0S21. The movement has been extremely accurate as one would expect from a quartz. The 24-hour eye is quite helpful in telling whether the replica watch is set in the AM or PM. Even though a reputable quartz movement from Citizen is being utilized, I would like to see the use of automatic movements for replica watches in this price category based on what is available on the market.
Finishing off the Pilot Aviator is a truly fantastic tan Italian calf leather strap. I have to admit that the strap really concerned me greatly at first since it was only 20mm at the lug on such a large replica watch case measuring nearly 16mm in height, as well as, discovering the tapering of the strap to 18mm at the tail. I was quite concerned about the overall balance of the replica watch on the wrist with these specifications. To my surprise, balance was not an issue whatsoever so please do not let the 20mm lugs and strap size scare you away from this particular model. The calf leather strap provided with this model is quite soft and supple and is extremely comfortable on the wrist. The strap is constructed with quite a number of sizing holes that will allow for a wide array of wrist sizes. The strap is a rather robust 4.5mm thick at its thickest point so it doesn’t feel at all flimsy in its construction. The strap also has two keepers, one fixed and one floating, which are a necessity with any good leather strap. The strap is finished off with a sturdy signed thumbnail style buckle.
Chotovelli provides quite a few modern style pilot style designs with their flagship Pilot Aviator leading the way. The model provides quality specifications such as the oversized sturdy case design, sapphire crystal, screw down crown and a dependable Citizen quartz chronograph movement. If you are interested in modern pilot style replica watches and quartz movements are to your liking, definitely check out what Chotovelli has to offer. I would like to thank Chotovelli for arranging this review with WatchReport.com and I would like to thank each of you for reading. Please take a moment and view the brief video presentation included with the review and subscribe to the WatchReport.com YouTube channel. I look forward to your thoughts and comments as always.
