Watch Review: Bausele Pilot Automatic

Australian watch brand Bausele has been on a roll. The brand, whose watches are Swiss made but of Australian design, was just named the Official Watch of the Australian Air Force’s 100^thAnniversary – taking place next year in 2021. Founded less than a decade ago, the brand is all about showcasing Australia on the wrist and even has elements such as the outback earth, the coastline sand and more hidden in plain sight in the hollow crown of its watches.

The brand, whose name is an acronym for its mission, Beyond Australian Elements, is founded on a concept of finding a balance between work and play – all the while looking good with a nice watch on the wrist.  Each of the brand’s watches is sold with two straps (rubber or leather and a strap made of recycled plastics).

Recently, I went hands-on with the Pilot Automatic watch and found it to be an intriguing experience. While it was during COVID-19 and I didn’t get out much, the few times I did wear the watch in public, I got some questions and comments about it … all comments were positive.

Offered in several differently colored versions, the black and red hued Pilot Automatic watch I borrowed features red earth from the Outback in its hollow crown.  It should be noted that other versions of the watch include different elements. For instance, one version in black and white has a crown filled with black spinel from Queensland and  the white Cockatoo version has sand from Bondi Beach in the crown.

The Swiss made watch offers a sleek appeal with black matte ceramic case, black dial and black leather strap with red stitching. Inspired by aviation watches from yesteryear, the dial features an off-center crown at what would be the 2:00 position on the case, and off-center numerals with the 12:00 position situated  at 2:00 on the dial to enable time telling while in flight without having to move the wrist. However, the link to the past ends there, because the design motif is thoroughly modern.

The dial with outer black chapter ring features the numerals 12, 3, and 9 on small circular metal disks with graining on them to emulate a plane. Instead of a 6 on the fourth inset, a stylized B for the Bausele brand name appears. In the center of the dial is a view of the grained patterned silver plate and a big red X.  The hands and markers are coated with Super-LumiNova for easy reading in the dark. In all, the watch has a very mechanical look and feel to it that is in keeping with the aviation vibe, but it is a little bit busy for my taste. Just 60 individually numbered pieces will be made, each retailing for about $1,360.