Chotovelli 1919 Flieger Watch | Pilot Story

Chotovelli 1919 Flieger: Reinventing the Classic Pilot Watch

Pilot watches have always been about function first: clear dials, strong contrast, simple cases and the ability to read the time quickly.

When we developed the Chotovelli 1919 Flieger in 2018, we wanted to keep that unmistakable aviation character while approaching the traditional Flieger watch from a different direction.

The result was the 1919 Flieger, a 44mm aviation-inspired watch that combined classic pilot-watch design with modern, reliable technology and an accessible price.

Why We Created the 1919 Flieger

Traditional Flieger watches have changed surprisingly little over the decades.

Large cases, highly legible black dials, prominent numerals and simple aviation-inspired layouts are all part of what makes the style instantly recognizable.

We didn't want to remove those characteristics. We wanted to preserve them while creating a pilot watch that could be worn every day without the price or maintenance normally associated with a traditional mechanical Flieger.

That idea became the Chotovelli 1919.

A Different Approach to the Traditional Pilot Watch

One of the biggest decisions was the movement.

Instead of using a traditional mechanical or automatic movement, the original 1919 Flieger used the Seiko VH31A sweep-seconds quartz movement.

Unlike a conventional quartz watch where the seconds hand moves once every second, the VH31 moves several times per second, creating a smoother sweep that gives the watch some of the visual character normally associated with mechanical watches.

At the same time, it retains the accuracy, practicality and low-maintenance advantages of quartz.

For us, it made sense for what the 1919 was intended to be: a dependable everyday pilot watch.

Designed Around Legibility

The dial was always the centre of the 1919 design.

The watch featured a layered dial construction with raised numerals and a separate outer minute track, giving more depth than is normally seen on a traditional Flieger-style watch.

The high-contrast layout was designed to make the time easy to read at a glance, while luminous details helped maintain the functional character associated with aviation watches.

A small red detail on the seconds hand and crown added a modern Chotovelli touch without taking away from the traditional military-inspired design.

Chotovelli 1919 Flieger Specifications

The original 1919 Flieger introduced through Kickstarter featured:

Case: 44mm stainless steel
Case thickness: approximately 12mm
Material: 316L stainless steel
Movement: Seiko sweep-seconds quartz
Crystal: Hardened mineral glass
Dial: Layered aviation-inspired dial with luminous applied numerals
Strap: Italian calf leather
Water resistance: 50 metres / 5 ATM
Style: Flieger / aviation pilot watch

Its relatively slim case was intentional. Although 44mm gives the watch a strong presence on the wrist, the approximately 12mm profile makes it considerably easier to wear than many oversized traditional pilot watches.

From an Idea to Kickstarter

The 1919 project was introduced through Kickstarter in 2018.

Crowdfunding gave us the opportunity to present the idea directly to watch enthusiasts and see whether collectors shared our belief that a recognizable Flieger design could be produced differently.

Our objective was simple: make aviation-inspired design accessible without turning the watch into a disposable fashion product.

The launch also attracted attention outside Kickstarter.

FashionBeans included the Chotovelli & Figli Flieger in its coverage of notable Kickstarter watches, highlighting the combination of nostalgic pilot-watch styling and the smooth-sweep quartz movement.

Independent watch publication WristWatchReview also spent time with the watch before the Kickstarter launch. Reviewer Patrick Kansa highlighted the unusual dimensionality of the layered dial and described the watch as an understated interpretation of the Flieger style.

Keeping the Flieger Character

A traditional pilot watch does not need unnecessary decoration.

Its character comes from proportion, contrast and readability.

That philosophy influenced the 1919 from the beginning. Rather than trying to reinvent every recognizable feature of a pilot watch, we focused on changing the things that could make it more practical for everyday use.

The result was still unmistakably a Flieger, but it was our interpretation of one.

The 1919 Flieger Today

The original Kickstarter campaign was only the beginning.

The 1919 Flieger collection remains part of the Chotovelli range today, continuing the aviation-inspired design language that has been central to the brand since its early collections.

For collectors who appreciate classic pilot-watch styling, larger dimensions and simple instrument-inspired design, the 1919 remains one of the clearest expressions of the Chotovelli approach to aviation watches.

Explore the Chotovelli 1919 Flieger Collection →

For more about the differences between aviation watch styles, read our guide to Field Watches vs Military Watches vs Pilot Watches vs Flieger Watches.

You can also learn more about watch movements in our guide to Quartz, Mecha-Quartz or Automatic Watches.

Originally launched through Kickstarter in 2018. This article has been updated to document the history and specifications of the Chotovelli 1919 Flieger collection.