Inspired by the CF-100 Canuck
With the Canuck Pilot Watch, the Whitby Watch Co. do what they best—celebrate landmarks in Canadian history. This time around, the Whitby Canuck commemorates the Avro Canada CF-100 All Weather Fight Jet. This Cold War era plane was a precursor to the more famous Avro Arrow, but in real terms, it marked the height of Canadian military aviation.
The Canuck CF-100 was a twin-engine, all-weather interceptor that took to the skies for the first time in 1950. It was an aviation first in many ways—the first (and only) mass-produced fighter jet designed and built in Canada, and the first straight-winged jet to reach sustainable supersonic flight. The fighter was deployed to air bases across Europe and played an important role in NORAD (North American Air Defence Command). It was also procured by the Belgian Air Force.
Key Features of the Whitby Canuck Pilot Watch
The Whibty Canuck, for its part, is a ultimately a Flieger watch—hearkening back to that original design popularized by the Luftwaffe and five German watch manufacturers during the Second World War. It is fashioned from aircraft grade titanium and comes in a 39mm case with a lug to lug of 46mm—making easily wearable. The finish has a sandblasted, utilitarian appearance that suits the design well.
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It features a large screw down crown with a gear-like knurling that is also blasted. It is signed in the brand logo. Underneath, we find a display case back, through which we can view the Swiss Made Sellita SW200-1. The movement is a workhorse and serviceable around the world. It features 26 jewels and a 38-hour power reserve. The calibre also has a 4Hz beat rate for a smooth second-hand sweep. It promises accuracy within +/-12 seconds a day. With its screw down crown and case back, the watch is water resistant to 100m.
What differentiates the Whitby Canuck from other Fliegers—as well as those previously produced by the brand, itself—is the dial. There are six iterations of the Canuck Pilot Watch in total. And while they do share certain commonalities among them—sector style dials, angled rehauts, applied numerals, thick sword hands, and a date window at six—two distinct designs emerge.
The first is featured here in the MKI Military Green. This dial features a clean and smooth centre section with a pebbled outer rim. The second, pictured here in MKII Royal Blue, sports a turbine pattern at the centre, with a subtly textured outer track. Around this inner turbine, we also find a printed 60-minute register. Both are equipped with a custom second hand in the shape of a lightning bolt–reflective of the emblem that graced the gloss black MKI prototype of the jet.
Of the two, I tend to gravitate toward the MKI layout—though I admit that I also find the hue of green particularly attractive. There are two other colourways with the same MKI design, however—Navy and Steel—and they are definitely worth a look. You can also purchase the MKII layout in Fuselage Grey and Black.
Both dials have been treated lavishly with C3 Super-LumiNova. Here, perhaps the MKII does outshine the other, in that the interior minute track has also been lumed. What I like about both, is the model name, which also glows in the dark.
I don’t often have cause to rave about OEM watch straps, but here I will. Each iteration of the Whitby Canuck comes on Italian leather. The straps are riveted at the 20mm lugs and taper gently to 18mm at the titanium buckle. The bands have two robust keepers and an additional titanium pass, which provides the strap with visual interest and a sense of solidity. Though there is no brand literature about this, I suspect that the straps themselves are about 4-5mm thick, as well. Yet, they are supple enough not to require a break in period. Again, here, I really like the Cognac pairing with the MKI Military Green.
Additionally, the Whitby Canuck comes standard in a Canadian Made Nanuk 903 waterproof carrying case.
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SPECS
| Case | Aircraft Grade Titanium 39mm Diameter 46mm Lug to Lug 20mm Lug Width Display Case Back & Screw Down Crown 100m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Flat Sapphire Crystal Applied Numerals Sword Handset C3 Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Sellita SW200-1 26 Jewels 28 800bph 38-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Italian Leather Strap /w Titanium Hardware |
Whitby Canuck Pilot Watch
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Final Thoughts
The Whitby Canuck is an easy-wearing watch with significant wrist presence, despite its lightweight construction. The thick Italian leather strap looks great against the blasted titanium finish and really helps the timepiece play its part as a traditional Flieger. The brand has done good work, nonetheless, to differentiate the watch from other pilot-style timepieces and commemorate the history of the CF-100, with its deep dial and particular styling elements.
Its rugged construction and robust water resistance make it a solid toolwatch, and the Swiss movement on the inside is reliable and precise. Final assembly of the watch takes place in Canada, where it is designed.
Pricing & Availability
The Whitby Canuck Pilot Watch retails for the launch price of $845 CAD (approx. $625 USD). For more information, please visit the brand website.
Check out the Whitby Alpine Chronograph
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About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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