A partnership forged in the shared pursuit of aviation’s greatest mysteries and the preservation of flight history
Sopwith Watch Company has been named the official timepiece of The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR), the world’s premier organization dedicated to solving aviation’s most enduring historical mysteries. The partnership pairs Sopwith’s heritage-driven watchmaking with TIGHAR’s rigorous, science-based approach to recovering and preserving lost chapters of flight history.
Founded in 1985, TIGHAR is best known for its decades-long investigation into the disappearance of Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan, conducting forensic archaeological expeditions to the remote Pacific island of Nikumaroro.
The organization has also led research and recovery efforts including L’Oiseau Blanc (The White Bird), the biplane in which World War One ace Charles Nungesser and Francois Coli disappeared while attempting a flight from Paris to New York in 1927.
Sopwith is supporting the development of a new online repository for thousands of TIGHAR’s historical documents, including a scientific analysis of each artifact associated with the search for Amelia Earhart. This massive aviation database will serve researchers, educators, and history enthusiasts worldwide and re-launch in summer 2026.
“TIGHAR’s work represents everything we admire about the aviation community—meticulous research, bold fieldwork, and an unwavering commitment to the truth,” said Sopwith president Stephen Cox. “Their team has operated in some of the most demanding environments on earth and it’s a perfect opportunity to prove the durability of our watches while advancing aviation research. We’re honored to be keeping time for the people who uncover aviation history.”
“After 41 years of research and dozens of search expeditions, we have traced L’Oiseau Blanc to a remote spot in the wilds of Newfoundland,” said Ric Gillespie, TIGHAR’s Executive Director. “We’re hopeful that this summer’s expeditions will find artifacts that confirm the fate of the crew. Sopwith shares our commitment to preserving aviation history and their timepieces are elegant reminders of an age of heroes.”
Sopwith Watch Company and TIGHAR hold a common audience of aviation enthusiasts, history scholars, and collectors who value authenticity and purpose. The partnership reflects both organizations’ belief that the golden age of aviation continues to inspire modern achievement.
About Sopwith Watch Company
Sopwith Watch Company crafts precision timepieces with cases forged directly from the original steel of legendary airplanes. Drawing on the pioneering spirit of early flight, each Sopwith watch blends aeronautical heritage with modern Swiss-grade calibers and materials. Designed for pilots, collectors, and adventurers who carry the spirit of the cockpit wherever they go, Sopwith watches are built to perform at altitude and on the ground. Learn more at sopwithwatch.com.
About TIGHAR
The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes responsible aviation archaeology and the preservation of historic aircraft. TIGHAR’s investigations have been featured by National Geographic, the Smithsonian Channel, Discovery, and numerous international media outlets. Learn more at tighar.org.
