Pilot watches offer more than the ability to track time to pilots. There is something about these watches, which makes them so appealing. The watches induce nostalgia that reminds us of their historical significance when pilots relied on these instruments. It may have lost its use, but it is yet to lose its fame. Pilot watches are now worn by anyone who likes the features offered by the watch. It is now a sign of adventure and sport than merely being a timepiece.
What Is A Pilot Watch?
Watches crafted to meet pilots’ needs came into existence when aircraft were not as hi-tech as they are today. The airplanes had limited functionality, and pilots often relied on a watch to navigate. The pilots often used the watch to check for the distance traveled.
During the early 20th century, pilots found it difficult to check their pocket watch while flying an aircraft. The simple solution was a wristwatch that will make it more convenient for pilots to check the time.
Pilot watches do not have to feature a specific set of attributes to qualify as a “pilot’s.” Features useful for pilots in a watch are day and date, chronograph, a GMT indicator, and a second-time zone. Most of the aircraft have displays that give them almost all the information they may get from their pilot watch, but if you are on a light aircraft with no clock panel, then many functions of the pilot watch can come handy for you.
History Of Pilot Watches
Pilot watches are the brainchild of Louis Cartier. He created the world’s first aviation watch for pilot Alberto Santos – Dumont. Santos had come across the same problem of having to check his pocket watch while flying. Cartier created the watch in 1904 and revolutionized watches for pilots.
The model was named Cartier ‘Santos’ after the pilot for whom it was created. In addition to being the first pilot watch, the Cartier Santos was also one of the first wristwatches for men. Before this, wristwatches were adorned by women exclusively.
World War I increased the use of wristwatches as pilots noticed the usability of the watches. As watchmakers innovated to bring better watches to the pilots, chronograph functions later added to pilot watches. It allowed the pilots to record time with more accuracy by using the stopwatch feature. The use of pilot watches became prevalent during the 1950s and 1960s.
In the 1950s, Rolex created ripples in the world of pilot watches with the GMT Master. It showcased two time zones, which allowed pilots to keep track of time in their hometown as they flew through different time zones.
Gradually, pilot watches became obsolete as aircraft companies used technology to fit the planes with advanced instruments, which rendered the pilot watch of no use. The need for pilot watches declined, although their popularity hasn’t deteriorated yet.
Pilot watches still occupy an essential section in the watch world. Prominent watch manufacturing companies like Breitling, IWC, and Bell and Ross continue to manufacture pilot watches.
Types of Pilot Watches
There are two main types of pilot watches: Classic and Modern. Both are pilot watches but have variations in their functionality and design. Depending on your choice, both are recognizable wristwatches that present a unique type of watch.
Classic
In a nutshell, classic pilot watches are those that look a lot like their predecessors. The design and overall appearance of these watches tend to resemble the original pilot watch during the war.
They provide the essential functions of a watch but are outdated with the current trend in modern timepieces. However, classiness and design are not to be underestimated as they are fashionable. Initially, there were only automatic watches available, but nowadays, there are quartz variations as well.
Modern
Very different from Classic pilot watches, the modern type focuses more on their functions. They are more complicated pieces that provide complex features for a more functional timepiece.
On par with modern technological timepieces, modern pilot watches present impressive popular features such as very long battery power reserves, protections against scratches and magnetic fields, high water resistance, and possess high-sensitivity WAAS GPS receiver. The dial usually has three sub-dials utilized as a chronograph. Bezel usually contains different functions, such as a tachymeter for measuring speed or a slide ruler. Besides these functions, the look of pilot watches remains in making them fit for actual pilots and true enthusiasts.
Classic Pilot Watches
Laco 861688 Pilot Watch 861688
The Laco Type A Miyota Pilot Watch proves that simplicity in design complements the owner’s style preferences when being worn. It is a classy timepiece meant to add charm to the wearer.
The Laco Miyota pilot watch’s design focuses more on the type’s original identity, featuring the iconic sword hour and minute markers and large Arabic numerals contrasted with the black dial. Holding the case is a brown leather band with metallic studs and white stitching at the sides. A buckle clasp finishes off the look. When worn, this creates a laid-back style for the user.
Because of the Laco Miyota’s simplicity and boldness, it is best worn for trips that will emphasize the subtle charm of the watch. It can be worn daily for a stylish work day, or it can be worn on formal events that will be complemented by the quiet nature of the watch. It is, however, not an ideal companion for extreme sporting as its interiors might get damaged.
Specifications
| Case Size | 42 mm |
| Case Thickness | 12 mm |
| Dial | Synthetic Sapphire |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Leather Calf Skin with Buckle clasp |
| Movement | Japanese Automatic |
| Bezel | Stationary |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
Pros
- Perfect for daily use and for formal events
- Simplicity and boldness in design makes it complementary to your style
- Basic functions of the watch lives up to its purpose
Cons
- Not really much to do with limited functions
- Purely for style and not utilitarian
The Laco Type A Miyota Pilot Watch is a great representation of the original pilot watches. The design gives nostalgic elements and fits the daily wear and tear. The simplicity and charm of the watch adds up to your personal style and completes the look you want, giving more presence to your looks.
Orient RA-AC0H01L10A Pilot Style Watch
The Orient RA-AC0H01L10A pilot style watch combines the good looks of a classic pilot watch with modern features utilized among stylish timepieces. It presents the core features of a modern pilot watch and fits everyday use.
Overall, the Orient RA-AC0H01L10A seems similar to classic pilot watches with regards to its look. It is simple and straight-forward, giving full style options to its wearer. It features a blue dial with contrasting white Arabic hour markers and the iconic sword hands.
The seconds hand features a two-toned (black/white) design, presumably for higher contrast and legibility. Regarding legibility, the numbers on the dial look to be a bit bigger as well. The date resides at the 3 o’clock position. The watch is still pilots-styled through and through and is still reminiscent of the classic Flieger Type-B designs of yesteryear.
Specifications
| Case Size | 42 mm |
| Case Thickness | 11.65 mm |
| Dial | Mineral Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Stainless Steel |
| Movement | Japanese Automatic |
| Bezel | Stationary |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
Pros
- Great as a daily work watch
- Overall look of the timepiece gives plenty of room for personal style
- Simple design and basic features make it capable of outdoor travels
Cons
Few features
The Orient RA-AC0H01L10A is perfect for budding pilot watch lovers. It provides the basic features of a sturdy timepiece while keeping the nature and design of original pilot watches in mind and perfect for daily use. It is charmingly simple and is perfect for most outfits.
Citizen AW1361-10H Eco-Drive Avion
Providing a bit more color to the pilot watch is Citizen’s Eco-Drive Avion. This timepiece takes you back with its appealing dial that is sure to catch people’s attention. The seemingly subtle watch is one that steals a second look.
Citizen Eco-Drive Avion is a great option for a pilot watch with the basic design of pilot watches taking inspiration from the mid-century looks. It features a black dial with unique, luminous minute, 12-hour, and 24-hour markers for accurate timekeeping. The dial is enclosed by steel casing that is held together by a light brown calfskin band with contrasting stitches.
The watch features luminous hands that offer a good view for quick glimpses at night. Powered by a quartz movement, the Citizen Eco-Drive Avion is sure to deliver quality timekeeping in all aspects of the day.
Specifications
| Case Size | 42 mm |
| Case Thickness | 12 mm |
| Dial | Mineral Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Leather Calf Skin with Buckle clasp |
| Movement | Japanese Quartz |
| Bezel | Stationary |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
Pros
- Simple yet stylistic with its unique dial design
- Perfect for daily use and for occasional formal events
- Provides basic necessary functions of a pilot watch
- Light-powered through Eco-Drive technology
Cons
Light color of the leather band limits color choices to fit with
Citizen’s Eco-Drive is an excellent choice for a basic pilot watch that you can bring on your daily trips. The overall look of the watch gives a throwback to the 1950s designs, recreating a classic vintage feel that goes well with khaki and jeans. It can be matched with light colors and can also be worn with formal to semi-formal outfits.
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Day Date
Hamilton’s Khaki Aviation Pilot is an excellent offer for a basic pilot watch. It has the classic pilot watch look and gives off a unique style with its overall dark tones. It is a simple and attractive pilot watch that emphasizes charm with the wearer’s aesthetics. As a Swiss-made timepiece, you can also be sure of its precision in timekeeping.
As with the old pilot watches, the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot gives off the classic vibe that this type of timepiece encapsulates. It has a black dial with contrasting white Arabic minutes and hand markers and large sword hands. Its day-date feature located beside the 15-minute marker. The stainless steel case offers a break from the monotone. The watch comes wrapped up with a dark brown calfskin band.
The simplicity and charm of a dual-toned watch give it the appeal it needs to complement almost any style preference its wearer would like. You can also wear this watch to formal events due to its dark color complementing the formality of such special occasions.
Specifications
| Case Size | 42 mm |
| Case Thickness | 11 mm |
| Dial | Anti-reflective sapphire crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Leather Calf Skin with Buckle clasp |
| Movement | Quartz |
| Bezel | Stationary |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters |
Pros
- Charming simple design for a basic pilot watch
- Fits a lot of style options perfect for daily use and formal events
- Scratch resistance makes it suitable for any location
Cons
- Quality of the leather strap is not very good.
Hamilton’s Khaki Aviation Pilot is a beautiful pilot watch. It is perfect for fans of Swiss-made watches due to its accuracy. If you want a stylish fit-for-all timepiece, then this is a great option.
Laco Aachen Blaue Stunde Pilot Watch
Laco Aachen was one of the big five that made the original Fliegers during World War II. So they bring authenticity to the table. What I respect about them is the fact that they offer the historically accurate modern contemporary versions of the original pilot watches.
They did a very clever thing with Laco Aachen. To make it affordable, they used a Miyota movement. Some people still complain about the price, but at $400, you get the authenticity of the name.
Second of all, it’s manufactured in Germany.
The watch comes with a stunning dial. You can get the AACHEN blue dial that comes in both 39 and 42 millimeters to take care of all wrists sizes.
Laco Aachen pilot watch is stunningly elegant and highly legible.
Specifications
| Case Size | 39 mm |
| Case Thickness | 12 mm |
| Dial | Sapphire |
| Case Material | Steel |
| Band Material | Leather Calf Skin with Buckle clasp |
| Movement | Automatic Miyota CAL. 821A |
| Bezel | Stationary |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
Pros
- Looks like an original Flieger watch
- Automatic hand winding
- Luminous hands and markers
- Made in Germany
Cons
- Cheap leather band
- Non-hacking second hand
Laco Aachen is very close to the original Flieger watches, and Laco is one of the original manufacturers of Flieger watches. If you are a big fan of Flieger/B-Uhr WWII Pilot Watches, this would be the perfect Pilot watch.
Seagull 1963 Chronograph
Segal 1963 is a Pilot watch, and the original model was designed especially for the Chinese Air Force in 1963.
Interestingly, Seagull actually bought the machinery from Switzerland and took them to China to make the old VENUS 175 Calibers on their own. They make their ST19, which is basically a column-wheel manual wind chronograph, which is fantastic value for money. Even the Swiss cannot compete at this level.
You can get this watch in a variety of sizes.
One word of warning, they don’t have the best quality control, but the value proposition here is still worthy of taking a risk.
The watch is a very classic 60s design. It has a bi compact layout, very tastefully done, and has an exhibition case back to enjoy that column-wheel the desire of every watch enthusiast.
Specifications
| Case Size | 38 mm |
| Case Thickness | 11 mm |
| Dial | Sapphire |
| Case Material | Steel |
| Band Material | Leather/Canvas |
| Movement | Manual Wind CAL. ST19 |
| Bezel | Stationary |
| Water Resistance | 30 meters |
Marathon Watch Sapphire Navigator
It is the only watch in this list that is MIL-SPEC (United States Military Standard) and also worn by the military. The Marathon watch company developed this watch in 1986 as a request of the Kelley Air Force Base. They designed it specifically to deal with high altitude flights, withstand extreme changes in pressure and altitude, and be an easy to read timepiece for pilots.
It’s a very affordable Pilot watch features a lightweight, high impact fiber shell case. The watch uses a Swiss Ronda movement.
Marathon needs no introduction, they’ve made watches for every single conflict going back to the turn of the century.
You can get special versions for this watch like Israeli paratroopers and US military. There are several different color options, incredibly accurate, bi-directional bezel with a second-time zone as well.
Marathon used Tritium gas tube, so you’ve got this Self-illuminating isotope of hydrogen that glow with no need to be charged by an external light source.
Specifications
| Case Size | 41 mm |
| Case Thickness | 11 mm |
| Dial | Sapphire |
| Case Material | Fibershell (Matte) |
| Band Material | Nylon |
| Movement | Quartz ETA CAL. F06 |
| Bezel | Bi-directional |
| Water Resistance | 60 meters |
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Scratch resistant
- Very affordable
- Swiss made
Cons
- The bezel might be hard to turn
I love the blacked-out look of this watch, and the fiber shell gives it a very no-nonsense look. Marathon Watch Sapphire Navigator is the real deal when it comes to military watches.
Hamilton ‘Khaki Aviation’ DAY-DATE
There are few excellent Hamilton Pilot watches in the market, slightly over $1000. Hamilton ‘Khaki Aviation’ DAY-DATE is Cooper’s watch from the movie interstellar.
It’s 42 millimeters with day-date complication, beautiful Flieger B style dial, with amazing detail applied numerals and semi-skeletonized hands.
The case is very Hamilton. It still has those Cadillac style curves because Hamilton was predominantly an American brand longer than it was a Swiss brand.
ETA in the watch is automatic, but you can get the more affordable quartz version if you want to stay under $500.
Specifications
| Case Size | 42 mm |
| Case Thickness | 12.5 mm |
| Dial | Sapphire |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Stainless Steel |
| Movement | Automatic ETA CAL. 2834-2 |
| Bezel | Stationary |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
Pros
- Sunburst dial
- Scratch resistant sapphire crystal
- Classic Flieger B dial
- Automatic movement
- Swiss made
Cons
- Big chunky watch
One of my favorite details is how they’ve put the day and the date symmetrically. The sunburst dial is absolutely gorgeous. It’s got an elegance to it, but at the same time, it’s a tool still does its job quite efficiently.
Glycine Airman DC-4
I had added Glycine to this list because they were revolutionary in 1953 a year before the Rolex GMT. Glycine added the ability to track a second time zone with that lockable bezel and added a GMT hand slightly later. The Glycine Airman DC-4 was inspired by the Glycine Airman Special worn by the American pilots during the Vietnam war.
Since its founding in 1914, Glycine has continuously produced fine Swiss watches at its factory in Bienne, Switzerland. They have been bought by Invicta now. There is a big misconception that they are now part of Invicta or under that umbrella that the watches are going to be big and loud. In fact, some of their more ostentatious designs were already on the market before Invicta bought them.
Some of the Invicta influence maybe still rubbing off, but Glycine have come down in price a lot. You’re getting the same Swiss-made quality for less, and they are still made in the same Factory.
Specifications
| Case Size | 42 mm |
| Case Thickness | 12.2 mm |
| Dial | Domed Sapphire |
| Case Material | Steel |
| Band Material | Nylon |
| Movement | Automatic SELLITA CAL. SW300-1 |
| Bezel | Rotating Bezel |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters |
Pros
- Scratch resistant crystal
- Arabic numeral
- Automatic movement
- Screw-Down Crown
- Display back
Cons
- Pricey
For the $500 – $2000 price range, I would go for the DC-4, which is very mid-century design, vintage aesthetic, accurate to the original. You can also go for more modern design Base 22.
Stowa Flieger Verus 40
This list of Pilot watches would be incomplete without mentioning Stowa Flieger Classic 40. Stowa has been making Fliegers since the 1940s, and they’re one of the big five like Laco that we talked about earlier.
Flieger Classic 40 won several awards for its design. It’s a 40 millimetres watch with an automatic ETA, and you can also have it customized.
Stowa is very much forward-thinking in terms of their website design and how they sell watches. It is a top-quality German watch.
Stowa Flieger Verus 40 is a new pilot watch with a modern twist. With this model, they’ve cleaned up the old design. It got a lovely symmetrical placement of the date, slightly different numerals, and fantastic lume.
It’s a classic Flieger A type watch but a touch of a more modern style.
When you buy it online, you can specify on the website if you want to have the date complication or not—very functional, clean design, but with the DNA of the legendary Stowa in it.
If you want to spend more, you can have the top-grade version with a little more decoration, but the quality of construction from Stowa needs no review as it speaks for itself.
Specifications
| Case Thickness | 40 mm |
| Dial | Sapphire crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Leather |
| Movement | Automatic ETA CAL. 2824-2 |
| Bezel | Stationary |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
Seiko 5 SNK809
This is a great Flieger B style pilot watch. Seiko has a history of making aviation watches since the kamikaze pilot watches of World War II.
Seiko started the first quartz analog chronograph in 1983. It was then worn by James Bond, and in the mid-80s, it was issued to RAF pilots. So, you get all of that lineage is this watch.
I am a big fan of Seiko watches, and Seiko SNK809 is a great entry-level automatic watch.
Specifications
| Case Size | 37 mm |
| Case Thickness | 11 mm |
| Dial | Domed Sapphire |
| Case Material | Steel |
| Band Material | Canvas |
| Movement | Automatic |
| Bezel | Stationary |
| Water Resistance | 30 meters |
Pros
- Great quality
- Value for the money
- 21-jewel automatic movement
- Display caseback
Cons
- The strap feels cheap
- The crown is a bit tricky to turn
Modern Aviation/Pilot Watches
Citizen BJ7000-52E Eco-Drive Nighthawk
Citizen’s Nighthawk offers another great example of modern types of pilot watches. The various features complement its metallic look. The watch’s charm lies with its sleek and contrasting look, giving off a formal yet strong feel.
It grabs attention to its multiple features that both pilots and watch enthusiasts would surely love. Eco-Drive technology helps it conserve battery as it is powered by light. It has large luminous hands for nighttime adventures, and low-light visibility also helps to read easier. A low-charge indicator keeps you informed of the watch’s status, and a power-saving function helps prolong power for the timepiece.
The watch has dual time shown at the inner part of the dial. The date feature is at 3 o’clock. 200m water resistance also gives excellent water protection. The Japanese quartz movement is accurate and has a short time gain/loss of about 3 seconds after a few days. There is a slide ruler in the inner to make calculations and conversions on the spot.
Specifications
| Case Size | 42 mm |
| Case Thickness | 13 mm |
| Dial | Mineral Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Stainless Steel |
| Movement | Japanese Quartz |
| Bezel | Stationary |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters |
Pros
- Metallic look makes it suitable for a lot of style options
- Multiple functions that help save battery life prolong its use
- 200 meters water resistance makes it capable of withstanding some time underwater
Cons
Dial of the watch may be a bit too busy and complicated to understand
Citizen’s Nighthawk is a great timepiece for those who prefer a sleek and metallic design for pilot watches. With a distinct personality, this bold timepiece is for those who love attracting attention.
Citizen JY8035-04E Eco-Drive Navihawk
The Citizen Navihawk is a unique pilot watch that is sportier than the rest in this list. It is a rugged and complicated looking timepiece that begs a few glances for people to appreciate its design.
The watch is best used for travel, outdoor adventures, trekking, marathon, biking, and other active trips. It is also fit for daily use.
The features of the Citizen Navihawk make it worth more than it initially looks. It is powered by a Japanese quartz movement, assuring accurate timekeeping. It has a power reserve feature and is powered by the light. Luminous hands make viewing time a bit easier, especially when it’s getting dark. A perpetual calendar and two alarms help with marking time. Atomic timekeeping technology synchronizes time for up to 43 world cities.
It has an inner slide rule that helps with calculations. With multi-function chronographs and digital information displays, it offers a power reserve indicator, frequency scale, Digital city display, and UTC display.
Specifications
| Case Size | 48 mm |
| Case Thickness | 13 mm |
| Dial | Mineral Crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Polyurethane band |
| Movement | Japanese Quartz |
| Bezel | Slide rule |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters |
Pros
- Rugged look makes it perfect for outdoor adventures
- Various features that help with outdoor travelling and power-saving
- 200 meters of water resistance makes it capable of surviving dives
Cons
- Doesn’t go well with format outfit
- Dial may be a bit hard to read with all the features included
If you like a unique outdoor pilot watch that has a lot of features offered on the table, then this might be perfect for you. The Citizen Nighthawk is a rugged yet functional watch that makes it great for a lot of adventures but does not fit the description of everyday office watch.
SEIKO Chronograph Pilot Watch
The Seiko SNA411 is a modern pilot watch that leaves a statement. The appearance of this watch is prominently charming. The polished stainless steel gives a strong vibe complemented by the bold dial design.
It has a gear-shaped case that contains the dial featuring multiple sub-dials inside. The timepiece is perfect for semi-formal to formal events but is also capable of complementing the daily look.
There are multiple features packed inside the watch. The Japanese quartz assures quality movement. A chronograph efficiently keeps time when necessary, having three sub-dials for the function. A stopwatch can measure up to 60 minutes. Its alarm can be set for 12 hours, which can also double as a different time in another time zone.
The date feature is a good addition as well. A 200m water resistance rating helps keep it going when accidentally submerged when traveling. It has a rotating bezel that can be used as a slide rule. It is also scratch-resistant, making it a viable companion for hikes.
Specifications
| Case Size | 42 mm |
| Case Thickness | 13 mm |
| Dial | Hardlex |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Stainless Steel with Fold-over push button clasp |
| Movement | Japanese Quartz |
| Bezel | Slide rule |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters |
Pros
- Sleek style of the watch and bold dial design attracts attention
- Perfect for semi-formal or formal events, but can also be used on daily travels
- Various features make it perfect for outdoor travelling
Cons
- Dial design may become too confusing with a lot of features
- May be a bit small for all the features packed inside
Seiko’s SNA411 is an excellent modern pilot watch. It has a unique dial that gives a bold impression with its various sub-dials all enclosed inside the stainless steel bracelet. It is a fashionable timepiece that is perfect for casual and formal occasions.
Historic Pilot Watches
Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph
Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph watch, and it is probably the most historically important watch that we’re going to talk about today.
The company was founded in New York back in 1875. Now it is part of Citizen.
Bulova’s history with NASA and spaceflight goes back to the very early days of space exploration. The original lunar pilot chronograph was worn on the Apollo 15 mission by mission commander David Scott. We all know about the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, but when the crystal of David Scott’s Speedmaster popped off, he had to use his backup watch, which was the Bulova. The watch was sold at the auction for a million dollars.
So Bulova decided to re-release it almost identical to the original.
It has a beautiful matte finish, very distinctive sapphire glass, 13.5 thick, water resistance is 50 meters. I like the raised section for the tachymeter and extremely legible super-luminova.
The Arrow seconds hand is very reminiscent to the Speedmaster. It has a high-performance, high-frequency quartz movement at 262 kHz that allows it to have incredible accuracy. It was built for the ultimate task, unparalleled accuracy, and endurance.
Specifications
| Case Size | 45 mm |
| Case Thickness | 13.5 mm |
| Dial | Hardlex |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Genuine leather with Buckle clasp |
| Movement | Quartz |
| Bezel | Tachymeter |
| Water Resistance | 30 meters |
If you opt for a classic pilot watch with some added functionality, this is a watch you should consider. The Bulova Lunar Pilot makes the right combination of both traditional and modern, creating a suitable timepiece for different occasions. The watch can be used daily or on special events depending on your style.
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