The Best Pilot Watches: A Buying Guide For Aviators, Non-Flyers, and Collectors
While there are many different brands and styles to choose from, some of the best pilot watches available today come from renowned watchmakers like Breitling, Omega, and TAG Heuer. These timepieces combine classic design with modern sensibilities, resulting in a truly stunning watch that can be worn on any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated dress watch or a rugged everyday timepiece, a pilot watch is sure to impress.
Pilot watches are some of the most popular and coveted styles. Dating back to World War I, these timepieces were originally designed for aviators and featured large, easily readable faces and sturdy construction. Today, pilot watches continue to be highly sought-after by watch collectors and enthusiasts.
The Wide Appeal of Pilot Watches
While the origins of the aviator watch are firmly entrenched in the world of aviation, these timepieces have become popular with people from all walks of life. Thanks to their distinctive design, aviator watches are immediately recognizable, and they often evoke a sense of adventure.
But there is more to these watches than just their good looks. Aviator watches are typically constructed with high-quality materials, and they often offer a variety of features that are designed to make them both durable and functional. For example, many aviator watches feature luminous dials that make them easy to read in low-light conditions. As a result, they can be an excellent choice for anyone who wants a dependable watch that also has a bit of style.
For some, watches are old fashioned. They were none at all or they wear watches that are state of art devices that monitor the hearbeat and perform all kinds of other functions unrelated to timekeeping. Some take the view that a watch is just a watch and they don’t see the attraction.
The appeal of collecting pilot watches is that there are many to suit any budget and they could just be a worthwhile investment. You can start with a single watch representing what pilots wear today or what they wore years ago. A pilot’s chronograph is a good place to start.
The Market for Aviation Watches
The aviation watch market is quite diverse, with different brands catering to different demographics. For example, Breitling is a popular choice among pilots and other aviation professionals, while watches from brands like Casio are more popular among budget-conscious consumers.
The buyer of an aviation watch might be a modern pilot or an aviation enthusiast, but they could just as easily be military pilots and professional pilots working for the airlines, and that’s their appeal. The model of pilot watch on the wrist of a Royal Air Force or USAF fighter pilot might also be worn by someone who just loves aviation.
Regardless of their price point or feature set, aviation watches are worn by people who have a need or desire for a highly functional and durable watch, or who see it a fashion accessory. You only have to see the videos advertising Breitling watches in which they use a P-51 Mustang or some other World War II warbird to see the appeal they are generating.
Pilots Watches as Fashion Accessories
In recent years, aviator watches have become increasingly popular as fashion accessories for men. While the original purpose of these watches was to provide pilots with a clear and legible display of time, they have now become highly sought-after style items. There are a number of reasons for this trend.
Firstly, aviator watches are generally very stylish and sophisticated, with a minimalist design that is both masculine and modern. Secondly, they are often very well-made, using high-quality materials such as stainless steel or titanium. And thirdly, they often come equipped with a range of useful features, such as chronographs and GMT functions. For all these reasons, aviator watches make an excellent addition to any man’s wardrobe.
Best Pilot Watches – Examples
From the ancestors of today’s popular brands to modern homages, here is a selection of collectable watches.
- Longines Weems Second-Setting Watch
- Breitling Montbrillant Datora
- Omega Boeing Chronograph
- Tutima M2 Chronographs
- Sinn 356 Fliegerchronograph
- Stowa Fliegerchronograph Klassik 40
- Laco Augsburg Type B Dial
- Alpina 4H
- Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback
- BALL Engineer Master II Aviator GMT Chronometer
These watches represent a wide cross-section of timepieces that were either made at the time or take their design inspiration from WWI and the inter war period. They set the standard for what a pilot’s watch should be: accurate, easy to read, and durable enough to withstand the rigors of flight. While some have been lost to time, others have been kept in pristine condition and are highly sought-after by collectors today.
Pilots Watches Post World War II
While the technologies used in pilot’s watches have changed dramatically since World War II, the watches themselves are still an essential part of a pilot’s kit. In fact, many of the best pilot’s watches on the market today are based on designs from that era. Here are ten examples of iconic pilot’s watches from World War II:
- The B-Uhr, or Beobachtungsuhr, was a pilots watch used by the German pilots serving in the Luftwaffe German Air Force during WWII. It was a pocket watch designed for navigation and featured a large dial with easy-to-read markings.
- The A-11 was a standard issue watch for pilots in the U.S. Army Air Forces during WWII. It was rugged and accurate, and its simple design made it easy to use in flight.
- The Rolex Oyster is a classic watch that was popular with aviators in the 1940s. Its waterproof case and self-winding mechanism made it ideal for use in cockpit.
- The Omega Speedmaster is another classic pilot’s watch that dates back to the 1940s. It is renowned for its accuracy and durability, and was even worn by astronauts on the Apollo 11 moon mission.
- The Breitling Navitimer is a iconic pilot’s watch that was first introduced in the 1950s. It features a rotating bezel that can be used to perform mathematical calculations, making it an essential tool for navigation.
- The Patek Philippe Nautilus is a luxury watch that was introduced in the 1970s. Its unique design, with its porthole-inspired case, made it an instant classic.
- 7. The IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XI is a modern reinterpretation of the original Mark XI from 1948. It features a simple design and a robust movement, making it an excellent choice for pilots.
- The Panerai Luminor is a luxury watch that is popular with aviators and collectors alike. Its unique design features a large case and an easy-to-use crown guard.
- The Breitling Superocean is a modern take on the classic dive watch. It features a water-resistant case and a unidirectional bezel, making it an ideal choice for pilots and divers.
- The Tudor Black Bay GMT is a retro-style watch that pays homage to the original Tudor dive watches from the 1950s. It features a vintage-inspired design and a robust movement, making it an excellent choice for collectors.
Aviation Watches of the Modern Era
The jet age changed the face of aviation, and watches had to keep up. In the early days of jet-powered flight, pilots needed a watch that could withstand the rigors of high-speed travel. As a result, many aviation watches were adapted from existing military models. These watches were typically rugged and reliable, with large faces and easy-to-read numerals.
Over time, however, aviation watches became more specialized. Today, there are a variety of watches designed specifically for pilots, with features such as anti-reflective coatings and luminous hands. Whether you’re a private pilot or a commercial airline captain, there’s an aviation watch that’s perfect for you.
Steve Mcqueen’s Watches
For many, Steve Mcqueen epitomised on-screen masculinity and his enduring appeal is reflected in the continuing popularity of his clothing style and accessories. In particular, the watches he wore in his film make them collectable items.
- Rolex Submariner 5512 – The Towering Inferno
- Gruen Precision – The Getaway
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox – Thomas Crown Affair
- Rolex Speedking – The Great Escape
- Heuer Monaco 1133 – Le Mans
Component Parts of an Analog Watch
Analog watches have been around since the jet age, when they were first used by pilots and other military personnel. Today, they remain a popular choice for both men and women, thanks to their classic design and durability. Here’s a look at the various components that make up an analog watch:
The watch face is the most visible component of the watch. It is typically made from glass or mineral crystal, which is scratch-resistant. The face may also include markings for the hours, minutes, and seconds.
The bezel is the ring that surrounds the watch face. It can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, or ceramic.
The crown is the knob located on the side of the watch that is used to adjust the time. It is typically screw-down or push-pull in design.
The hands are the pointers that indicate the time on the watch face. They are usually made from stainless steel or brass.
The dial is the background of the watch face, upon which the hands and other markings are placed. It can be made from a variety of materials, including paper, metal, or enamel.
Swiss Automatic Movement
Swiss automatic movement is a type of watch movement that is fully automatic and does not require winding. It relies on the motion of the wearer’s body to keep the watch running, which means it is powered by kinetic energy. Swiss automatic watches are considered to be some of the finest in the world, and they are often preferred by collectors and watch enthusiasts.
Unlike quartz watches, which use battery power, the self winding movement of Swiss automatic watches do not require any external source of power. This makes them more environmentally friendly. In addition, the lack of battery means that Swiss automatic watches are often thinner and lighter than their quartz counterparts.
Watch Features
Sapphire Crystal
Among the many different materials that are used in watchmaking, sapphire crystal is one of the most popular. Sapphire crystal is nearly shatterproof and extremely scratch-resistant, making it an ideal choice for watch faces.
In addition, sapphire crystal is highly transparent, allowing light to pass through it with ease. This makes it possible to create watches with clear dials that are easy to read. As a result, sapphire crystal is prized for its durability and optical clarity, and it is used in many high-end watch designs.
Perpetual Calendar
A perpetual calendar is a type of watch that automatically adjusts for months with different numbers of days and for leap years. It is considered one of the most sophisticated and accurate types of watches available. The perpetual calendar feature is especially useful for those who travel frequently or have to keep track of dates in multiple time zones.
By taking into account the varying lengths of months and the leap year cycle, such a watch can keep accurate time for many years to come. For example, a watch made in 2020 will be accurate until 2100. In addition to being highly accurate, these watches are also very stylish and can be found in a variety of designs.
Chronograph Function
A chronograph is a type of watch that is used to measure elapsed time. It typically has a stopwatch function as well as a regular timekeeping function. The stopwatch function is started and stopped by pressing the button at the 2 o’clock position. The pusher at the 4 o’clock position is used to reset the stopwatch. The elapsed time is shown on a subdial, typically at the 6 o’clock position.
Chronographs often have other features such as a tachymeter, which is used to calculate speed, and a date window. Chronographs can be mechanical or digital, and they are available in a wide range of styles, from sporty to dressy.
GMT Watches
GMT watches are designed for travelers who need to keep track of multiple time zones. The watch has an additional hand that rotates once every 24 hours, allowing the user to track the time in a second time zone. In addition, the watch typically has a bezel that can be rotated to track a third time zone.
Although named after Greenwich Mean Time, the global standard for timekeeping, they can be set to any time zone. When setting the watch, the user first aligns the 24-hour hand with the local time. The watch can then be used to track two other time zones by rotating the bezel or setting the additional hands. As a result, these watches are an essential tool for anyone who frequently travels between different zones, like pilots.
Iconic Aviation and Other Watches
Rolex GMT Master II
The Rolex GMT Master II is one of the most iconic and well-known watches in the world. First introduced in 1954, the GMT Master II was designed for airline pilots, who needed a watch that could track multiple time zones.
The original featured a rotate bezel that allowed pilots to keep track of time in different zones. The GMT Master II, which was introduced in 1983, featured a new dual time zone system that used both an hour hand and a 24-hour bezel.
Today, the GMT Master II is still one of the most popular watches among travelers and collectors. Thanks to its timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship, the GMT Master II is truly a classic watch that will be cherished for generations to come.
IWC Schaffhausen
The IWC Schaffhausen watch is a classic design that has been in production for over 50 years. The watch features a simple, clean dial with Arabic numerals and a date window at the 3 o’clock position. The case is made of stainless steel and is water resistant to 100 meters. The strap is also made of stainless steel and has a folding clasp. This is a timeless design that will never go out of style.
Rolex Submariner
The Submariner is a classic dive watch that has been in production since 1953. Water resistant to a depth of 300 meters, the Submariner is equipped with a unidirectional bezel that allows divers to keep track of their dive time. The watch also features Rolex’s signature Oyster case and Oyster bracelet, which are made from stainless steel for durability.
The Submariner is powered by an automatic movement, which means it winds itself using the energy from the wearer’s body movements. This makes the watch extremely reliable, even in the most challenging environments. Whether you’re an experienced diver or simply looking for a stylish and practical everyday watch, the Submariner is an excellent choice.
Omega Speedmaster
The Omega Speedmaster is one of the most iconic watches in history. First introduced in 1957, the Speedmaster was designed as a sports and racing watch. It quickly gained popularity among professional race car drivers and astronauts, thanks to its rugged design and superior accuracy.
In 1969, the Omega Speedmaster became the first watch worn on the moon, when it was worn by astronaut Neil Armstrong. Today, the Omega Speedmaster is still one of the most popular watches among collectors and enthusiasts. Thanks to its timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship, the Omega Speedmaster is truly a classic watch that will be cherished for generations to come.
Patek Philippe Nautilus
The Patek Philippe Nautilus is a modern classic that was first introduced in 1976. The watch has a sleek, minimalist design with a stainless steel case and bracelet. The dial is simple and uncluttered, with applied hour markers and a date window at the 3 o’clock position.
Bulova Lunar Pilot Watch
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Watch is a timepiece with a storied history. First introduced in 1969, the watch was designed to be worn by astronauts during the Apollo 11 mission – the first manned mission to land on the moon. The watch proved its worth during the mission, and has since become a coveted item among collectors.
The Lunar Pilot is powered by a precision quartz movement, and features a sturdy stainless steel case. The simple, yet stylish design is perfect for everyday wear, and the watch comes with a matching steel bracelet. Whether you’re an aspiring astronaut or simply a fan of history, the Bulova Lunar Pilot Watch is sure to impress.
Collecting Luxury Watches
Luxury watches are more than just timepieces; they are intricate works of art that can be enjoyed for their beauty and craftsmanship. For many collectors, the thrill of the hunt is part of the appeal. Searching for that elusive perfect watch can take years, but the sense of satisfaction that comes with finally tracking it down is unmatched.
Such watches also make great conversation starters and can be a source of pride when worn. Whether showing off a rare find to fellow enthusiasts or simply enjoying the admiring glances of strangers, rare and collectable watches offer a unique way to enjoy the finer things in life.
Looking for Secondhand Aviation Watches
As a watch enthusiast, there are a few things to keep in mind when searching for a new watch or a secondhand aviation watch.
- First, consider what style of watch you prefer. Do you want a vintage model or a modern one?
- Second, think about what features are important to you. Do you need a chronograph? A GMT function?
- Third, what style appeals to you? Are you looking for a military watch or perhaps one that pilots wear? Do you want a traditional watch face with Arabic numerals and an easy to read dial?
- Fourth, what sort of strap do you have in mind? There are plenty of options here. For example, a metal strap, alligator strap, or a dark brown leather strap?
- And finally, factor in your budget.
With these guidelines in mind, here are a few tips on where to find the best second-hand and collectable aviation watches.
Start by checking out online auction sites like eBay. You can often find great deals on vintage watches here, but be sure to do your research before bidding. Next, try visiting some local pawn shops or antique stores. These places usually have a good selection of vintage watches, and the staff is usually knowledgeable about the products they sell.
Finally, don’t forget to check online classifieds websites like Craigslist. You might be surprised at what you can find if you’re willing to dig around a bit. With just a little effort, you’re sure to find the perfect aviation watch for your collection.
