15 Of The Best Pilot Watches For Men
The aviation industry has been deeply connected to the world of watchmaking for centuries now. Aviation pieces designed for pilots first made their way into the market during World War II. Today, they continue be incredibly popular, with even civilians and frequent travellers using pilot watches in their everyday life. In this article, we will be taking a look at 15 of the best pilot watches for men that the market has to offer. Read on to find out more!
15 Best Pilot Watches for Men
1. Alpina Startimer Pilot Ref. AL-525GG4FBS26
Alpina is a brand that has been deeply entangled with the aviation industry for over a century now, so it only makes sense for them to have a spot on this list. The pilot watches for men it offers are the perfect fusion of tradition and modernity, allowing for a truly impressive catalogue. For this article, let us start things off with the Alpina Startimer Pilot Ref. AL-525GG4FBS26. This is a very classic take on pilot watches for men.
This Alpina Startimer Pilot watch is presented in a 44mm stainless steel case, paired with a lovely leather strap in grey. Its matching gray dial has a very simple analogue layout with luminous Feuille hands, Arabic numeral hour markers, rectangular indices, and a small date window at 3 o’clock. On the right side of the case, you can also find a thick screw-down crown, which helps ensure the watch’s 100-metre depth rating.
At the core of this pilot’s watch is a Calibre AL-525. This is an automatic movement that is based on the Sellita SW200-1 movement. Consisting of 26 jewels, it beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and has a decent 38-hour power supply.
This watch is priced at an affordable $630 USD.
2. IWC Big Pilot Ref. IW501005
Next, we have another quintessential option in the form of the IWC Big Pilot Ref. IW501005. This is one of the most popular pilot watches for men out there, belonging to a collection that is extremely well-established in the aviation industry. If you are seen with this on your wrist, your credibility as a watch collector or a pilot watch fan will surely go up.
This IWC Big Pilot watch is housed in a 46.2mm bronze case along with a calfskin leather strap in brown. The warm tones of the watch’s exterior contrasts nicely with its jet-black dial, which is adorned with Arabic numeral markers, blued steelhands, a small date display at 6 o’clock and a power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock. This dial is also protected by a layer of anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
Driving this limited-edition timepiece is an in-house IWC Calibre 52110. This is a self-winding movement that comprises 257 components and 31 jewels. It boasts a modest depth rating of 60 metres and an outstanding power reserve of 168 hours, or seven days.
With a price tag of $11,950 USD, this is one of the best pilot watches for men you can get.
3. Breitling Aviator Ref. AB0920131B1X1
The Breitling Aviator Ref. AB0920131B1X1, on the other hand, serves as a multi-functional take on pilot watches for men. Like the previous two models, this piece belongs to a long-standing aviation collection that has been around since the 1930s. As such, you can definitely trust that Breitling knows what it is doing when it comes to creating high-quality aviation watches.
This Breitling piece comes in a 41mm stainless steel case and a supple leather strap in black. The dial is crowded full of complications, including bold Arabic numeral hour markers, slender syringe hands, and three sub-dials for the 60-minute, 12-hour, and 15-hour chronograph counters. The hands and indices are all filled with beige lume, which gives this black dial a slightly softer touch.
Ticking inside this Breitling Aviator watch is a Breitling Calibre 09. It is a hand-wound movement made up of 47 jewels and has a frequency rate of 28,800 vibrations per (4Hz). It also delivers an excellent 70-hour power supply, so it is a reliable companion both on land and in the air.
The Breitling Aviator Ref. AB0920131B1X1 retails at $5,820 USD.
4. Cartier Santos-Dumont Ref. W2SA0017
Next, we have the Cartier Santos-Dumont Ref. W2SA0017. Known as one of the first pilot watches to ever exist, it has a rich and colorful heritage that is deeply rooted in both the horology and the aviation industries. Indeed, true fans of pilot watches for men would surely have the Cartier Santos-Dumont on their wishlist.
This Cartier watch utilises a 46.6mm rectangular case made of stainless steel. It is coupled with an alligator leather strap in black and a fixed bezel made of exquisite 18K rose gold. This bezel is firmly screwed onto the top of the watch case, protecting it from any impacts or scratches. On the right side of the case, you can find a small beaded crown that is set with a blue cabochon synthetic spinel, which is a distinguishing Cartier feature.
The champagne sunray dial of this watch wonderfully complements its rose gold bezel. It has a very simple display, containing just slanting Roman numeral markers and blued steel hands.
This Cartier piece runs on the Calibre 430 MC Manufacture movement. This is a thin manual-winding movement that is composed of 18 jewels. It vibrates at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) and is made up of a total of 131 components. It also promises a power reserve of 36 hours.
If you want a truly luxurious pilot watch for men, you can get your hands on this watch for around $9,950 USD.
5. Hamilton Khaki Aviation Ref. H64645531
Now, we move on to the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Ref. H64645531. This model hails from Hamilton’s renowned Khaki Aviation series, which is known for its reliability and accuracy.
This timepiece sports a 42mm stainless steel case along with a soft leather strap in light brown. It showcases a vintage-inspired dial design, consisting of double-digit Arabic numeral minute markers, rectangular hour indices, thick sword hands, and a compact date aperture at 6 o’clock. Replacing the 60-minute marker is a long, arching day-of-the-week indicator. Meanwhile, a twelve-hour display can also be found near the centre of the dial.
Flipping this watch over, you will find an exhibition-style caseback which gives you a clear view of the Hamilton H-40 movement that runs inside. The H-40 Calibre possesses an impressive 80-hour power supply, making this watch a reliable and long-lasting companion for all your aviation adventures.
The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Ref. H64645531 costs around $850 USD.
6. Bell & Ross Vintage Ref. BRV192-MIL-ST/SCA
The Bell & Ross Vintage Ref. BRV192-MIL-ST/SCA is another classic take on pilot watches for men. It has a very simple exterior that screams hard-wearing and practical. This also makes it extremely, versatile, so you can easily pair it with different ensembles and styles.
This Bell & Ross watch is encased in a slim 38.5mm stainless steel case, paired with a calfskin leather strap in brown. It has a very utilitarian dial, with a matte black finish, double-digit Arabic numeral markers and luminous lozenge hands. A tiny date complication can also be found between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers.
Powering this Bell & Ross Vintage piece is the BR-CAL 302 movement. This is a high-grade calibre which comprises 25 jewels and has a frequency rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). It also guarantees a modest power reserve of 38 hours.
If you prefer military-style aviation watches, this $1,400 USD piece should definitely be on your radar.
7. Bremont Ref. ALT1-WT-BL-R-S
Next, we have the Bremont Ref. ALT1-WT-BL-R-S. This timepiece is technically classified as a racing watch and is famous for being the official timepiece worn by the Williams Racing team. Aside from that, it is also a global timer, so it is equipped with features that are useful to professionals in the aviation industry. As such, it serves as a great pilot watch for men too.
The Bremont Ref. ALT1-WT-BL-R-S uses a 43mm stainless steel case and a handsome leather strap in blue. On the right side of the crown, you can find a thick screw-down crown, which is surrounded by two stout pushers. A second crown can also be found at 8 o’clock, which goes along with the internal worldtimer bezel placed on the front of the watch face. You can use this to operate the watch’s global timer feature.
The dial of this Bremont watch has a rich blue finish and is complemented by a sleek globe design. It is decorated with luminous hour indices, slim sword hands, and three chronograph sub-dials for the 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters. A rectangular date window is also placed at 3 o’clock.
Underneath this watch face, you can find a modified Calibre 13 ¼”’ BE-54AE. This automatic chronometer is made up of 25 jewels and beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). It also offers a 42-hour power supply and a solid 100-metre depth rating.
The Bremont Ref. ALT1-WT-BL-R-S is worth about $5,800 USD.
8. Meistersinger Classic Ref. ME902BL_SVSL03
Moving on, we have the Meistersinger Classic Ref. ME902BL_SVSL03. This watch shows off a classic German Bauhaus-inspired design, espousing simple and stylish minimalism. It prioritises legibility, which is important in a good aviator watch.
This MeisterSinger Classic watch is packed in a 38mm stainless steel case and a brown leather strap. The case is hard-coated, which gives it a smart black finish while also enhancing its resistance to scratches. On the right side of the case, you can find a sizeable screw-down crown, surrounded on both sides by curved crown guards.
The black dial of this watch has a very retro appeal. It is filled with double-digit Arabic numeral hour markers, a beige and red minute track on its rim, and a single, sweeping hand, which is an identifying feature of the MeisterSinger watches. A circular, magnified date display can also be found at 6 o’clock.
At the heart of this watch is the ETA 2824-2 movement. This is a very popular and reliable self-winding movement, which is made up of 25 jewels and beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). Aside from its 200-metre depth rating, this movement also promises a decent 38-hour power reserve.
The Meistersinger Classic Ref. ME902BL_SVSL03 retails at $1,250 USD.
9. Rolex Air King Ref. 126900-0001
Next, we have the Rolex Air King Ref. 126900-0001. This is a perfect watch option for luxury watch enthusiasts who love aeronautics as well. This model was created as a tribute to the brand’s connections to the world of flying. It is a modern representation of how the aviation and watchmaking industries can come together.
This Rolex Air King watch is delivered in a 40mm case made of robust Oystersteel, coupled with a three-piece link Oyster bracelet made of the same material. A matching Oystersteel bezel sits atop the watch’s face, protecting it from any scratches or impacts.
The watch’s black dial showcases a very straightforward analogue display. It consists of oversized Arabic numeral hour and minute markers, an inverted applique triangle at 12 o’clock, and classic Mercedes hands. The long seconds hand of this watch shows off a rich green hue, adding a pop of colour to this watch face.
Inside this watch, you can find the Rolex Calibre 3230. This is a powerful in-house perpetual self-winding movement, which boasts a precision rate of +/-2 seconds per day and a 70-hour power supply. It also contains high-grade components such as a paramagnetic hairspring, a bi-directional rotor, and some Pareflex shock absorbers, which help boost its durability.
If you are in the market for luxury pilot watches for men, then you can add this Rolex piece to your collection for around $10,850 USD.
10. Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Ref. MB119909
The Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Ref. MB119909 is truly the perfect pilot watch for all the gentlemen out there. It has a fashionable, captivating design that showcases a perfect balance between utilitarian usage and modern watchmaking. This aviator piece also gives off a very rugged and outdoorsy vibe, so it could easily double as a great hiking watch too.
This Montblanc piece comes in a 42mm bronze case, accompanied by a comfortable textile strap in green. Placed on top of the case is a rotating bezel. It is fitted with a green ceramic insert, which has indicators for a handy compass, so you will never get lost.
Like the watch’s strap and bezel, the dial of this Montblanc 1858 watch shows off a rich green finish. It is ornamented with Arabic numeral markers, sweeping cathedral hands, a 12-hour display at 9 o’clock and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. At the top and bottom of the dial, you can find two sub-dials that show off gorgeous, luminescent topographical images. These sub-dials are also surrounded by a day-night indicator, a 24-hour scale, and a world timer.
All of this watch’s functions are powered by an MB 29.25 Calibre. This is a self-winding movement with 26 jewels that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). On top of that, it can also last for up to 42 hours when fully wound.
The Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Ref. MB119909 sells at $7,200 USD.
11. Bell & Ross Instruments Ref. BR0392-MIL-CE
Next, we have the Bell & Ross Instruments Ref. BR0392-MIL-CE with its very distinctive and eccentric exterior. This serves as the ideal pilot watch for those who prefer chunky and exceptionally robust timepieces.
This Bell & Ross piece utilises a 42mm square case made of highly scratch-resistant black ceramic, along with a thick rubber strap. This watch’s rugged all-black exterior is complemented by a serious and commanding military green dial. It contains oversized Arabic numeral markers, luminous hour indices, and thick sword hands in green and white. A small circular date complication is also placed between 4 and 5 o’clock.
This watch runs on an BR-CAL.302 calibre. Based upon an ETA 2894-2 base movement, this calibre is made up of 37 jewels and has a frequency rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. It also offers a solid 42-hour power supply and a water resistance capacity of 100 metres.
You can purchase this Bell & Ross Instruments piece for around $1,960 USD.
12. Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 116710 BLNR
The Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 116710 BLNR is one of the most luxurious pilot watches for men ever made. Popularly known as the Rolex Batman, this GMT watch is easily one of the most sought-after and easily-recognisable timepieces in the market. With its sturdy reliability and pristine reputation, this Rolex watch is a must-have for many watch collectors.
The Rolex Batman is presented in a 40mm Oystersteel case and a matching three-link Oyster bracelet made of the same material. Seated on top of the watch case is the Rolex Batman’s famous two-toned bezel made of Cerachrom. It comes in Batman’s famous blue and black colour theme and is the main source of the watch’s “Rolex Batman” nickname.
The dial of this Rolex GMT-Master II watch shows off a matte black finish. It is adorned with sizable hour indices in various geometric shapes, classic Mercedes hands, and a magnified date window at 3 o’clock. As a GMT piece, this dial also includes an additional GMT hand in bright blue. This also helps to introduce a touch of sophisticated colour to this watch face.
Powering the Rolex Batman is an in-house Rolex Calibre 3186. This is a perpetual self-winding movement which consists of 31 jewels and has a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. It promises a 50-hour power reserve and, as a COSC-certified movement, also possesses an outstanding accuracy rate of +/-2 second per day.
The Rolex Batman is priced at $33,200 USD.
13. Sinn UTC Ref. 856.020-Solid-2LS-BLK
For another very utilitarian take on pilot watches for men, check out the Sinn UTC Ref. 856.020-Solid-2LS-BLK. This watch has a very simple design that prioritises functionality and legibility, so it is a very practical choice for many pilots and professionals.
This Sinn watch sports a 40mm stainless steel case and a matching stainless steel H-link bracelet. Both the case and bracelet are coated in a layer of black physical vapour decomposition (PVD), which boosts their resistances against scratches and impacts.
The dial also showcases a jet-black finish, matching the watch’s exterior. It is furnished with thick Arabic numeral hour markers, rectangular indices for an hour and minute track, large sword hands, and a date display at 4 o’clock. This dial also contains a 24-hour display. It takes the form of a 24-hour track near the centre of the dial and an eye-catching fourth hand that is tipped with a vibrant yellow arrow.
Driving this Sinn UTC piece is a trustworthy SW330-2 automatic movement. Made up of 21 jewels, it beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and possesses anti-magnetic properties as well, so it is quite a durable movement.
The Sinn UTC Ref. 856.020-Solid-2LS-BL has a price tag of $2,070 USD.
14. Hamilton Khaki Aviation Ref. H80405865
In this entry, we are returning to the Hamilton Khaki Aviation collection. This time, we will be taking a look at the gorgeous Hamilton Khaki Aviation Ref. H8040586. It uses a 41mm lightweight aluminium case, along with a textile strap in green. As such, you will find that this watch rests very lightly on your wrist, so it is easy to carry around all day.
The sunray green dial of this watch has a very unusual layout. Aside from being filled with black and white hour indices, you can also find luminous green syringe hands and a compact date aperture on this dial. Surrounding it, you have two different chapter rings. The innermost one, which shows off a polished lustre, serves as the 24-hour display. The outermost ring, on the other hand, shows off a metallic green finish and is marked with a handy minute track.
Ticking inside this timepiece is a Hamilton H-10 Calibre. This automatic movement consists of 25 jewels and beats at a slightly slower frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz). That said, it makes up for it with an incredible 80-hour power supply.
The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Ref. H8040586 costs around $550 USD, making it one of the most affordable pilot watches for men you can get.
15. IWC Pilot’s Watch Ref. IW501902
Last but not the least, we have the IWC Pilot’s Watch Ref. IW501902. This watch boasts an extraordinary, stylish cockpit-inspired design which pilots and aviators are sure to enjoy.
This IWC Pilot watch is housed in a 48mm titanium and ceramic case, coupled with a green textile strap. Since titanium and ceramic are both robust materials that weigh much less than stainless steel, you will not find this model too heavy to carry around, either.
The dial of this watch has a dark green finish, which matches the strap wonderfully. It comprises Arabic numeral minute markers, painted indices, black lozenge hands, and a trapezoidal date complication at 6 o’clock. Most of the dial is taken up by two huge sub-dials in red and black, which mimic the look of a cockpit display unit. These counters serve as the 12-hour display and the power reserve indicator respectively.
Underneath this striking watch face lies an in-house IWC 51111 Calibre. This automatic movement contains 42 jewels and has a frequency rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz). Most impressively, it boasts an unparalleled power reserve of 168 hours, or seven days.
If you want a fail-safe pilot’s watch, this $9200 USD model might just be the one for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about pilot watches.
What watch do most pilots wear?
Today, most pilots tend to wear watches that are within their personal preferences. There is no one specific brand that pilots have to use, so they can opt for any watch they want. That said, brands like Breitling, IWC, and Rolex are especially popular among those in the aviation industry.
What makes a pilot’s watch?
There are some key features that differentiate a pilot’s watch from any ordinary timepiece. First, it has to have a clear and legible design which can be easily read by the wearer.
An aviator watch must also be durable and reliable, as it has to withstand different circumstances such as extreme g-forces. Lastly, a lot of good pilot watches are equipped with a GMY function, which is a very useful feature for when you are travelling across the globe.
Final Thoughts
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of pilot watches for men out there. The list above is just a small percentage of what the market has to offer. You can find a variety of models that all offer different features and functions, geared towards making life easier for pilots and other professionals in the aviation industry. Ultimately, the fusion between the worlds of flying and watchmaking have allowed for a truly extensive, diverse catalogue of flight-inspired timepieces in the world.
Photo Credits: The Watch Company Site
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