A pilot or an aviator without a wristwatch is like a sea without the shore. The professional air attire looks incomplete without the presence of a sharp-looking wristwatch to compliment the profession.
Of course, wearing a wristwatch is not the first thing to do on the bucket list when you belong to the air, but it should at least be one of your priorities.
For the best pilot watch under $500, a normal aviator watch wouldn't do. What does a pilot watch look like? Well, it is extremely legible. It should contain the ability to survive unsafe temperature changes and must be protected from magnetic areas.
A watch for air company should contain a quick-to-read dial, as no pilot or aviator has time to glare at his watch's dial for more than a minute to figure out the time.
Luckily, there are some good looking aviation watch brands out there to fulfill your needs. Here, we will discuss some of the best pilot/aviator watches available for you to try. We've managed to review some precious, smart-looking wristwatches that will appeal your pilot senses.
Our Top Picks:
#1 IWC Men's Pilot's Watch - Top Gun Miramar
IWC is well-known for providing such gorgeous watch patterns. When you first take a look at this watch, it's simple yet classy style, and the green band might make it look more of a military watch, but it is equipped with pilot-like features.
However, don't be confused by the name "Top Gun" in the title, as it does not put a throwback on the classic Tom Cruise movie. Needless to say, this watch is the best description of Grade-A quality.
The digital appearance may be worn as a casual watch, but it is more than that. The best part about the IWC big pilots watch is that it features an easy-to-read huge dial for better glare. In addition to this, the yellow-colored hands can be seen even in the darkest of areas. Other than being completely functional, this watch is attractive as well.
When you wear this watch, the ladies will love you, and the crowd will cheer you on your every move.The IWC wristwatch is a fashionable choice for all the pilots out there, and it is available in darker shades as well, so you can match the watch with pretty much everything.
This watch is the best vintage pilot watch to add to your pilot attire, and the color of the watch can turn a pilot into a hero.
#2 CITIZEN BJ7000-52E - Eco-Drive Nighthawk
This men's watch from Citizen is a remarkable, yet affordable watch to achieve the high-class attire of the aviators. The features of this wristwatch are stunning. The date window is available for displaying the calendar, date, day, year.
In addition to this, there is an inner chapter ring. The watch case is created with a variety of different high-quality materials including mineral glass being 42mm in diameter. In addition to this, it is the best cheap pilot watch.
When we take a look at its analog display, there is a special effect to it - created by the Japanese Quartz rally for accurate time-measuring capabilities. This watch can indicate every possible aspect occurring, as it can display a sign when the battery is low. The dial hands are very bright to enable clear visibility, even at a glance.
The key to finding a good-looking pilot watch is that it should be easy-to-read, and this CITIZEN pilot watch fulfills the standards. In addition to this, you can surely get a stop-and-stare look with its silver-toned band.
The Citizen watch includes a total five-year warranty, and the best part is, it is water-resistant. So, any novice pilot or seasoned veterans can rock this watch. You can know the situation with a simple glare in every weather environment, thanks to the nonreflective crystal.
In addition to this, the entire stainless steel personality is kept intact because of the fold-over clasp, plus it is an affordable pilot watch.
#3 Laco Augsburg - Type A Dial German Watch
Every elegant and good-looking watch doesn't have to be a pilot watch, you can wear them on other occasions as well.
It comes to the Laco Augsburg watch, it is inspired by the German-style wristwatches suitable for both pilots and non-pilots. Just by the appearance, you can judge that it is meant to represent the World War II environment, best for pilots. The delicate sapphire surface is scratch-resistant, and thanks to the Amazing Luminova tech, you can read the dial easily under several lighting situations.
When compared to its competitors, the Laco watch does not feature a date display, which is a real bummer. On the other hand, you can enjoy the comfort from the brown leather strap and rivets for more impressions.
When it comes to the dial appearance, all the numbers are visible and bold. In addition to the appearance of the dial, it features a Type-A dial, and its case diameter is 42mm. The clock movement is automatic, and it is water-resistant.
With a full guarantee, we can say that this watch is the perfect fit for all pilots, plus it offers great value for the money. As you know, every pilot watch contains an element of stainless steel, and the stainless steel case and the extra thick band is a stunning addition to the overall watch appearance.
#4 Seiko SSB031 - Men's Chronograph Watch
If there is any high-quality men's wristwatch manufacturer, Seiko is the only way to go. This is a stunning stainless steel wristwatch from Seiko, and it is one of our most reliable picks for pilots, as it contains all the necessary features a pilot demands.
It is a cheap watch and easily accessible wristwatch that will compliment your work life and your regular days as well. It is made in the USA, and of stainless steel and features a comfy stitched leather strap.
When it comes to the analog display, it is managed by the Japanese Quartz movement, so you can't go wrong here. The case is 42.6 mm and features a hardlex window dial, which keeps it free from scratches and is water-resistant as well.
Furthermore, the dark brown dial of this watch is a perfect combination of the pearl white hour markers and dials. Additionally, the sixth-hour mark includes a date display.
Needless to say, this watch from Seiko is a great one.
#5 Garmin D2 Delta - GPS Pilot Watch
Sometimes, it is difficult to find a premium watch that contains all the necessary features required for a pilot to continue his course. The good news is, your search for a premium, high-end pilot watch ends here.
For those of you who want quality under a reasonable package, the Garmin GPS pilot watch is your best bet. It is manufactured with high-quality tech and reflects the impression of a classy aviation wristwatch, combined with stunning smartphone specs. For example, it includes GPS, mapping data, and smartphone compatibility. In addition to this, it also includes automatic flight-specific information, warnings when the user is going off-course, and when crossing various altitudes.
The Garmin aviation watch is a great suitor for athletics as well, as it features various features for heart rate readings, fitness tracking, and activity profiling. Here's another amazing feature about this watch, you can transfer over 500 songs via Bluetooth and enjoy your runs.
Furthermore, this watch comes in a DLC titanium band or a brown/beige leather band. With this pilot watch, you can enjoy every flight course with different smartphone apps.
In addition to this, you can purchase this amazing wristwatch in three unique sizes, so it can fit anyone easily. Needless to say, this is one of the most affordable, yet smart-looking wristwatches for pilots in the whole market.
#6 Hamilton Khaki X-Wind - Automatic Aviator Watch
In this entire list of pilot watches, the Hamilton Khaki X-Wind Automatic Watch is another great addition. It is designed with the most efficient craftsmanship and includes a scratch-resistant sapphire surface, a Swiss auto movement, and a stunning brown leather strap.
When it comes to the case construction, it expands to 44mm in diameter, and the black watch appearance looks amazing with the white dials. In addition to this, the dial shows the calendar date and a chronograph. Without a doubt, this is a very reliable and awesome looking watch for pilots, plus it is water-resistant and has great customer reviews.
When you wear this watch on your wrist, you'll get a certain type of confidence raging your brain. This watch is a wonderful addition to the whole pilot attire and it will add more respect to your profession.
On the other hand, the leather strap is a bit short, but it should be able to fit a variety of users. The only drawback to this watch is its price - above $2000.
In conclusion, this can be a nice gift for a fellow pilot of yours, or you can just get it for yourself.
#7 AVI-8 Men's AV-4011 - Japanese Quartz
The best way for us to describe this watch is to tell you that it is the best watch available for aviators. This watch is everything a fighter pilot wants, because of its handsome and sharp leather band and accurate Japanese quartz movement, this wristwatch is an amazing addition to the pilot watches lineup.
In addition to the praise, this watch has received a lot of positive reviews from potential buyers, so there's no going wrong with it.
When it comes to the chronograph, it is inspired by the typical aviator watches from the past years and reflects an element of class and style. Just by a glance, you can know the exact time and date, all thanks to the bold and gorgeous hands.
The Japanese quartz movement plays a vital role in making this watch a stunning purchase, as it enhances the look of the watch.
The Hawker Hurrican watch is one of the most affordable air force watches reviewed on this list. In addition to this, this watch was created for the Royal Air Force, offering a classic and traditional aviator theme. The design is very elegant and accessible for many pilots all over the world.
It is available in a variety of luxurious colors, including black/brown, cream/grey, blue/black, black, cream/brown, gunmetal/army green, white/grey, and vintage blue, This is a water-resistant watch with an in-built stopwatch.
#8 Longines Avigation L27774530 - Best Aviation Watch
The most prominent feature of this aviation watch is its black leather band, which compliments the all-over watch design with a clean and simple application while still being able to provide comfort.
The Longines Avigation watch doesn't just look appealing, it works smoothly as well all because of the automatic winding movement mechanism, which provides 28'800 vibrations each hour. In addition to this, the power reserve of this wristwatch runs for more than 48 hours.
As you know, the color black is suitable for all types of professions, and the black-matte dial of the Longines Avigation watch is a good-looking aviator watch for so many reasons. The main reason why it is such a good option is that the user will not suffer from time-reading situations, where it is difficult to read the time at a glance.
For an airforce watch, it is important for it to be easy-to-read, and with this watch, you don't have to struggle to read the time. The sharp white numbers appear clear even in dark conditions.
On the other hand, the combination of the black dial and black band with the silver stainless steel case, you get a stunning choice for an Aviator watch.
#9 Breitling Chronospace Evo Night Mission - Breitling Pilot Watch
So, what are your expectations from this outstanding brand of wristwatches? Without a doubt, Breitling is a very popular brand, and the Chronospace Evo Night Mission watch is one of the best options for aviators who need an extra kick.
Here's the thing, the Breitling aviation watch is long-lasting, completely functional, and very durable. When it comes to the Choronospace Evo Night Mission has the ideal 43mm size and it is both versatile and comfortable. In addition to this, the SuperQartz movement and functional timezone working on the principles of quartz electronics, you have a nice option.
#10 Bell & Ross Aviation BR0393
Who doesn't want to own a swiss aviation watch? When it comes to a high-tech automatic aviation watch, the Bell & Ross Collection Aviation BR is truly an elegant watch for the airforce professionals. In addition to this, it is a very sophisticated watch with great features.
On the other hand, the square structure of the watch was an effect of aeronautical instrumentation, which is the real deal in terms of both reliability and legibility. Thanks to the durable fabric straps and the black rubber, this is actually the most heavy-duty aviation watch ever. In addition to this, the glowy steel case is aesthetically pleasing.
A watch for the airforce needs to be easy-to-read, well-designed, and sharp in the impression. With that being said, each of our above-reviewed products delivers these demands.
You can't go wrong with any product, but you do need to consider your budget before you make your move. On the other hand, these watches are perfect in terms of quality and appearances.
In conclusion, we hope we made your quest to find the best wrist watch for both aviators and pilots easier with our top ten best pilot/aviator watches.