
Best Pilot Watches | Wrist Watch | TOP-10 | Citizen | Seiko | Zeppelin | Comparison |
The Best Pilot Watches Top-10 Comparison
Are you looking for the best TOP-10 aviator watches? Then you are exactly right under this guide comparison article. We are took a look at the 10 most popular pilot watches available by Amazon and tell you which watches are worth your money.
Table
As a child, many of us dreamed of becoming a policeman, firefighter or pilot. Most people do something completely different in their professional lives and so the most aeronautical thing we can do in our lives is either to dream of flying or to wear a pilot’s watch on our wrist.
What makes a pilot watch so special?
Are you looking for a robust men’s watch? Then you are exactly right with the pilot watches. But what exactly makes a real pilot’s watch? What do you have to pay attention to?
We are happy to help you. Before we introduce you to the 10 best pilot’s watches, you will learn everything you need to know before buying a pilot’s watch.
Basically all pilot watches are very robustly built. After all, men’s watches are exposed to extreme external stresses. A real pilot’s watch is especially protected against shocks, cannot be influenced by rapid pressure changes and is anti-magnetic so as not to affect the onboard instruments.
You can be sure that the pilot’s watches are more than up to your expectations. These watches not only look good, but are also extremely durable.
In addition, many pilot’s watches are equipped with high-quality automatic movements. You not only save a battery change, but also wear a piece of watch tradition on your wrist.
First of all we have to make a fundamental distinction. There are two very different types of pilot’s watches. Traditional pilot watches in vintage look and the so-called pilot’s chronographs.
How these two types of watches differ you will learn in a short overview.
Top 10 Pilot Watches for men with a short description in the TOP-10 comparison
Now you will see in the following the TOP 10 men’s pilot watches comparison:
- Gigandet Red Baron G8-002
- CITIZEN CA4215-04W
- Zeppelin 680-1
- Dugena 709#0178
- Seiko SNZG09K1
- Junkers HAU 5130.D 6680-4
- KHS Inceptor Black Steel KHS.INCBS.NO
- Casio Edifice EF-527D-1AVEF
- Messerschmitt ME-108-80L
- Junghans Chronoscope Form C 041/4771.00
- MNMA WATCHES SERIES 1 MILA SUPERSTAR
RANK 10: Gigandet Red Baron
This Gigandet Red Baron pilot watch is characterized by a typical vintage design. The dial with black background is easy to read.
Read more
Everything that is white on the dial is painted with a luminous paint. You will find a product image in the dark on Amazon, so you can see for yourself how easy it is to read at night. The pilot’s watch is not only visually very well done. The Gigandet Pilot’s Watch is water resistant to 100 meters. We could only find one weak point in this model: It is made of hardened mineral glass, which is not as scratch-resistant as the higher quality sapphire glass. However, we have to protect the Gigandet Pilot’s Watch a little, because in the price range below 250 Euro there are only a few watches with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The chic case with a fluted bezel is 44 mm in size and has a remarkable height of 13 mm. This is not a small men’s watch, you should keep that in mind. There is a brown leather bracelet on the pilot watch, striking here is the stitching in beige and the rivets. It is closed with a simple thorn close around your wrist. Another detail you can enjoy with this pilot watch. There is a Miyota automatic movement installed. This is not the highest quality on the market, but you can still look forward to a creeping second hand. Conclusion: All in all, the Gigandet Red Baron watch could fully convince us. It is a very inexpensive pilot’s watch with an excellent price/performance ratio. If you are looking for a simple and reliable vintage pilot’s watch, this is the perfect entry-level model! What we like: ☑ Tempered mineral glass Where do we still see potential: – Mineralglass
☑ Classic Vintage Design
☑ High quality leather bracelet
☑ Miyota automatic movement
☑ waterproof to 100 meters
RANK 9: CITIZEN CA4215-04W*
This Citizen Pilot watch* is a high quality solar watch. So you never have to worry about changing the batteries again. Simply store the watch in a bright place.
Read more
The solar drive “Eco-Drive” is very common on Citizen models. In this case the watch has a power reserve of 270 days. On the dial you will find a 24 hour display and a digital date display in addition to the stopwatch. The chronograph can record a maximum of 60 minutes. We were also convinced by the high-quality leather strap of the watch. The dark brown leather strap has a light-colored seam – typical for a pilot’s watch. A small detail unfortunately does not quite match the pilot’s watch design. The crown is relatively small for a pilot’s watch. This is certainly only a small detail – but for connoisseurs and fans of pilot’s watches this is a real drawback. Conclusion: What we like: ☑ High quality leather bracelet with seam Where do we still see potential: – Relatively small crown
The very good workmanship, 10 bar water resistance, the reliable solar movement and a great design make the Citizen Pilot watch* especially popular. The price, however, is under 200 Euro. The price / performance is outstanding.
☑ Citizen Eco-Drive solar watch
☑ 270 days dark power reserve
☑ Stop function up to 60 minutes
RANK 8: Zeppelin 7680-1*
To commemorate the 100-year history of the German brand, Zeppelin launched this Pilot Watch Chronograph* in a special edition.
The uniquely shaped hands of the Zeppelin naturally catch the eye immediately. They are meant to remind one of the propellers of an airplane. The brown calfskin strap complements the bright dial of the chronograph. This can be read off very easily thanks to the domed glass.
Read more
The Zeppelin 100 Years Special Edition is not only visually impressive, but also has many useful functions. For example, you can set an alarm on this wristwatch. The chronograph even has an intermediate time measurement. In addition, there is a digital date display between the “3” and the “6”. So the Zeppelin Pilot’s Watch has all the functions you could wish for. This special edition has recommendation of 299 Euro. At this price level we consider a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to be appropriate. The hardened mineral crystal does serve its purpose – but the sapphire crystal is much more durable. With a diameter of 42 mm the polished case is in our opinion just right. Due to the slightly domed mineral crystal, the case reaches a height of 13 mm. The pilot’s watch has a comfortable leather strap in brown and a very nice embossing. Conclusion: What we like: ☑ Vintage Look Where do we still see potential: – No Saphire glass
The Zeppelin 100 years is a typical Pilot Watch Chronograph* . Although the dial is very confusing, it was the standard model for classic pilot watches at that time. Overall we find the vintage pilot’s watch look very appealing. With this special model Zeppelin, design has done technically more than everything right. It simply fits everything perfectly together and it results in a harmonious overall picture.
☑ Beautiful leather strap
☑ Harmonious design
☑ Split time measurement
☑ Stop and alarm function
RANK 7: Dugena Herren-Armbanduhr Cockpit Analog Quarz Edelstahl 7090178*
In the Dugena Cockpit collection you will find some pilot watches in a classic vintage look. The Dugena Cockpit Sports Line 7090178* is one of the higher quality pilot’s watches in our comparison.
Read more
The fine stainless steel strap is of course immediately striking. The fine workmanship of the Dugena pilot’s watch has really surprised us! The high-quality butterfly clasp puts the crown on the bracelet. Speaking of crowns: The Dugena Cockpit has a very chic pilot’s crown like in a picture book. The band parts of the pilot’s watch are partly matt and partly polished, which promises an interesting look and also a high-quality impression. It is also completely solidly manufactured and easy to wear. Dugena equips its pilot’s watches with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. In the wristwatch swings a Miyota quartz movement. The white indices on a black background are very easy to read. Thanks to sufficient luminous material, the readability is also given at night. The fine matt case of the Dugena with a diameter of 42.5 mm fits every wrist. Thanks to the flat sapphire crystal, height is saved and the pilot’s watch is only 9 mm. Unfortunately the Dugena cockpit is only water resistant to 50 meters. Other pilot’s watches cannot go into the water because of the leather strap. The Dugena has a stainless steel bracelet but still has to be taken off before swimming. Conclusion: What we like: ☑ Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal Where do we still see potential: – Only waterproof to 50 meters
Overall, the price-performance ratio is excellent, although the Dugena Cockpit Sports Line 7090178* is a little more expensive. But due to the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, this watch has a much longer life.
☑ Typical pilot’s crown
☑ Solid butterfly clasp
☑ Fine stainless steel bracelet
RANK 6: Seiko SNZG09K1
The watch manufacturer Seiko is well known for its current Seiko 5 Sports collection. But also in the matter of pilot watches Seiko offers a few respectable candidates like the Seiko Pilot watch SNZG09K1* .
Read more
The watch is equipped with a fabric strap, which remains firmly on the wrist by a thorn close. This pilot watch is waterproof up to 100m. The case diameter is 42mm and is made of shockproof stainless steel. It is driven by a very good Seiko 7S36 automatic movement. Even at night it is readable by lamps on the hands and the dial. As usual for a vintage pilot watch it offers simple functions like day, date and time. Conclusion: What we like: ☑ Pilot watch design Where do we still see potential: – 12 mm high
For (somtimes) under 150€ the Seiko Pilot watch SNZG09K1* is a great watch for daily use or the flight to the supermarket.
☑ Waterproof to 100 meters
☑ Automatic SEIKO 7S36 movement
☑ Textile wristband
RANK 5: Junkers HAU 5130.D 6680-4*
Junkers* is celebrating itself with this series: 150 years of Hugo Junkers is the name of the Junkers 6680-4* with a dark dial and matt look. Internationally, this model enjoys great popularity, as you can get a lot here and at a good price.
Read more
The functions of the pilot’s chronograph are manifold. The men’s watch has a small second, chronograph, 12 hour counter, date, 30 minute counter and an alarm clock. On the extraordinary dial you will also find a tachymeter scale. Inside the pilot’s watch is a Ronda quartz movement. Junkers relies on the proven Swiss technology with long life span with this watch. The blackened case of the Junkers Pilot’s Watch has a diameter of 42 mm and is therefore by no means bulky or too large. With a height of only 11 mm, the chic watch is also relatively flat, which may not seem so at first glance. Matching the black case there is a breathable leather strap in black on it. It is very easy to read the fine white hands of the chronograph, because the dial is matt black. This is very helpful for a real pilot’s watch. The design highlight are the white hands, which probably caught your eye immediately – a real eyecatcher. Before we forget it: This pilot’s watch is also water resistant to 100 meters. Conclusion: What we like: ☑ Chic design Where do we still see potential: – Mineral glass
The Junkers 6680-4 * offers for about 299 euros (as of 09/06/2020) a chic eyecatcher design and excellent waterproofness.
☑ Precise quartz movement
☑ Robust leather strap
☑ Waterproof to 100 meters
RANK 4: KHS Inceptor Black Steel KHS.INCBS.NO
How about a pilot’s watch from the Bundeswehr? The watch manufacturer KHS is known for its Tactical & Military Watches and with the KHS Inceptor Black Steel KHS.INCBS.NO* there is a nice aviator design modell.
Read more
The Inceptor is based on the proven US Army specification MIL-W-46374F for special forces. Also known as “GI Basic Watch”. The powerful C1 luminous material illuminates the dial and hands. This ensures good readability even at night. The KHS Adler logo was also illuminated on this watch. The background of the dial is black, the hands are in an easily readable white. The bracelet is made of green nylon and is closed with a thorn close. The case diameter is 46mm and looks quite bulky on a narrow wrist. The case is made of stainless steel and is indestructible. Conclusion: What we like: ☑ simple design Where do we still see potential: – 46 mm its a little bit big
With its affordable price at around ~149 euro the KHS Inceptor Black Steel KHS.INCBS.NO* is a nice quality watch with good ratings.
☑ Luminous hands & dial
☑ 10 ATM water protection
RANK 3: Casio Edifice EF-527D-1AVEF
Surely a watch that nobody would have expected to find here. No leather strap and no clean vintage flyer look. But the Edifice has done it to us with the dial. The Casio Edifice EF-527D-1AVEFv* breaks the bank.
Read more
From a distance it resembles many cockpit instruments and also the functions of the pilot’s watch in the lower price segment are convincing. As a pilot’s chronograph, the watch of the manufacturer Casio has done it to us. This pilot watch has a case diameter of 45mm with a case height of 11mm. The matching stainless steel bracelet holds the Casio firmly on the arm. With 157gr it is heavier to the watches with leather strap, but this does not do any harm to the wearing comfort. It is driven by a quartz movement. The Edifice is equipped with many functions: speedometer, stop watch and much more. The mineral glass is scratch-resistant and the watch is water resistant up to 10bar. Conclusion: What we like: ☑ Simple design Where do we still see potential: – 45 mm is a little bit big
The Casio Edifice EF-527D-1AVEFv* watch is not a real pilot, but as an everyday watch in pilot watch design it cuts a fine figure for under ~ 150 bucks.
☑ Date display
☑ 10 ATM water protection
☑ Casio Chronograph movement
RANK 2: Messerschmitt ME-1#08-80L*
A mixture of vintage pilot’s watch and chronograph? The Messerschmidt Mens Pilot Watch ME-108-80L* is a good example of how you can have both in one watch.
Read more
The dial of the pilot watch is painted with original aircraft paint. In this version in the color cobalt blue RAL5013. The noble and elegant leather strap forms a nice contrast to the dial. The case has a diameter of 42mm with a case height of 13mm. With super light 47gr it forges itself around the wrist. It is driven by a Swiss quartz movement from Ronda, typical functions of a chronograph are stylishly placed on the dial.Water resist is about 3 ATM. Conclusion: What we like: ☑ Simple design Where do we still see potential: – Mineral glass
For us the Messerschmidt Mens Pilot Watch ME-108-80L* is a real eye-catcher, to a matching outfit a fashionable and stylish accessory.
☑ 42 mm
☑ Swiss Ronda quartz movement
RANK 1: Junghans Herrenuhr Chronoscope Form C 041/4771.00
The stylish Junghans Mens watch Chronoscope Form C 041/4771.00* pilot watch is in a slightly higher price range. With just under 500€ it is one of the most expensive pilot’s watches in our comparison.
Shapely and elegant is the pilot watch of the watch manufacturer Junghans. Because of its shape and appearance it could also be worn as a pocket watch.
Read more
The data of the watch speaks for itself. As the only pilot watch in our listing, it has a sapphire crystal, which is only used in high-quality watches. The case diameter is with 40mm in the middle range and therefore wearable for all wrists. The chic and very noble looking calf leather bracelet is closed with a buckle. Shapely and elegant is the pilot watch of the watch manufacturer Junghans. Because of its shape and appearance it could also be worn as a pocket watch. Conclusion: What we like: ☑ Saphire glass Where do we still see potential: – Price
Surely the Junghans Mens watch Chronoscope Form C 041/4771.00* is one of the high priced pilot watches, but as we think due to the material and workmanship every single cent is worth.
☑ 40 mm diameter
☑ 5 bar water resistance
☑ Made in Germany
be crazy for once: MNMA WATCHES SERIES 1 MILA SUPERSTAR
May if you didn’T find what you have searched you should take a look at the first collection of MNMA.
The ” MILA SUPERSTAR “The baptized version of our own startup comes with some good components at an affordable price.
When designing the model, we attached great importance to a minimalist look and durability.
As a color combination, we have chosen a matt case with a dark face and blue and white details to create a harmonious overall picture.
The watch also has a high-quality Milanese (mesh) strap which is either in black or silver is available.
With the chosen diameter of 42mm it fits perfectly on most of the common men’s wrist sizes. Another highlight is the use of Sapphire crystal, which is rarely found in the price range for black men’s watches up to 200 euros and gives the watch a valuable presence due to the higher weight compared to mineral glass.
A Swiss quality movement from Ronda, the Mila Superstar provides a stress-free, constant time display without having to readjust it often. It is not uncommon for other brand watches to use the same movement in models up to 800 euros.
They are an often underestimated highlight pointer shines for a certain time in the dark
Conclusion:
Models of MNMA is there from 149 ( leather ) or 159 euros in the Online shop . At that price there is individual design , strong components and long Useful life.
What we like:
☑ Sapphire crystal
☑ Swiss movement from Ronda
☑ 7.6 mm height
☑ Minimalist design
☑ Fluorescent hands
Where do we still see potential:
– Brand still relatively unknown
I know this watch is actually out of your preferred price range. However, I would like to encourage you to take a moment to look at the first collection of MNMA . to throw.
When designing the model, we attached great importance to a minimalist look and durability.
Read more
The ” MILA SUPERSTAR “The baptized version of our own startup comes with some good components at an affordable price. As a color combination, we have chosen a matt case with a dark face and blue and white details to create a harmonious overall picture. The watch also has a high-quality Milanese (mesh) strap which is either in black or silver is available. With the chosen diameter of 42mm it fits perfectly on most of the common men’s wrist sizes. Another highlight is the use of Sapphire crystal, which is rarely found in the price range for black men’s watches up to 200 euros and gives the watch a valuable presence due to the higher weight compared to mineral glass. A Swiss quality movement from Ronda, the Mila Superstar provides a stress-free, constant time display without having to readjust it often. It is not uncommon for other brand watches to use the same movement in models up to 800 euros. They are an often underestimated highlight pointer shines for a certain time in the dark
Conclusion:
Models of MNMA is there from 149 ( leather ) or 159 euros in the Online shop . At this price point you get a watch from the Series 1 collection individual design , strong components and potentially long service life.
What we like:
☑ sapphire crystal
☑ Swiss movement from Ronda
☑ 7.6 mm height
☑ minimalist design
☑ fluorescent hands
Where do we still see potential:
– Brand still relatively unknown
Conclusion & recommendation – My TOP-3 pilot men’s watches
Pilot’s watches are altogether very varied. Therefore, we are very sure that we have the right men’s watch for every taste.While the classic vintage pilot’s watches are simple, the pilot’s chronograph offers many functions.In our purchase advice you have learned in detail what makes pilot’s watches special. Now you know which details you should pay attention to before buying.
Among these 10 pilot’s watches you will certainly find the right pilot’s watch for your requirements. Don’t forget that you can view different color variations of the models on Amazon. Browse through the best pilot’s watches and find your next favorite watch.
If you don’t like the watches presented here and you are considering spending a little more for a longer shelf life, then I can only recommend the one described above MNMA MILA SUPERSTAR Recommend: This offers you sapphire crystal, a water resistance of 5ATM and a chic minimalist design including a Swiss branded watch movement from Ronda.
Below you can see my TOP-3 Pilot Watches – check the best:
1. The Perfectionist: Junghans Mens watch Chronoscope Form C 041/4771.00*
Mind blowing watch with good reviews and 5 bar waterproof and otherwise good components. My recommendation!
2. City Flyer: Citizen Pilot watch*
Gimme more of this watch, with its unique Solar feature and an affordable price point it is one of my favourites. Definitely an insider tip.
3. Well knowing men: Seiko Pilot watch SNZG09K1*
Cool retro design with an textile strap and otherwise components that are acceptable for the price range. The SEIKO quality is included for free.
Vintage Pilot Watch
The first pilot watches had to master three important tasks for the pilots:
The watches had to be robust, the dial had to be easy to read, and the watch had to remain operable even when wearing gloves.
The result: a simple watch that today can be combined with practically any look.
The pilot’s watches in vintage look can be recognized by these 5 typical features:
1. zero index in triangular form
Instead of the 12, a light triangle is usually found on a pilot watch. This is painted with a bright luminous mass. It helps to read the setting of the bezel exactly.
The triangle is also a prominent orientation point, which makes it easier to read the pilot’s watch.
2. leather strap with rivets
Many vintage pilot’s watches had a long leather strap so that the watch could be worn over a pilot’s jacket. The strap was fastened with rivets so that the watch could withstand extreme stress.
Today, hardly any pilot’s watches with a long leather wristband are still produced, since pilot’s watches are worn as a fashion accessory.
In addition, pilot’s watches with a flexible but robust steel bracelet are currently popular.
Before buying, make sure that the stainless steel bracelet consists of many links. The bracelet is then very flexible and also looks high-quality.
3. easy readable display
Vintage pilot’s watches are basically unadorned. The dial is designed as simple as possible to ensure quick readability.
Some pilot’s watches have white indices on a black background. This makes it easier to read the time, especially in low light conditions.
4. large and handy crown
Pilots used to wear gloves. Therefore it was absolutely necessary that the pilot’s watch could still be operated even when wearing gloves.
Large and handy crowns were attached to the pilot’s watches. The result was the typical pilot’s crown with an enormous recognition value.
5. luminous material on the dial
As already mentioned, it is very important for the pilot to be able to read his pilot’s watch quickly by day and night. With luminous material the readability is also ensured in the dark.
Usually the hands, the triangle, the indices and numbers on the dial are luminous. Before buying a pilot watch, check the color of the luminous material.
Flight chronograph
Pilot’s chronographs were developed over 100 years ago and offer pilots important functions. The watches were used for air navigation.
The pilot can perform complex calculations during the flight. Thus the pilot’s chronograph quickly became an important on-board instrument.
The design of the pilot chronograph is basically based on the features of a vintage pilot’s watch. The watches have a large dial and are easy to read.
Nevertheless, there are some additional features and functions that make a typical pilot’s chronograph.
1. the stop function
The pilot chronograph enables the pilot to stop flight times. The large second hand is assigned to the stop function and in most cases stands out from the other hands by a striking red. An arrowhead at the end of the second hand allows the pilot to read the measured time accurately.
2. tachymeter for speed calculation
On the outer edge of the dial is the so-called tachymeter scale. With this you can calculate distances and speeds. The tachymeter scale shows you the past seconds, converted to hours. This conversion is necessary because speeds are usually given per hour (km/h).
3. rotating bezel
Some pilot’s chronographs are equipped with a bidirectional rotating bezel. This bezel allows the pilot to mark times and make calculations.
Here you can find other interesting wrist watches at very different price points in our different advice articles.
May take a look:
The links marked with an asterisk (*) are so-called affiliate links. If you click on such an affiliate link and shop via this link, I will receive a commission from the online shop or provider concerned. For you, the price doesn’t change. The images used come from Amazon and are also provided with so-called affiliate links. If you buy a product via such an image link, I also get a commission from the online shop or provider concerned. The same applies to the table shown below the texts with the built-in links.
Letzte Aktualisierung am 2023-05-29 / Affiliate Links / Bilder von der Amazon Product Advertising API