When pilot’s watches were first developed, they served the heroes of the sky. In the early 1900s, fighter pilots were among the bravest individuals on Earth. Flying planes was dangerous, often requiring pilots to risk their lives. An essential instrument for these aviators was the pilot’s watch, featuring a large case and oversized numerals for maximum readability.
Over time, these watches evolved into a multifunctional tool category, incorporating various complications to assist pilots on the job. With their timeless aviation charm and strong focus on functionality, pilot’s watches have become one of the most beloved categories in horology. Here are our ten favorites.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph
IWC is a brand with an entire collection dedicated to pilot’s watches, including iconic models like the Big Pilot and the Mark series. For this list, we’ve chosen the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph, renowned as one of the great chronographs in horology. Praised for its clean layout and exceptional readability, the watch is available in 41mm and 43mm variations with multiple configurations. IWC also introduced the Pilot’s Watch Performance with a tachymeter bezel. Inside, the timepiece houses the in-house IWC 69385 chronograph caliber, making it a powerhouse among legendary pilot’s chronographs. On Chrono24 you can find this model in very good condition starting at about 4,000 EUR.
Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback
Zenith is another legendary name in the world of pilot’s watches. In 2023, the brand introduced the current Pilot collection, featuring the Pilot Automatic and the Pilot Big Date Flyback. This watch boasts a 42.5mm case, a black dial with oversized numerals, and two registers. The right register adds a colorful touch, paying homage to the classic El Primero Rainbow Flyback from the 1990s. Inside, the in-house El Primero 3652 automatic high-frequency chronograph caliber cements this watch’s status as a masterpiece of watchmaking. Price tag on Chrono24: About 9,000 EUR for a watch in a like new condition.
Laco Pilot Watch Original
Laco is a German brand with a deep-rooted history in aviation watches. Their entire collection revolves around classic pilot’s watches, and we’ve selected the Laco Pilot Watch Original. This model comes in 42mm and 45mm case sizes, with multiple dial designs. Some dials feature a 60-minute scale with a smaller 12-hour scale at the center, while others adopt the traditional 12-hour markers with a minute track in between. Buyers also have the choice between a manual-winding or automatic movement.
No matter the configuration, the Laco Pilot Watch Original is as close as you can get to the great vintage pilot’s watches of the past. The brand’s extensive aviation-inspired lineup makes Laco a staple in any pilot’s watch collection.
Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT
The Longines Spirit collection pays tribute to the brand’s history in aviation. Within this series, you’ll find stunning time-only and chronograph models, but we’ve chosen the standout Spirit Zulu Time GMT.
This retro-styled GMT watch is available in 39mm and 42mm case sizes, with various color options. In addition to stainless steel versions, a lightweight titanium model is also available. With a chronometer-certified movement and timeless styling, the Spirit Zulu Time GMT is a modern-day pilot’s watch that effortlessly blends functionality with elegance. Prices on the marketplace for this watch start at 2,300 EUR in a very good like new condition.
Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph
Breitling has a rich aviation heritage with models like the Chronomat, Aeronaut, and Avenger. However, no list of pilot’s watches would be complete without the legendary Breitling Navitimer.
Dating back to the early 1950s, the Navitimer’s defining feature is its circular slide rule, enabling pilots to perform crucial flight calculations. While the design has evolved, today’s Navitimer still retains its iconic aesthetic. Available in 41mm, 43mm, and 46mm case sizes, the Navitimer comes in a variety of dial colors. Inside, the much-praised in-house B01 movement powers this watch, making it one of the most popular pilot’s chronographs in the world.
Sinn 356 Pilot
German brand Sinn offers a wide selection of pilot’s watches, making it hard to choose just one. We’ve selected the Sinn 356 Pilot, a classic aviation chronograph known for its exceptional design.
The 356 is available in two configurations: a three-register chronograph with a day and date display, and a two-register chronograph, which is our pick. At 38.5mm, this handsome timepiece features a well-balanced dial where oversized sub-dials do not interfere with the large hour numerals, creating a highly legible and stylish design. With a starting price of EUR 1,400 on Chrono24, this model is definitely a budget friendly one to consider.
Oris ProPilot X
Many modern pilot’s watches take inspiration from vintage models. While Oris offers a heritage-inspired Big Crown collection, we’ve chosen the contemporary ProPilot X series for this list.
This cutting-edge pilot’s watch features a lightweight 39mm titanium case, a turbine-inspired bezel, and a distinctive titanium bracelet with an innovative clasp. Powered by Oris’ in-house Caliber 400, it boasts an impressive five-day power reserve. Available in a variety of striking dial colors, the ProPilot X is a bold and modern interpretation of the pilot’s watch, available for about 2,200 EUR.
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical
While Hamilton is best known for its military-style field watches, the Swiss brand with American roots has also produced numerous military pilot’s watches. Our pick is the Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical.
Based on a model worn by British Royal Air Force pilots in the 1970s, the modern version maintains the original’s modest dimensions. Its distinctive case and military-style dial create an instantly recognizable aesthetic. Thanks to its manual-winding movement, the watch remains exceptionally slim and comfortable to wear—just as it was for RAF pilots decades ago.
Bremont MBII
British brand Bremont supplies watches to British military forces, including Royal Air Force pilots. The Bremont MBII was developed in partnership with Martin-Baker, the British aviation company responsible for 70% of the world’s fighter ejection seat technology.
As a result, this watch has undergone rigorous testing to withstand extreme shocks and harsh flight conditions. Featuring a 43mm case with an inner rotating bezel, operated via the crown at 4 o’clock, the MBII is built to handle the toughest situations, making it a perfect modern pilot’s watch.
Breguet Type XX
We close this list with another aviation icon. Commissioned by the French Air Force in the 1950s, the Breguet Type XX has since become one of the most recognizable pilot’s chronographs.
The current Type XX features a 42mm stainless steel case, a matte black dial with oversized numerals, and a 12-hour scale on its stainless steel bezel. Inside, a high-horology movement elevates this watch to one of the most prestigious pilot’s timepieces available.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—ten outstanding pilot’s watches that showcase the incredible diversity within this category. Whether you prefer time-only models, chronographs, or GMTs, these timepieces are designed to assist pilots in various situations while maintaining their distinctive aviation heritage.
Modern pilot’s watches continue to evolve, combining functionality, durability, and timeless design—just as they have for over a century.
