Best Aviation Watches

Pilots and cabin crew are always looking for watches that are appropriate for their flying zones and guide them in ways that an ordinary watch cannot; the inevitable choice for a pilot is the best aviation watch exhibiting multiple aviation features to equip you with all the needed information. 

There is a whole different prodigy of aviation watches that are specially constructed, keeping in mind the varied kind of demands of a pilot while flying and cutting across time zones. The simple and ordinary won’t work here; instead, these cockpit experts need something extraordinary that will suffice their job paraphernalia while flying.

The best aviation watches proffer different chronographic functions, special rotating slide rules for the pilot’s use, adjustable times over different time zones, dual alarms, altitude, and latitude information, and extreme time precision calculations to assist the pilot while flying. Many brands have loud proclamations about these features, and we have selected the best aviation watches from the best brands for you. 

While many people think of a watch as a timepiece, for aviators, watches are much more. In addition to telling time, aviation watches are packed with features that can be vital in the cockpit and onboard activities. From chronographs to various timers and alarms, an aviation watch is essential for any pilot. Here are our top picks for the best aviation watches on the market that will suit you well in your duties and add jazz to your style. 

Best Aviation WatchesBest Aviation Watches

The best aviation watches are simply the inevitable choice of the pilot so that they can perform at the top of their efficiency and get all the required aid just from the values displayed on the dials on their wrists. Here is a list of the watches that are the ultimate choice for the cabin crew and suffice most of their purposes well. 

Sr.NoProductFeaturesPrice
1Laco Paderborn Swiss Automatic● Analog
● Case 44mm
● Leather band
Check Price
2Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster● Round with 42mm
● Stainless-steel
● Anti-reflective
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3Citizen Promaster Navihawk● Atomic synchronization of time
● Eco-Drive
● Rotating Slide Rule
● 99 Minute count timer
Check Price
4Bulova Archive Series● 1/1000 sec precision time
● Stainless steel
● Curved mineral crystal
● Water-resistant
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5Hamilton ‘Khaki Aviation● Round and 42mm
● Stainless steel
● Swiss Automatic
● Water-resistant
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6Citizen Promaster Skyhawk● Round 45mm
● Anti-reflective sapphire
● Water-resistant
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7The Abingdon Co.● Round 41mm
● Chronograph watch
● Stopwatch
● Water-resistant
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8Invicta Aviator Quartz Watch● Analog
● Round and 50mm
● Stainless steel
● Water-resistant
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9Alpina Startimer Swiss Automatic● Analog
● Round and 44mm
● Stainless steel and Titanium
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10Timex Expedition Field Chronograph● Round and 42mm
● Analog
● Buckle clasp
● Water-resistant
Check Price

1.) Laco Paderborn Swiss Automatic:

Laco Padron is the ultimate selection in terms of pilot watches which are specially bought to suffice the indulgence in luxury for your personality as it is an emblem of your style and status. The watch is a satisfying possession that gives pleasure to the ones who are choosy in their selection of timepieces. 

Features:

This particular watch by Laco Paderborn is a recreation of their original watch that was mainly produced and used during World War II, and it is synonymous with a perfect pilot watch. The watch possesses a Type B dial of fascinating width on the wrist. 

This Swiss automatic watch comes in many guises; this one offers a 42-millimeter case, and there is even the option of a 39 and 45-millimeter. Some of the design features are set to lead you back to the era of World War II. The watch’s finish is purposefully kept dusty, and some scratches and marks are introduced on the back of the dial. 

The dial is remarkable enough to give you a legible time comprehension area. The outer lines of the steel handles of the watch are tinted in blue, which gives it an attractive look. The original sapphire stone sitting at the center of the watch arms make it exquisite and a class apart.

The riveted strap is another added feature in this wristwatch that has its striking appeal to the watch’s overall appearance. These riveted straps can also be easily replaced at any time.

There is an alluring onion crown on the side of the dial, again a reflection of the times from World War II. It is considered quite a comfortable watch to wear on your wrist and will lead you confidently and with a composed persona.

Pros
 

  • Type B dial
  • Automatic 
  • Sapphire crystal

Cons

  •  High price tag
  • Simple design 

2.) Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster:

Citizen offered a staggering product to the collection of aviation watches known as the Nighthawk Quartz. The design is synonymous with sophistication and elegance and is liked by all aircrew alike in its unmatched features. 

Features:

 Citizen EcoDriven Promaster is a stainless steel watch with a wide dial to offer thinner lugs. The dial offers the date window on the right-hand side in front of three; however, towards the right, it proffers the pilot slide rule representing the inside chapter for better understanding and comprehension. 

The dial has an exclusive mineral window that makes it more desirable with its 42-millimeter stainless steel body. There is never a hassle of caring about changing batteries as the watch is eco-driven and runs on its own by the light. Light of any sort is changed into electrical energy and stored in the batteries in the watch so that it can operate for hours on end. 

There are always indications for anything unexpected, like the warning if the battery is undercharged, and also the hands and all the markers present on the dial are florescent during the dark. 

The watch is specifically designed to be water-resistant, and other than being the best choice for pilots, it’s an ultimate selection for people related to the marine profession, where they can dive in the water with the wristwatch on. 

The watch’s band is a triple link bracelet with a brushed silver effect that makes it more enthralling and superb. The watch has scratch-free power and maintains its loo and the dial glass is non-reflective to avoid any common nuisance during light reflections.

Pros

  •  Inner chapter for pilot’s slide rule
  • Dual display of time
  • Reflectors luminous in the dark
  • Eco-driven
  • Low-battery indicator

Cons

  •  Not many color options

3.) Citizen Promaster Navihawk:

Citizen is a name tantamount to flexibility, durability, and excellence. It is an impeccable automatic pilot watch for those who prioritize longevity and quality. Its stainless-steel construction and meshed bracelet, also built with quality stainless steel, enrich it with a luxurious look, while its quartz movement ensures accurate timekeeping.

Features:

The Citizen Navihawk A-T Watch is a reliable dimension of watches that walks you towards the modernity of air flying. These watches have undergone the sweat of one’s brow to give them a flashy appearance. The watch has a regal diameter of 48 mm with a round face, making it ideal for the pilot because it can be used flawlessly as a navigational tool. 

As the name suggests, the Navihawk has admirable options, like the second clock leading up to the value of 1/100, a dependable countdown timer, a UTC display, and sensitive shock sensors to make you aware of your surroundings. 

Moreover, it comprises a snazzy case with a shiny grey finish; the top glass is specially designed to evade any reflections in the cockpit.

The Citizen Navihawk doesn’t ever skimp on quality. They are committed to delivering the finest to their clients. These watches also come with the added feature of being eco-driven in that they don’t need to replace batteries; instead, they are charged on their own. 

The watch is also embedded with a calendar chronograph that can automatically synchronize the radio signal from different stations like the UK, Japan, North America, and Europe, whatever your priority will be. This calendar can also be adjusted manually according to your desired values. 

The watch has many other staggering features like two time zones, two alarms, and water resistance, and it also comes with an indicator for the power reserve.

Pros

  •  Atomic time clock
  • Anti-reflective mineral crystals
  • Water-resistant
  • Eco-Driven
  • UTC Display

Cons

  •  Heavy price-tag

4.) Bulova Archive Series:

Bulova is an incredible choice when selecting the best watches for carrying your panache as a leading pilot. Bulova exudes the aura of a perfect timepiece that will assist you in your duty routines with its unique features and also embraces the history of being on the Apollo 15 lunar mission. 

Features:

Bulova Archive Series comes with a dashing dial of about 45mm, and the thickness of the case is around 13.5mm, which makes quite an appearance on your wrist. The dial is water resistant to around 50m, but it’s better to avoid wearing it during swimming episodes for longer durations.

The watch offers chronographs with around six hands that assist you in the accuracy of time and other details. The time accuracy has a high value of around 1/1000th of a second that is simply unmatchable. 

The watch dial is covered with a curved mineral crystal to minimize the dial’s reflection and provide full readability. The silver screw crown adds many functions to the watch, and the dial is presented in exquisite blues and silver. 

The black dial complements the watch’s matte silver finish and black straps. There is also a pair of straps for interchanging between the two choices, the black leather with patterns or the black nylon studded with nubuck leather. 

This black leather strap watch, also known as the lunar pilot chronograph, exhibits a 262Hz frequency for impeccable accuracy. Regarding seconds a year, the Bulova Archive is the ultimate choice regarding precision and pertinent details.

Pros

  •  The chronograph of 12 hr.
  • 1/1000th sec time precision
  • Six hand chronographs
  • 262KHz frequency
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  •  Only in black strap

5.) Hamilton ‘Khaki Aviation:

Hamilton is the name for innovation, accuracy, and the ultimate spirit for adventure when it comes to the timepiece you have on your wrist. The Hamilton Khaki Aviation is one such class meant for the pilot’s adventurous life, keeping him well acquainted with all the paraphernalia during the flight.

Features:

The Hamilton Khaki Aviation watch is specifically designed for men, with a dial of around 42mm, carrying an exquisite black background color and a sapphire stone on the side to please your esthetics throughout your travel time. The dial is mainly kept unreflective to avoid any kind of hindrance while viewing the watch. 

The Khaki Aviation has a fantastic design presenting windows for both day and date right across each other, the day at the top and the date at the bottom. The numbers on the dial are super bright and quite big, so that makes the dial quite alluring. 

The Swiss movement for the midnight changeover is exciting about the watch. The watch’s bracelet tapers down to 18, while the central links on the bracelets are a little raised to give more depth to the bracelet. The watch is super comfortable to wear on the wrist. 

It is a 100m water-resistant watch that is quite a choice for swimming yet not fit for scuba diving. The watch has a fold-over clasp that holds the band up to the perfect fit with a double fit button that makes it more secure and with a stronghold. 

The watch weighs around 16 ounces, and that feels comfortable on your wrist while exuding all the style you need with Swiss automatic features to make a good impression on you.

Pros

  •  Stainless steel
  • 42mm Case diameter
  • Swiss Automatic 
  • Water-resistant
  • Anti-reflective sapphire

Cons

  •  Heavy price tag

6.) Citizen Promaster Skyhawk:

Citizen is a brand of reliability and extended its services to the market since the early twentieth century and provided unmatchable performance and quality through its timepieces. The latest product by a citizen is the Promaster Skyhawk, which is leading the market in the best pilot watches. 

Features:

Citizen has kept the market amazed with its new addition of the Skyhawk Aviator watch that comes in two colors, elegant black and startling silver. The watch has the capability of atomic timekeeping over more than 40 cities worldwide. 

The watch encapsulates almost all the features, you name it, and you have it in this small package, like the calendar, alarms, dual time, countdown option, and luminous background light for appropriate visibility. The dial is exquisite black with white and orange highlights to emphasize the numbers on other attributes on the dial.

This aviation watch has a unique and fully functional rule bezel for the particular needs of a pilot; this is artistically adjusted towards the bezels of the watch. The watch offers 1/100 sec of time accuracy for measuring up to 24 hours.

Citizen Skyhawk also comes with another attractive eco-drive feature: it needs no batteries for its operations; instead, it runs on the light, any kind of light, for charging its batteries and runs almost forever.

The hands of the dial are kept luminous for legibility in the dark, the screen is non-reflective to avoid any hindrance in seeing the time at any time, and the power reserve light indicates the remaining power on the dial. 

This Skyhawk Aviator watch is also water resistant up to 200 meters, so water splashes and rainy days won’t harm it. The watch also offers a fantastic offer of 5 years warranty to give you the ultimate experience of excellence.

Pros

  •  Round 55mm
  • Stainless steel
  • Anti-reflective 
  • Atomic clock time over 43 cities
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  •  High price tag

7.) The Abingdon Co. Jackie Aviation Series:

The Abingdon Co. presented the market with the most exquisite Jackie Aviation Series for women to suffice their fashion statement while aboard. These watches are designed for women’s flight purposes with an unmatchable design and many aviation functions embedded to assist you at all times.

Features:

The Jackie Aviation Series presents beautiful women’s aviation wristwatches with various features to keep you updated throughout your flight hours. This aviation watch has a white and tea pink mother-of-pearl dial with a silver and white digital display. 

The chronograph watch boasts the best night vision aided by its background light for extreme legibility in case of dark surroundings. The hands of the watch are also luminous and shine in the dark for proper indication of the time on the dial. The Aviation watch also proffers the values of time, fuel consumption, travel speed, and the distance covered over a while as adjusted on the watch. 

Abingdon Jackie Aviation watch is intricately designed with exquisite crystals on the outer side of the dial that adds sophistication and delicacy to the timepiece to deliver the panache needed to highlight your personality. The dial is a 41.5 mm case made up of the best quality stainless steel, and the wristband is intricately embedded with stainless steel pieces. There is another option for the wristband, and that could be the leather of Aircraft Grade. 

There is an option of a stopwatch in this aviation watch that makes it suitable in various situations and appropriate for different professions other than an aviation watch. The watch is also water resistant and can display up to 50m of water tolerance. 

The Abingdon Co. Jackie Series is an irresistible choice for today’s women who choose by their ways and style to move more confidently.

Pros

  •  Sapphire ani-reflective screen
  • Mother-of-pearl Dial
  • Dial 41.5mm
  • Luminous hands for night vision
  • Stopwatch

Cons

  •  No warranty
  • Limited color choice

8.) Invicta Aviator Quartz Watch:

Invicta Men’s Aviator is a staggering timepiece featuring the perfect harmonization of black and gold hue, intricate design, and leather strap all coalesce resplendently to create a stately facade. But it’s not all guises; this incredible watch is packed with features. 

Features: 

Invicta Men’s Aviator is a prerequisite for men who leads an active lifestyle as it is water resistant. Swimming, diving, and other activities can wreak havoc on a regular watch, but Invicta Men’s Aviator is designed to withstand exposure to water. In addition, durability is a cognomen for this timepiece as it is manufactured with a feature to endure wear and tear. The band encompasses a fold-over clasp for added security, while the case boasts scratch and water resistance.

Constructed with uncompromising attention to detail, this spectacular timepiece is crafted with a lasting stainless-steel case and band. Powered by Swiss quartz movement, the watch is precise and unswerving. The striking blue dial is adorned with white accents, providing easy readability. Luminous hands make telling time in low light conditions a breeze. 

The cherry on the top feature is a date window at the three o’clock position that keeps you on schedule. At the same time, the impeccable chronograph function adds an extra level of functionality. Whether you’re a pilot or enjoy aviation-inspired design, this watch is sure to please.

Pros

  •  Solidly built
  • 100-meter water resistance
  • Quartz movement 
  • Stainless steel case 

Cons

  •  Quite a big dial

9.) Alpina Startimer Swiss Automatic:

Alpina Men’s Startimer Swiss Watch is an exceptional timepiece designed to withstand wear and tear. With centuries of backbreaking work, Alpina developed the Startimer timepiece, crafted to operate with the ultimate precision and consistency possible in the most demanding sports environments.  

Features: 

A classic aviator watch with a contemporary twist, the Alpina Startimer is immaculate for a man who loves to fly. With its aviator-inspired design, the watch features a durable stainless-steel case and a black leather strap that is elegant and comfortable on your wrist.

The distinctive dial of the watch is impeccably easy to read, with large Arabic numerals and luminous hands that make it ideal for checking the time while on a flight. The date window at the three o’clock position is also a handy feature. Powered by a Swiss automatic movement, this watch is dependable and precise, making it an excellent choice for the man who wants a reliable timepiece that he can wear on any adventure.

The Alpina’s Aviator is the most refined watch with a date window, so you can easily keep track of the date and time. The stainless-steel case is water-resistant to 100 meters, so you can wear it confidently whether you’re flying high or keeping your feet on the ground. Name of fine craftmanship, the watch measures 44mm in diameter, 10.74 millimeters in thickness, and has a water resistance rating of 100 meters, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if you are out in the rain or snow. 

In a nutshell, Alpina Men’s Startimer watch is an exceptional choice for those looking for a chic and well-made timepiece.

Pros

  •  Swiss automatic movement
  • 42 hours of power reserve 
  • Accuracy and precision
  • Durable construction 
  • Date window 

Cons

  •  Steep price tag

10.) Timex Expedition Field Chronograph:

The Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph Watch is the perfect accessory for the outdoorsman. This watch can take a beating with a durable stainless-steel case and scratch-resistant mineral crystal. The chronograph function is perfect for timing yourself on hikes or tracking your progress while working out. The 100-meter water resistance means you don’t have to worry about wetting it. Whether an experienced adventurer or starting the Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph Watch is a great choice.

Features:

In terms of bang for your buck, it’s hard to beat the Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph Watch. This rugged and reliable watch is packed with features. The Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph Watch is a versatile timepiece that is picture-perfect for the man on the go. The watch features a chronograph, date window, and Indiglo night light, making it easy to keep track of time no matter where you are.

The resilient design of the watch makes it ideal for any alfresco activity, and the water-resistant construction ensures that you can always keep your watch on, no matter the conditions. This watch can be worn during swimming or snorkeling but should not be used while diving. 

The handsome timepiece is designed to be both trendy and functional. The watch has a glorious black ion-plated stainless-steel case and a black nylon strap. The strap is made of comfortable and lasting fabric to stay on your wrist even during vigorous activity. The face of the watch features a white dial with large Arabic numerals and three subdials. The hands of the watch are luminous, making it easy to read in low-light conditions. The cherry on top is the stopwatch function. 

A date window rests at the 4 o’clock position on the dial, while luminous accents provide an easy reading in low lighting conditions. Encased in scratch-resistant mineral glass, this watch has a round stainless steel case with a black bezel, and up to 5-year battery life, ultimate for those who need a watch that will last. The battery life is superior to most other watches, and the design is robust and fashionable.

This watch is also comfortable, and the band is adjustable to fit any wrist size. The face of the watch is large and easy to read, and the chronograph features are clear, user-friendly, and allow you to track time efficiently. The spectacular watch is an outstanding choice for anyone needing a tried-and-tested, long-lasting timepiece. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or just starting, the Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph Watch is sure to be a trusty companion on all outdoor adventures.

Pros

  •  Impressive date feature 
  • Indiglo night light 
  • Durable stainless steel case
  • Waterproof 
  • Lightweight 

Cons

  •  Limited hue alternatives

The aviation watches are specially designed with some extra features to assist the pilots during flying, and these modifications make the aviation business much easier for the experts. The article explicitly sheds light on the different features of aviation watches. However, if there are some questions left in your head, we will try to answer that as well to remove all ambiguities about aviation watches so that you can pick the best for yourself. 

What watch do most pilots wear?

Ans. Many pilots wear watches that are specifically designed for aviation use. These watches often have a rotating bezel, which can be used to time flight maneuvers and multiple time zones.

What makes a good aviation watch?

Ans. For starters, it has to be highly legible – you’re trying to tell the time while hurtling through the air at hundreds of miles per hour, so you don’t want to squint at your watch. It also needs to be rugged and durable enough to withstand the rigors of flying; vibrations, extreme temperatures, and high altitudes can all take their toll on a watch. And last but not least, an aviation watch should ideally have some values valid for pilots, such as a GMT hand or a chronograph function.

Why do pilots wear two watches?

Ans. Because it’s required by regulation. In the early days of flying, before GPS and other electronic navigation aids were available, pilots used their watches to help them stay on course and ensure they arrived at their destination on time. Wearing two watches helps pilots track local times and “Zulu” or GMT, the standard for aviation weather forecasts and flight plans.

Why do pilots wear fancy watches?

Ans. A big part of flying is understanding and adhering to strict timelines. Pilots need to check the time quickly and accurately to do their job well. A fancy watch with clear markings and a second hand can be helpful for this purpose. Additionally, in an emergency, a pilot might need to use the light from their watch to help them see something or signal for help. So having a bright, easily visible watch can be a lifesaving tool.

What watches do air force pilots wear?

Ans. The regulations of their particular branch typically dictate the type of watch worn by an air force pilot. In the United States Air Force, pilots are required to wear a chronograph watch with black or blue dials and contrasting white hands. The watches must be free of any logos or markings construed as advertising.

Conclusion:

Every profession demands various paraphernalia to assist in its functions, and the same goes for the aviation business. The pilots and crew members require a unique timepiece that, besides enhancing their personality aura, should also assist them in multiple purposes. We have discussed at length the best aviation watches available on the market with numerous features like chronograph functions, dual alarms, atomic time adjustment over many cities, water resistance, eco-driven, anti-reflective, water resistant, and pilot’s rotating slide rules. These watches have different prices and features to help you meet your onboard demands. Citizen, Hamilton, Laco Paderborn, Alpina, and The Abingdon are some companies offering lucrative aviation watches that are meant for aviation experts.

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