2023’s Best Pilot Watches Under $1000 | Our Absolute Top Choices

With the growing popularity and appeal of watches that can “go anywhere and do anything,” the desire to pinpoint and categorize the ultimate sport watch, seems to be a trope we’ll never escape. I think for many who still don’t realize that the wearer makes the watch—and not the other way around—the ideal sports timepiece probably looks like a dive watch. They’ve got serious versatility, durability, great looks, and so many of them can be had across a wide spectrum of price ranges. But another breed of sport watch continues to grow in popularity and we’re starting to become pretty spoiled for choice. I can’t complain. It’s the so-called pilot watch, a loose title that’s harder to pin down than you think.

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The Best Pilot Watches | Commonly Asked Questions

Since childhood I’ve been deeply fascinated by aviation, its history, and the operational complexities surrounding our national airspace system. Even while pursuing a short career path with the FAA, I couldn’t stop myself from watch-spotting in the hallways of the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center—wondering if I could see something cool on an instructor’s wrist. It’s difficult to explain, but I think many watch enthusiasts that hold a similar fascination aim to express that excitement with a personal watch, something tied to this remarkable field. And while one can get excited about a dive watch’s water-resistance, Helium release valves, and bezels, pilot watches come with their own bunch of nerdy quirks.

Just like divers, pilot watches suffer from a nearly endless wave of adjacent mythology outlining “requirements” a watch must fulfill to be considered a “real” pilot’s watch. But unlike dive watches with the ISO 6425 requirements they might follow, the traits that come together to make up a pilot watch’s identity can seem far more diverse. I mean really, I’ve met three professional pilots over the past year (two commercial, one active duty military), and all three of them wear Apple Watches. Is… is the Apple Watch a pilot watch now? No matter the argument, some of the elements we’ll discuss here might be more appropriately deemed as aviation-inspired watch features and not “requirements.”

The Best Pilot Watches

Casio F91W

Price Range:$10 – $20Water Resistance:30mCase Dimensions:38.2mm × 35.2mm × 8.5mmLug Width:18mmMovement:Casio Quartz

This probably isn’t where you expected us to start. But dig into the real-world use cases a bit and you’ll find the trusty F91W in cockpits everywhere. It’s got a chronograph, alarm function, clear display, and military time readout for those who want it. Plus, you can find them anywhere.

The last time I saw one of these in an aviation setting was on the wrist of a KC-135 tanker pilot. Sure, you won’t see any sexy Breitling fly-girl-style ads for something like this. But I bet the Casio F91W manages to get the in-flight job done every time.

We review a similar version with a bracelet right here.

Casio G-Shock G-Shock GW6900-1

Price Range:$89 – $100Water Resistance:200mCase Dimensions:53.2mm × 50mm × 17.7mmLug Width:26mmMovement:Casio Quartz

If it feels like the F-91W is skimpy on features, another great option would be upgrading to Casio’s G-Shock series. My favorite has to be the GW6900-1. The solar and Multi Band 6 features make it incredibly convenient and the dual-time display at the top-right corner is the easiest for me to read by far.

You’ll never have to worry about bumping this around and it’ll probably outlive you. Again, no fancy aviation marketing campaigns behind these but they’re everywhere.

Here’s one of our favorite G-Shock reviews on the site!

San Martin Pilot

Dial A

Price Range:$100 – $200Water Resistance:200mCase Dimensions:39mm x 50mm x 12mmLug Width:20mmMovement:Ronda 715

For something with more of an analog look, things start to get interesting when you look at brands like San Martin. This flieger (German for aviator) design is something you’ll see repeated by brands like Laco, Stowa, and IWC. If it’s something you like, this is one of our favorite entry points if you don’t have much to spare.

The dial is high-contrast and clearly visible. To me, I’d say the quartz movement is also a plus from the standpoint of accuracy and easy of ownership.

Check out our review of the San Martin Pilot Dial A here.

Seiko 5 SNK Series

Price Range:$100 – $150Water Resistance:30mCase Dimensions:38mm x 43mm x 11mmLug Width:18mmMovement:Seiko 7S26

For those who have been with us since the beginning of the podcast, you’ll know that this is where it all began for a lot of folks. The Seiko 5 line-up has undergone some serious changes in recent years but this pilot/field style watch will always hold a special place in our hearts. Like the San Martin, it blends design elements from flieger watches with a smaller package and a different dial.

It’s also our first mechanical option on this list and the Seiko 7S26 is about as workhorse as it gets when it comes to a long-lasting Japanese movement.

Citizen Eco-Drive Avion

Price Range:$150Water Resistance:100mCase Dimensions:45mm x 52mm x 12mmLug Width:22mmMovement:Citizen Eco-Drive

Sometimes, pilot watches can be big. And so no list would be complete without a few chonkers like the Citizen Avion. It’s yet another take on the flieger watch, this time with numbered scales for minutes along with 12- and 24-hour readouts. Once you’re used to it, it should be virtually impossible to read the time wrong.

I also can’t tell what it is about Citizen but pilots seem to seriously love them. My guess is that it might have something to do with their powerful Blue Angels marketing that has endured through multiple generations of pilots by this time.

You can check out our review of this Citizen Avion here.

G-Shock Gravitymaster Series

Price Range:$150 – $550Water Resistance:200mCase Dimensions:

GR-B200

: 54.1mm x 63mm x 18.3mm

GR-B100

: 53.8mm x 62.5mm x 17.3mmLug Width:24mmMovement:G-Shock Module 5635 (GR-B200) or Module 5536 (GR-B100)

If there’s one thing you can always count on G-Shock for, it’s packing as much functionality, value, and reliability into their timepieces as humanly possible – that’s why the G-Shock Gravitymaster series is worth consideration if you’re looking for a pilot watch. Featuring a no-nonsense, purposeful and rugged design, the Gravitymaster series offers way more features than I can possible share here. But the pilot watch specific highlights are:

• Altimeter
• Graph indicator of altitude differential
• Flight Data logging (up to 14 records)
• Barometer
• Atmospheric pressure tendency graph
• Digital compass
• and much, much more

The GR-B100 was the previous model while the latest model is the GR-B200, there is a price difference between the two as well as some design differences. But both options are fantastic options for those who would actually benefit from the pilot watch functions included in the timepiece (or those who would just like something cool on their wrist).

Citizen Eco-Drive Nighthawk

Price Range:$200 – $500Water Resistance:200mCase Dimensions:42mm x 46mm x 12.5mmLug Width:22mmMovement:Citizen Eco-Drive

Few watches have as iconic a pilot watch design as the Citizen Nighthawk – blending both subtle aesthetics as well as a form-follows-function design impetus, the Nighthawk is a classic choice for anyone interesting in a pilot watch. The dial is clearly designed to evoke aviation instruments you’d normally see in a cockpit.

But it’s not all just looks – they dial is actually incredibly functional. It includes both a GMT function as well as slide Rule bezel that can allow you to calculate:

• Navigation distances (time between distances)
• Speed / Ground Speed Calculation
• Flying Navigation (measured distance between two points
• Fuel Consumption
• Maximum Flying Hours

AVI-8 Hawker Harrier (Dual Retrograde Chronograph)

Price Range:$180 – $290Water Resistance:50mCase Dimensions:44mm x 52.5mm x 13.5mmLug Width:22mmMovement:Japanese Quartz Chronograph

AVI-8 is a modern watch brand that fills an interesting space in the microbrand world. Their entire line is dedicated to honoring pilot watch designs and the history behind aviation. But rather than riff on designs that already exist, AVI-8 often pulls aesthetics and design language from the aircrafts themselves. Whether that’s taking inspiration from dials and instruments in the cockpit or inspiration from the actual structure of the plane, AVI-8 has a solid hold on their brand’s design ethos.

Of particular note for this list is the Hawker Harrier from AVI-8. This design was inspired by the RAF Hawker Harrier aircraft, which gives the timepiece a very concept-watch design with a hard lean towards aviation aesthetics while also ensuring the look doesn’t feel “gimmicky.” This makes the AVI-8 Hawker Harrier a great pilot watch for anyone looking for a timepiece with a bit more modern flare as well as a nod to aviation history. The only potential downside here would be the size. At 44mm in diameter and 52.5mm lug to lug, it will wear a bit larger if your wrist size is under 7 inches.

Bulova Lunar Pilot

Price Range:$350 – $650Water Resistance:50mCase Dimensions:45mm x 52mm x 13.5mmLug Width:20mmMovement:Bulova 262 Khz (high performance quartz movement)

Quite possibly the single most accurate timepiece on this list, the Bulova Lunar Pilot features the 262 Khz quartz movement from Bulova, which features an incredible time rating of -/+10 seconds per year. But in addition to what’s under the hood, this modern Bulova Lunar Pilot is a remake of the 1971 Bulova timepiece that American Astronaut Dave Scott wore on the iconic Apollo 15 mission, the 4th successful moon landing journey.

That’s a level of pilot watch street cred which most other timepieces can’t compete against. This modern Bulova Lunar Pilot pays homage to that iconic timepiece’s legacy. While the watch does wear a bit larger at 45mm, it’s still a beloved favorite of those who take the plunge and pick one up.

You can read our personal experience with this watch on our full review.

Seiko 5 GMT Series

Price Range:$400 – $500Water Resistance:100mCase Dimensions:42.5mm x 46mm x 13.6mmLug Width:22mmMovement:Seiko 4R34

For a while there between 2016 and 2020, it seemed like the watch world was under the impression that the Seiko 5 line was done evolving. But then the Seiko SKX was retired and reimaged in the Seiko 5 line (as the Seiko 5KX). But that was just the first big change. After that in 2022, the first ever mechanical GMT was released under the Seiko 5 line – thus the Seiko 5 GMT series became one of the best options for budget conscious pilot watch enthusiasts.

Sporting the classic SKX/5KX case shape, the Seiko 5 GMT features the 4R34 caliber movement, which is a new technical innovation on the Seiko 4Rxx series, which includes the mechanical GMT hand. In addition to that, the rotating bezel here has been altered to feature a GMT, multi-time zone bezel insert.

For the total breakdown on this absolutely iconic moment in the Seiko 5 legacy, check out our full review!

Laco Aachen 42

Price Range:$400 – $500Water Resistance:50mCase Dimensions:42mm x 50mm x 11.75mmLug Width:20mmMovement:Miyota 821A

Laco is one of the few watch brands in existence today that can claim the distinction of having shaped the modern pilot watch aesthetic. Founded in 1925 and based in Germany, many of the iconic flieger style watches today we associate with vintage military pilot watches were influenced by Laco.

The modern Laco Aachen 42 is a 42mm version of the Type-B dial (or Baumuster B), which features a highly legible 0 – 60 minute track on the outer perimeter of the dial and an accompanying 1 – 12 hour track on the smaller concentric interior circle. This watch would be a great choice for someone in the market for a more minimalist pilot watch with strong aviation ties associated with it.

You can check out our full review of the Laco Aachen 42 right here.

Marathon Pilot’s Navigator

Price Range:$420 – $450Water Resistance:60mCase Dimensions:41mm x 48mm x 13mmLug Width:20mmMovement:ETA F06 High Torque (Quartz)

Marathon Watches made a name for themselves by supplying accurate and reliable timepieces to the Allied Forces in WWII. Based in Canada, the iconic military watch brand now supplies timepieces for the United States and Canadian Armed forces as a military contractor. In fact this Pilot’s Navigator that we’re highlighting was developed in partnership with the formerly known Kelly Air Force Base in 1986.

Composed of a highly impact resistant composite Fibreshell material, the case features a light and resin-like matte finish. Coupled with the black dial and white markers, this creates an incredibly legible dial. This is especially true with the inclusion of tritium tubes, which provide very high luminesce without the need to absorb sunlight first in order to become phosphorescent.

The Marathon Pilot Navigator is ideal for someone in the market for something lightweight with more of a covert/under the radar look from the predominantly dark and black tonalities. Plus, it’s a great choice for someone who is interested in purchasing a pilot’s watch from a brand with active military contracts to supply timepieces.

CWC Mellor 72

Price Range:$450 – $550Water Resistance:50mCase Dimensions:38mm x 42mm x 11mmLug Width:18.5mmMovement:Sellita SW210 (Mechanical)

For British military watches, it’s hard to get more authentic than CWC. The iconic brand was created in the 1970s in order to fulfill British MOD contracts to supply the armed forces with timepieces. One such timepiece was this reissued Mellor 72.

First issued in 1972 to the British Army, Navy, and Airforce, Mellow features a vintage-inspired tonneau case with pronounced lugs. A highly legible dial along with classic sword hands fully embodies that vintage aesthetic that CWC captures so well.

Bulova A15 Pilot (96A245)

Image Credit: Bulova WatchesPrice Range:$550 – $700Water Resistance:30mCase Dimensions:42mm x 47mm x 14mmLug Width:20mmMovement:Miyota 8S26 (Automatic)

In 1944 the United States military ordered a test batch of approx. 500 timepieces from Bulova to test out a more user friendly way of measuring elapsed time for pilots. The experiment ultimately never went anywhere and no other timepieces were ordered. Nearly 80 years later, Bulova re-released this A15 Pilot watch to pay tribute to that experimental timepiece.

This is the perfect pilot watch for anyone who wants something with some historical rigor and chops but also something with a bit more personality. The dial features a standard minute/hour track, but in addition to that there is a 24 hour military time scale as well as the outer most, interior rotating bezel scale which helps to track elapsed time. The interior rotating bezel is controlled by the crown at 2 o’clock.

Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT

Price Range:$550 – $700Water Resistance:300mCase Dimensions:39mm x 47mm x 13mmLug Width:20mmMovement:ETA 2893-2 or Sellita SW330

German-based watch brand Steinhart watches was founded in 2001 and has become one of the underground darlings in the world of high quality, affordable iconic design inspired timepieces. Few watches have solidified that place more for Steinhart than their Ocean 39 GMT. Featuring either a Sellita or ETA automatic GMT movement, the Ocean 39 GMT presents a ton of value for those who are looking for a pilot watch inspired by the golden age of jet setting (without having to pay 5 or 6 figures).

There are Ocean 39 GMT options in various colorways and also with either a ceramic or aluminum bezel option. Fit and finish is also generally top-notch with Steinhart, which is what sets them far apart from other brands that offer designs of iconic watches.

For a full perspective on the Ocean 39 GMT, check out our full review!

Gavox Avidiver

Price Range:$650 – $700Water Resistance:200mCase Dimensions:43mm x 50.8mm x 12.8mmLug Width:22mmMovement:Miyota 9015 (Automatic)

Belgium-based Gavox Watches is a love letter to all things horologically beloved by brand owner Michael Happe. The Avidiver is the microbrand’s flagship model. Featuring flieger style hands and an interior rotating bezel that doubles as a diving bezel and a GMT, the Avidiver is desined as a diver and a pilot watch.

The Avidiver is a great pilot watch option for those who are looking for something with a bit more of a modern twist as well as the unique benefit of being an extremely unique but accessible design. Be sure to check out our full review of the Avidiver!

Commonly Asked Questions About Pilot Watches

What is the point of a pilot watch?

To tell the time while flying. No joke. When Louis Cartier presented a watch to Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904 (arguably the first pilot watch), that was the original request. Sure, there are things like fuel burn; and after the jet age a desire to track multiple time zones became paramount. But the modern ubiquity of glass cockpits and flight management systems has moved these responsibilities far from the wristwatch. One commercial pilot I consulted with prior to writing this article mentioned “…the guys that have the big expensive watches really only use them to brag.”

What company makes the best pilot watches?

Many companies will claim a long and storied heritage in connection with aviation. And while it’s true in some cases, some of the best pilot watches come from companies that don’t aim to tout that sort of connection. Casio is a great example. Some other excellent, and realistically useful examples, come from Citizen, Garmin, CWC, Bulova, Hamilton, and Seiko.

Do people actually use pilot watches?

We’ve already established that most dive watches are probably worn by desk divers. Similarly, I’d presume that most pilot watches are worn by armchair aviators. I think this is especially true for pilot watches with the fluffiest marketing campaigns. But, I wouldn’t discount the possibility of a real-world pilot using a feature-rich watch as a trusty part of a larger arsenal of instruments. That might even mean using it for something as simple as feeling a connection to family in a different time zone.

How much does a pilot watch cost?

A “pilot watch” can be something as simple as a $10 Casio all the way up to a $15,000 Breitling Emergency and beyond. In reality, you’ll probably see most pilots in real life sporting affordable Casios and Citizens, which can take care of everything you need them to, well within the $100 to $500 price range. Things get a little fancier once you break the $1,000 mark.

Why do pilot watches have rotating bezels?

A very popular feature found in some pilot watches is the slide rule bezel. This is a feature that aims to incorporate some of the functionality you’d get out of the E6B flight computer or “whiz wheel.” With its logarithmic scale, a slide rule can help you perform on-the-fly calculations for things like fuel burn, speed/distance/time calculations, and more. Pilot watches may also add to their functionality by incorporating an elapsed time bezel, a secondary time zone bezel, or a countdown (mission timer) bezel.

Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.