Pilot-style watches have a rich history and are highly sought after by aviation enthusiasts. These watches were originally designed for pilots in the early 20th century and have since become a popular category in the watch industry. From simple time-only designs to complex watches with altimeters and slide rules, there is a pilot watch to suit every style and budget. They exude a sense of adventure and are known for their durable and rugged appearance, making them perfect for daily wear.
Here are fifteen of our favorite pilot-style watches priced under $5,000:
The Citizen Garrison is a minimalistic watch inspired by aviation and pilot designs of the past. With a 42mm Super Titanium case and a day and date complication, it offers both style and functionality.
The Bertucci A-11T Field Chronograph pays tribute to the historic A-11 watch issued to US Army Air Corps personnel during World War II. With a modern 42mm titanium case and a US-made quartz chronograph movement, it is a rugged and reliable timepiece.
The Marathon Navigator is a military-grade aviation watch trusted by the United States and Canadian militaries. It features a high-impact fiber case, tritium-gas tubes for lume, and a 24-hour scale on the dial.
The Casio G-Shock Rangeman GPRH1000 is a rugged watch designed to withstand anything. It features a lightweight bio-resin case, a Solar Quartz movement, and various data tracking capabilities such as altitude and temperature measurement.
The Laco Aachen and Augsburg watches are based on designs produced for German pilots during World War II. With downsized 39mm and 42mm cases and reliable Miyota calibers, they offer a vintage-inspired look at an affordable price.
The Citizen Promaster Skyhawk A-T is a pilot watch powered by the iconic Eco-Drive technology. It features atomic time synchronization, a chronograph, dual-time and UTC displays, alarms, a countdown timer, and 200m water resistance.
Marathon has upgraded their iconic Navigator watch by introducing a stainless steel version. It features a Marathon-branded dial, a date complication, and improved water resistance. This premium variant maintains the original's tritium-gas tubes and rotating bezel design.
The Bulova Lunar Pilot 43.5 is a reissue of the watch worn by astronaut Dave Scott during the Apollo 15 mission. With a 43.5mm case and a High Precision Quartz movement, it offers exceptional accuracy and a timeless design.
The Citizen Promaster Altichron is a hardcore tool watch with a metric altimeter capable of measuring altitudes between 1,000 and 32,000 feet. It features a 47mm black DLC-coated titanium case and an electronic compass complication.
The Oris Big Crown ProPilot Big Date is a modern interpretation of the classic pilot watch. With a 41mm case, arabic numerals, and a big crown, it offers a sleek and low-flying design.
