Soaring Style

7 Iconic Pilot Watches
You Can Buy Right Now

7 Iconic Pilot Watches You Can Buy Right Now

First, a little history: the early 1900's, most men still carried their watches in a pocket. But as aviation became more established, new pilots found that they needed a more practical instrument for navigation. The pilot watch was created to fill that need. The functionality of the pilot watch evolved during the outbreak of the first World War but, it was Charles Lindbergh's fateful trans-Atlantic flight in 1927 that solidified the pilot watch as key tool for flight. The next major moment in the evolution of the pilot watch came at the onset of World War II. During the war, there was an increased need for a watch that could be read at a glance during day and night missions, and the pilot watch proved to be crucial for US Army Air Forces.

But, it was during the post-war aviation boom that the pilot watch took on the easily-identifiable, complicated characteristics seen in many modern watch models. Even with today's advancements in aviation technology, both professional and recreational pilots often choose to keep a watch close by—even if just for its historical significance and appealing design. Because of this, pilot watches continue to be one of the most popular models for the aviation community and watch enthusiasts alike. We asked our friends at Crown & Caliber, the top online marketplace for luxury pre-owned watches, for their recommendations of the most iconic pilot watches you can buy right now.

IWC Top Gun Pilots Double Chronograph

IWC Top Gun
Pilot's Double Chronograph

The IWC Top Gun pilot watch collection pays homage to the Fighter Tactics Instructor program, reserved for the U.S. Navy's top pilots. This ultra-masculine model is the only one on the market permitted to bear the iconic Top Gun name.

$11,900 / $7,197 by IWC

Bell & Ross Aviation

Bell & Ross Aviation

More than simply a stylish watch, a Bell & Ross Aviation serves as an indispensable survival tool. This is tactical timekeeping.

$4,000 / $2,100 by Bell & Ross

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Breitling Avenger Skyland Blacksteel

Breitling Avenger
Skyland Blacksteel

The Breitling Avenger family of pilot watches are known for their massive build, which provides the maximum sturdiness and shock resistance. The special edition Skyland Blacksteel model was produced in a limited number of only 2,000 pieces.

$6,885 / $2,286 by Breitling

Cartier Santos

Cartier Santos

The creation of the Santos marks a major moment in the history of Cartier. It was not only the brand's first men's wristwatch but also the first pilot watch ever made.

$1,700 / $1,500 by Cartier

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What Makes a Pilot Watch

A few key features separate a pilot watch from other sports watches. They typically have large and highly legible dials with prominent, high-contrast hands for optimal visibility. To withstand changes in pressure, most pilot watches contain an anti-magnetic seal or Faraday cage along with crystal technology. Many models also feature dual time or GMT functions to track local time, destination time and UTC.

Bremont Zulu ALT1-ZT/51

Bremont Zulu ALT1-ZT/51

The Bremont Zulu ALT1-ZT collection is popular among the military squadrons who partner with the brand. The ALT1-ZT/51 variation adds a new dimension to the range and integrates a significant design from Bremont's past—the Limited Edition P51.

$4,675 / $3,727 by Bremont

Breguet Type XX Transatlantique

Solid 18K gold

Breguet Type XX Transatlantique

Aviation is an important part of the Breguet family's history of watchmaking. The Type XX Transatlantique model pays homage to Type XX Transatlantic planes produced by Breguet Aviation in the early 1900's.

$17,900 by Breguet

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Solid 18K gold

Solid 18K gold

Solid 18K gold

Breitling Navitimer

Breitling Navitimer

The Breitling Navitimer is like a miniature computer for pilots. In 1962, the model reached new heights when a groundbreaking 24-hour dial was added to help spacemen distinguish between night and day.

$3,500 / $3,250 by Breitling

What Makes a Pilot Watch

A few key features separate a pilot watch from other sports watches. They typically have large and highly legible dials with prominent, high-contrast hands for optimal visibility. To withstand changes in pressure, most pilot watches contain an anti-magnetic seal or Faraday cage along with crystal technology. Many models also feature dual time or GMT functions to track local time, destination time and UTC.