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The pilot watch has come a long way since the early days.
Their initial use was to aid pilots, acting as an early form of in-flight computer.
Back then, pocket watches were the order of the day.
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However, they were not enough for early aviators.
Pilot watches offered pilots extra assistance to navigate the largely uncharted airspace.
Now, watch enthusiasts worldwide clamor to build their own timeless pilot watch collections.
Of particular note are their civilian pilot watches, which date back to 1936.
One of the latest and most desirable iterations is theICW Pilot Mark XVIII, launched in 2019.
It takes all the styling of the Mark XI, but strips it down to the most elegant essentials.
Beneath the 40mm stainless steel casing is a highly legible dial that eschews myriad complications in favor of simplicity.
Of special mention is the Petit Prince limited edition.
Its served with a calfskin strap and distinguished by the lovely dark blue color around the dial.
It comes with a broad case measuring 45mm, matched by an oversized crown.
The handsome bronze case of this splendid watch houses the historically significant El Primero 4069 movement.
Featuring a razor-sharp 1/10 second resolution, youll enjoy the same premium positional accuracy as found on high-end Rolexes.
This watch was introduced in late 2018, remaining a popular item since then.
The first attention-grabbing feature of this Alpina is its vintage curvy barrel case design.
It measures 42mm from side to side, and about 45mm from lug-to-lug.
Its GMT variety is available in a wide range of colors, making it a suitable fit for globetrotters.
Alpina initially offered the Startimer Pilot with dark green, black and blue colors.
Whichever model you chose ships with a full-grain leather strap that wears comfortable and ages with grace.
It was, by all standards, revolutionary.
It changed time-telling, promising that someday, all watches will be made this way.
With the Seiko Astron GPS pilot watch, the company believes it has equally pioneered another timekeeping standard.
Under the Astrons clear coating glass Zara case, this pilot watch continues the artistry ofarchitectural creativity.
The markers seem to be floating above a three-dimensional dial display.
When looking at the Astrons dial in low light, it comes out as a thoroughly polished black surface.
However, under sunlight, it will take up a bluish hue, which is amazingly beautiful.
Sadly, it was discontinued in 2019, sending prices of this prized timepiece skyrocketing on the secondary market.
Its a rare catch, but definitely a white whale worth pursuing.
The bi-color aluminum bezel on the Rolex GMT-Master is traditionally the hallmark of this timepiece.
Its an endowment that dates back to 1950 and is part of its distinguished heritage.
The bi-color feature helps you keep tabs on two time zones at a go.
This iconic color scheme gave the GM-Master II its Pepsi GMT-Master II reference.
Atop the dial of the GMT-Master II are the visibly thicker hour and minute hands and large round markers.
They make this pilot watch easy to read, clean and uncrowded.
Manufacturers like Rolex knows what keeps the public attracted to their products and endeavor to keep getting better.
As a result, the Rolex GMT-II is a luxurious, well-crafted masterpiece.
Whats more, the extra real estate affords pristine clarity over its numerous complications.
We also particularly like the plus sized date displayed at 12 oclock.
The bezel of the Reactor Valkyrie Classic is quite a dominant feature here.
It can turn in either direction while maintaining optimum mathematical accuracy.
At the same time, contrasting textures make a good case for visibility and legibility.
7.Hamilton Kakhi Pioneer
Hamilton is no stranger to aviation-focused watches.
The Kakhi Pioneer features an aluminum build for lightness, corrosion resistance, and durability.
Moreover, it echoes the widespread use of aluminum in airframes with which pilots would be intimately familiar.
Similarly, the material and design of this watch combine simplicity and sophistication in equal measure.
Hamilton offers this watch in several color choices: green, navy blue, black, and sand.
Additionally, the NATO strap on this watch gives it a classic look and ultimate comfort around your wrist.
8.Citizen Avion Eco-Drive Pilot Watch
Flying on a budget is something of a contradiction.
However, theCitizen Avionmakes a part of the classic aviation experience affordable to the masses.
Packed in a 45mm wide case that measures 52mm lug-to-lug, this watch suits bigger hands.
In addition, the 12mm thickness gives it an unmistakable look and feel around your wrist.
The dial of Citizen Avion Eco-drive is crafted to look enticing while maintaining high functionality.
Several colors have been nicely coordinated to denote each element on the dial without overrunning each other.
The case makes a circular cave towards the dial, giving the top a round-bowl shape.
Looking for a little more flash and bang?
Check out our topfuturistic watchrecommendations.
It was a watch!
The very future he now found strapped around his wrist.
Best Pilot Watches: Conclusion
There you have it.
Eight elegant examples of the pilot watch in all its glory.
As this list highlights, watches and budget are two things that can go hand in hand.
If you have the money to spare, then there are some fantastic watches out there.
Watches that do still act as a status symbol.
What is your favorite pilot watch, whether top-tier or more affordable?
Do you have an heirloom timepiece you want to show off?
Leave us a comment below!
