8 pilot's watches that live up to their name

Pilot watches are something very special. The look of this special type of timepiece is inspired by pilot watches and has numerous fans around the world. At the beginning of the 20th century, a watch was essential for pilots, because without it, accurate navigation was impossible. But even if that is not the case today, Fortunately, although this is no longer the case, the beautiful watches have not disappeared from the scene. The necessary everyday object has become, over time, a valued piece of jewelry with a permanent place in the watch league! The features of a typical pilot's watch include good legibility and Clarity. Pilots had to be able to see the various displays at a glance and read them correctly in order to avoid complications and arrive safely at their destination. That is why pilot's watches are always designed to be uncomplicated.

To ensure the best possible legibility, the contrast of the dial is kept high, with the most popular combination being black and white. Bright numbers and hands on a black background are particularly advantageous and therefore the most common. In addition, the numbers and hands of most models also glow in the dark so that they can be used at night. Simple and pleasant operation when flying, even with gloves, was essential back then and is still what makes a good pilot's watch today. Furthermore, the design is a clear homage to excellent aviation technology: Fine materials are processed to a high standard to meet the highest quality standards. The high level of reliability and functionality combined with the impressive appearance make the watches real must-haves! Which pilot's watch will be your new favorite? To help you decide and provide inspiration, we present 8 well-known masterpieces that represent their category worthy!

All Black Everything – The IWC Top Gun Chronograph

Do you like technical finesse and love the modern all-in-black look? Then you should take a closer look at the IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Top Gun. The popular pilot's watch model in cockpit design impresses with its elegant tone-on-tone look. The clear black dial with light-colored numerals and hands is combined with an elegant black strap made of embossed calfskin. The elegant, subtle "Top Gun" logo engraving is on the base. A ceramic case with sapphire glass and soft iron inner lining to shield against magnetic fields completes the luxurious mix of materials. The mechanical chronograph movement with automatic winding and a power reserve of a full 68 hours makes the Swiss piece the perfect everyday companion. In addition, the noble timepiece has a stop function for hours, minutes and seconds, and a flyback function. It is also waterproof up to a pressure of 6 bar. The watch line is also available in the "Miramar" version in a military look with a green calfskin strap, inspired by historical observation watches. This first-class model is therefore also an option for those who want a little more color.

The Rolex GMT Master II – your ideal travel companion

Do you love the classic stainless steel look combined with clean lines? Then the Rolex GMT Master II is worth considering. The striking shape and the clear contrast of soft silver and elegant black make this model a real eye-catcher. The dial also offers this contrast and thus guarantees good legibility, while the Oyster bracelet with sturdy folding clasp combines the advantages of flawless appearance and pleasant wearing comfort. The built-in Easylink extension system promises this advantage to last for a long time - a watch that adapts to changes. The display of two different time zones at the same time makes the watch the perfect travel accessory. No matter where you are and how often and quickly you change your location - never lose track of time differences between your home country and your current, past or future travel destination! This model also comes with an automatic self-winding mechanism and also has a rotating 24-hour bezel for extra easy setting of new times, as well as a particularly reliable movement thanks to the Parachrom hairspring. Another highlight is the robustness of the timepiece. The extra hard 904L stainless steel is not only particularly durable, but can also be polished to a high shine and retains its beauty even under extreme conditions. The 18-carat gold indices are resistant to tarnishing and further set the watch apart from its competitors: Don't settle for anything less than this high-quality piece of jewelry!

Say no to run-of-the-mill with the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Moonphase Chronograph!

An option for all stainless steel lovers who value extravagance is the Speedmaster Moonwatch Moonphase Chronograph from the Swiss brand Omega. This excellent timepiece shows the current moment as well as the phase of the moon. A reminder that an Omega Speedmaster was the first wristwatch to be worn on the moon. The extremely complex mechanics are reliable and precise; the mechanism only needs to be reset every 10 years! The model with its special significance and technology is therefore a very special collector's item. Its symmetrical design with a clear dial in muted tones of black, brown, blue or grey with a sunburst finish and a matching ceramic bezel in black, brown, blue or green leaves hardly any design wishes unfulfilled. Depending on your color taste, you can create your own individual favorite piece here. In addition, this pilot's watch is also available with a dial in opalescent silver for fans of lighter designs, a particularly pretty alternative. The elegant case is made of stainless steel, 18K gold or 18K Sedna gold. Another special feature is a lifelike image of the moon on the dial of the stainless steel models, as well as the luminous hands and indices on every model. You can wear this brilliant, exceptional pilot's watch with pride!

The Breitling Navitimer 01 – The proven all-rounder

The original Breitling Navitimer 01 has been a classic pilot's watch since 1952. The creative design with a stainless steel case, black and silver dial and contrasting second hand in strong red makes this model a chic and impressive choice. The timepiece is also available in more striking red gold and other dial colors, offering the right option for every style. With the reliable caliber, the automatic winding and the power reserve of at least 70 hours, this model has a lot to offer in terms of functionality. The timeless Navitimer is therefore the perfect entry-level pilot's watch because it is powerful, durable and easy to use. The case made of sturdy sapphire glass, the high-quality leather strap and the toothed bezel that can be rotated in both directions make this model a practical, luxurious and at the same time robust companion on all journeys. What more could you want?

Bell & Ross Aviation 42 Automatic GMT – Luxury at a bargain price

A cheaper alternative to the models mentioned so far is the Aviation Automatic GMT from Bell & Ross . The wristwatch in the well-known characteristic square shape is an option for all fans of clear structures. If you like something playful, this is not the right choice. But if you love the simple, practical and timeless, this model is a good choice. The sturdy stainless steel case with sapphire glass makes the timepiece a robust piece of jewelry. The black dial with large white indices and hands for ideal readability is complemented by the matching leather strap. This pilot's watch deliberately dispenses with unnecessary features, instead offering a clear and high-quality classic with everything you really need. With luminous hands, automatic winding and the discreet display of a second time zone, the Aviation 42 leaves little to be desired despite its simplicity! In addition, the Bell & Ross is also waterproof to a depth of 100 meters, which is hard to beat. A lot of thought has clearly gone into what the ideal wristwatch really has to offer - and what can be dispensed with in favor of it. If you are looking for a striking design and reliable functions at an excellent price-performance ratio, you should not miss out on this bargain!

A well-rounded watch: Our price hit No. 2 Alpina Startimer Pilot Chronograph

A very similar model to the Bell & Ross comes from Alpina . This pilot's watch also impresses with its black leather strap, steel case, scratch-resistant sapphire glass and water resistance of up to 100 meters at a similar price. It is therefore an alternative for all those who find the Aviation 42 with its angular appearance too conspicuous. The classic design of the Alpina in combination with the subtly shiny gray dial appears softer and is therefore the right choice for those who like something a little less conspicuous but elegant and stylish. With an integrated stopwatch and the transparent case back, this pilot's watch has additional highlights and certainly doesn't need to hide next to the competition. The power reserve of 46 hours and the numerals and hands, which are also kept in contrasting light, guarantee a high level of practical use.

The Longines Heritage Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch: Color blocking with class

The Heritage Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch from the French watchmaker Longines offers a completely different pilot's watch experience. The round model impresses with a strong portion of extravagance. The white lacquered dial with black Roman numerals, as well as blue second numerals and color-coordinated steel hands would be a real eye-catcher on its own. But the silver bezel, which can be rotated in both directions, also has this color combination of the numerals. In combination with a second inner dial, which adapts the second hand to daily fluctuations in the equation of time with the help of radio time signals and a rotating bezel, this model is unbeatable in its uniqueness. The small dial is silver-plated with red and black numbers. Are you looking for a very special design that defies that of typical pilot's watches? Take a closer look at this masterpiece! The modern French timepiece is completed by an elegant brown alligator leather strap that goes perfectly with the rest of the color scheme. With this choice you are definitely showing style! The transparent case back with lid is also a real highlight for anyone interested in mechanics. The water resistance up to a pressure of 3 bar, the automatic winding and the power reserve of 46 hours also make this model suitable for everyday use. The watch is also available with an XL strap!

The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Chrono

Finally, we would like to introduce you to the Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer, a tribute to flight with reliability, robustness and wearability. The large, clear numbers that glow in the dark, the stable domed and anti-reflective sapphire crystal and the case made of high-quality stainless steel are reminiscent of the Hamilton watches developed for the Royal Air Force in the 1970s. However, this history has of course been combined with the latest technology. The power reserve lasts up to 60 hours, and the pilot's watch is also waterproof up to a pressure of 10 bar! The transparent base also gives you the opportunity to admire the excellent fine work inside the watch. The understated appearance of the Aviation Pilot Pioneer is enhanced by a colorful look: the trendy color khaki is making its way into the world of pilot's watches and will always enhance your outfit. In addition to the colored nylon strap, the dial in a lighter khaki tone is the tasteful icing on the cake. The exquisite design is something very special and a guarantee for envious glances. What's more, this Hamilton treasure is a really good deal! What are you waiting for?

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