Got your eyes on the sky, but you want your wrist to match? If so, you might want to consider one of these incredible pilot’s watches.
The pilot’s watch is one that, at a glance, feels simple enough. A close cousin of the field watch, they often boast strong heritage, high legibility and, at times, features grounded in the practicalities of aviation. However, there’s a common misconception about the rules of pilot’s watches: that if you buy one, you’ve bought them all. That’s simply not the case.
In as dynamic a watch world as we’re in right now, brands have found plenty of ways to characterise and innovate on the design. Through unique character or sheer complexity, the pilot’s watch subgenre has evolved from basic to brilliant. It’s no wonder collectors far removed from the profession still chase the aesthetic and functionality, as there’s simply no beating the fundamentals done right, perhaps with a little something extra on the side. But with so many to choose from these days, where can you even begin?
Well, I’ve curated a list of ten that may interest you, from the entry-level economy all the way to first class. So, arm doors, cross-check, and strap in as I take you through some of the best pilot’s watches you can get in 2026.
Seagull 1963 37.7mm
Though I’ve said what I’m about to say a few times already, that doesn’t make it any less true. In the modern watch world, if you want the best mix of affordability and craftsmanship, you go to China. But if you head to Tianjin, you’ll also find those two qualities mixed with tangible aviation heritage. Case in point? The iconic Seagull 1963.
Commissioned by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force under the name Project D304, the Tianjin Watch Factory manufactured what would become the 1963 using the tooling and blueprints of the Cal. 175, acquired from the then-struggling Swiss movement maker Venus. Only 30 prototypes were made, but since 1974, Seagull has exported its timepieces globally, helping make the 1963 a mainstream yet storied pilot’s watch.
Though the 40mm reference is perhaps the best-known of the 1963 models available today, Seagull also released a 37.7mm reissue as part of the manufacture’s 70th anniversary celebrations. At just over AU$1,000, it’s a highly compelling manual-wind chronograph with a surprisingly deep history, and one that’s certain to kickstart your dive into watch culture.
Reference: 819.17.1963A
Price: AU$1,049.46
For more information: SeagullWatch.com
Sinn 856
Moving across to the other side of the world, we end up not in Switzerland but in Germany. More specifically, we’re taking a trip to Frankfurt, home to the independent brand Sinn. What makes Sinn particularly interesting are the principles laid out by its founder, Helmut Sinn. A former Second World War Luftwaffe pilot and flight instructor, his philosophy centred on no-nonsense, highly functional designs built for pilots and aeronauts.
One of the best distillations of this ethos in the brand’s modern catalogue is the Sinn 856, made from Tegiment steel. Similar to the construction of the U50 SDR I featured in our Tax Time series, Tegiment is the brand’s proprietary surface-hardening process, making the watch around six to eight times harder than standard stainless steel.
Though it’s not made from the same metal used to build submarines, it’s still a hardy watch, able to carry on all day without picking up so much as a scratch. Combined with a versatile 40mm case diameter and a surprising 200m of water resistance, it’s perhaps the pinnacle of effective simplicity.
Reference: 856.011
Price: AU$3,810
For more information: Sinn.de
Longines Spirit Pilot
I mean, are any of us surprised that they ended up here? Of all the watch brands in the industry today, very few can compare with Longines when it comes to aviation heritage. Names like Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart and Howard Hughes are just a few of the many legends of the sky who have worn this brand’s watches. To preserve that adventurous, groundbreaking spirit, Longines introduced the Spirit collection in 2020.
Six years on, it’s become both a local favourite and a wider industry staple, with countless references adorning the brand’s website and boutiques worldwide. Most recently, the Spirit Pilot collection brings the watch closer to its origins, foregoing everything but the fundamental features of timekeeping. This edition, housed in a 39mm case, adds a more contemporary twist with its matte blue dial.
Beyond its dial colour, the watch is packed with all the necessary accoutrements to get it through any occasion, not just flying. Whether it’s the COSC-certified chronometer movement, the micro-adjustable clasp, or the applied Arabic numerals, there’s a lot to love about this watch, even if it does stick to the bare necessities.
Reference: L3.809.4.93.6
Price: AU$4,550
For more information: Longines.com
Bremont Altitude MB Meteor
From the heritage-steeped to the hyper-modern, British watch brand Bremont has had a handle on aviation-focused watches ever since its foundation in 2002. In 2007, it partnered with aviation manufacturer Martin-Baker to ensure its watches met exceptional shock-resistance standards.
In particular, Martin-Baker challenged Bremont to make a watch that could survive the violence and velocity of one of its ejector seats in action. Two years later came the MBI, exclusively gifted to pilots who had successfully ejected. This was followed by the publicly available MBII not long after, and the collection has since evolved into the modern Altitude MB Meteor line.
Named after the aircraft on which the original MBI was tested, the Altitude MB Meteor is a refined yet extremely tough take on the pilot’s watch. This latest 42mm reference, made from titanium and finished in Air Force Blue, retains the collection’s visual modesty while introducing a subtle heritage twist. The colour is a nod to the RAF uniform, while small visual cues across the dial hint at its ejector seat origins.
But beyond the visible Cal. BB14-AH and Roto-Click bezel, its DNA can still be found within: an anti-shock rubber suspension mount that absorbs sharp physical shocks, drops and high-G impacts before they can stress the movement. Qualified for use in ejector seats, but perfectly suited to a rough-and-tumble lifestyle.
Reference: AALT42-MT-TI-BLBL-B
Price: AU$8,600
For more information: HardyBrothers.com.au
Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43
Other than Longines and our next brand, Breitling occupies a rarefied position when it comes to pure aviation heritage. A key supplier of dashboard clocks and chronographs for the RAF during the Second World War, the brand has since evolved its DNA into a luxury watchmaking powerhouse. However, that doesn’t mean it’s forgotten where it came from, at least not while the Navitimer is around.
Introduced in 1952, the Navitimer collection is the quintessential watch for all kinds of aviators, from military and commercial pilots to hobbyists. Built in partnership with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the watch’s crowning feature is its slide rule bezel. Allowing pilots to calculate fuel consumption, climb rates, ground speed and distance at a moment’s notice, it succeeds where modern electronics can fail, proving itself a reliable companion to pilots worldwide.
This sunray-brushed mint green model, permanently introduced in 2022, is part of a wider refresh that celebrated the Navitimer’s 70th anniversary. But despite its more contemporary look, the practical purpose hasn’t been lost on Breitling. Its imposing 43mm frame, combined with the B01 COSC-certified chronometer movement, makes for one of the most aviation-focused watches of all time.
Reference: AB0138241L1P1
Price: AU$13,890
For more information: Breitling.com
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Le Petit Prince White Ceramic
The third and final brand that just had to be on this list is none other than IWC. Absolutely steeped in aviation-focused heritage and craftsmanship, the brand brings a more modern twist to the classic flieger-style watches developed during the Second World War. The simply named Pilot’s Watch exemplifies this in all its forms, but recently, the brand has gone a step further with the Le Petit Prince line.
Inspired by the titular character penned by author and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Le Petit Prince models add a touch of childlike wonder to each watch. Watches & Wonders 2026 brought about a series of models directly connected to Le Petit Prince, but the one that stood out most to me was this gorgeous blue dial, white ceramic 41mm chronograph.
Technically advanced but still playful and fun, don’t be fooled by its bright appearance. Though the closed caseback sports an illustration of the Prince himself, it conceals both a magnetic-resistant soft-iron inner case and the ultra-dependable Cal. 69381 automatic movement within.
Reference: IW389410
Price: AU$19,700
For more information: IWC.com
Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback
Though Zenith’s chronographic achievements are typically boots-on-the-ground, the brand has a surprising amount of aviation heritage behind it. This traces all the way back to 1888, when founder Georges Favre-Jacot anticipated the monumental role timekeeping would play in flight.
Fifteen years before the Wright brothers ever took to the air, he had already patented the French term “Pilote” for watches. Later, in 1904, he would do the same for the English equivalent: “Pilot”. For over a century, the brand has protected both trademarks, making it the only watch brand in the world legally allowed to put “Pilot” on its watch dials.
But what good is the licence if you don’t have the appropriate watch to match? Sized at a bold 42.5mm, the Zenith Pilot Big Date Flyback is exactly that. Debuting at Watches & Wonders 2023, the watch offers a distinctly Zenith take on the subgenre.
Orange, yellow, green and blue accents contrast against the black-and-white dial, while a two-disc big date complication sits just above the “Pilot” designation at six o’clock. With the El Primero 3652 beating away at 5Hz in the background, it’s a formidable horological force from what some unsuspecting enthusiasts might consider an unexpected source.
Reference: 03.4000.3652/21.I001
Price: AU$20,000
For more information: Zenith-Watches.com
Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Navigator
This might be a little bit of recency bias at work, but given that I just reviewed the Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Navigator, I had to include it on the list. Beyond that, though, it’s a compelling yet contemporary time capsule of the pilot’s watches the brand was manufacturing in… you guessed it, the Second World War.
But, as is always the case with Glashütte Original, the simplicity of the design belies its true workmanship. For starters, the green-tinted Arabic numerals aren’t just an aesthetic contrast against the matte black backdrop; they’re applied blocks of lume designed to serve their intended purpose. Secondly, the sans-serif Panorama Date at the centre builds on the pilot’s watch principles of legibility, displaying the date just as prominently as the time. Finally, the beautifully finished Cal. 37-24, despite the Navigator’s pragmatic looks, provides flyback chronograph functionality crucial for timing aerial navigation.
Complete with a synthetic fabric strap, it’s a perfect mix of old-world cues and German watchmaking tradition. This recent release from Glashütte Original honours the vintage design while still incorporating features in line with its original philosophy.
Reference: 1-37-24-20-12-64
Price: AU$23,800
For more information: Glashuette-Original.com
Universal Genève Polerouter Date
With all the talk of high legibility and military history, those unfamiliar with the genre might find it odd that I’ve gone with a classic-looking, three-hand timepiece. However, this might just be one of the most legendary pilot’s watch designs in modern watch culture. That’s because the Universal Genève Polerouter Date doesn’t just have aviation credentials and standout design, but also the influence of one of the greatest watch designers of all time.
Before going on to create the Royal Oak, Nautilus, Ingenieur and countless others, Gérald Genta was commissioned to design the Polerouter at just 23 years old. Designed with Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) in mind, the crews were fitted with a strikingly simple, anti-magnetic and temperature-resistant watch that could withstand the conditions encountered on flights between Copenhagen and Los Angeles.
But due to the Quartz Crisis, the Polerouter, much like Universal Genève itself, was lost to time. For 34 years, the name languished under a Hong Kong-based holding company until its reacquisition, led by Breitling CEO Georges Kern, in 2023. This year, the brand relaunched alongside many of the collections that defined it. Of course, this included the renewed Polerouter Date, whose unique brick bracelet, 39mm case and micro-rotor movement make their grand return to the watch world at long last.
Reference: UGPO002
Price: AU$28,800
For more information: UniversalGenève.com
Breguet Type XX Chronographe 2075
Finally, we conclude our list with one of the most luxurious pilot’s watches money can buy. While you might think of the subgenre as more of a practicality-focused tool watch category, its design heritage is still something brands believe is worth celebrating.
Perhaps no brand subscribes to this idea more than Breguet, whose incredible catalogue of haute horlogerie timepieces also includes the Type XX. Initially commissioned in the 1950s by the French Ministry of Defence, the Type XX continues to distinguish itself through its history and character.
Being the odd one out in a gallery of meticulously crafted timepieces might sound like a death sentence. However, Breguet does well to immortalise it with the Type XX Chronographe 2075. Housed in a decadent 38mm Breguet gold case and featuring a no-date, Big Eye design, it celebrates every defining feature of the legendary watch.
If you think the proprietary gold alloy is flashy enough, though, you’re in for a treat. The incredible Cal. 7279 is hand-engraved in the same warm gold and even features a 5Hz beat rate, giving the watch some serious horological substance.
