When you hear the word aviation watch, the first thing that comes to mind is extreme levels of durability, style, and functionality. With the best aviation watches, not only can you tell the time, but the watch itself transforms into life-saving tools that can be used for a wide range of purposes.
Of course, it’s more than necessary for the modern gentleman to look the part, and move forward with the aviation industry.
Today, almost every sophisticated wrist is sure to have one of the best aviation watches in the market. With unique features such as slide rule and bezels, tachymeters, temperature sensors and even a compass, it’s no wonder the aviator style just keeps getting better.
Here’s our top 10 list of best aviation watches in the industry and all the information you need to get yourself a match today.
The very definition of success is the man who does this eloquent yet fully functional Citizen JY0010-53E Eco-Drive Skyhawk watch. Appropriately designed for the savvy, sophisticated and modern man, this bad boy from Citizen boasts of atomic timekeeping technology incorporated with smart synchronized time management guaranteed to keep the exact time.
Like to travel a lot?
Good on you mate, just like other best aviation watches with this feature, you get time synchronization in 43 different world cities. I don’t know about you, but this is the ideal time piece well suited for the gentlemen on the go.
Citizen understands that men like to see way into the future; that’s why they included a perpetual calendar that will take you to the ends of time and back to the beginning. It also features a multi-function chronograph that is aptly suited and convenient for timing and even accurate measuring. If you feel like your battery is draining out, you can also check the power reserve indicator that is displayed on the sleek dark dial with anti-reflective mineral crystal.
Casio Men’s GW3500B-1A G-Shock Aviator Digital Watch
Starting off our top 10 list is the Casio Mes’s GW3500B-1A G-Shock. This simplistic device from Casio is not only balanced at the controls, but it also boasts of solar power capabilities for efficient power conservation. The GW3500B-1A Aviator Series also has atomic timekeeping features for up to the second accuracy.
The upper ring on this watch is rubber and surrounds a hardy steel case has additional bumpers all around the watch. Surprisingly, these buttons are superbly well protected but also really large and kind of easy to push.
When it comes to durability and surviving high impact force, G-shock really knows their stuff. This black and yellow beauty is among the best aviation watches that can endure centrifugal gravity loads up to 12G. For a more upscale look and professional feel of a cockpit instrument panel, the Casio Men’s GW3500B-1A G-Shock Aviator watch has a sleek golden color balance of black and yellow.
Not only does this watch display multiple world times, but it has three great digital readouts and analog displays. The upper part of your digital display is fully alphanumeric and can display either the current day of the current week or even a second or third time zone if you prefer. There’s also a sound, light and alarms indicator at the top for settings. The other displays can be used as stopwatches or for the third time zone.
Product
Casio Men's GW3500B-1A G-Shock Aviator Series Analog-Digital Black and Yellow Watch
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PROS:
Ultra-tough and shock resistant features
Accurate MB6 Atomic time keeper
Up to 3 different world time zone settings
Up to 200 Meters of water resistance
CONS:
While the LED lighting sufficiently illuminates the digits and clock hands, it leaves out the day and date
For that precise and classy touch and ideal look to go along with a business suit, only a stainless steel aviator will do. The MTP4500D-1AV combines the people’s favorite analog style with the ever simplistic yet sophisticated multi-dial watch. Like most Casio masterpieces and best aviation watches, this one promises a superb mix of features and functions and very masculine ascetics. Although it is quite a looker, it is also very robust and rugged.
The Casio Men’s MTP4500D-1AV also has a slide rule bezel that rotates and should never need any maintenance whatsoever. Since it is very inexpensive, it will not even slightly break your bank in half and should thrive a lifetime; maybe even become a family heirloom item for passing on from father to son. For the man on the go, the multiple zones of time feature is a real gem.
The main hands display local time while the analog display shows a secondary time-zone. They can be immediately switched by preference and with the push of a singular button. Like to get wet? No problem. The Casio Men’s MTP4500D-1AV is among the best aviation watches that can resist up to 50 meters; great for a day out in the rain or the beach.
Mens Unique Quartz Wrist Dress Watch with Calendar Date Window Phase
For the ultimate statement of gentleman’s fashion, look no further than the Mens Unique Business and Casual Wrist Dress up watch has Leather Band Strap. From definite austerity point of view, this watch is almost bulletproof. The crystal is hard and well protected.
If you’re more of a maritime man, don’t fret too much about it since this product has got you covered. While most people do not expect leather band water to meet, this bad boy is waterproofed for depths under 30 meters deep. I don’t know about you, but that’s a whole lot deeper than I ever, ever wish to be when checking out what the time is.
However, try not to pull the buttons out then step in deep waters since you’ll have a weak point right there. Like most of the aviation watches that have leather bands, extremes of heat or cold temperatures are sure to damage the strap and also significantly decrease the life of your best aviation watches.
Product
Mens Unique Analog Quartz Waterproof Business Casual Wrist Dress Watch with PU...
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PROS:
Sports and business casual design for variety
High quality and extremely durable leather band strap that is also comfortable
Up to 98 feet of water resistance
Face is exceedingly scratch resistant
CONS:
Some customers claim that the watch becomes susceptible to water damage after long periods, but just ensure you don’t take it to depths over 30 meters
For over 20 years G-Shock digital best aviation watches have been the trademark of the ultimate toughness. Providing a durable, reliable, waterproof digital watch for every activity. Like all other best aviation watches from G-Shock, this beauty is guided by the triple 10 development concept. This means that the design teams sought to make the best aviation watches that will not break, can survive a 10-meter fall easily, great in even 10-bar water resistance and an even better, longer 10-year battery life.
For the man on the go, the multi-zone time feature is a real gem. The main hands display local time while the analog display shows a second time. These two can then and at your discretion be switched by preference and with the push of only one button.
The G-Shock Unisex GA1000 is among the first best aviation watches to be ingeniously yet subtly equipped with Twin Sensor capabilities. This creates a wristwatch that’s simply flawlessly matched to the specific needs of today’s modern male aviator. This is both in strict terms of function as well as appearance too.
If you ever get lost, just press the button at the 9 o’clock position and your watch will immediately go to your Digital Compass Mode to show you the way. In addition, bearing memory allows you to store, display it in any direction reading so as to use it as a clear reference. Other desirable features here include temperature and range measurement, extra large numerals, and very thick hands for easier reading.
Stuhrling Original Men’s 699.03 Aviator Quartz Watch With Green Leather Band
Possibly the leading specimen in our list of best aviation watches, the Stuhrling Original 699 daringly elevates the fine art of watch-wearing to new and uncharted heights. Men can now steadily ascend fashion’s zenith with the 699s prism-framed indicators plus the sharp and very appealing numbered display.
Like most aviation watches, this reliable and accurate timepiece has quickly become a staple in the experienced eyes of knowledge air aficionados. Rather than asking, the Stuhrling Original Men’s 699.03 Aviator Quartz Watch With Green Leather Band commands a ton of respect by staying true to function and style.
With a round stainless steel case only found in the best aviation watches, this bad boy promises a fixed narrow bezel and a black textured crown. The gorgeous and round, the brass dial displays luminous markers located conveniently at all hour positions. The very discernible green and genuine leather strap ultimately secures it to your wrist with a beautifully engraved buckle clasp.
Product
Stuhrling Original Men's 699.03 Aviator Quartz Day and Date Watch With Green...
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PROS:
Highly accurate Japanese quartz movement
Attractive fluted crown with stud accents on leather band
Buckle enclose for adjustable fit
Up to 330 feet of water resistance
CONS:
Some people have pointed out that the Stuhrling Original Men’s 699.03 Aviator watch tends to tick louder than most; this shouldn’t be a problem on your wrist
Once again, shock and awe to Casio for delivering another collection for the best aviation watches list of top 10 beauties. Aptly described as the epitome of style, quality, comfort, and functionality, the Casio Men’s EF527D-1AV Edifice Stainless Steel Multi-Function Watch kicks things off with a spectacular 45.5 mm stainless steel exterior and stationary bezel with a dash of rough texture at the edge. On individual sides of the steel case are pushes that are assisted with protected crowns on its right side.
Thanks to this resistance and firm screw-lock case back, you won’t give a care in the world whether your swimming in turbulent seas or patrolling the dark blue skies. Just like all best aviation watches with a one-touch, three fold buckle, the Casio Men’s EF527D-1AV Edifice Multi-Function Watch guarantees a secure fit for the steel band.
Like most men, playing rough comes naturally, no matter where you are. That’s why Casio included a mineral glass that allows you scratch resistant protection of the dial.
Casio G-Shock GA-1000-8A Aviation Series Men’s Luxury Watch
The G-Shock GA-1000-8A is among the best aviation watches you will ever come across. It’s the ultimate marriage between style, functionality, and durability. This bad boy incorporates twin sensor capabilities that will provide instant and up to the second access to the direction and even temperature information as required.
To make things much easier, the face of this beastly watch is marked clearly with extra large numerals at the main positions. Like to move in the dark? The faces of this best aviation watches are illuminated by a superior high-brightness and automatic LED light that will guarantee high visibility even under the darkest conditions imaginable. No wonder Casio has long been a favorite and popular choice among the world’s top street sports athletes and surfers alike.
The new best aviation watches and models offer the best of both digital and analog formats. Large hour markers and minute hands also contribute to easiest levels of reading. The arrow-shaped minute hand uses the contrasting color with dials to further increase visibility.
Nothing matters to customers more than comfort and the assurance that your watch will not slip off accidentally. That’s why G-Shock includes a band surface that is magnificently processed to resemble cloth texture. All buttons have a gorgeously checkered surface that allows for a better and tougher design.
G-Shock GA-1000-1A Aviation Series Men’s Luxury Watch
Here, we don’t even care about how many times a brand appears on the list, just as long as we’re getting the best aviation watches available on the market.
However, credit should be given where it is due, and G-SHOCK definitely deserves another mention as the brand that is constantly evolving and setting new standards for all timekeeping devices and their toughness. The GA-100-1A best aviation watches offers large hour markers that feature some uniquely prominent edges for enhanced visibility.
The face, minute and hour makers with dials too are all layered, for a sleek 3-D look that adds to the aesthetic impact. The illuminator ensures easy deciphering in the dark. Well renowned for delivering useful and powerful functions, this bad boy is designed to operate under the most severe environments whether on land, sea, or high in the air.
If you ever get lost, just press the button at the 9 o’clock position and your watch will immediately go to the Digital Compass Mode to show you the way. In addition, bearing memory allows you to temporarily store and display any direction reading so as to use it as a reference. Other desirable features include temperature measurement, extra large numerals, and very thick hands for easier reading.
Product
G-Shock GA-1000-1A Aviation Series Men's Luxury Watch - Black / One Size
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PROS:
Made with an anti-magnetic structure
Includes compass and thermometer for the adventurer
UV-LED neon illuminator backlight
200 meters of water resistance
CONS:
Backlight does not really illuminate digital readings on the watch, only analog
Sometimes, weary bones can get the best of a man. This makes it extra hard to get up in the morning. With the Seiko Men’s SNA411 Flight Alarm Watch, you can say goodbye to those late mornings with the very efficient multiple alarms that will not cease till you get out of bed. It doesn’t really matter if you are a high-flying pilot or a deep-sea diving chap, you always want the best aviation watches on your wrist.
The luxurious and aesthetically appealing round black dial with clever luminescent markers and super huge hands that are set in a coin-edged bezel will surely be a welcomed accessory on any wrist. The 200 feet of water resistance is definitely a welcomed bonus for swimmers since the water-resistant design keeps real-time both in and out of the water.
Are you an athlete or looking to bag gold in the upcoming Olympics? What are you waiting for?
The Seiko Men’s SNA411 Flight Alarm Chronograph Watch has a stopwatch that accurately measures up to sixty minutes in neat increments of a fifth of a second. The alarm can be set on a timed basis and when not in use doubles as an international tour clock for any time zone of your choice. The bi-directional rule bezel will come in handy for those strenuous calculations up in the air.
Product
Seiko Men's SNA411 Flight Alarm Chronograph Watch
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PROS:
Features 42 millimeters of Hardlex dial window and stainless steel casing
Up to 200 meters of resistance to water infiltration
Highly accurate and up to the second quartz movement
CONS:
For the untrained eye, getting lost in all the complex numbers and figures is very easy
Casio G-Shock GA-1000-8A Aviation Series Men’s Luxury Watch
Quartz
9.5
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G-Shock GA-1000-1A Aviation Series Men’s Luxury Watch
Quartz
9
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Seiko Men’s SNA411 Flight Alarm Chronograph Watch
Quartz
9.5
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Tips on Choosing an Aviation Watch
In the early 1900’s, pilots wore repurposed field watches due to the sordid nature of their work. Of course, it is unquestionable that these watches had to be highly accurate and very reliable under low or zero light conditions.
Some of the best aviation watches took into account a broad range of movements and features that contributed to making them a leading force. If you are out looking for the best fit for you, here are a couple of things that you should consider.
I) Consider the Purpose of the Watch
This simply answers the question of where you intend to wear the watch. Just like you wear different clothes for different functions, the same applies to watches too. Luckily, the best aviation watches can be used for both a serious business look or a more laid back, casual image.
However, pulling this off all depends on successfully combining a predetermined set or aviator rules and regulations.
The Driving Aviator Watch
While aviation watches were originally designed for air aficionados, something extra was needed for earth dwelling machines. Men needed a watch that was great for driving around town and showing off too. This is where a driving watch comes in. These are some of the best aviation watches designed to function even in extreme environments.
Typically, your watch will be characterized by luminous dials, a masculine, rugged construction and a unique, unidirectional bezel that can be used to tell drivers exactly how much immersion time they have left. If you own and love to drive a car, driving watches are a great and well-rounded option that will fit your lifestyle perfectly.
The Aviation Dress Watch
The suit is the modern man’s armor in this corporate world that we live in. Like all armor, this one needs an extra touch of class and panache. Traditionally, men were doomed to wear dress watches that were highly understated. Basically, they were just a plain face with black bands and absolutely zero adornments.
Might as well be a ladies’ watch if you ask me. Thanks to some of the best aviation watches, men can now shake hands proudly with a masterpiece on their wrist. Aviators break the thresholds that have been set by society telling men that dress watches should be invisible. Not only can you look great in your aviator watch, you’ll stand out in each and every soiree too.
The Aviator Sports Watch
This stage goes back to the original reason why the best aviation watches were ever created in the first place. Thanks to men who were always willing to push the limits of nature whether it’s 20,000 feet in the air or hundreds of meters under the sea, modern aviator sports watches are quite a force to be reckoned with.
For marine activities such as swimming, snorkeling, diving or mud wrestling, the best aviation watches are specifically designed and formulated to withstand any level of moisture and water even at absurd pressure levels.
If this is your kind of activity, then you want to make sure that you grab yourself one of our best aviation watches that comes with some very nifty features. For divers, water resistance is a given and is found in almost every watch today.
However, the best aviation watches come with an unidirectional rotating bezel that will show the diver exactly how many hours or minutes of air are left in the oxygen tank. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather have a great watch on my wrist than run out of oxygen at 1000 feet below sea level.
The best aviation watches are also very efficient for extreme sporting activities due to their comfortable and secure features. When fighting the bad guys over at Iraq or flying a plane at supersonic speeds, the last thing you want is the inconvenience of a loose and uncomfortable watch.
The best aviation watches on the market today are fully ergonomic and fit the hand just like they were made for you. Thanks to adjustable, interchangeable and even customizable bands, extreme athletes and pilots from all over the world can now look stylish while keeping full confidence that their watch will be along for the entire ride.
The Luxurious Aviator Watch
Let’s face it; there comes a time in every man’s life when it is of the utmost importance to look exquisitely groomed and of high caliber taste. This is when you need the help of the most luxurious best aviation watches that ooze extravagance and superior craftsmanship.
If you love and enjoy some of the finest things in life, then why leave your wrists out in the cold?
Make sure you grab some bling and upgrade your status by buying one of the best aviation watches in our list of top 10 must have aviator watches.
II) Decide on a Movement
Basically, this is all about what will make your clock tick. Every catch needs an engine, and for the best aviation watches, only the strongest will do. This movement is also referred to as caliber and is determined by the mechanism in the timepiece. So, which heart do you want beating in your wristwatch? Today’s modern watches are powered by an array of movements. These include:
Quartz Movement Watches
Quartz, a movement that utilizes an oscillator that is regulated by a tiny piece of battery-powered quartz to keep accurate time. If you are looking for insane levels of accuracy with up to 1-second loss per week, then this is the place for you.
Since it’s battery operated, you can also say goodbye to tedious and cumbersome winding or having to glue it to your wrist all day to work. The quartz crystal inside the best aviation watches vibrates at an astounding 33 times each second to move the hand as accurately as possible.
Mechanical Movement Watches
These are definitely for the mature man that understands and appreciates all things mechanical. If you really sit down and think about it, there’s an innate beauty to the complex workings found in some of the best aviation watches in the market.
Typically, an aviator mechanical watch runs for an entire 42 hours with just one thorough winding of the mainspring. If you buy a high-end watch, it can even tell you the rate at which you will need to wind up again or how much longer it can keep working without requiring another boost. Again, some of the best aviation watches can even go for days or weeks without needing any attention.
However, another interesting type of mechanical aviator watch is that that run on a self-winding mechanism that is automatic. Here, you don’t need to wind the mechanism after ever set period, in fact, you don’t need to wind anything at all. The automatic movement is activated by gravity when the wearer is moving their wrist or walking. Compared to mechanically wound watches, automatic watches are more or less reliable since they can even lose up to 10 seconds every damn day.
III) Get as Many Features as Possible
With the best aviation watches, it’s all about cramming as many toys in there as possible. If you are a watch connoisseur, you will have undoubtedly noticed that aviation watches are famous for including far more helpful and practical features than the average wristwatch can manage.
In addition to a vast array of chronographs, buyers can now get features that will allow them to keep track of time in multiple cities around the world simultaneously. This is very handy for gentlemen who are always traveling from say, America to Tokyo, then to London and once more across Europe.
How on earth will you keep up with all these times and get to meetings without getting lost?
Simple, the best aviation watches include a compass and direction bearing so that you never get lost even in new territory. With the weather differences, you might also want to stay abreast of the climate zones, otherwise, you might freeze to death in the Arctic or catch a heat stroke in Africa. The best aviation watches come with a thermometer to keep you in the loop and aware when temperatures start plunging dangerously or skyrocketing out of control.
Sources:
Amazon.com
Ebay.com
Esquire.com
9.5Total Score
Competition -- Who Takes the Crown?
When it comes to the best aviation watches, the price is not a factor. What matters most are the unique and practical features you get. That's why the Citizen Men's JY0010-53E Skyhawk A-T Titanium Watch takes the cup without any challengers. It's a winner on every level you look at it. The very definition of success is the man who dons this eloquent yet fully functional Citizen JY0010-53E Eco-Drive Skyhawk watch.
Appropriately designed for the savvy, sophisticated and modern man, this bad boy from Citizen boasts of atomic timekeeping technology incorporated with smart synchronized time management guaranteed to keep the exact time.
Like to travel a lot?
Good on you mate, just like other best aviation watches with this feature, you get time synchronization in 43 different world cities. I don't know about you, but this is the ideal time piece well suited for the gentlemen on the go. If you like your watches fancy and packed with neat toys, then the Citizen Men's JY0010-53E Skyhawk A-T Titanium is the thing for you.
Great article, thx!
I was looking for an aviation watch for long. This one is the best among all out there. Now i know everything about it. Thank you