The Executive Selection: The Top 10 Pilot Watches In 2021

Following their invention in 1904, pilot watches have consistently been among the most sought-after timepieces by horologists around the world. However, given the wealth of choices in the market today, choosing the right one to adorn your wrist can be a pretty difficult endeavor. But worry not- the team at Watchbox, the world’s leading e-commerce platform to buy, sell, and trade luxury watches, have put together this list from which you can choose the ideal pilot watch that fits you and your particular taste:

1. THE MOST POPULAR: ROLEX GMT-MASTER II

2. THE MOST EXTRAVAGANT: RICHARD MILLE 62-01

3. THE MOST ICONIC: BREITLING NAVITIMERThe Navitimer is an inescapable icon of aviation watchmaking; it has successfully adapted to various technical developments over the years, thereby establishing itself as one of the most reliable mechanical chronographs, complete with its acclaimed bezel and large, stainless steel case. The name belies its vocation, being a contraction of the words “Navigation” and “Timer.” It was first launched in 1952; aided by the slide rule associated with its Venus 176 chronograph, and by the Valjoux 72 movement, it has become a legend.

4. THE COOLEST: ZENITH PILOT TYPE 20

5. THE MOST HISTORIC: CARTIER SANTOS

6. THE MOST READABLE: IWC BIG PILOT

If you have a whole collection called Pilot Watches, it’s difficult to go wrong. From the three-hand Big Pilot to the Quantième Perpétuel via 1940 vintage revivals, IWC offers a wide range of pilot watches to suit all styles, built on 150 years’ worth of expertise. The Big Pilot is a timeless watch that’s perfectly readable thanks to its sober, no-nonsense appearance.

7. THE MOST FAMOUS: BREGUET TYPE XXI

8. THE MOST AFFORDABLE: LONGINES SPIRIT

9. THE MOST ELEGANT: PATEK PHILIPPE CALATRAVA

Patek Philippe is not best-known for its pilot watches, but it does offer some fine specimens. One such piece is the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time 7234, featuring a dual time band, broad, luminous hands, and a decidedly 1930s spirit. A masterpiece– and one of the very rare pilot watches to measure only 37.5 millimetres.

10. THE RAREST: H. MOSER & CIE

H. Moser & Cie’s aviation pedigree is as near to non-existent as makes no difference. That hasn’t stopped fine watchmaking’s most off-the-wall brand from riffing on the category with its rip-roaring Heritage Tourbillon Funky Blue Steel, probably the only aviation-themed watch to be made fully in-house– and feature a tourbillon. A tourbillon-free version is also available.

WatchBox is the world’s leading platform for the buying, selling, and trading of pre-owned luxury watches, fueled by technology, innovation, and unmatched global experience in the high-end watch market. As the trusted destination for watch enthusiasts worldwide, Watchbox has offices in the United States, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Singapore, and in the UAE in partnership with Ahmed Seddiqi and Sons. Watchbox’s UAE boutique is located at Gate Avenue in Dubai International Financial Centre; contact them on +971-54-9962509.