Top 10 Best Pilot Watches Under $1000 - Oris, Sinn, Hamilton, Citizen, Fortis, Stowa & More
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- With my ever growing obsession for watches designed for aviation, I decided to share my top ten best suggestions for pieces priced under $1000 currently on the market today. I love pilot watches, as the designs and range of complications can be so varied, fun, but yet always there to serve a purpose. For me, aviation themed watches also have the a romantic allure of adventure but yet always remaining toolastically (yes, I made that up) functional. In today's line up we have some historic classics, movie stars, to the cutting edge technology and many Gentry favourites in the mix too.
10. Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pro - To watch a full review click here:
• The Interstellar Hamil...
9. Glycine Airman - To watch a full review click here:
• Return Of A True Icon ...
8. Sinn 556
7. Citizen Skyhawk AT
6. Fortis Cosmonautis B-42 Day Date
5. Stowa Flieger Klassic - To watch a full review click here:
• The Best Authentic WW2...
4. Laco Flieger - To watch a full review click here:
• Watches Of The Dunkirk...
3. Oris Big Crown ProPilot Date
2. Citizen Nighthawk - To watch a full review click here:
• Oris Aquis (Green) Aut...
1. Seiko Flightmaster SNA411
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I watched a gentleman play with a model airplane making engine noises with his mouth. This is why I love this channel.
Thanks for putting us on this great list!!
I am now a watch enthusiast because of you.
Anush, please, I wouldn’t go so far as to proclaim myself an enthusiast in your position.
Loved the playful start to the video, as always the content and editing were as sharp as a razor. I almost had myself convinced that I didn't need a pilots watch ...... almost. Marc owes you a bottle of the good stuff.
Haha, thank you Ron, too kind sir! :D
Best regards,
TGV
A fellow gentleman here - first time comment but long subscriber. Wanted to say thank you for all your vids - really enjoy your insight and depth of reviews. Is there any chance of a top 10 seiko automatics? cheers!
Jotaro Jostar good idea
Oğuz Han thanks Aabi!
Thank you so much and please don't be a strange in the comments. I always enjoy hearing from fellow gentry, even if I do not have time to reply to every comment. As for you Seiko idea, I love it! I have noted it down.
Best regards,
TGV
We wants it, we needs it. Must have the precious.
I definitely look forward to that!
As I told you tgv the Eco drive technology is amazing once more I can attest to that having a Piece running uninterrupted for 14 years plus! no issues at all, and all they need is regular ambience indoor lighting.
Thank you Mario, between you and me, I just pulled the trigger on another Citizen ;-)
Wow, 14 yrs! Very cool.
Best regards,
TGV
mario siaven Wow your watch is almost as old as me!
I bought a Citizen Stiletto (AR1113-12A) dress watch last month. Not a pilot watch, but with the solar powered Eco-drive movement I expect if to run forever. 39mm x 4.5mm in rose gold colour with a simple white face. Minimalist and stylish and infinitely better than these fashion watches. Only lacks a second hand. Absolute bargain for anyone looking for an ultra thin watch.
Be interesting to see which Citizen you have just gone for.
Got a Citizen Navihawk Black (JY8037-50E), amazing watch, the connection to the radio towers that readjusts the time is bang on the second. Always is fully charged though I live in UK where the sun is a novelty.
Great choices! Honorable mention to the Seiko 5 SNK809, the People's Automatic Flight Watch and the gateway watch for so many.
Daniel Horst absolutely agree, I love mine, will never sell it
I've had my blue angels Skyhawk AT for 10 years now, and it's still one of my favorite watches
Funny how "aviation watches" can be so different, from simplistic to overcharged dials.
Indeed, so true.
Thank you my friend,
Best regards,
TGV
I've got a great tip for all people considering spending less than $1000 on a watch please keep saving and buy the one you really want.
Hi, first time commenting too, but I always watch your videos. As a former military pilot and an airline pilot in the present I must say you have a great top 10 list, thanks! I enjoyed it very much. I have some of those from the list, I got my Seiko Flightmaster in 1999 I guess, and the Navyhawk around the same time, but as the years go by and the "eagle sight" faded away I started enjoying more a legible Flieger style watch or even my simple 100 USD Seiko military or a diver's watch like the classic SKX or something similar. In today's cockpits all we need is to see in our wrist is the hour, actually not even that but well, we are watch men right?
I quit using expensive watches at work long ago, they get beaten up unnecessarily, a nice entry level automatic or a simple affordable super accurate quartz is my best choice. Oh! I'd add to your list the SKYCOCKPIT G-SHOCK, (GW-A1000 The very first version is beautiful) that's maybe the best watch I've ever had in my life. Cheap, solar, radio wave tuned, water resistant, shock resistant, GMT, chronograph, alarm, world timer, great lume etc.. In the mid range Sinns are my favorites and in the upper range IWC's hands down. Thanks for reading this long comment and please keep it up my friend. Blue skies and tail winds!
i had that timex quartz model and later returned it after i couldnt get the case back on. i like the earlier GLYCINE models before invicta screwed them up. i hate that ugly date magnifier window. it reminds me of rolex. i want to see STOWA vs LACO so much controversy on how these names are pronounced. that new LACO FRANKFURT is a must!
My sna411 arrived a couple of days ago and I have to say is even more stunning hands on. You seem like a great guy keep up the good work :) .
I think both are amazing watches. If you have a small wrist like me I think you will fall in love with the sna411 . Everytime i look at it it just puts a smile on my face and I've gotten a lot of compliments on it as well. It's a truly uniqe timepiece but the only downside is that its current price is much higher than its original retail value as TGV pointed out.
SNA411 Flightmasta... and those watches SNA Chronographs by Seiko. Love those, would love one of those watches. Too bad sold out etc.... and I just cant bring myself to buy it.
Reminder that a watch can only be too big, not too small. As long as it's mens sizes (35mm++)
How much did you pay? I see there going for crazy prices!!! I love mine!
Got it for 350$ on ebay brand new which is a good deal considering most go for 400$ in used condition. Too bad it was from Japan and i got a fat 20% tax to pay (I am from Bulgaria)
Hamilton needs more love :(
Hear hear!
Thank you Bruce,
Best regards,
TGV
Sure does!!
Hamilton needs AR. I would be a fan then.
WeII said! Though I stiII Iove them.
I own the 36mm Glycine Airman No. 1 purist (the 24 hour version), and I've never been so taken by a watch. I've had it for a long time now and it never gets old. Highly recommended!
So pleased to have #1 and #2 in my collection. I am a pilot and wear these regularly along with my Citizen Blue Angels Skyhawk Titanium. For a pilot, it is not just about looks and complications. A pilot's watch must be capable of being read instantly in all kinds of lighting conditions. In addition, the UTC/GMT dual time is crucial for aviation since all time references for weather and navigation are given in Zulu time.
Can you do a video comparing the different references of the seamaster professional and pick your favorite?
Great idea Eddie, I will certainly look into it.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Not always under $1000 new, but the Damasko DA3x series (especially DA37!) is a great pilot watch! Ice hardened in-house steel, anti magnetic at 80,000A/m, regulated movement, and German made. Retails on Watchmann.com for $1,100 US market.
I bought my Da36 for 1000 even. Damasko deserves a review by the Gentry......great German watch
William Berdine Haha, good to know! That's awesome! I'll adjust my comment, cheers!
Yes! Damasko is a seriously underestimated watch brand. Almost unknown one might say...
As I have a Damasko , I don't really want a review of it. They would be all over the place like the sinn 104...
Sztankovics Dusan Good point.....
Slide ruler bezel is one of the most useful complications a watch can have!
Hi
Sounds like your Spitfire has a issue with its engine, you may have to ditch the old kite.
As always a great video, I just love Traditional pilot watches
SNK809 with a dark brown leather strap.
Type-B inspired dial, and looks amazing for $80 with the appropriate strap.
Reliable 7s26 movement with display window as well.
Thank you for the great video! Nice to hear you refer to some of the pieces as Luftwaffe watches as compared to calling them nazi watches like one bozo.
Not quite the roar of a Rolls-Royce Merlin, but not a bad attempt. :-)
Someone tell me where he is seeing the Oris watches shown in vid for under 1000 dollars? i am not seeing it.
If you're not into the matt black dial there's the anthracite sunburst version which also creeps under the $1000 limit. See here: www.jomashop.com/oris-watch-752-7698-4063brls.html
michael oles jomashop rules
I've got a pretty nice pilot watch that I don't hear to much about its an air blue papa presto its 44mm 316L stainless steel case with sapphire crystal an ar coating its also on a b style dial with a small running second hand at the 6 o clock position and a small date window at the 4 o'clock position super luminova c3 applied thick screw down onion crown at the 4 o'clock position 200meter water resist rating and powered by a miyota 8218 hand wind/ automatic movement and a very nice thick genuine stitched strap if it were swiss it would be worth at least a thousand I got it on entry for less than. A hundred bucks new its triple that price now lucky me huh but I think it deserves to be on your list its not traditional but they given it a nice spin with taste if you get a chance check it out you might be impressed o yeah it teters on cosc standards nice review nice watches take care
At 14:20 the watch on the left is actually the Laco Munster or Heidelberg (42/39 mm) and not a Stowa Fleiger 40, which appears on the right side.
It's too bad there aren't any flieger-style watches under $100 that merit inclusion on your list (and rightly so). For those on a budget the Seiko SNK809 (Type B) would be a great starter automatic flieger-style watch. Those on an extreme budget (under $20) might have a look at a Songdu DM-9206-P01EY Type A flieger-style watch (despite it's limitations) -- until you can afford the simpler-styled watches by Laco, Stowa, Glycine, Oris, Sinn, etc...
I just wonder how different (and accurate) mechanical watch/clock mechanisms would be today had John Harrison lived a few more decades (given the accuracy of his watches and 'Clock B').
You're like a kid with that intro...Making airplane sounds...Lol...still at 0:29 sec of the video :-)
Hello TGV!
Interested to hear more what reference of the flightmaster is currently sky rocketing on the market? Do you have the Seiko “Flightmaster” Chronograph SNA411, or something else. Searching on ebay didn't provide me with a severely high price range ($200-300)
Hi TGV, a huge fan of your wonderful channel. I have always been a great lover of watches because of my Dad who has always been telling me how great his 1970's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date has been ever since I was a child and he still owns it and treats it so religiously. I proud wear my Glycine Combat Sub, Seiko SKX and Certina DS Podium Chrono ( Each of these watches hold great significance as I bought them during various stages of my life. I would love my next watch to be a pilot's watch and preferably a chronograph. Fortis is something I have been drooling over but if possible, would it be possible for you to review the watch-Victorinox Airboss 241620 (Chrono). I have never seen this watch on any of the lists. It seems to be a wonderful watch but never gets any love. Would highly appreciate your take on this watch as I know how much you admire the Victorinox brand just as I do. Thanks.
The Casio MTP4500 is a poor mans seiko flightmaster, Casio EF503 even better option! TGV can you do a "poor mans version watches" EG Casio MTP1370L (Hamilton Khaki King)
have you checked out the art of manliness site? I just recently started shaving(1.5 mos) with a double edge razor .I love it. I'm not brave/foolhardy enough to go to a straight razor. latest acquisition is a b fit watch.It tells the time and counts your steps .i USED IT HIKING THE MA DA HEY TRAIL in the theodore roosevelt national park.
As I wrote in the follow up video "I very much wish you had discussed the Citizen Eco-Drive Men's JY8030-83E Navihawk A-T much further as that exact watch is why I came to UA-cam and am watching your video. I can absolutely understand the time zone functions as well as the fuel weight function, but the complexity of that face has me complexity lost. What on earth am I looking at in whole? What else is it doing in addition to allowing you to change time zones in a flash as well as attempt to monitor your fuel burn rate? There is just too much on that face to figure anything out at a glance!"
Interesting coincidence that the independent brands have a quality product, but not a "luxury" price tag. Affordable quality? Maybe it's not coincidence that they've been able to remain independent.
In that vein... Time + Tide (easily found through the Hodinkee app) just did a short article on Bremont, relating the founders' ideals of quality, service, and value. I was somewhat surprised how affordable (relatively speaking) some of their watches are and how, on a quick search, appear to hold their value better than similar priced brands with more name recognition.
The sinn 556, doesn't come with the sellita, they are always ETA 2824-2 TOP Grade (confirmed by sinn), I have one and it's amazing! Can't believe you haven't reviewed on tgv!
Truly torn between the child-like wonder that would come from having a mechanical altimeter on my wrist and the total lack of occasion I have for wearing such a thing in an office.
Might just have to save up for that ORIS.
Well, in any case I have the Seiko SNAB71 on the way although I would've liked the white dial SNA413 with the one exception that it's a little too close to a navitimer in style.
Great vid and perfect timing for me to make a wish list, thanks.
Found your channel while camping near Weymouth Dorset,subcribed and am enjoying watching your past, present and definitely your future posts.Steve from Wiltshire.
Hi, wondering if you're planning to review a Bell & Ross watch? I'm on the verge of getting a BR 03-92 (not sure if ceramic, or steel though), and would like to hear some thoughts on it by someone a bit more versed with watches. :)
How do you rate Hanhart PIONEER Mk II ? Yes it is above 1k USD, but what about its heritage, quality & craftsmanship?
Hi Gentry, how about the Oris Big Crown ProPilot GMT Small Second? Would like hear great advise and opinions! Feel free to drop your comment! Have a great day!
Steinhart Pilot Watches are great too! 400 Euros for a Swiss movement is a great price.
totally agree with your choice of number one watch the Seiko flightmaster.
just been using mine to time the TT racers in the Isle of Mann those guys doing just short of 38 miles in 16 minutes amazing.
Wore mine on a black leather bund strap great under bike leathers.
Keep up the good work P.B.
What is your opinion on the Seiko SSC009P1? They look very similar except for the difference in red instead of yellow markings.
Is there a difference in quality?
I used a Navihawk for years including a deployment flying out of Bagram Afgh. Best flying watch I’ve ever used by far. So sad it died on me. I wonder if Citizen could still repair it?
Ok....so I'm watching one of your other videos, but then reduce the screen to look at a work document. Then all of a sudden, I hear vibrating lip propellers over my speakers. "what the heck!!" Enlarge the window again, and there I see airplane. Was quite startled at first. Carry on.
So many tasty pieces in that list to save for. Sinn , stowa, just to name a couple that caught my eye. Cheers TGV for another interesting and informative offering. Off to campaign for watch purchasing funds from my wife. Wish me luck🙏🏻
I enjoy these videos that introduce me to watches I was perhaps previously unaware of. Love the Oris watch brand. I'll soon be shopping for one to calm the itch, so to speak. Always entertaining.
Forgive me but idk what the fuzz is about the stowa? Its too plain if you ask me.
Is the Sinn 104 more expensive abroud than in Germany ? I bought one brand new from Frankfurt HD for 1050 Euro.
How did the Oris PP 41 sit on your wrist? I've never been able to find one to try out and was never sure if it is too large or too tall at 13mm. Anyway, would love to hear your feedback and this is a cracking list as usual. Cheers.
Once again, the poor Seagull 1963 (and Sea-Gull D304) are shut out :-) Understandable, but perhaps they could have made it in a "$300 and under" pilot watch video, haha!
Deffo top 20, but like I explained, I can't get them all in the top 10, too many to love ;-)
One must be ruthless with the love, excellent choice btw.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
youre looking good tgv ive owned every watch under the sun but now im obsessed with seiko so much to chose from dials are superb also biult like tanks the 150 sq are fantastic check out the 150 sq aeromaster think it will be right up your street, a,t,b you yours stevie
Mine is the Times Flieger type B with sapphire crystal, heated blue hand and enamel dial with the blue lume brighter than my hulk. 139 USD
In 2 months you have Became my favorite chanel on UA-cam you make the best content, thank you for taking time to put good work out and not just slapping 5 shitty vids out a week
Dude, you are a very talented speaker and you could totally be in the entertainment business in some aspect. Love the videos and I love watches . I have a small collection of limited edition dive watches and I can't get enough of the hobby !
Hello , I just want to say I really enjoyed your input on the pilot watches most interesting indeed. Take care.
Tell Matthew Jackson to piss off our Facebook group and not message my fellow members instigating.
How could you say you have a terrible memory? You remember specific reference numbers on random watches. Come on, don’t sell yourself short lol
I been a watch collector for few know. I like Tags and Seiko's. but you give some good ideas. ill have to look into some of those watch's,
Opt for laco or stowa. You'll get a historically remarkable timepiece so you can appreciate the beauty of it.
Just out of curiosity, is there a reason you haven't reviewed any Deep Blue watches yet? They seem like fantastic value for their price.
What is the diference between the seiko flightmaster and the seiko flight SSC009P3?
Almost thought it wouldn't be in there then...surprise FLIGHTY!
Polish pilots were bravely flying in those Huricans over British sky in the II world war.
Pilot watches are the new Seiko. That intro made me chuckle though.... hahahahaha.
Enjoyed your mood (phrasing), TGV, on this one. Always appreciate you including quartz pieces, in fact you turned me on to one of my fav Divers (humble Casio Marlin). My only Pilot is the Fortis Cockpit One ($599 Jomashop) and enjoy it, btw, like the architecture of the classic Fortis HQ. Best Regards, JP
Most airforce pilotd I see wear the citizen navihawk and citizen nighthawk and a lot of special edition breitlings and bremonts
Are you a big hip hop fan? I hear a lot of dilla and caught the infamous mobb deep at the intro
He used to be a hip hip producer by trade, so... yes, probably.
Hi there, TGV. It would be great if you could suggest both a pilot watch and a dress watch with the following specs:
1) Case size between 34-39mm
2) Under $500 - $600
3) Automatic movement
Thank you.
João Soares very difficult to find a proper pilot watch under 40mm. Have been looking for some time. Most of them tend to be 42-47mm, which sucks for ppl with smaller wrists. You can try looking at Laco’s pieces
Probably to late biut i think the junkers j1 could suit
Another excellent video. Thank you very much. I am learning so much!
We can't forget Alpina....their Startimer series are beautiful and well priced.
please review the oris propilot big crown altimeter! it's the first watch with a mechanical altimeter if im not mistaken and i think it's such a technological feat
I have #7 the blue angels edition it is really a good watch and quality is outstanding thanks for the review .
I love my PVD Skyhawk. It now has a certain patina, as it is the oldest watch in my collection. I must find that Timex to try on-looks really good. Thank you, TGV. Best-David
Thank you David, LOVE the PVD version especially, glad to hear you have one too, how is your subby treating you? What did you take on your recent trip, if it isn't too forward to ask?
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry Still in love with my Sub. I took my Chr Ward Trident GMT 38mm to Africa. I hadn't really bonded with it before the safari, but now it is priceless and performed perfectly.
Should have put the Steinhart Flieger in there...bargain at just under $500!
oh, comenzar con un avioncito volando por tu sala, me dejó recuerdos en mi corazón, i love man. y rematastes con un poco de tango. ya soy tu fan number one. gracias amigo.
Great video as always. I hear that Mobb Deep in the beginning. RIP "P".
Very lovely watches ⌚...thanks for your knowledge on the subject!
Enjoy the classic piano music in the background and the relaxed manner of your delivery! 👍
Thank you so much, very much appreciated
Best regards,
TGV
I've owned an citizen Skyhawk (purchased in Canada $780 in 2008) and after 3 and 5 years it stops working and required repair (under warranty). Had the same issues with 2 other people I know. On the 3rd repair citizen (Australia) lost my watch and gave me 50 percent credit ($400) as Skyhawk was not available in Australia.
So sorry to hear that, I know many people that owned them and never had any issues what so ever,
What rotten luck!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Is there any chance doing a video on Tissot PRS 516 automatic. I really like that watch. Just wanted to have you expert opinion before buying. Cheers
you don't need to say Citzen is better than Seiko hahahahaha. I understand they are sponsoring you but you are the guy!
Should've chosen the Fortis cockpit 1 or cockpit 2 instead of the cosmonaut
Whaaaaaat, no Orient Flight? Absolutely barbaric! Or ghastly 😬
Sneaky vote : Seiko SNZG15 on an old leather strap FTW
One of your best Top 10 shows ever. Love the sense of humor at the inception. Thanks for such an enjoyable show. Hope you can cash in big some day on the quality of this work.
Thank you Tim, very kind of you so say :D
I raise my glass of vino rosso to you sir!
Best regards,
TGV
Please do one on vintage inspired pieces like the Hamilton Navy Pioneer
My daily work watch here at the Pentagon is my Fortis B-42 (three hand/non-chronograph). It is extremely easy to read. Strongly considering buying the new Fortis Cosmonaut Chronograph.
Thank you Dan!
Fantastic to hear from an owner, especially one serving to protect this great nation.
Best regards,
TGV
do people find it difficult getting used to a 24hr watch like the Airman?
Can you possibly do the 5 best watches under 10,000 dollars
If people can't find the book, there is also a documentary.
Is there a way to tell if you're purchasing a pre Invicta Glycine?
Hi Tristan as usual compliments for the channel always full of ideas and new temptations . Today it is strictly seiko saturday though unfortunately I can not send the photos because for a long time I have given up having social networks. .. I should give you a tip, I repair locomotives and I'd like to see a video dedicated to railways watches like Ball or in my case being Italian Perseo. I hope I have given you a good advice un abbraccio CIAO
Jonathan Pears thank you, that Ball is stunning!
Yes sir, it is discontinued. I thank you for the suggestion as I purchased it when it was around 200$ and it was only from your recommendation. It is a lovely choice.
my favorite under 1000 is CW C11 Altus Automatic an aviator/instrument styled watch which is in the vein of Bell and Ross’ BR-01.
Excellent choice sir, but the question remains, is it robustly robust in it's robustness?
Love the B&R too ;-)
Thank you Silky
Best regards,
TGV
No Flightys in video ??
Seiko is my Favorite
Murph watch is out now and costs $800+ which I don’t get...
Greetings from Amsterdam
Thank you Michiel, I adore Amsterdam!!! AMAZING city.
Best regards,
TGV
Great video TGV. I was really hoping to see the Casio EF-527D-1AVDF, curious what you'd think of it!
Thank you, I will look into it.
Best regards,
TGV
I think the gift for Seiko Saturday should be a model of a Japanese plane! The Mitsubishi A6M Zero is the best looking fighter of all times IMO 🛩
Great idea Tomas, nice one, I will deffo get one in for the next one.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Hi TGV, what do you think about the bulova lunar pilot watch?