10 Best Pilot Watches $200 To $1500: Seiko, Breitling, Citizen & More
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- Today I am once again joined by watch expert and engineering genius Marc from Long Island Watch to discuss our favorite pilot watches in 2021 from as little as $200 to $1500.
We analyze what makes a good aviation watch, why we selected our choices, and the best options on the market right now. From new customizable watches to historic classics, plus movie icons, trendsetters, hidden gems and sweet spots on the luxury market, there is something for everyone in this episode! So, settle in for another fun and laidback #WatchTalk as well as a special appearance from the right dishonorable Sir Hugo Mountbatten.
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** Spoilers ahead!**
Included in this video are the following watches: Citizen SkyHawk, Citizen Navihawk AT, Stowa Classic Flieger 36mm, Breitling Aerospace E75362, Sinn 104, Laco Paderborn 42mm, Seiko Spork SRP043K1, Seiko Flightmaster SNA411, G-Shock Air Collection, Marathon Navigator 41mm, Islander ISL-16 Pilot Watch, Fortis Classic Flieger Small Seconds F6420004, and Hamilton Khaki Pilot Cooper (Interstellar) H64615135
11:00 Islander pilot watch
14:22 Sinn 104
17:28 Laco Paderborn
20:55 Fortis Pilot Classic small seconds
24:05 Seiko Spork
28:29 Marathon Navigator
34:21 Stowa Flieger Bronze Vintage 36
37:41 Citizen Skyhawk 80
41:11 Breitling Aerospace Ani Digi
46:10 Hamilton Cooper
Thanks 👍
Thanks for this list, would have been much better with the prices alongside 😉. Really the guys used a too wide price range, in my opinion.
OK, I get it now after seeing how they lose track at the beginning. 😅
The spork has perfect alignment
The Turtle cane back
This has quickly become one of my "must watch ASAP" series on UA-cam
Dude couldn't agree more!!!
"When they rearrange the molecules"? WTF?! This Marc guy clearly has no clue what he's talking about. (Great intro, though.)
@@jonathancorbett7882 Careful with your judgement! As an engineer he certainly knows its the molecular structure that is rearranged by extreme heat.
Everybody pics a wrong word now and then.
Yep, same here. And i'm hittin' the sack too late, again. Just like everytime they have a new watch-nerd-chit-chat online.
Could not agree with you more 👍
Yesss! Another TGV and Marc video! Never stop making these TGV, I love the chemistry and contrast between you two.
Thank you Alex, always so great to hear from you and you enjoy the show, lots more to come!
Best regards,
TGV
Thought the Vietnam field watches used trituim
One of the fun things about the watch hobby is the interesting subgenres. Field, Pilot, Diver, Dress, Digital, etc... Always good to see this duo, hope you guys cover all genres of watches!
The fakes are you free 😁😁😁
So Marc doesn’t want to make a shirt. . . Solution: Urban Gentry makes a shirt with a Islander dial on front and both their logos on back. Take my money, please and thank you.
I'd be up for that!
Great idea, they can both work on one and TGV will manage it. Would make everyone happy. 👍
Always like the connections of watches seen in certain movies.
As far as I see it the only true difference between a pilots watch, a field watch and a classic sports watch is your attitude.
it's actually whether you are a pilot or not. if yes then any watch you wear is a pilot's watch
Attitude or Altitude 😉
@@karlsenula9495
Both.
@@Alias_Anybody Whow, what more can I say ?
the right comment on the right channel !
The perfect moment to cheer me up! I just got a call from the jeweller that my 16 year old Rotary "Heritage" series watch doesn´t need a battery change but has stopped working beyond repair. Which leaves me without a dress watch. However, a TGV video about Pilot watches is enough to lure me away from browsing Seiko Presage and Orient Star offers.
The gold Timex marlin is a cheap nice looking dressy watch, throw it on a cheap gold mesh and it could fool a few people 😜
The old Orient Star Retrograde was so nice though.
Just adding my opinion. As a pilot for over 50 years I have found the Citizen Skyhawk any version as long as it’s Titanium is the very best actual pilot’s watch. Not just one that looks like a pilots watch. I used one for that last 16 years of my career right after they came out and even though I’ve retired I’m seriously thinking of getting one of the new ones with the Atomic Time checking daily and some of the other minor items they’ve added since the early 2000s
Pilots watches got to have a Sinn , love the 104 a classic
Hugo is an intellectual and magical t-rex haha.
I do hope to see him chew his way out of there. :)
So many watch channels have T-Rex 🦖 why? Because of the wrist?
@yeh nah did not know who they where fuxin with!
I think so too!
Nice. Love to see my favorite Blue 104 daily driver watch in the thumbnail at the top of my feed. Cheers Gents!
Yema also makes some great value watches in this price range. As for Pilots watches there is the Superman for the French Air Force, the Flygraf and I am not sure if the Navygraf is used by the French Naval aviators.
YESSSSSS!!! Deffo my number 6 if I could choose more.
Excellent suggestion, I am so glad your brought it up, thank you!
Best regards,
TGV
Flygraf is a lovely design
With all the drama going on in the watch community, it’s refreshing to see a TGV video!!!
Drama?!? I can't stand all the puerile stuff either, what have I been accused of now?!?? 😂😂😂
Actually, I prefer to just ignore it like always.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry that’s why I love your channel! Positivity and a love of watches. Onward and upward my friend!
O&U!!!!
Modern day military pilots wear Casio, Timex and Garmin... Airline pilots might wear a Hamilton, Breitling or even a Rolex... all the rest is marketing !
Regional airline pilots wear Citizen and Apple. And in my case, also Stuhrling homage Pepsi. Mainline pilots are the only ones who can afford Breitling and Rolex.
Just ordered a Flightmaster from Marc´s store a few days ago, cant wait to get it in my hands :)
If you don't get a warranty card, ask Marc why. (Hint, it's because he sold you a factory second.). Next time, buy your Seiko from a legit store.
@@jonathancorbett7882 could not find any store that sells them new in EU had to import one form somewhere.
Miss the old intro😔 it was so calming and distinguished after a hard week at work and painfully and longfully awaiting the next video from both of your channels❤️
Yay! Hugo’s back!!!!………Aaaaaand he’s gone! Oh well can’t be helped!……. Somehow I feel that he’ll be back! Mwahahahaaah! Great joint upload as always!
Glycine also makes some wonderful Pilots watches ... with some history behind them. I saw Stowa mentioned and remember Messerschmitt also makes Pilot watches. (Watching now so this may be edited).
YESSSSSSS!!!! Absolutely, OMG, I almost feel bad I didn't put an Airman in there.
Thank you my friend, deffo in my top 10 GMT video when we do it one day.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry... Airman or the DC4 Purist.
@@theurbangentry I must say, I'm wearing my Airman right now and we're both very disappointed. (loved the video anyway, though)
I just want a Bundeswehr style and Navitimer watch at an affordable price
Other options than those in video:
-Nezumi Corbeau $350
-Collins Bronson $500
-Collins Bronso Chrono $200 pre owned
As far as the condoms, doesn’t the military use those on the end of rifles?
Yes, condoms are often used to cover the muzzle in the field.
Absolutely right sir !!!
Also for water collection in survival kits if I remember correctly.
@@richardrecker575 And to make water bombs to be throwen out of the 3rd flour window of the school building.😂😂😂
Sweet when I see the a 104 in my youtube feed, just changed to exactly that leather wrist band on mine. My #1 daily driver, love it.
Bravo on the intro 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The intro was great. That's true. (Marc, however, not so much.)
I love it when Hugo makes an extra long appearance. Awesome TGV!!! And, as usual, your collaboration with Marc is fantastic.
Hugo is my spirit guide.
My Sinn 104, on a NATO, never leaves my wrist. Perfect size and functionality. The countdown bezel is great for timing rugged activities like steeping tea!
TGV and Marc, I look forward to these collaborative videos like no other… the two watch aficionados I value the most! Where else can you find such a wealth of information? I love the discussion format and the insights into so many diverse watches. Thanks so much for taking the time.
I’ve had my Skyhawk AT for 9 years, just after I started pilot training. I think, for myself, a large majority of Citizen watches don’t appeal to me because of the EcoDrive, and that feeling of a missing “soul” as it were. But it works on the Skyhawk. It’s a watch that is “scramble ready.” You don’t have to worry about it, it has 200m water resistance, it has dual time, it has the E6-B bezel, it can do everything. Radio time is amazing, and it can be dressed up or dressed down.
Mine is a bit beat up now to try to wear to fancy events, but it still works with a sport coat, and mine lives on the stealth black NDC strap now 90% of the time.
It’s a great watch, can be your one and only, and I’m really happy to see it made it so high on your list!
Excellent comment and so true about the eco-drive in the Skyhawk, it totally works well, exactly like you said. Thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
TGV you should do a collab with Jody
The Promaster divers have great alignment
My dad gave me his Chronospace in high school and I sold it, like a moron. Oh the painful memory... I really hope you didn't just send me down the Chronospace rabbit hole, TGV.
Chronospace
Spiffing work from the guvnor!
I watch you both, but THE SUM IS GREATER THAN ITS PARTS. Yes, caps for emphasis.
Thank you old chap you are such an elegant timepiece gentleman, its needed these days 😁
How is it that the Glycine Airman (especially the DC-4) is not on this list?!
Wait for the top GMTs 😉
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Surprised you missed the Glycine Airman. Enjoyed the content nonetheless. Thanks for sharing. Just might need to pick up a Marathon Navigator.
Start the weekend early. I can’t wait for this one.
Marc, inventor of the 4 1/2 day beard
"Sounds awfully claustrophobic." That killed me.
MUCH respect to you, TGV. You are pretty much the only channel that didn't get baited into the TPG stunt. You earned a subscriber! Cheers!
Isn't this the only channel that got baited into the LIW stunt, thogh?
@@jonathancorbett7882 LIW stunt? What is that?
I also spotted the marathon on the actresses wrist in Old Guard. Got all excited shouting it out and got my friends I was watching the movie with confused as always.
Love my islander pilot. Great value and very comfortable.
Value? What are you talking about?
@@jonathancorbett7882 My Islander Pilot watch was less than $200. Keeps plus 4 seconds and looks great. That's value.
As a pilot who operates globally my go-to "pilot's watch" is any one of my pieces that incorporates a GMT complication, whether automatic or quartz. But there are so many amazing pieces from which to choose. Entertaining video guys! And thumbs up for the Aerospace Marc!
Quartz is more accurate and better at magnetic protection
Fun fact: Condoms have a mil-spec because condoms are used as muzzle covers when traversing water, and are used as water carriers. This is why mil-spec condoms are unlubricated and a lot thicker than the ones you get at the pharmacy.
Always look forward to your vids Thank You. 😊
As punishment I would have made Hugo watch the French film 'The Red Balloon' ... in French.
I still remember that from high school French class...”Balloon!? Balloon!?”
Dear God man, have mercy!!
Damasko Da36 is a modern classic pilot style watch at around the 1500$ price point
Best editing and intros on you tube 100%.
+1 regarding the Citizen Skyhawk atomic set solars. Despite their size they wear very well, and do everything you'd ever need from a watch.
I recently acquired two in well-used condition and rehabbed them. Sapphire crystals, good cleaning. Kept one on the factory bracelet and have the other on a NATO.
They work in size because they are pilot watches
breitling aerospace iz the watch of the current /century/
I really look forward to these episodes,they never disappoint,this one included .you guys need to keep these going.
That's a bit harsh, sending Hugo to the hellraiser dimension!
My new have to watch love it mate thanks for all uploads
BRONZE WATCHES!! Would love to see you guys talking about them.
Any particular reasons that you're not too fond of Citizen's Eco-Drive?
Good question, it's not eco-drive per say, it's great and there are a ton of amazing watches that have it from Citizen. My issue is more that they depend on it too much and I miss seeing more mechanical offerings from such a great brand, I hope that makes sense.
Thank you Eric,
Best regards,
TGV
I do like the look of Mark's Long Island pilot watches . Spec to cost ratio no comparison. Porch Pirates only thing holding me back
Tell me about it, I am not even after a Flieger, but when he pulled that out I was like, hmm, maybe I need one!!! LOL
Thank you my friend,
Best regards,
TGV
Marc looks like my college girlfriend. Am I gay?
My No.1 vote is the Glycine Airman.
Loved the intro! Something very satisfying about the word ‘bloody’
Hello guys!, Your dialogues are simply the excellence!. I have had the pleasure to enjoy and learn a lot as well with them!. Congratulations to both of you!.
Saludos!
That flieger Seiko looks like a classic Sinn ripoff.
Interesting point, even more interesting when you consider it pre-dates many of the Sinn watches with that dial style, however, their cockpit clocks did, so maybe Seiko got the inspiration there?
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry Had no idea it predates the Sinn, it looks very new. It looks almost identical to my neo-vintage 656. But maybe the design is so generic nobody can claim it...
Watching this to get away from all the Timepiece Gentlemen videos. TGV still my number one channel for watch content.
As always great Collab between you two. Some amazing watches. I've had my eyes on a few Laco flieger watches recently. Having lived in Germany briefly after University I'm fond of many things German Inc Watches (and Beer). But I'm currently trying (quite unsuccesfully) to reduce my collection at the moment. Maybe in the near future though fingers crossed. Great video as usual, have a great weekend sir when it arrives
Video time... here we go chaps 🙌🏻🍸
I bought a Flightmaster and a Seagull 1963 based on your recommendation. I am absolutely loving them!! Thank you for all that you do TGV!!! Your channel is a a MUST watch for me (the pun is intended!). Keep up the incredible work!!
Hearing that makes it so worth it, thank you and enjoy that dynamic duo, you have great taste in chronographs my friend, thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
Good evening TGV! That's gonna bei a great show right before Flieger Friday! Hope we some Sinns and Lacos...and maybe a Stowa! Have a great evening! Best regards!
Thank you and good evening Heiko!!!
Let's just say, you will not be disappointed, enjoy.
Best regards,
TGV
Guys, check out the ETA 2824 Steinhart Military 42
also, what is the intro song?!
I was a pleasure to watch this colaboration with Marc. TGV I guess Hugo needs to be rescued from this utterly ghastly hellish place....... please give him a helping hand. You are so right with this "Murph" Hamilton. I already purchased this one if it only was - a 37 or a 38 mm watch - or just a bit smaller. I wonder if Marc will come up with an Islander version of this iconic Seiko SRP ?!?!
That Stowa is amazing! I've recently looked around a bit for pilot watches and seperately on bronze watches for something to add to my collection. That just hit perfectly, will without a doubt be my next purchase =D
You two guys reminds me, why I reignited my watch interrest - watches and friendship goes hand in hand.
🙌🙌🙌
Love it, thank you my friend. Onwards and upwards!
Best regards,
TGV
I've been looking at the Islander watches. Wow! I love the choices, colours, bracelets, the lot. If it weren't for import duty and postage etc... I'd be seriously considering one.
I've been watching many of these videos lately. At 30 years old, I decided I want to start wearing a watch. And now my eyes are opened! Watches are freaking cool!
Brilliant intro, lol love the show 🇬🇧👍
Always a pleasure! and have to add a quote :
Robert Hill
51 minutes ago
This has quickly become one of my "must watch ASAP" series on UA-cam
and a question yours Seiko Flightmaster it's automatic? do you have or helo with a reference number? Thank you
I feel like that the range will always be $200 to whatever the amount when it comes to pilot watches so you can include old flighty!!!!
Good old Hellraiser🤣great reference Governor to the awesome Clive Barker 👏
Missing: Poljot Blue Angels Chronograph White - www.poljot24.de/en/uhrtypen/chronographen/poljot-blue-angels-white.html
It may be a micro brand but the Escapement Time Flieger is finished well above its cost. I was very skeptical until I had it in hand. For value it’a hard to beat. Especially if you’re like me and don’t ever sell a watch.
If that Murph was 38mm, lug to lug 46 that would be the perfect watch. Great show fellas, as per.
Intro was a bit over the top.....but after that I enjoyed the video, as usual. And while not exactly a pilot's watch, it was Marc who obtained for me the hard-to-find YAMAM version of the Marathon JSAR watch......and the matching YAMAM bracelet. It is one of my most coveted watches. Pity you guys didn't manage to discover the Zelos Skyraider pilot's watch. Those are gorgeous and very obtainable watches. Some day one of you is going to discover Zelos.....then your lives will change......
I ended up getting an Archimede pilot watch (on mesh) because my research made me end up thinking the Archimede was the best-proportioned reinterpretation of the flieger out there. It's the first company to do a bronze flieger - but I've never wanted a bronze watch!
Three years later, it's still my favourite piece - and the lume does last all night.
I have the exact same Benrus as you TGV, I might have to buy one of those new shirts, great design
Love these collabs. Input from the Engineering side and the history side makes you to a great complementary pair.
The citizen blue Angels collection is a personal favorite of mine and my father's. When I was younger, he and I used to go to their air show every year and it was incredible. As a matter of fact, our residency was mere minutes away from their airbase in Washington state. An incredible watch collection, for an incredible team of pilots.
I absolutely love when these two collaborate! These videos are what inspired me to order from Island Watch since I live on Long Island myself. Thanks for all the priceless Information as always!
Thank you TGV for another great interview with Mark and a wonderful intro! I have really enjoyed this interview and enjoyed listening to the choice of watches that you have selected. Thank you! Stay healthy and well! Nick L
Glycine Airman GMT!!!
The one gap in my collection is a proper pilot watch. Soon to be filled I think. Thanks as always guys. This series is like top gear for watches.
A couple thoughts to consider for 2023:
Seiko 5 GMT
Sinn 903 is the ultimate pilot watch for its proper E6B…and it was built from the quartz-burned ashes of Breitling.
Breitling has screwed up the E-6B in the Navitimer and a “proper” E6B only exists in some of the older AOPA versions and the Cosmonaute. A proper E6B needs the third ring with hours/minutes like the Sinn 903.
And two last cheapie watched with proper E6B function:
Casio Edifice
Seiko SNA411
on paper smartwatches are better
Also, there's a Mil-Spec for Brownies
Wow, there really is a mil-spec everything!!!
Cool to know, thank you Robert,
Best regards,
TGV
Hi Marc and TGV. Big fan here. Just one question. Was there anything special or remarkable about the Seiko SRP line? I’m curious because I own an SRP667. Actually bought it after watching a demo on Marc’s channel about how to use a compass bezel.
Seiko also made a Kinetic interpretation of the Spork which looks pretty cool as well. They can be had for a lot less than the automatic, which is fine with me as I really like Seiko Kinetic watches.
Mako is pronounced as Tako the Mexican food. Stop anglicizing non-English words. Peace.
Watching this as I get up this morning. Glad to see the bronze Stowa on the list. In honour of today's video I've popped my 40mm bronze Stowa no date on the wrist today. It's just a stunning watch.
Excellent video work again TGV, but might want to put an 18 rating on some of them! :)
These could be four hours. I just open my watch box and play around and listen. Awesome.
I was looking for this update. Thank you TGV
Clicked on the box for Marc's Pilot watch video , and this video just paused...find Marc's video at ua-cam.com/video/Fa2b3kVFjio/v-deo.html
i'm in my time machine...gone back in time... people would say....why would you buy a plastic watch like that .... @29:52 fast forward to 2022 , watch world gone mad over a £207.00 plastic watch , you just couldn't make that up . 🤣🤣🤣
Question - I’m in the market for a new watch. Currently, I have a two watch collection (Datejust 36 champagne diamond dial two tone and a Cartier Tank Solo). Should I buy a 2015 Submariner (Box & Papers) or a new Datejust silver index from a AD?
Background, I tend to wear more business attire during the work week. My two tone is a bit flashy when I’m wearing causal clothes in the evening and weekends or at the Airport. Also, I have small wrist (6 3/8 wrist)
Thanks.
I have the Citizen Promaster Skyhawk Titanium with a blue dial ref: JY8100-80L. Lovely piece which wears a lot smaller than the case width of 44mm due to a short lug to lug of 46mm. I'd really like a Glycine Airman which wasn't mentioned and a Laco Dortmund.
I managed to buy a 1988 Seiko Gen 1 recently. It's a fantastic military issue watch.
The two watches I'd add: Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Mechanical (Reissue of the 1973 Hamilton for the RAF) and, of course, Glycine Airman, specifically the No. 1, because it's the most faithful to the original.