10 Best Pilot Watches $200 To $1500: Seiko, Breitling, Citizen & More
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- 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 👍
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 😁😁😁
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
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.
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!!!!
Always like the connections of watches seen in certain movies.
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’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
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
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❤️
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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
Best editing and intros on you tube 100%.
I really look forward to these episodes,they never disappoint,this one included .you guys need to keep these going.
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
Two of my favorite watch YT creators having a chat about my favorite watch (Sinn 104)!?
🤯 My day is complete. TY for teaming up!
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.
Love listening to these two, I'm a history nerd and a engineering student and I get both of these guys views so well, it's fun
Start the weekend early. I can’t wait for this one.
Bravo on the intro 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The intro was great. That's true. (Marc, however, not so much.)
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. 👍
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!
My new have to watch love it mate thanks for all uploads
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.
the only thing better than clicking a TGV video is getting a hilarious new intro with Hugo
Thank you old chap you are such an elegant timepiece gentleman, its needed these days 😁
you two guys work great together very funny and cool and this is coming from a 62 year old USMC officer. People may age are usually hard on you youngsters but you guys work well together. Keep it up.
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 !
I love how Mark teases TGV about his tea consumption 😂
I love these collabs more and more.
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
I was looking for this update. Thank you TGV
Glad I finally started getting TGV showing on my notifications again! I’ve missed the channel pleasure to see you my friend!
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 ?!?!
Your great with those graphics, with Hugo's help of course,, always just the right facial expressions from him, a real professional.
Pilots watches got to have a Sinn , love the 104 a classic
Gents! Great banter and that synth intro is right on point. I like it more everytime a new upload comes out. Keep it please 👌
Most excellent! What an excellent way to spend the afternoon. Thanks much, TGV! Onward and upward, my friend!
Thank you my friend, btw, I saw your last comment, I appreciate it too, I did not have time to reply, but I always read your contribution, it never goes unnoticed.
Have a great evening and weekend.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry No worries, my friend! I know you’re busy. Keep doing what you’re doing. Be well!
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.
The intro with the music is so cool, great video as Well!
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!
This is your best episode together. One can tell the chemistry between you two is growing. A great deal of information, history and humor flowing naturally…This episode really felt short because of how much I enjoyed it. Keep the series going!
Edit to acknowledge Hugo’s cameo. How could you TGV 😅.
Loved the intro! Something very satisfying about the word ‘bloody’
+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
Besides the obvious uses for mil spec condoms , they were also issued to put over rifle barrels during amphibious landings for instance to keep the barrels dry.
Great collaboration between TGV and Marc ! Keep up the great work.
Love your intro..very entertaining and fresh!!
These videos are helping this student on a budget get his collection going, thanks alot to you both!
These could be four hours. I just open my watch box and play around and listen. Awesome.
Always look forward to your vids Thank You. 😊
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.
These intros are worth the price of admission!
Love these collabs. Input from the Engineering side and the history side makes you to a great complementary pair.
You guys should really consider doing a podcast. The quality of your conversation is fantastic for someone like me who wants to learn and explore this beautiful hobby. Grazie e ciao :)
These collaboration videos are such an absolute treat!
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!
That Islander Aviator is a beauty. Congratulations, Mark!
Beautiful, cheap ripoff. That's what it is. If you have any self-respect, you buy an original piece.
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
"Sounds awfully claustrophobic." That killed me.
Another brilliant episode and intro! Love you two so much!
Another TGV-Marc watch buddy-movie home run, guys. Love the references to Broken Arrow, a great vehicle for crazy Travolta scenery chewing complemented by Christian Slater playing the sane one(!). Also love the Breitling Aerospace gen one, with its funky-hip typeface and eighties bezel accents. Like Marc, this is the first higher end watch I ever lusted after -- worn by a very senior colleague who could have afforded any watch he wanted, but chose the Aero for its lightness, accuracy, and flexibility for travel. Thanks again, guys.
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
Great choices, guys ! Love everyone of them !
Absolutely love any video you two post together!
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
BEST INTRO EVER!! Loved it. Must gash.
Great collaboration as usual, you guys have great chemistry. Loved the intro with Hugo ending up with cenobites. Hellraiser and Hellraiser 2 are quite quotable movies, btw. "We have such great sights to show you", "And to think I hesitated" etc, etc.
Any day with Hugo makes a good day.
First video I have watched since Hugo came on board. Silly in my view. Different strokes I guess. Loved the sophistication pre-Hugo videos provided. This collaboration was fun.
I really love your new 80‘s inspired intro music. Nice video too 👍
Outstanding act. I love your creative mind and your profesional abilities to produce, edite and music. On top of your expertise with watches and history. Great human been. Congratulations and blessings from Mexico City.
Oh, you guys just made my day after a hellish week.
This must be the only watch channel that mentions mil spec condoms and orange juice...
By the way,, Hugo did a good job on PinHead,, if anyone can tell him off it's Hugo.
I don't want to say it again.."best intro yet" but I have to say it again....Best intro yet!😁👍👍👍👍 I myself have, and I'm wearing right now, the Orient Mako XL with the orange bezel, 44.5mm for my big wrists and I love it!!😁 Also it's good to see that there are Military specs for privates.
I always look forward to drinking a gallon of coffee whilst watching you guys discuss watches each month. Keep up the good work 👌
Great episode, two guys shooting the breeze. Class 👍🏴👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you Jim!
Best regards,
TGV
I always look forward to these lists you two do!
The legibility of my Aquis GMT blends great diver specs with a dial, hand set and bezel that has a pilot watch aesthetic. Great videos, keep up the good work!
Actually really love this series and am still quite amazed at Mark's watch knowledge
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.
Surprised you missed the Glycine Airman. Enjoyed the content nonetheless. Thanks for sharing. Just might need to pick up a Marathon Navigator.
I love this no nonsense wholesome content. I nearly lost my way to the dark side of all the grey market UA-cam hype these days. This pulled me back to the light.
Man, I really like that islander that Marc started with. Very smart looking.
I love it when you two get together, always a joy to watch!
Thanks for the episode TGV and Mark!! 👌🏽
Best watch enthusiast channel on youtube.
another top notch video ! i would love to see top 10 micro/under the radar brands!
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.
I am a pilot watch person. Most discussions on this topic mention readability and clarity as a key factor in a pilot watch. This is true. In addition to that is the precision of the dial card. There is nothing worse than markers which do not line up with the hour, minute and second hand all around the dial. It's a deal breaker.
Love these videos! Happy to say I’ve got the Marathon navigator in desert tan with the IDF logo. Love how light it is and looks nothing like any of my other watches.
This makes my day at work so much better love these vids, keep them up TGV and Mark! Have a good 4th of July as well!
I really enjoy your channel. Didn't think I would but it puts its dino-timekeeping stamp on the world.
Great show T!
Nice to see the Sinn 104, Sinny is still running strong 👍
All the best!
Stuart
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.
Been saving for the Fortis classic pilots watch but I prefer the standard seconds hand. The racing numerals look great and that touch of blue on the seconds hand pops beautifully