Which pilot or military

[Wedders]

My collection is missing a pilot or military watch. As I’m not really knowledgeable on the subject I would like a push from people that do. I have IWC at the back of my mind but I’m open to suggestions. Please show me yours.

[Navarino]

What size are you thinking? Do you want to go with something smaller/average or large pilot size?

I agree IWC has a lot of great options in this category (depending on your budget). A close friend of mine was looking for his second luxury watch (he previously just had a SubC) and wanted a pilot. I helped him brainstorm ideas and decide on a model. He ended up going with a Mark VIII Le Petit Prince model (link) that I suggested and absolutely loves it. I think it's a beautiful watch, and if I ever got the itch for a pilot myself I would probably go with this one as a (relatively) affordable first.

IWC also just released its new Spitfire collection at SIHH this year. They are all on the official website now, so that's something else you can check out as well.

Keep us posted!

[HogwldFLTR]

For pilot I think Breitling Navitimer; it's fairly large. Too large for my wrist!!!

[MichelleP]

Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aeronef.

[opawlows]

Breitling Navitimer 1 (41mm), especially with the blue dial!

[hodie9]

The new Spitfire collection hits the mark for me. Great looking pieces.

[DonBateman]

Breitling or IWC are going to be the leaders in that category. Although for a more budget conscious buyer, Oris is a lot of bang per buck and they have tons of aviation watches.

[Dr. Robert]

Stowa flieger

[DonBateman]

This is a cool one.

[TurboTim14]

I would go for the IWC Tribute to Mark XI , best looking offering they've had IMO. I think it is a future classic .https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/iw...rk-xi-hands-on

My girlfriend has the Mark XVIII Le Petit with the blue dial and it is also stunning.

[WaxedElvis]

Glycine Airman - vintage.

[Wedders]

Originally Posted by Carry The Interest

What size are you thinking? Do you want to go with something smaller/average or large pilot size?

I agree IWC has a lot of great options in this category (depending on your budget). A close friend of mine was looking for his second luxury watch (he previously just had a SubC) and wanted a pilot. I helped him brainstorm ideas and decide on a model. He ended up going with a Mark VIII Le Petit Prince model (link) that I suggested and absolutely loves it. I think it's a beautiful watch, and if I ever got the itch for a pilot myself I would probably go with this one as a (relatively) affordable first.

IWC also just released its new Spitfire collection at SIHH this year. They are all on the official website now, so that's something else you can check out as well.

Keep us posted!

Thanks for the interest, sizewize I would like 39 to 44 ish. Actually I once thought of buying a Petite Prince and went as far as trying one at a dealers. But since building my collection I now have enough “fussy looking” watches with complications etc. So I am now thinking as plain as possible and not too pricey.
I have 3xRolex 3xTudor 3xOmega.

[exador]

Newmark 6BB Re-edition. £237 on Kickstarter.

[Cabinetman]

Originally Posted by TurboTim14

I would go for the IWC Tribute to Mark XI , best looking offering they've had IMO. I think it is a future classic .https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/iw...rk-xi-hands-on

My girlfriend has the Mark XVIII Le Petit with the blue dial and it is also stunning.

I agree with the Tribute to the Mk XI from IWC. I have the similar 3777-24 chronograph and I really enjoy wearing it. I wasn't a huge fan of the nato on the chronograph due to the case thickness so I swapped for the Santoni. However, on the thinner Mk18 the Nato may be perfect.

[RichM]

This ones had my eye. https://shop.hamiltonwatch.com/h6942...SAAEgKqTvD_BwE

[mgsooner]

I'd love something in this style at 38mm and a price around 3K. I've had a difficult time finding that, seems like everything I find in this style around that price range is 40 or up.

[DonBateman]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

I'd love something in this style at 38mm and a price around 3K. I've had a difficult time finding that, seems like everything I find in this style around that price range is 40 or up.

Hard to find a pilot watch under 40mm.

[daveathall]

Sinn 556 is a pilots watch at 38.5mm, tis very good as well.

[WaxedElvis]

Picture off the internet, and I don't have this watch, but interesting history. This is the current Glycine Airman No.1., think it's 36mm with a couple of options. Glycine was purchased by Invicta a few years ago but from what I have read, only handles marketing etc. for them.

[ts3]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

I'd love something in this style at 38mm and a price around 3K. I've had a difficult time finding that, seems like everything I find in this style around that price range is 40 or up.

A great choice at 38 mm for 3K is a pre-loved IWC Mark XV!

I would look at pieces from the early 2000s with pyramid SS bracelet and/or calf leather and with classic rather than Spitfire dial. They will already have SL rather than the Tritium of the earlier Mark XVs. The pyramid bracelet is the most comfortable SS bracelet I know, certainly more comfortable than the much-praised bracelet of my Patek 5711. Both earlier/later Mark XVs had worse/less attractive SS bracelets than the pyramid variant.

I got a new Mark XV on leather in 2001 and added the pyramid SS bracelet later via ebay. This one still gets most of my wrist time and I wear it working on the bike, car, flying, hiking etc. As a result it is slightly banged up but a banged up Mark XV continues to look good just like many Rolex. A true tool watch!

[nick c]

How about a Square B&R


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[mgsooner]

Some fantastic suggestions above for watches in this style under 40mm, many thanks! Definitely gives me some options to think about that I had not considered before.

[Burlington]

The IWC petit prince collection is really stunning.

Also as mentioned above, the new SIHH releases look fab too.

Lots of brands offer pilot watches, but IWC has the most refined in my view.

[spoilsofwar01]

I'm going to suggest a genuine military Smiths W10, my restoration example is dated 1968, they are available.... However prices are climbing!

[Sandpit]

The new 2019 Spitfire with in house movement looks great. 39mm is a little more classic too

[capote]

Originally Posted by Sandpit

The new 2019 Spitfire with in house movement looks great. 39mm is a little more classic too

New movement? I thought their in house movements were much larger

[Sandpit]

Originally Posted by capote

New movement? I thought their in house movements were much larger

I believe so yes. This is taken from Monochrome: “The 32110 has 21 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) with a 72-hour power reserve. Functions include central hours, minutes and seconds (hacking) with a date complication at 3 o’clock.”

I think this is an outstanding addition from IWC. They’ve added a steel version with green strap too.

[Wedders]

Some very nice watches on show, and very different tastes. Thanks

[JayHantz]

Originally Posted by Sandpit

I think this is an outstanding addition from IWC. They’ve added a steel version with green strap too.

Dang, that SS on the NATO looks awesome. Might be on my radar now...