But, if you are the type that prefers something classier and more sophisticated, a pilot watch is the way to go. As its name suggests, it was initially designed to help pilots with navigation by including important features like dual time zones.

However, nowadays many people will only buy them for their fashionable look.

But if you are going to buy one of these trendy watches, you will have lots of options to choose from as there are now more brands that make them than at any other time.

Whether you are buying one of these watches for their style or are a pilot looking for something functional, this piece will be very useful for you.

Here we explain how to choose your perfect pilot watch and also review 5 top rated ones you can buy for under $500.

Key factors before buying

Pilot watches are some of the priciest, but you can still find great ones for under $500.

However, to make sure that you pick the best one you should consider the following factors when shopping.

Dial

Watch Dial

For a pilot watch, the dial needs to not only be large enough but also highly legible to allow you to see the time or any information at a glance without wasting time staring at the watch. A dial with

prominent, Arabic indexes and numerals and high-contrast or luminous hands is also a much better option as it is more legible.

Bezel Markings

The bezel markings are one of the key factors that will set apart a pilot watch from the many other types.

A good pilot watch should have flight computer bezel markings that will assist things like wind correction angle, fuel burn and many other calculations. This information is vital for a pilot, and so the more of it that the watch can provide the better.

Strap

You can never overlook the strap when it comes to buying a pilot watch because although it does not display any information, it is what will keep the watch in your hand.

Stainless steel and leather straps are the most common. If you are buying one of these watches for fashion, stainless steel is the best choice while riveted leather is more functional and comfortable as you can wear it for long periods with minimal hand fatigue.

Brand

Budget Watch Brands

It is impossible to overlook the brand when shopping for a pilot watch because everyone wants to wear something from a highly reputable company.

Also, a reputable brand gives you some confidence that the watch is high-quality and will serve you well for long. For an under $500 pilot

watch, the best brand options include Citizen, Garmin, and Seiko. But, when it comes to the brand it is all a matter of personal preferences.

Citizen AT4010-50E Eco-Drive by Citizen

Our Pick

Pros

Antireflective sapphire dial window
Durable titanium link bracelet
Radio controlled multiple time zones
Accurate automatic timekeeping
Can display 12 or 24 hour time
Power reserve indicator

Cons

Changing the mode from time to chronograph can be a little awkward.

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With the Citizen AT4010, you will never have to worry about replacing batteries or have to buy a watch winder as it uses a unique technology that utilizes light to power the watch.

The watch is made with a durable and sleek-looking titanium link bracelet and with an anti-reflective sapphire dial window on the large dial.

There are also 5 radio controlled time zones, and you can display the time in both 12 and 24 hours. And this is one of the most accurate watches out there as it makes use of automatic timekeeping.

Other things like the power reserve indicator make it easy to monitor, and it is water resistant up to 200 meters which makes it also ideal for water sports and scuba diving.

This is a feature-rich and highly durable pilot watch that is designed to provide a lot and accurate information.

For more about Citizen AT4010-50E Eco-Drive, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Citizen BJ7000-52E Eco-Drive Nighthawk by Citizen

Pros

Durable stainless steel bracelet and case
Low charge warning
Luminous hands and markers
Foldover push-button clasp for more secure closure
Ideal for marine use and water sports

Cons

Date display is a little small.
No radio for automatic atomic clock sync.

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This Citizen watch is designed to be both functional and stylish as it will also look great in your hand.

It has a stainless steel case and band with a fold over clasp with push buttons for safety and a black dial with luminous hands and markers for easy visibility.

The dual time function is very handy as a pilot can also know the destination time throughout the journey.

And although the antireflective mineral crystal is still not as good as the sapphire ones, it is still top notch quality and can withstand scratches for long.

There is also a low charge warning, and because this is 200-meter water resistant watch it will be ideal for marine activity and water sports.

This is an ideal choice for those that prefer the style and durability of stainless steel.

You know what’s the most important feature of Citizen BJ7000-52E Eco-Drive Nighthawk? One customer wrote details about this on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Citizen JY8035-04E Eco-Drive Navihawk Atomic Watch by Citizen

Light-Powered

Pros

Multifunctional chronographs
Luminous marker for nighttime visibility
Digital information displays
Durable stainless steel case
Anti-reflective mineral crystal
Atomic timekeeping for increased accuracy

Cons

Second hand is not illuminated.

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While the dial on this watch can be quite intimidating as it contains a lot of markings, for those that understand the value of a watch will know that this is a good thing as it means it will provide a lot of useful information.

The many markings stem from the fact that it has multifunctional chronographs. There are also some digital displays that will provide even more information and the watch use atomic timekeeping technology to ensure accuracy regardless of where you are.

This pilot watch also has UTC display, power reserve indicator, 2 alarms, a perpetual calendar and it is made with a stainless steel case and band and with anti-reflective crystal.

This is the perfect choice for those that hate dealing with batteries and are looking for a multifunctional watch.

For more about Citizen JY8035-04E Eco-Drive Navihawk Atomic Watch, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Citizen Eco-Drive Stainless Steel Watch with Leather Strap by Citizen

Cheap

Pros

Durable stainless steel case
Comfortable and long-lasting leather strap
Luminous hands for increased visibility
Anti-glare and hard to scratch the crystal
Highly affordable

Cons

Does not display a lot of information.

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An even more affordable pilot watch like this one will not only work well for you but also look good on your hand.

The watch has a stainless steel case designed to last for many years and a comfortable leather strap that feels amazing on your hand and is also durable.

Visibility at night or under low light conditions is also taken care of by the luminous hands, and with the anti-glare crystal, you can also view the time comfortably in any weather.

This highly affordable watch also offers high water resistance to ensure that you can even use it for swimming, snorkeling or wear it to the shower.

If you want a highly affordable pilot but with some useful functions, this is your ideal choice.

For more about Citizen Eco-Drive Stainless Steel Watch with Leather Strap, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Garmin D2 Bravo Watch by Comsoon

Digital

Pros

High-quality case and strap materials
Includes smartphone connectivity
Heart rate monitoring capability
Highly sensitive GPS receiver
Includes various alerts
Domed sapphire lens is highly resistant to scratches

Cons

A little pricier.

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While this Garmin D2 watch might not have the traditional analog design of many other pilot watches, it is still quite a useful device with some impressive technologies.

The digital watch is made from high-quality materials that include a stainless steel case and leather strap and with a domed sapphire lens that is highly resistant to scratching.

It uses a sensitive GPS that can be a very useful backup for pilots and it will display a variety of information and alerts such as the altitude alert.

Also, it is still useful for many other functions such as helping keep you active with its activity tracker.

This is a smart digital watch that offers highly useful and accurate information and alerts and can also be connected to a smartphone.

For more about Garmin D2 Bravo Watch, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Conclusion

Pilot watches combine style and functionality to create an attractive watch that will also be very useful for aviation.

They will come in various styles and display different kinds of information, and contrary to what some people assume, there are many great ones that will retail for under $500. And this guide explains in detail how to choose the ideal one for you.

While each of the watches in our top 5 reviews above is top notch quality, the Citizen AT4010-50E is our best overall pick while the Garmin D2 Bravo is your best pick if you prefer something digital.

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01	Citizen AT4010-50E Eco-Drive by Citizen	This is a feature-rich and highly durable pilot watch that is designed to provide a lot and accurate information.	Buy now on Amazon
02	Citizen BJ7000-52E Eco-Drive Nighthawk by Citizen	This is an ideal choice for those that prefer the style and durability of stainless steel.	Buy now on Amazon
03	Citizen JY8035-04E Eco-Drive Navihawk Atomic Watch by Citizen	This is the perfect choice for those that hate dealing with batteries and are looking for a multifunctional watch.	Buy now on Amazon
04	Citizen Eco-Drive Stainless Steel Watch with Leather Strap by Citizen	If you want a highly affordable pilot but with some useful functions, this is your ideal choice.	Buy now on Amazon
05	Garmin D2 Bravo Watch by Comsoon	This is a smart digital watch that offers highly useful and accurate information and alerts and can also be connected to a smartphone.	Buy now on Amazon

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