When shopping for an aviator watch, it’s essential to consider several key features that align with both your style and functional needs. Aviator watches, historically designed to assist pilots with navigation and timing during flights, often include a blend of practical tools and stylistic elements. Whether you’re a pilot, aviation enthusiast, or someone who loves the rugged, classic design of these watches, here’s a comprehensive guide to the features to look for when buying an aviator watch.

1. Legibility and Large Dial

A defining characteristic of aviator watches is their large, easy-to-read dial. The watch face must be clearly legible, even in poor lighting or high-altitude conditions.

• Large Numerals: Look for watches with bold, oversized Arabic numerals or indexes. This helps in reading the time at a glance, which is critical for pilots during flights.
• High Contrast: A high-contrast dial (dark background with light numerals or vice versa) improves visibility in both daylight and nighttime.
• Luminous Hands and Markers: Luminous hands and markers are a must-have feature, allowing you to read the time in low-light or dark conditions, such as in a dim cockpit or during nighttime flights.

Example: The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch is renowned for its large dial, oversized numerals, and luminous hands, ensuring easy readability.

2. Chronograph Function

A chronograph is a stopwatch feature integrated into the watch that allows you to time specific events, such as fuel consumption, flight durations, or waypoints. Many aviator watches come with chronographs, making them highly functional for timing in-flight procedures.

• Sub-Dials: A chronograph usually includes sub-dials on the watch face, which track seconds, minutes, and sometimes hours, allowing you to measure time precisely.
• Pushers: Chronograph watches have pushers (buttons) on the side of the case, which control the start, stop, and reset functions.

Example: The Breitling Navitimer is famous for its chronograph function, allowing pilots to measure time intervals during flights.

3. Slide Rule Bezel

The slide rule bezel is a classic feature found on many traditional aviator watches. Originally used by pilots for navigation and in-flight calculations, it can still be a handy tool for those who like to engage with traditional flight math or enjoy the heritage aspect of the watch.

• Calculations: With a slide rule bezel, you can perform calculations such as fuel consumption, airspeed, distance, and time. The bezel rotates and interacts with the dial to make these manual calculations.
• Useful for Enthusiasts: While most pilots today rely on digital cockpit instruments, a slide rule bezel remains a desirable feature for those who appreciate the historical functionality of aviation watches.

Example: The Citizen Eco-Drive Nighthawk and the Breitling Navitimer both feature slide rule bezels, providing useful tools for aviation-related calculations.

4. Dual Time Zone / GMT Function

For pilots and frequent travelers, the ability to track multiple time zones is essential. A dual time zone or GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) function allows you to monitor two time zones simultaneously—typically local time and UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), which is the global aviation standard.

• 24-Hour Hand: A GMT watch features an additional 24-hour hand, often in a different color, which points to a second time zone on the dial or bezel.
• Rotating Bezel for Time Zone Adjustment: Some GMT watches also feature a rotating bezel, allowing you to quickly adjust and track time across different time zones.

Example: The Rolex GMT-Master II is a classic aviator watch that includes a GMT function, allowing pilots to track multiple time zones effortlessly.

5. Durability and Build Quality

Aviator watches must withstand the rigors of flight, including changes in pressure, temperature, and occasional impact. Therefore, durability and quality materials are essential considerations.

• Stainless Steel or Titanium Case: These materials offer excellent durability, resistance to scratches, and corrosion. Titanium is lighter than stainless steel, which can be beneficial for comfort during long hours of wear.
• Scratch-Resistant Crystal: Look for watches with sapphire crystal, which is highly resistant to scratches, ensuring the dial remains clear and legible over time.
• Water Resistance: Even though aviator watches aren’t necessarily designed for underwater activities, a good level of water resistance (at least 100 meters) is important to protect against moisture, rain, or unexpected exposure to water.

Example: The Seiko Prospex and IWC Pilot’s Watches are known for their robust build quality and use of high-grade materials like stainless steel and sapphire crystal.

6. Automatic vs. Quartz Movement

When selecting an aviator watch, you’ll need to decide between automatic (mechanical) or quartz movement. Both have their advantages, depending on your preferences for tradition, accuracy, and maintenance.

Key Features:

• Automatic (Mechanical) Movement: Automatic watches are powered by the movement of your wrist and offer a traditional feel with intricate craftsmanship. They don’t require a battery, but they may need winding if not worn daily. Automatic watches are prized for their craftsmanship and mechanical elegance but tend to be more expensive.
• Quartz Movement: Quartz watches are powered by a battery and are highly accurate and low-maintenance. They are typically more affordable than automatic watches and can be a good choice if you prefer a reliable, no-fuss option.

Example: The Orient Flight Automatic offers a reliable and affordable automatic movement, while the Citizen Nighthawk provides a durable, low-maintenance quartz option with Eco-Drive technology.

7. Comfortable Strap or Bracelet

Aviator watches should be comfortable to wear for long periods, especially during extended flights or long days of travel. The choice of strap or bracelet is important not just for comfort but also for style and durability

• Leather Straps: Traditional aviator watches often come with leather straps, offering a vintage look and comfort. They tend to mold to the wrist over time, but they can wear out quicker than metal or synthetic options.
• NATO or Fabric Straps: These are often more durable than leather and can be a comfortable, lightweight option. They also dry quickly and are resistant to sweat and moisture, making them suitable for active use.
• Metal Bracelets: Stainless steel or titanium bracelets are durable, long-lasting, and give the watch a premium look. However, they can be heavier than leather or fabric straps.

Example: The Tissot V8 Chronograph comes with a durable and comfortable stainless steel bracelet, while the Hamilton Khaki Aviation features both leather and NATO strap options for a more classic, vintage feel.

8. Additional Features for Pilots

Modern aviator watches often come with advanced features that cater to pilots' specific needs. Some of these are more technologically driven, especially with the rise of smart aviator watches.

• Altitude and Barometer: Some high-end aviator watches include altimeters and barometers, useful for tracking altitude and atmospheric pressure.
• Pulse Oximeter: This feature measures blood oxygen levels, which is particularly useful for pilots flying at high altitudes.
• GPS Integration: Some smart aviator watches, like the Garmin D2 Delta, offer built-in GPS navigation and flight-related tools, making them highly functional for modern-day pilots.

Example: The Garmin MARQ Aviator includes GPS, a pulse oximeter, and even flight logging, offering a modern twist on the traditional aviator watch by integrating advanced features.

9. Style and Heritage

Lastly, the style and heritage of the watch are important factors to consider. Many aviator watches have a rich history rooted in aviation, and the aesthetic appeal is part of the allure. Look for watches with:

• Vintage Inspiration: Classic aviator watches are designed based on models from the 1930s and 1940s, evoking the spirit of early aviation.
• Brand Heritage: Many watch brands have a long association with aviation, and owning a watch from a brand like Breitling, IWC, or Zenith can connect you to aviation history.

Example: The Zenith Pilot Type 20 offers vintage-inspired aesthetics, drawing from Zenith’s deep history in aviation, while the Breitling Navitimer represents decades of heritage tied to flight.

Conclusion

When buying an aviator watch, it’s important to balance functionality, durability, and style based on your personal needs and preferences. Whether you need advanced features like chronographs and GMT tracking for practical use, or you’re drawn to the classic, heritage design of traditional pilot watches, the options are vast. By paying attention to these key features, you can find a timepiece that not only suits your aviation or travel needs but also stands the test of time in both style and performance.