The most popular watches are professional tools such as timepieces used by race car drivers, pilots, divers, et cetera. Pilots depend on their clocks for distance traveled calculation and time left. Time has changed, and most of the coveted pilot watches now serve as heritage-infused timepieces. Pilot watches for practical functionality must be eligible night or day with a range of dials and luminescent materials and withstand a lack of pressure. Durability is also a key hallmark of pilot watches, and considering other time zones makes GMT and chronograph functions desirable. There is a good number of entry-level pilot watches, from modern to vintage designs. While some pilot watches serve as time tellers, others serve as backup to onboard instrumentation. Below are the top 5 best entry-level pilot watches.
1. Casio G-Shock Gravitymaster GR-B200
The GR-B2000 is one of the best models of the Gravitymaster G-Shock series. It features the new G-Shock Carbon Core Guard structure, which encases the 63mm resin case module. Integrate resin-made bezel with the fiber inserts. The 18.3mm Casio Quartz mineral Crystal watch has water resistance up to 200m. Some of the critical functionalities of the device include the compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, and step counter. You can also gain access to the Mission Function for altitude data when you pay with your phone. The entry-level pilot timepiece has many colorways for every style.
2. Bulova Lunar Pilot
The Bulova Lunar Pilot is an honor to the US astronaut Dave Scott who wore the Bulova watch during the Apollo 15 mission. The new Pilot watch features the same 46mm curvy case shape. With a similar dial, the date window sits at 4.30, with the “262 kHz” label at 6 o’clock in the second sub-dial. The 13.5mm Quartz Bulova 262kHz comes ready with sapphire crystal and water resistance up to 50m. The timepiece boasts an accuracy of +/-5 seconds per month. Including quartz, caliber makes the device valuable in both the space and aviation industries.
3. Sangin Instruments Kinetic II
Founded by the US Marine Corps Special Operations veteran, the Sangin Instruments Kinetic II is a fresh addition to the industry. The 11mm Swiss Quartz Rotunda GMT watch with Sapphire crystal features water resistance up to 300m. After its release, it developed a cult among law enforcement, civilian tactical enthusiasts, and the military. While designated as a pilot watch, it can also serve as a reliable dive timer because of its rugged nature, 300m of water resistance, and rotating bezel. The clock will provide you with everything needed for real-world combat credibility.
4. Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical
One of the reputable Vintage-inspired timepieces, making the trend for a couple of years now, is the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical. Created in honor of the old Hamilton and CWC W10s, the 9.95mm thick, mineral crystal Hand-wound ETA 2801 watch with water resistance up to 100m is 36mm wide and 42mm long. Hand-wound with over 80-hour power reserve, Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical features faux vintage lume and Hamilton caliber H-50.
5. Orient Pilot RA-AC0H04Y10A
The Orient Pilot RA is one of the brand’s entry-level automatics with a vintage pilot style. With 11.6mm thickness and 42.4mm width, the watch comes with a dial executed in a Type B style showing big minute markings surrounding the minute hour ring within. Its khaki dial, integrated with a weathered effect, signified an age-long pilot timepiece. With a water resistance of about 100m, the Auto Orient caliber F6722 watch beats at 3Hz with a power reserve of 40 hours. Overall, the mineral crystal pilot watch from the Orient brand offers a presentable look at an amazingly affordable price.
While some watches reflect the ancient industry enigma, the entry-level pilot watches will make great choices for collection.
