Pre-Owned Pilot's Watches
Aeronautical-inspired aesthetics and purpose-driven complications designed for navigating the friendly skies.
125 Watches
125 Watches
From Cockpit Heritage to Modern Adventure
Pilot's watches were born from aviation's earliest challenges: glare‑free dials, oversized crowns, and high‑contrast numerals for instant legibility. Today, icons like the IWC Big Pilot, Cartier Santos-Dumont, and Breitling Avenger continue that tradition with upgraded movements and contemporary materials. Whether you're drawn to military tool watches or aviation-inspired elegance, this category offers enduring appeal.
Aviation Icons in the Pre‑Owned Market
Pilot's watches pair robust build quality with aviation‑specific features such as slide‑rule bezels, GMT complications, and anti‑magnetic protection. Our pre‑owned offerings highlight the best of this genre—combining cockpit‑ready legibility with everyday versatility.
Featured Models
- IWC Big Pilot - Oversized crown, clean Arabic numerals, and an in-house automatic movement built for endurance.
- Cartier Santos-Dumont - A pioneer in aviation wristwatches, blending streamlined elegance with historical relevance.
- Breitling Avenger - Designed for extreme conditions, with high water resistance, bold markers, and military utility.
Compare Aviation Classics
| Model | Case Size | Movement | Power Reserve | Pilot-Focused Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IWC Big Pilot 43 | 43 mm | Automatic | 60 h | Oversized conical crown for gloved use |
| Cartier Santos-Dumont | 33-46 mm | Manual or Quartz | Varies | One of the first wristwatches for flight |
| Breitling Avenger Automatic GMT | 45 mm | Automatic | 42-70 h | Highly legible dial and military-grade toughness |
Who This Collection Serves
Ideal for aviation enthusiasts, frequent travelers needing instant legibility, and collectors who appreciate military- or aviation-inspired heritage design.
Confidence Through Expertise
Every pre‑owned pilot's watch is authenticated by our specialists and protected by a two‑year global warranty. Our concierge team can arrange private viewings, answer technical questions, and guide you toward the perfect flight‑ready companion.
Pilot's watches are known for high‑contrast numerals, oversized crowns, durable construction, and aviation functions like GMT tracking or slide‑rule bezels.
Yes. While originally designed for aviation, today's pilot's watches are often styled for daily versatility and modern comfort.
Yes, the Santos-Dumont was created for early aviation and is widely recognized as one of the first purpose-built pilot's wristwatches.
All pre‑owned pilot's watches from The 1916 Company include a transferable 2‑year warranty covering authenticity and mechanical performance.
Many include original straps, boxes, and paperwork. Listings provide full accessory details.