Mr.Gatsby
2551
Thomas what is your wrist size ?
Tbh, if you go for a pilot’s watch than the aesthetics is very important, as the movement is less important. Maybe the brand and heritage plays a part too.
If you have large wrists, it is a no brainer to opt for the 46mm big pilot or, as Nicolas pointed out, the Glashutte Rimowa Edition which I believe to be 44mm. I am a fan of the original ref. 5002 transitional, but there are also later editions to choose from.
If you have smaller wrists like me, then clearly the answer is to go either vintage IWC MARK XI RAF or something modern but smaller. if you don’t mind PVD, I kinda dig the Hodinkee Edition pilot watch... despite it being Hodinkee 
More posts:
Simple Pilot's Watch
At some point in the near future I would like to buy a simple pilot's watch, possibly to become my only watch. If you were to go out and buy one which one would you opt for? I am looking at pilot's watch for the simplicity, as I really don't need a diver'...
This is what I was going to suggest.
Mark XII is the best, and DEFINITELY the best for the money.
I personally am very fond of IWC Pilot watches...
... from the several variations of their Big Pilot to the smaller MK XVII. But if you are looking for a classic Pilot without spending a lot of money I have found that Laco offers reliable variants which make me happy as well. I feel they deserve to be in...
Hi Thomas, I have a Stowa 40 mm handwound Flieger (ETA 2804), no date. Great watch, with very good p/q ratio imo.
Stowa is one of the five original suppliers for the Luftwaffe, so you got a pilotwatch with history. It's a well made watch for around €1000, but no IWC-quality (for which you pay four times more and you got a date). ...
A bit outta my league. Personally, I would have a hard time justifying the price of that one. Don't get me wrong, I understand the heritage, quality and all else of PP But I cringe
at the price of that one, for no complications. Can't deny that it is beautiful and I would like to have it though.
I am very charmed .....
By this one - if I would get a pilot’s watch, this would very likely be the one for me. Imo, it looks very nice and its a bit different from the rest. Kind regards, Sc16 ...
If I am not wrong...
There is a USA-rooted company which essentially makes little other than pilot watches... They 36mm Pilot Pioneer Mechanical, for instance, seems very nice!
IWC mark XII - PLUS the wonderfull bracelet
I would definitely (again) go for the great mark XII - WITH the original steel bracelet. That bracelet is very, very fine, and will give you a warm weather / sportif option to vary the look with. The JLC 899 based movement is accurate, and not, in my expe...
Thomas what is your wrist size ?
Tbh, if you go for a pilot’s watch than the aesthetics is very important, as the movement is less important. Maybe the brand and heritage plays a part too. If you have large wrists, it is a no brainer to opt for the 46mm big pilot or, as Nicolas pointed o...
On the small size, that's why I will probably go with a 36mm, slightly larger would be ok.
I already have a Bell & Ross BR123-92 which I think is 44mm and it looks OK on my wrist. I just want something small and unassuming, a nice time or time and date only pilot's watch.
Ok
IWC Mark XVIII tribute to mark XI is also something I would consider at 40mm. Otherwise just go for the Mark XI vintage. Great watch
Stowa has a pilot's watch . . .
. . . in a 36 mm case and manual wind movement . . . . . . for less than 1K Euros. ...
Lots of good options. Modern or vintage?
If you go vintage you need to do your homework first otherwise you can be spending a lot of money on a mistake. If you go modern you can be mostly safe and sure if buying from an AD or Manufacture's boutique. Brands to look at include: IWC JLC Omega Longi...
