Automatic pilot watches have been a staple of the aviation industry and its pilots for decades upon decades. While pilot watches with a Japanese quartz movement or solar-power Eco Drive power source have become the norm in recent years, there’s still a place in the hearts of true aviators for a pilot watch that holds true to the tradition and artfulness of a quality automatic movement.
The problem for pilots on a budget, though, is that most automatic watches can cost several hundreds of dollars or even more. Finding a great pilot watch with an automatic movement with a price tag of $200 or less can be like picking a needle out of a haystack, especially if you’re not sure where to look or which watch companies to trust.
That’s where we come in. If you think you need to sacrifice great features to find an easy to read, easy to use automatic pilot watch that comes in at under $200, think again. We’ve scoured through multiple online and brick-and-mortar marketplaces, piecing together a definitive list of the 6 best automatic pilot watches retailing for $200 or less.
We’ve even structured this in countdown form, with our favorite of the low-cost pilot watch bunch slotting into our #1 spot.
Without further ado, let’s get to the list!
The 6 Best Automatic Pilot Watches Under $200
6) Aeromatic 1912 German Watch
- japan automatic movement TMI NH-35
A Flieger style gem with a timeless look, the Aeromatic 1912 German Watch is light on features and heavy on style. We adore the contrast between the soft brown leather band and the stark black dial, and the dual outlays of Arabic numerals for both chronograph usage and normal timekeeping work well juxtaposed against each other. The white watch hands look fantastic with a slight black border around them, adding a pop of depth to the proceedings. This looks like a real automatic time piece from 1912, but it doesn’t cost you nearly as much as an antique would.
Features
Dial Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Metal
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 12 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Brown
Dial Color: Black
Water Resistant Rating: 30 meters
Movement: Automatic
Pros
- The dual time dial is super easy to read and the hour markers are crisp, adding a touch of organized charm to the entire watch package.
- This honestly looks like a watch that has been teleported from 1912. It’s a legit shock that this watch costs so little.
- The mineral dial window is one of the more scratch resistant of its type that you’re going to find at this price point.
Cons
- The leather band is a bit stiff and takes a bit to conform to your wrist.
- The metal case is not as durable as you’d expect from the best pilot watches at this price.
5) Stauer Men’s Noire Automatic Movement Watch
- All Black Watch: We brought back the ‘Noire’, a special retro watch design, based on an elegant timepiece built in 1936. Experience the craftsmanship of this exquisitely engineered mens black watch, capturing the essence of refinement and heritage
- No-Batteries Automatic Movement: The Noire mens wrist watch features a 27-jeweled automatic movement that never needs batteries. Every second of power of this mechanical watch for men is kinetic, generated by the movement of your body. This is the kind of engineering looked for by fine watch collectors
- Genuine Black Leather Watch Band: Our Noire analog watch is secured with a soft, genuine crocodile-embossed leather watch strap adding a touch of sophistication and style to your wrist
- Perfect Gifts for Men: Treat yourself to the amazing quality of Stauer watches for men or share this classic timepiece with leather watch bands for men with your cherished loved ones. This all-black wrist watch is a must-have addition to any horologists collection
- About Us: Since 2003, we have sold over 1 million timepieces of various movements, features, and styles, all while providing you with remarkable quality. Our black watches for men will certainly delight their owners
One of the our favorite pilot watches at this or any price point based on pure aesthetics, the Stauer Men’s Noire Automatic Movement Watch is based off a design which was released to the public all the way back in 1936. The vintage dial design, contoured watch hands, and 27-jeweled automatic movement come together to create a true example of cost-effective aviator’s watch excellence.
Features
Display Type: Analog
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 38 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Water Resistant Rating: 50 meters
Movement: Automatic
Pros
- This watch features three useful sub-dials and one of the most attractive dial designs we’ve ever seen at this price point.
- The stainless steel case is super sturdy and impact resistant.
- Watches that cost this little rarely feel like this. This watch doesn’t feel or look cheap. It legitimately feels and looks like a piece of history.
Cons
- The automatic movement is nowhere near as accurate as a Japanese quartz movement or something similar.
- The watch band may be too small for those with larger wrists.
4) Reginald Men’s Leather Automatic Watch
The first two watches on our countdown hearken back to times of yesteryear with designs to match, so it’s refreshing to see the Reginald Men’s Leather Automatic Watch do something a little bit different. The Arabic numerals have a classic feel as does the layout of the entire watch dial, but there are one or two little color splashes and design quirks which push this watch into the modern age. In addition, all of the watch hands and sub-dial hands are luminescent and resonate in low light with a proper charge. This is a balanced budget pilot watch with charm and personality galore.
Features
Dial Window Material: Synthetic Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 42 mm
Case Thickness: 12 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistant Rating: 30 meters
Movement: Automatic
Pros
- The synthetic sapphire crystal dial window is fantastically scratch resistant and rarely gets scuffed up.
- We love the touches of blue and red in the sub-dials. It adds dimensionality and flair to a classic dial design.
- The watch hands offer better and longer-lasting luminescence that most watches at this price point.
Cons
- The automatic movement loses time quickly, nowhere near as accurate as a Japanese quartz movement or something similar.
- The leather band is nice when you wear it in, but it can be a bit abrasive out of the box.
3) IBV Men’s Pilot Military Watch
Pushing the modernist pilot watch aesthetic even further while dressing it up a bit, the IBV Men’s Pilot Military Watch’s big selling point is the gorgeous stainless steel case and strap combination which really brings things together. Featuring luminescent hands and a classic black watch dial which nods back to the great automatic pilot watches of the 20th Century, this watch tightropes the line between dress watch and pilot watch without costing you a fortune.
Features
Dial Window Material: Synthetic Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Push Button Deployment Clasp
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 12 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Silver
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistant Rating: 30 meters
Movement: Automatic
Pros
- The stainless steel watch case and band combo is a real looker, especially if you keep it polished and cleaned.
- The dual time sub-dial and other sub-dials have a cool textured look which adds depth to the entire dial design.
- The synthetic sapphire crystal dial window is as scratch resistant as you’re going to find in this price range.
Cons
- While we love the look of the stainless steel case and watch band combo, it can be a bit uncomfortable for the uninitiated.
- The date window is very small and hard to read whether you have a sight impairment or not.
2) Seiko 5 SNK809 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
- To the start the watch initially, swing from side to side in a horizontal arc about 30 seconds.
- 37 mm stainless steel case and Hardlex mineral dial window and Precise 21-jewel automatic movement with analog display
If you’re not familiar with the Seiko 5 series and its array of durable, fashionable field watches, it’s time to become so. The Seiko 5 SNK809 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch is a black-on-black beauty with a durable stainless steel case, comfortable nylon watch strap, and timeless dial aesthetic which really pops. It came close to slotting in as our pick for the best automatic pilot watch for under $200, narrowing missing our top spot by a hair. The scratch resistant Hardlex dial window is enough to place this among the best pilot watches at any price point, bar none.
Features
Dial Window Material: Hardlex
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 37 mm
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Strap Material: Nylon
Strap Length: 9.5 inches
Strap Width: 17 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistant Rating: 30 meters
Movement: Automatic
Pros
- The Hardlex dial window rivals sapphire crystal when it comes to scratch and scuff resistance.
- The stainless steel case is sturdy and resists nicks and scratches in true field watch fashion.
- You know what you’re getting when you buy a Seiko watch. They’re one of the most trusted watch manufacturers out there for budget-conscious connoisseurs.
Cons
- The automatic movement is much noisier than a Japanese quartz movement or something similar.
- The nylon watch strap is polarizing. Some think it’s as comfy as they come, some think it’s a bit childish and off kilter.
1) Fanmis Hand-Wound Pilot Watch
- Classic, simple, versatile design with large , easy-to-read dial
- Stainless steel round shaped case
- Protective Mineral crystal glass protects watch from scratches
- High quality leather strap and top class alloy
- Mechanical Hand Wind movement
One of the true stunners and minimalist pieces of art you’re going to find among the best pilot watches out there right now, the Fanmis Hand-Wound Pilot Watch is less about features and more about pure gravitas. Simply put, this is the perfect budget pilot watch for those who want a timepiece that melds classic sensibility with a New Age twist. Easy to read and encased by a sturdy stainless steel case, this pilot watch is one of the most beautiful budget timepieces we’ve ever had the pleasure of testing.
Features
Dial Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 44 mm
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Brown
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Automatic
Pros
- This watch simply captured our heart and will be a perfect addition to a young or experience pilot’s cache of accessories.
- The leather band is super comfortable out of the box. It has a softness yet strength that you don’t often see in budget pilot watches.
- The stainless steel case is impressively durable and holds up against whatever comes its way.
Cons
- This watch is a bit large and cumbersome for those with smaller wrists.
- The ticking of the automatic movement can be a bit disconcerting for those used to a pilot watch with a Japanese quartz movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brands make the best affordable automatic pilot watches?
When it comes to the best pilot watches with an automatic movement on a budget, you have options. There are a bunch more great cost-effective pilot watches out there with a Japanese quartz movement or solar-powered Eco Drive power source, but good automatic pilot watches under $200 are a bit harder to find.
Luckily for you, you’ve got a few really quality brands out there doing great work on budget automatic pilot watches. Seiko is always a great option for low-cost automatic watches, and they’ve got a few field watches which can double as a pilot watch for the discerning consumer. Other brands with stellar cost-effective automatic movement pilot watches to consider include Fanmis, IBV, Reginald, and Stauer.
What are the features I should look for in a great affordable automatic pilot watch?
Sometimes finding great watches under 200 dollars can be a real crapshoot, and it’s especially true when you narrow it down into a niche like automatic movement pilot watches. However, that doesn’t mean you should compromise in your search for a quality pilot watch. The reverse is true, actually. You should demand a great pilot watch that does everything you need and more.
One thing you should always expect from a great budget automatic pilot watch is durability. A scratch resistant dial window is key, as is a stainless steel case or something in the same vein. Other features to look for in a great automatic pilot watch for under 200 dollars include easy to read hour markers and Arabic numerals, easy to see and perhaps luminescent watch hands, timeless aesthetic touches such as Flieger style design schemes, dual time capabilities, and other similar accoutrements. A great low-cost automatic pilot watch should rival more expensive time pieces of the same ilk, giving you more bang for your shopping buck.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you’re in the market for a Fleiger style pilot watch or something with more modernist touches, there’s something for you on our list of the 6 best automatic pilot watches under 200 dollars. No matter if you’re an expert aviator in need of a reliable pilot watch or a newbie, the countdown above is the pinnacle of automatic pilot watch style and substance for budget-conscious consumers.