5 Affordable Pilot Watches for (Student) Pilots on a Budget in 2023

Pilot watches have evolved from their original purpose of keeping time during long flights to being affordable, functional accessories for pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike. Whether you are a student pilot or an experienced aviator, there are plenty of great options available today that offer the functionality and style you need to get the most out of your flying experience.

Tip: To learn more, make sure to read our more extensive pilot watch buying guide as well!

As a student pilot, you know it’s important to have the right equipment and tools to get the job done. You also know that things can get expensive quickly when it comes to aviation supplies. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our top five affordable pilot watches for student pilots. Whether you’re looking for accuracy or style, this list has something for everyone!

Why It’s Important To Have A Quality Pilot Watch

Pilot watches are designed with aviation in mind, and are essential for any aspiring or current pilots who want to be prepared for their next flight. In addition to keeping track of time, these watches often come equipped with features such as GMT or dual-time functions, alarms, chronographs, and other helpful features that can help you stay organized and on task during flights. They are designed for optimal durability and accuracy so that you always know what time it is—no matter how far away from home you may be.

A good quality watch will have robust construction, accurate timekeeping, and reliable navigation functions that can be used to measure flight time and other important information while in the air. Plus, with so many stylish designs available today, there’s sure to be one that suits your taste and style perfectly.

5 Affordable Pilot Watches in 2023

Now let’s dive in: Here are five affordable pilot watches that will help you stay on track while you’re learning to fly, all below $250.

1. AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane

If you’re looking for an affordable and stylish pilot watch, the AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane is always a great choice. Inspired by the legendary Hawker Hurricane fighter planes used during World War II, it’s a stylish pilot watch with all the functionality you need.

Straightforward hour indexing, bold hands, and detailed vintage-designed subdials of the chronograph are all blended to create a timepiece that is elegant in design, precise in performance and stylish in its comment on the wearer. Strapped with a genuine leather strap that is both dressy yet casual, this is a timepiece that nods to chivalry and performance.

Bonus: Get 20% off when using our discount code HANGARFLIGHTS at checkout!

2. Citizen Eco-Drive Garrison

The Citizen Eco-Drive Garrison men’s watch is another great option for pilots. This watch is made in the USA and features a rugged military-inspired design that’s perfect for adventurers. It has a 3 Hand, Day / Date display, silver-tone stainless steel case, luminous hands and markers, and mineral crystal lens. It’s also water resistant up to 100 meters.

Available with either a green, black or camouflage strap, you are sure to find a model that suits your style and preferences.

3. Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Nighthawk

Embodying the spirit of adventure in the air, on land or at sea, Promaster watches live up to the values of functionality, durability, and safety while respecting the planet it’s designed to explore.

A pilot watch for both novice and professional pilots, the Nighthawk features a pilot’s slide rule dial ring operated by a crown at the 8 o’clock position, dual time, date, non-reflective crystal and large luminous markers and hands for easy readability.

What’s cool about this watch is that it features Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, which means its powered by light and never needs a battery!

4. Casio Men’s MTP4500D-1AV Aviator

Next on the list, the Casio Men’s MTP4500D-1AV Aviator is another affordable option that offers style and functionality. It combines the timeless style of a three-hand analog with the sophisticated look of a multi-dial watch. This highly technical large round watch measures 42mm wide (1.65 inches), and includes a rotating slide rule bezel, and a chronograph that measures events down to 1 second. The black dial includes luminous hour markers, small minute indexes, and luminous-tipped gray hands (with orange seconds hand). Other features include a ±30-second accuracy per month, scratch-resistant mineral crystal, and water resistance to 50 meters (165 feet).

5. Torgoen T9 Matte Blue GMT Pilot Watch

Last, but certainly not least, is the Torgoen T9 Matte Blue GMT Pilot Watch, a premium timepiece with an affordable price tag, inspired by the avionics in cockpits and crafted especially for men.

A great emphasis was taken to enhance the UTC (GMT) function. The 42mm case has Swiss quartz GMT movement and is made from high-grade solid stainless steel with a screw-down stainless-steel curved back. The watch has a mineral crystal glass for enhanced durability and comes with 14 different variations, of dial color and strap options including leather and bracelets.

Conclusion

For student pilots who are shopping on a budget in 2023, these five watches offer plenty of options without having to sacrifice quality or style! With their combination of affordability and reliability (not to mention their good looks!), any one of these watches would make an excellent addition to any aspiring pilot’s wardrobe!