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Pilot Watches

Authorized Watch Retailer in Canada

Overview

A pilot watch is a large, highly legible watch descended from cockpit instruments, often with a chronograph or a second time zone. La Maison Monaco is an authorized dealer with 15 boutiques and offers about 225 of them from IWC, Breitling, Longines, Hamilton, Oris and Zenith, from about $1,190 to $290,000 CAD. Each product page shows whether a watch is in a boutique now or available to order from the brand.

226 pieces

Showing 24 of 226

What makes a pilot watch?

Legibility first: a black dial, white numerals and hands, and a triangle at 12 o'clock to orient the watch in the dark. Many follow the 1940s observation watches, with large cases and onion or diamond crowns. Breitling's Navitimer adds a slide-rule bezel for flight calculations, and IWC builds many of its Pilot's Watches with a soft-iron inner case that shields the movement from magnetic fields.

Which pilot watch should I choose?

Start with your budget. Hamilton's Khaki Aviation runs from about $1,190 to $3,210 and is the usual first pilot watch. Oris's ProPilot starts at about $2,950 and Longines' Spirit at about $3,350. Breitling's Navitimer starts at about $5,800, and IWC's Pilot's Watches at about $7,300, with the Mark XX from $7,900, TOP GUN from $9,500 and Big Pilot from $12,900. Then narrow by case size, chronograph or GMT.

Frequently asked questions

What is a pilot watch?

A pilot watch is a large, highly legible watch descended from cockpit instruments: a black dial with bold white numerals, a big crown that works with gloves, and often a chronograph or second time zone. Many follow the 1940s observation watches. Breitling's Navitimer adds a slide-rule bezel, and many IWC pieces have a soft-iron inner case against magnetism.

How much does a pilot watch cost in Canada?

Our pilot watches run from about $1,190 to $290,000 CAD. About a third are under $5,000, and half are under about $7,800. Hamilton's Khaki Aviation starts near $1,190, Longines' Spirit near $3,350 and IWC's Pilot's Watches near $7,300. Flexiti monthly payments are shown on eligible product pages.

Which pilot watch should I buy first?

A Hamilton Khaki Aviation (about $1,190 to $3,210) or a Longines Spirit (about $3,350 to $9,150) gives the classic cockpit look at a first-watch price. Choose a 38 to 41 mm case for a smaller wrist and 42 mm or more for the traditional size. If you want a chronograph or a second time zone, filter for it.

What size is a pilot watch?

Most are 40 mm or larger. About a third are 40 to 41 mm, about a quarter 42 to 43 mm and about three in ten 44 mm or more, true to the originals. Roughly one in eight is under 40 mm. Use the case size filter to see what fits your wrist before you visit a boutique.

Is a pilot watch water resistant?

Yes, most are. About seven in ten are rated 100 metres or more, and about one in twenty is rated 200 metres or more; about one in five is rated under 100 metres, so check the rating on the product page. The rating is a static pressure test (ISO 22810), not a depth for swimming or diving.

Are your pilot watches authentic, and can I see one in person?

Yes. La Maison Monaco is an authorized dealer, so every watch is new and comes with the brand's warranty. Watches marked in stock are in a boutique now; the others are available to order, meaning the brand supplies it and we order it in for you. Each product page shows which applies. A boutique can show the pieces it holds.