Aviator Watches Review
A lot of people like airplanes. A lot of people like wristwatches. A surprising number of people like both, and for them, Aviator watches are a good fit. The term isn’t a generic one, though lots of companies make what they call “aviator” watches.
No, Aviator is the name of a company that was founded in Russia but which now resides in Switzerland. Aviator manufactures timepieces that were inspired by the history of aviation and which will appeal to pilots as well as people who simply like the look of a quality pilot’s watch.
Even better is the fact that the well-made watches are priced quite affordably and will be within reach of just about anyone’s budget.
Read on for the full Aviator watches review.
Build Quality
Movements
Innovation
Styling and Features
Care and Maintenance
Warranty
Prices
Where to Buy
Summary
Aviator Watches Build Quality
The build quality is quite good, given their price point and the fact that they’re Swiss-made. The cases are made from 316L stainless steel and the bracelets and straps are made from either stainless steel or leather. The watch face is protected by mineral crystal.
Water resistance for most models is rated at 100 meters. This makes them suitable for getting wet, but not suitable for diving. Then again, these are Aviator watches, so you’re not likely to think of diving when you buy one.
Most of the models that we’ve seen had quartz electronic movements sourced from Miyota, a division of Citizen, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of watch movements. Some other models we’ve seen had movements sourced from ETA in Switzerland.
All of the models we’ve seen recently had quartz movements. They’re highly reliable and accurate and will require a minimal amount of maintenance, making them an ideal everyday watch.
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You won’t find any new technical innovation here; they’re sticking with tried-and-true technology that has been used for decades. Then again, you wouldn’t ordinarily expect to find cutting-edge technology at watches priced in the hundreds of dollars, anyway.
Cutting edge innovation is generally the work of companies that sell their watches for thousands. Given that the company is targeting a much lower price point, you’ll be seeing complications that are both familiar and useful.
The styling is aviation-themed, so you’re going to be seeing timepieces with dual time, chronographs, rotating bezels that help you keep track of time around the world, and date complications.
These watches are relatively large, with case sizes in the 40-45mm range. As far as we know, the company only makes men’s models, though there’s nothing that says that they must be worn by men. Anyone can wear them, provided that you’re OK with a relatively large timepiece on your wrist.
There’s not a lot of color to be found in Aviator watches; you’re looking at basic steel cases and black or white watch faces. Many, if not all, of the models feature luminous hands and hour markers, making it easy to spot the time in the dark.
The care and maintenance is relatively simple, as all of their models feature quartz electronic movements. These are powered by batteries that generally last several years and are easily and affordably replaced.
Aside from this issue, you’ll want to keep your watch away from extremes of temperature and strong magnetic fields. Also be aware that their practical water resistance is modest. You might be able to swim or take a shower while wearing Aviator watches, but they’re not good for much beyond that.
With care, you’ll find that your watch will run well for a number of years.
The warranty offered with the purchase of Aviator watches is the industry standard – you’ll receive protection for two years from the date of purchase against defects in craftsmanship and materials. These watches are well tested at the factory prior to shipping, so genuine defects are likely quite rare.
Some retailers may offer an additional warranty beyond that offered by the manufacturer, either at no cost or at a modest price. If you’re interested in this, be sure to ask at the time of purchase.
As designer watches go, you’ll find that these watches are quite affordably priced. We’ve seen some models as low as $70 or so, and nothing priced at more than $300. Compared to other well-known aviation model watches, Aviator watches are quite a bargain, as you can easily spend thousands of dollars for a quality pilot’s watch.
Given that you can buy most models for less than $100, they’re quite a bargain.
We’ve mostly seen the brand for sale via online retailers, rather than in watch shops or jewelry stores. A recent visit to the official Aviator watches Website shows only a page with retailers, but that page wasn’t working when we visited the site.
You will, on the other hand, find Aviator watches for sale at a number of prominent sites that sell watches, along with Amazon, which sells everything. Buying online will represent your best opportunity to buy them at a discount, though you should be aware that not every seller will have all models in stock at any given time.
Still, most sellers should have a good representative sample.
Aviator Watches Summary
The popularity of aviation-themed watches continues in the 21st century and lots of companies make watches that are suitable either for airplane pilots or those who simply like the look of such watches.
This brand fits that bill nicely; their timepieces offer useful complications such as dual time zones, world time features, and chronograph features, all in a well-built, reliable timepiece that is sold at a very appealing price.
The downside is that there are no models for women, but if you want a pilot’s watch that looks great, works well and comes at a great price, Aviator watches are a good choice.
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