Men's Aviator Watch

What sets a men's aviator watch apart, measured across our catalogue

We compared these watches with our full range of men's watches, and the first difference is striking. The chronograph is almost four times rarer here: roughly one aviator watch in sixteen, compared with nearly one in four elsewhere. Here, the aviator style favours easy reading of the time over sub-dials. If you are looking for a chronograph, our men's chronograph watch page is a better fit.

The strap also differs. Leather is fitted to almost one watch in two, compared with one in four among our other men's watches, and brown leather in particular is two and a half times more common. The black dial dominates, appearing on more than one watch in two. Finally, the selection is entirely quartz, and 10 ATM water resistance is two times less common here: one watch in eight, compared with more than one in five elsewhere. The size, however, stays standard: 43.5 mm median diameter, 12 mm thickness, and a 22 mm strap width.

Emporio Armani, Hugo Boss: the aviator lines

At Emporio Armani, the Aviator and Sportivo lines are the most represented, along with Renato and Classic. Hugo Boss adds the Aeroliner, and Calvin Klein the Post Minimal line. These men's aviator watches share one guiding principle: a legible dial and, in most cases, a round case. Brown and bronze dials, found on a minority of models, bring a patinated touch that brings some of them closer to our vintage men's watch selection.

Leather or steel: how to wear men's aviator watches

On brown leather, the aviator watch takes on a controlled, adventurous look: it goes well with a jacket, a denim shirt or a wool jumper. Our men's leather strap watch page offers more options. On steel, found on almost one watch in two, it becomes more urban and suits the office. Silicone, on a minority of models, gives a sporty version.

As for the dial, black remains the most legible choice and the most faithful to the spirit of the cockpit instrument panel. Blue, on roughly one watch in five, is more dressy and pairs well with steel. The case is silver on more than six watches in ten; rose gold, black and two-tone remain exceptions. With a 43.5 mm round case and a 22 mm strap, the watch has presence without overwhelming the wrist: it slides easily under a shirt cuff. On water resistance, the vast majority are 5 ATM water-resistant: suitable for occasional showers, but not for the swimming pool.