Best Watches for Pilot Straps
Pilot straps — wide, tapered leather with large buckles and extended length — were designed for fighter pilots who needed to wear watches over flight suits. They suit any watch with an aviation heritage, but they also work as a bold fashion statement on oversized sports watches.
Our picks
- 1.$9,500–$12,000
IWC Big Pilot's Watch
IWC
The 46mm case and 21mm lug were built for a wide pilot strap. This is the definitive pilot strap watch — it's what the strap was named after.
Find cheap pilot watch straps for this watch → - 2.$8,000–$9,500
Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special
Zenith
The onion crown and vintage olive-drab dial channel WWI/WWII aviation perfectly. The 22mm lug takes a thick pilot strap with authority.
Find cheap pilot watch straps for this watch → - 3.$8,500–$10,000
Breitling Navitimer B01 43
Breitling
The circular slide rule bezel and complex dial need a substantial strap to anchor them. A wide military-pilot leather keeps the look coherent.
Find cheap pilot watch straps for this watch → - 4.$900–$1,200
Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Auto
Hamilton
The best-value aviation watch. The lollipop second hand and clean white lume dial look outstanding on a brown padded pilot strap.
Find cheap pilot watch straps for this watch → - 5.$400–$600
Seiko Alpinist SARB017
Seiko
The Alpinist's field-expedition aesthetic translates beautifully to a pilot strap — the 38mm case and 20mm lugs are easy to strap up.
Find cheap pilot watch straps for this watch → - 6.$4,500–$6,000
TAG Heuer Carrera
TAG Heuer
The racing-aviation crossover aesthetic of the Carrera is well-served by a vintage leather pilot strap. The 42mm case on a brown padded strap is a weekend classic.
Find cheap pilot watch straps for this watch →
Looking for a dupe of a specific strap?
Paste a URL from any premium strap brand and we'll match it to affordable alternatives instantly.
Try the dupe finder →Full guide
Pilot Watch Straps — everything you need to know