Pre-Owned Aviation and Pilot
Watches in the UK

Shop Used Pilot & Aviation Watches at BQ Watches

Explore our curated selection of pre-owned aviation watches and classic pilot watches. We’re London’s trusted destination for used aviation watches and second hand flying watches, with fresh stock added regularly online and in our showroom.

Use the filters below to refine by brand, size, material and features. Popular pilot‑watch functions include GMT/dual time for travel, chronograph timing and slide‑rule bezels for flight calculations—plus high-contrast dials and strong lume for legibility.

Looking for luxury mens flying watches? You’ll also find options suited to smaller wrists and unisex styles. If you can’t see the exact watch you want, our team can source it for you.

BREITLING NAVITIMER pilot watch with slide-rule bezel

Why Buy Pre‑Owned Pilot Watches?

Many leading watch manufacturers have been producing pilot and aviation watches for decades, ranging from highly functional tool watches designed for maximum legibility and precise timing to refined modern luxury pieces equipped with travel-ready complications.

Choosing a pre-owned aviation watch offers excellent value, giving access to discontinued references, iconic designs and more competitive pricing compared with buying new.

When selecting an aviation watch, key features to consider include GMT or dual-time functions for frequent travellers, chronograph complications for timing flight intervals, and slide-rule or rotating bezels for in-flight calculations.

High-contrast dials with luminous markers ensure clear readability in all lighting conditions, while oversized crowns allow for easy operation, even when wearing gloves. If you do not see the ideal model within our current selection, simply let us know - our team can source specific aviation watches to suit your requirements.

Second‑Hand Aviation Watches for Men and Women

We carry a carefully curated selection of pilot and aviation watches designed to suit a wide range of wrist sizes, tastes, and lifestyles. Our collection spans everything from robust, no-nonsense tool watches built for legibility and durability, to more refined travel-ready pieces that transition effortlessly from cockpit to everyday wear.

Choosing pre-owned allows you to enjoy exceptional craftsmanship and heritage at a more accessible price point, while also investing in a timepiece that is likely to retain its value over time. Each watch is individually assessed for condition and authenticity, so you can buy with confidence.

If you’re drawn to luxury men’s flying watches, you’ll find iconic designs alongside more versatile options that work beautifully on smaller wrists or offer a clean, unisex aesthetic. Whether you’re prioritising case size, dial layout, GMT functionality, or strap material, our knowledgeable team is always on hand to offer tailored guidance on sizing, strap choices, and key features to help you find the perfect fit.

Popular Brands for Pilot & Aviation Watches

When you want to buy a used pilot watch, BQ Watches is a trusted source. Our inventory regularly includes sought‑after models from Breitling, Rolex, Cartier and more. View some of the luxury watch brands we have available below.

If the brand you are looking for is not listed above, then please contact us to see if we can source it for you.

Can Aviation Watches be used everyday?

Aviation and pilot watches were originally developed as essential tools for pilots, built to deliver clarity, reliability and functionality in demanding conditions. Over time, these purpose-driven timepieces have evolved into versatile watches that combine technical performance with timeless design, making them exceptionally well suited for everyday wear. Their strong, legible dials - often featuring bold Arabic numerals, high-contrast layouts and luminous hands - allow for quick time reading at a glance, whether you are travelling, working or going about daily life.

Many pilot watches include practical complications such as GMT or dual-time functions, ideal for frequent travellers or anyone managing multiple time zones. Chronograph features can be useful beyond aviation, serving everyday needs such as timing meetings, workouts or journeys, while robust cases and sapphire crystals provide durability for regular use. Comfortable strap options, including leather, rubber and metal bracelets, allow pilot watches to transition effortlessly from casual settings to more formal occasions.

Today’s aviation watches strike a balance between heritage-inspired design and modern convenience. While they retain the iconic oversized crowns, clean dials and tool-watch aesthetics rooted in flight history, they are refined enough to be worn daily without feeling overly technical. Whether paired with business attire or casual clothing, aviation and pilot watches offer practicality, style and enduring appeal—making them a reliable and distinctive choice for everyday wear.

BREITLING AEROSPACE

Why Choose BQ Watches for Aviation and Pilot Watches?

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Source Pre-Owned Aviation Watches

Ready to add a pilot or aviation watch to your collection? You can buy online or visit our luxury showroom. We also buy, part-exchange and appraise pre‑owned pieces. If you can’t find a specific reference, we can source it for you. Tell us what you need using the form below and we’ll be in touch shortly.

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FAQs

An aviation or pilot watch is a timepiece originally designed for use by pilots, with a strong focus on legibility, reliability and practical functionality. These watches typically feature large, easy-to-read dials, luminous hands and markers, and robust cases built to perform in demanding conditions.

Yes, pilot watches are excellent for everyday wear. Their clear dials, durable construction and versatile designs make them practical for daily use, while modern styling and strap options allow them to pair easily with both casual and formal outfits.

Common features include oversized crowns for easy operation, high-contrast dials for visibility, luminous markers, GMT or dual-time functions for travellers, chronographs for timing, and rotating or slide-rule bezels for calculations.

Absolutely. Many pilot watches include GMT or world-time complications, making them ideal for frequent travellers who need to track multiple time zones at a glance.

While pilot watches are traditionally larger to improve readability, many brands now offer a range of case sizes to suit different wrist sizes and style preferences, from classic oversized designs to more wearable modern proportions.

Pre-owned aviation watches often offer excellent value. Buying second-hand can provide access to discontinued models, iconic designs and more competitive pricing compared with new watches, while retaining strong collectability.

Well-known brands associated with aviation watches include Rolex, IWC, Breitling, Omega and TAG Heuer, all of which have a long history of producing pilot and aviation-inspired timepieces.
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