Aeschbach Classic Aviator Watch

SKU Code: AESCH/CLAV1

Combining the unmistakable style of the legendary pilot watches of the 1940s with modern materials and engineering, the Aeschbach Classic Aviator Watch offers the character of a vintage military timepiece with the reliability and performance expected of a contemporary watch.

Inspired by Historic Military Pilot Watches

The Classic Aviator range takes its inspiration from the oversized cockpit watches used by military aviators during and immediately after the Second World War. Early wartime models typically featured a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock, while later designs adopted the sweep seconds hand seen on this model. These subtle variations allow enthusiasts to choose the style that best reflects their preferred period of aviation history.

Exceptional Presence and Readability

Striking Wrist Presence

With its substantial 46 mm stainless steel case, this watch delivers a commanding presence on the wrist. Its distinctive size and authentic military styling make it a frequent conversation piece among watch enthusiasts and collectors.

Outstanding Legibility

Designed with functionality in mind, the large black dial features bold luminous Arabic numerals and high-contrast hands, ensuring excellent readability in both daylight and low-light conditions—just as the original military aviation watches were intended to provide.

Powered by one of the most respected automatic movements available today, the NH35A offers excellent reliability, hacking seconds functionality, and a power reserve of approximately 41 hours when fully wound.

Specifications

• Movement: Seiko NH35A Automatic
• Jewels: 24
• Beat Rate: 21,600 BPH
• Power Reserve: Approximately 41 Hours
• Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
• Case Diameter: 46 mm (excluding crown)
• Lug-to-Lug Length: 55 mm
• Thickness: 15 mm
• Crystal: Scratch and Shatter-Resistant Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating
• Dial: Black with Luminous Arabic Numerals and Sweep Seconds Hand
• Crown: Screw-Down
• Water Resistance: 100 m / 330 ft
• Caseback: Transparent Exhibition Caseback
• Strap: 24 mm Premium Stitched Leather Strap

Why Sapphire Crystal?

Many people ask about the advantages of sapphire crystal compared to standard mineral glass. Synthetic sapphire is widely regarded as the premium material for watch crystals due to its exceptional hardness, scratch resistance, and overall durability.

These qualities make sapphire crystal particularly well suited to military personnel, security professionals, police officers, emergency service workers, and anyone with an active outdoor lifestyle. In fact, these users represent a significant proportion of our customer base.

When watches suffer accidental damage, cracked crystals are far more commonly associated with mineral glass than sapphire. Even hardened mineral crystals cannot match the scratch resistance and long-term durability of sapphire under demanding conditions. Sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond, making it highly resistant to everyday wear and abrasion.

The sapphire used in watchmaking is manufactured under controlled conditions and then heat-treated to minimise internal stresses and maximise strength. The finished crystal is subsequently precision-machined and typically fitted with anti-reflective coatings to improve clarity and reduce glare.

While sapphire crystals are more expensive to produce than mineral glass, they are generally found on higher-end watches because of their superior performance and longevity. For many owners, the ability of a sapphire crystal to remain virtually scratch-free for years is one of the most valued features of a quality timepiece.

It is worth noting that some premium smartphones and electronic devices also use sapphire components to protect cameras and sensors, taking advantage of the same exceptional hardness and scratch resistance that make sapphire the preferred choice for high-quality watch crystals.

A Design Rooted in History

The final gallery images show examples of original Second World War Luftwaffe watches that helped inspire the design of this model. While incorporating modern technology, materials, and manufacturing techniques, the watch remains faithful to the character and appearance of the historic aviation timepieces that inspired it.

Historical Context: Aeschbach Watches

Aeschbach, established in 1923, was one of many Swiss and German manufacturers producing military watches during WWII for the Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe. Collecting these historical timepieces can be challenging due to the sheer number of manufacturers involved, with over 100 suppliers identified to date. A group of military watch enthusiasts has compiled a nearly comprehensive list of these manufacturers, which can be accessed on their website under "WWII German Watches." Contributions to fill in any gaps in their research are welcome. See https://military-watches.net/ww2-german-watches

Historical details specifically regarding Aeschbach watches can also be seen at this Link https://drive.proton.me/urls/0RR77Z1R8W#pqREjqba4M1G

Tracked Mail

Europe: €11.75 / £9.99 / US$12.95
UK: £7.95 / €9.50 / US$10.50
Rest of World: US$22.75 / €20.50 / £17.50

Express Courier (UPS or FedEx)

Europe: €23.50 / £19.99 / US$25.95
UK (UPS/DPD): £12.95 / €15.25 / US$16.95
Rest of World: US$45.50 / €41.25 / £34.95

Shipping costs may vary slightly depending on parcel weight and dimensions. Final rates are shown at checkout. The prices above apply to approximately 85% of orders.

If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 14 days of receipt. Items must be unused, in original packaging, and in new, resalable condition. Returns cannot be accepted for worn items, removed protective films, or any signs of use beyond normal inspection.

To request a return authorization number, please use the form at the link below.