Flieger watches originated from German aviator watches used by the military during the World Wars.
They have a minimalistic design and features that made it easy for pilots to use.
There were two variants of Flieger watches available back then: Type A had Arabic numeral hour markers, while Type B had minute markers on the outer ring and hour markers on the inner ring.
Both had large luminescent hands, high-contrast colors, large hour/minute markers, large arrows at the 12 o’clock position, and huge crowns for easier gripping even with a glove on.
The original Flieger watches are very hard to find nowadays.
The closest things you can find available that are German-made belong to luxury brands that will cost you thousands of dollars.
If you’re on a budget, these may be out of your reach.
Good thing there are alternative Flieger watches from Seiko that is affordable, reliable, and functional; Some are even equipped with features like solar-powered movement for increased usability.
In addition to these, you can easily find these Seiko Flieger watches online.
The Best Seiko Flieger Watches
Here are the best Seiko Flieger watches reminiscent of the German timepieces used during the World Wars.
Seiko 5 SNK807
The 37mm Seiko 5 SNK807 has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal, a canvas strap with a tang clasp, a skeleton case back, a day-date window, large Arabic numeral hour and minute markers, luminescent hands, and a Seiko Caliber 7S26 automatic movement.
Among the watches in this list, the Seiko 5 SNK807 features the closest resemblance with the original Flieger watches.
The model is also available in the different dial and strap color variants.
Pros:
- Incredibly affordable automatic watch
- Accurate timekeeping
- Solid and durable build
- Power reserve of up to 40 hours
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Lume isn’t that bright
- It’s a bit thick
- Low-quality strap
Price: $80 to $195
Seiko SNN235 Chronograph
The 43mm SNN235 Chronograph has a stainless steel case, a solid case back, a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal, a silver-tone bezel, a stainless steel strap, a date window, Arabic numeral hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a Japanese quartz movement.
The two chronograph subdials feature 60-second and 60-minute scales.
The SNN235 takes some of the aesthetics from the original Flieger watches and added chronograph subdials for added functionality.
With a few variations, the model presents a different take on what a modern Flieger watch should look like.
Pros:
- Orange tinge has a nice touch to the watch’s design
- Good lume brightness
- Solid and durable build
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Big and bulky
- Small date window
- Bracelet makes little clinking sounds while walking
Price: $125
Seiko 5 SNZG15
The 42mm Seiko 5 SNZG15 has a stainless steel case, a skeleton case back, a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal, a canvas strap, a silver-tone bezel, a day-date window, large Arabic numeral hour markers, luminescent hands, and a Seiko Caliber 7S36 automatic movement.
The black-and-white color contrast gives this watch a military appeal reminiscent of old Flieger watches.
It’s the perfect beater watch for everyday use.
Pros:
- Budget automatic watch
- Accurate timekeeping
- Good lume brightness
- Power reserve of up to 40 hours
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Cheap watch strap
- Mediocre design
- The minute hand doesn’t precisely align with the minute markers
Price: $130 to $300
Seiko 5 Sports SSA295J1
The 44mm Seiko 5 Sports SSA295J1 has a stainless steel case, a leather strap, an exhibition case back, a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal, a 24-hour subdial, a date window, large Arabic numeral hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a Japanese quartz movement.
Although many may contest that it’s a Flieger watch, the aesthetics alone show the reference to the classic aviator timepieces.
The few adjustments on the design make this model the perfect Flieger aviation thats reminiscent of some Bremont Royal Army modals.
Pros:
- Legible watch face
- Good lume brightness
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Crown protrudes too much
- Thick and bulky
- Small date window
Price: $150 to $330
Seiko Flightmaster SNA411 and SND255
You’ve probably heard of the iconic Breitling Navitimer as being one of the more notable watches used by pilots the Seiko emulates a similar iconic style without the high ticket price tag.
In this case I have mentioned 2 of the notable Seiko models the represent an older style Navitimer and a newer edition.
Which one is your favorite?
The 42mm Flightmaster models have a stainless steel case and bracelet, a solid case back, a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal, a bidirectional rotating bezel with a slide rule scale, a date display, an alarm function, luminescent hands and markers, and a Seiko Caliber 7T62 Japanese quartz movement.
The three chronograph subdials feature 60-second, 60-minute, and 12-hour scales.
Pros:
- A sophisticated look for its affordable price
- Good lume brightness
- Accurate chronograph function
- Water-resistant up to 200m
Cons:
- Bezel markings are hard to read
- Bracelet adjustments are too big
- Watch face is too busy
Price: $220 to $475
Seiko Prospex SSC435
The 45mm Prospex SSC435 has a stainless steel case, a unidirectional rotating bezel with flight calculation markings, a solid case back, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a date window, a 24-hour subdial, a power reserve indicator, luminescent hands and markers, and a Seiko Caliber V192 Japanese movement.
The chronograph subdials feature 60-second and 60-minute scales.
Combining the slide rule bezel and chronograph subdials with the aesthetics of vintage Flieger watches gave the Prospex SSC435 a unique flavor of its own.
Adding a solar-powered movement also made this model even more incredible.
Pros:
- Sophisticated and luxurious look
- Great lume brightness
- Power reserve of up to 6 months
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Small date window
- Watch face looks busy
- Big and bulky
Price: $400 to $475
Conclusion
The influence of Flieger watches is still seen on modern, minimalist timepieces which remain to be popular among wearers who love the aviator styled watches.
If you’re one of those people who appreciate the classic pilot, military-inspired look but love to see the watch infused with a quality design and movements from Seiko, you’d never go wrong with any of the Seiko Flieger watches listed here.
