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If the name sounds like a character from a 1980s action movie… well, that tracks.
Chase-Durer is one of those brands that had a very specific moment — peak military-pilot-tool-watch energy in the early 2000s — and while it never
reached collector prestige, it carved out a niche. Big watches. Big personalities. And a loyal following of guys who liked their wrists to look like fighter jet dashboards.
Chase-Durer was founded in 1995 by film producer turned watch entrepreneur Charles Durer and his wife, Dr. Olivia Chase. Based in Los Angeles, the
brand focused on rugged, aviation-inspired watches built with Swiss movements and oversized cases.
They leaned into the military/tactical aesthetic hard — claiming use by U.S. fighter pilots, Navy SEALs, and other high-intensity professions. Whether all
of that was true? Debatable. But the watches looked the part.
At their peak, they were stocked in department stores, watch catalogs, and specialty shops around the world — especially in the U.S.
There’s a nostalgic charm to Chase-Durer watches, especially if you were into watches during the early 2000s heyday of oversized quartz chronographs.
The big hits:
Collectors love these for what they are: unapologetic, purpose-built watches that look ready to take off from an aircraft carrier. Are they haute
horology? No. But they’re honest about it.
Because they’re fun. They’re wearable. And they’ve got a very specific kind of tool-watch DNA that hasn’t been polished to death.
The older models were generally Swiss-made or Swiss-movement powered (especially ETA-based chronographs), with solid build quality, sapphire
crystals, and legit water resistance. The brand faded a bit over the past decade, but that means pre-owned prices are… very kind.
For collectors who want something big, bold, and aviation-coded — without dropping five grand on a Breitling — Chase-Durer still scratches the itch.
The brand has been relatively quiet in recent years. No major relaunches or high-end mechanical shifts. But their older models continue to trade well in
the secondary market — especially the Pilot Commander and Special Forces lines.
You’ll find quartz and auto options, usually in the 42mm+ range, often with serious lume and loud case designs. Great weekend beaters or daily drivers
if your daily uniform involves camo.
Look, I’m not wearing one to a black-tie event. But if I’m hopping on a prop plane to nowhere with no Wi-Fi and a duffel bag of regrets? This works.
I’ve sold a few to guys in law enforcement, aviation, and even an EMT who swore it was the best watch he ever owned. That says something.
They’re not subtle. But they’re built for action. And they’ve earned their following.
Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Chase-Durer watches — especially Pilot Commander and Special Forces models.
If you have a Chase-Durer watch you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.
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