Big. Bold. Built to be read from across the tarmac.
Ernst Benz watches are unapologetically oversized, aviation-inspired, and designed for guys who want serious wrist presence without crossing into
caricature territory. They don’t chase trends — they’ve stayed in their lane. And for some collectors, that’s exactly the appeal.
The brand traces its name to Ernst Benz, a German aviation instrument designer who specialized in cockpit gauges and analog measuring devices. He
later developed the ChronoLunar — a mechanical chronograph with moonphase that laid the foundation for the watch line.
In the early 2000s, Leonid Khankin, a watchmaker and entrepreneur, took over the brand and re-established it in the U.S., producing watches in
Switzerland with a heavy focus on aviation heritage and large-format dials.
Since then, Ernst Benz has leaned into its core aesthetic: classic pilot-watch proportions… scaled up.
Ernst Benz is a niche favorite for fans of oversized tool watches — we’re talking 44mm to 47mm in most cases, with bold numerals and a very
legible layout.
Top models include:
Movements are mostly ETA-based (Valjoux 7750s and variants), modified and well-cased, with sapphire crystals, solid lume, and reliable build quality.
Because it knows exactly what it is.
These aren’t watches trying to be flashy or ultra-luxurious. They’re functional, masculine, and purpose-built. The sizing isn’t for everyone — but if
you’ve got the wrist (or the confidence), they wear well and give you that satisfying pilot-watch wrist feel.
Plus, the brand occasionally drops limited editions, artist collabs, and city-specific models — which add a bit of individuality and collector interest to
the lineup.
The core collection still revolves around the ChronoSport, ChronoLunar, and GMT lines, with options in PVD, titanium, and steel — plus limited runs
with custom dials, straps, and engravings.
Ernst Benz also does some small-batch and bespoke work — for boutiques, celebrities, and brand collabs — so you’ll occasionally find unique one-offs
on the secondary market.
Pre-owned? Plenty of value. Especially if you like ETA-powered pilot chronos that wear like a statement piece.
Ernst Benz isn’t trying to compete with IWC or Breitling — and that’s why I like them.
They found their lane and stuck with it. The sizing? Big. The vibe? Old-school aviation. I’ve sold a few ChronoLunars to commercial pilots and desk
pilots alike — and they all loved the wrist presence and dial clarity.
If you want a serious pilot-style chrono that won’t get lost on your wrist — without dipping into the five-figure zone — Ernst Benz is a solid call.
Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Ernst Benz watches — especially ChronoSport and ChronoLunar models.
If you have an Ernst Benz watch you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.
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