Ernst Benz Watches

Ernst Benz Watches

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.

A Little History

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.

What Collectors Love

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:

  • ChronoSport — a 47mm automatic chronograph with clean lines and an old-school cockpit instrument feel.

  • ChronoLunar — combines chronograph, moonphase, and triple calendar in a surprisingly balanced dial.

  • GMT — a fan favorite among pilots and frequent flyers for its easy-to-read dual-time setup.

Movements are mostly ETA-based (Valjoux 7750s and variants), modified and well-cased, with sapphire crystals, solid lume, and reliable build quality.

Why Ernst Benz Still Works

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.

What’s Out There Now

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.

Fed’s Take

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.

Check Out Our Ernst Benz Inventory

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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