Pilot Watches

[Vladimir Lenin]

Man- I just realized someone forgot to sign out of the hotel computer. I could really hasve fun with this. SHould I leave it? Should I flame away? What do you guys think? This could be pretty funny.

To flame on behalf of the haples soul who neglected to logout is your civic duty. I, for one, leave the public terminals fully aware of the consequences. Some bible thumping, NRA card carrying, good ole boy has a constitutional right to post vile conservative drivel using my liberal namesake. I expect nothing less and fully respect the process.

May I suggest the Majors board? Its dwellers are the most sensitive of this group and prone to violent outburst when it comes to their respective place of employment.

Watches? Fifty dollar Casio, in matte plastic black, with a backlight.

 

[flatspin7]

I'm a Citizen guy-- Good watches and they wont cause your wallet to explode like -Tag, Omega, Rolex.....

Look for them on ebay--- you can normally find a pretty good deal.

 

[Wankel7]

WTF can some of these pilot watches come with a farking backlight.

Is it that hard to put one in it!

Geez

Wankel

 

[FN FAL]

I plan on being buried wearing the orange face Seiko Divers watch I bought in 1980...as I wouldn't want to be called "late".

Get it...LATE? Awe...never mind...I'll call you BACK in an hour, Back!

 

[slowto250]

Alright, if you are predisposed to buy a geniune fake, realize that there are substantial differences among manufacturers.

You can spend 50 bucks for a real cheapie, with a 2 dollar quartz movement, but when the bimbo snuggles up real close, she's going to see the 1 second tick-tick, and now you're busted.

Good fakes have an automatic movement (powered by motion while wearing), that will have a sweep second hand, just like the real mcCoy. Some are virtually indistinguishable from their genuine counterparts. Expect to spend a few hundred for this variety.

My personal choice (not that anyone but me gives a damm), is a swiss made Rado. Pretty to look at, and phenomenally durable.

Go to Ebay's website and buy one from a reputable seller, and you will save some serious money. Remember though, Bling-bling is for wannabe's, not real pilot players : )

 

[I.P. Freley]

Here's an idea for those who are willing to spend $250 on a fake Rolex...

How about getting a genuine Swiss watch, with a mechanical movement from ETA or Valjoux, for about the same price? I think buying a fake is retarded, because even if you fool everyone else (unlikely), YOU still know you're wearing a fake. Try this place:

www.westcoastime.com

They sell a large collection of military-inspired watches, chronographs, and dive watches, and they're very, very nice. The fit and finish are good enough for them to pass for much more expensive, some parrot the designs of better known watches, but aren't direct copies and don't have the brand name on them that would make them sell for more $$$. Primarily they're marketed as Ollech & Wajs (the latter pronounced like "vice"), an old brand that was defunct but was resurrected for these purposes.

I bought one as a daily-wearer to keep from banging up my Omega and TAG watches, and I've never been disappointed. $300 (plus or minus a hundred for most models) may seem like a lot to spend on something without bragging rights, but I like it for what it is... A solid, dependable and attractive MECHANICAL watch (sorry, I know quartz is "more accurate", but I think wind-ups are cool) with the same movement that's in my Omega except for the chronometer certificate, but cost 1/4 as much. It runs about 3secs fast/day, but I usually rotate out of it before it makes any difference and have to wind it again after it's sat for two days without use, at which point I just set it again.

I recommend them highly. Check 'em out if you're in the market for a watch and you're thinking of something that's an out-and-out ripoff of one of those big Swiss brands.

 

[bobbysamd]

Low-cost, good quality NON-FAKE watches

How about getting a genuine Swiss watch, with a mechanical movement from ETA or Valjoux, for about the same price? I think buying a fake is retarded, because even if you fool everyone else (unlikely), YOU still know you're wearing a fake.

Of course it's retarded, and tacky - not to mention that warranties for fakes might be, at best, questionable.

I bought [an Ollech & Wajs] as a daily-wearer to keep from banging up my Omega and TAG watches, and I've never been disappointed. $300 (plus or minus a hundred for most models) may seem like a lot to spend on something without bragging rights, but I like it for what it is... A solid, dependable and attractive MECHANICAL watch (sorry, I know quartz is "more accurate", but I think wind-ups are cool) with the same movement that's in my Omega except for the chronometer certificate, but cost 1/4 as much. It runs about 3secs fast/day, but I usually rotate out of it before it makes any difference and have to wind it again after it's sat for two days without use, at which point I just set it again.

That is really good performance from a 2824 movement.

Very good suggestion and advice from Mr. Freley.

And, I second his comments on mechanical watches, but for a different reason. Batteries and/or quartz movements can give out unexpectedly. It happened with a TAG-Heuer I had. The watch is now useless - unless I want to spend $250-up for a new movement. You don't have these worries with even a low-end mechanical watch. There are plenty of excellent automatic watches available, such as the ones I.P. recommended, for a fair price. You just have to wear an automatic watch and reset it from time to time. A handwind is fine, too, as long as you remember to wind it. Do it every morning and you'll be fine.

 

[KlingonLRDRVR]

For those who would consider a Fossil...

I have a true story for you. I broke the pin that holds the band to the watch. You can not get a replacement pin. You have to send it to their Texas repair facility for an overhaul which cost me $27.00 for a new pin. Well the wounderful OEM part lasted about 6 months. This time I spend 30 minutes begging on the phone. No go. Even with my A&P rating I am not qualified to replace their piece of !#%& pin. I saved the $27.00 and threw the watch in the garbage. They look great and keep time fine but I can't stand a watch that will not stay on your arm.

KlingonLRDRVR

 

[I.P. Freley]

That is really good performance from a 2824 movement.

I am pleasantly surprised by the accuracy. When I first bought it it ran about 6 secs fast per day, but it's settled down now to the point that it could technically be called a "chronometer". That 2482-2 movement is quite good, I must say! The certified movement in my Speedmaster is accurate to about 5 secs per WEEK... but the "other one" is quite accurate enough for my purposes, since I don't plan on using my watch to time a space launch or a chemical reaction.

 

[ultrarunner]

I.P. I have always been interested in collecting authentic watches, ever since my grampa handed down to me his Omega given to him by one of 'the seven'.

However, thanks for the great web site, I may grab something from them for my 'daily watch'.

good call...

thanks

 

[billybob sblade]

Breitlings are for dorks and wannabes.

Cartier is the original "aviation watch."


Buy a casio.

I don't know why anyone in their right mind would buy an automatic watch. Quartz are much more accurate, much cheaper and practically no maintenance. Why in the world would anyone spend $400 bucks to get an automatic movement cleaned?

 

[slowto250]

I.P. I have always been interested in collecting authentic watches, ever since my grampa handed down to me his Omega given to him by one of 'the seven'.

However, thanks for the great web site, I may grab something from them for my 'daily watch'.

good call...

thanks

Would that be the Chicago Seven.........?

 

[LearLove]

Any know how much this one would cost?

Omega 300 M Diver Chronometer
Steel on Steel
Dial: Blue
Ref. 2531.80.00

http://www.omegawatches.com/omega/co_watch?ID=1252&line=116&gen=G&sublineID=360

Is this a good movement and would it last me a lifetime? I currently have a Fossil (I'm a commuter pilot) that looks almost like the Omega. I'm just looking for a simple plain watch with a date that goes like 100-300 meters and is tuff.

 

[slowto250]

I think that is the model commonly referred to as the Jamed Bond watch. Also sold with less expensive quartz movement. Automatic model should run between 1500 and 2000 dollars. Go to Ebay and type in the model #, including the decimal, and you will get a bunch of results.

 

[bobbysamd]

Omega Diver

Any know how much this one would cost?

Omega 300 M Diver Chronometer
Steel on Steel
Dial: Blue
Ref. 2531.80.00

Is this a good movement and would it last me a lifetime? I currently have a Fossil (I'm a commuter pilot) that looks almost like the Omega. I'm just looking for a simple plain watch with a date that goes like 100-300 meters and is tuff.

I believe this is the James Bond watch. If it's good enough for 007, it'll be good enough for you. Seriously, it's a good product with an automatic mechanical movement. I believe the movement is based on an ETA generic movement that Omega has modified and upgraded.

You won't go wrong with this watch. PM me for a dealer recommendation.

 

[I.P. Freley]

Any know how much this one would cost?

Omega 300 M Diver Chronometer

That's the one I have, Lear.

Great watch... And the prices have been creeping up as of late, but if you can find out what the current list price is, most authorized dealers will give you 18-20% off of that price. Going any lower is, I believe, frowned upon by the Mother Ship...

Should run around $1500 or so from your local dealer, but if bobby can direct you elsewhere for a bigger discount, hey, that's great!

 

[I.P. Freley]

Breitlings are for dorks and wannabes.

I don't know why anyone in their right mind would buy an automatic watch. Quartz are much more accurate, much cheaper and practically no maintenance. Why in the world would anyone spend $400 bucks to get an automatic movement cleaned?

Ah, yes, the wisdom of the first-time poster.

Maybe, just maybe, billybob... Some people like nice things, and maybe, just maybe, they prefer something you don't prefer. What do you care if someone prefers mechanical watches to cookie-cutter quartz watches?

I sure hope you drive the cheapest possible car on the market. I don't know why anyone in their right mind would spend more money than they would on a Daewoo Lanos which are much cheaper than, say, BMW's.... Right? Why spend more money than the bare minimum?

 

[saviboy]

http://www.bulgari.com/bulgari02.asp

 

[Dizel8]

I got the Omega Seamaster Chronometer, good watch, no problems, however, I would go for the Speedmaster, only watch worn on the moon you know.

If it is good enough for NASA it is good enough for that CLE-BFE leg

 

[Headwind]

I bought a Rolex GMT in 1986 and still wear it every day. It gives zulu time along with the time in my time zone. Probably the last watch I'll ever buy. As an investment it may be cheaper to buy a new Timex every year or two, but this 19 year old GMT is probably worth 70% of what it cost new in 86.

HEADWIND

 

[I.P. Freley]

Dare I ask how much a GMT cost in 1986? Maybe 1500-2000 at most?

 

[I.P. Freley]

I got the Omega Seamaster Chronometer, good watch, no problems, however, I would go for the Speedmaster, only watch worn on the moon you know.

If it is good enough for NASA it is good enough for that CLE-BFE leg

My only problem with a "Moon Watch" is that the crystal is plastic. Great for moon operations and in spacecraft where you don't want glass shards floating around if the crystal is broken, but not so good for everyday wear. Yes, I know, you can buff it out, but I prefer a sapphire crystal.

Omega makes several sapphire crystal versions of the Speedmaster, but the one I really want is the "original". And of course the original is still very expensive... Can't afford one these days.

 

[Icarus45]

Watches

Stay away from any fake Rolex. They are too obvious to tell (second hand clicks rather than smooth sweep). I find Citizen has some great watches for reasonable prices. But how should I know, I use my dive watch when I fly (Citizen Aqualand Duplex). It works just fine for both flying and diving

 

[bobbysamd]

Dork and wannabe watches

Breitlings are for dorks and wannabes.

If that is true, there are sure a lot of dorks and wannabes out there, because Breitling has no trouble selling watches.

Cartier is the original "aviation watch."

That's true, if you're talking about one hundred years ago.

I don't know why anyone in their right mind would buy an automatic watch. Quartz are much more accurate, much cheaper and practically no maintenance. Why in the world would anyone spend $400 bucks to get an automatic movement cleaned?

For one thing, mechanical watches only require maintenance every four to eight years. Do the division. The cost per year is not that dear. Further, with this maintenance and reasonable care, even moderately-priced mechanical watches will last for many years - unlike many quartz watches. Moreover, quartz watches have a nasty habit of stopping at the most inopportune times - such as my TAG-Heuer quartz-powered watch. I had to replace its movement at a cost of $300, and that movement went out. For this reason, mechanical watches are far more reliable than electric-powered watches.

Perhaps quartz watches may be more accurate, but even a moderately-priced mechanical watch can be regulated to within two to six seconds accuracy. COSC chronometer accuracy is -4 - +6 seconds. How much more accuracy do you really need?

Aside from the satisfaction and pride of owning a fine piece of machinery, these are just a few reasons why so many "dorks" and "wannabes" prefer mechanical watches over quartz.

 

[bobbysamd]

GMT-Master

I bought a Rolex GMT in 1986 and still wear it every day. It gives zulu time along with the time in my time zone. Probably the last watch I'll ever buy. As an investment it may be cheaper to buy a new Timex every year or two, but this 19 year old GMT is probably worth 70% of what it cost new in 86.

I would venture that it has held most of its value, if not having appreciated.

I have a GMT-Master. Great watch.

 

[Iron_Eagle]

It's all about the Citizen Skyhawk. Every time zone, awesome e6b, 3 alarms, chrono, timer, permenant UTC dial, etc. Not to mention a tough watch at that. Mine is over 5 years old with the original battery and has been in the ocean, at FL390, banged up, dropped, sat on, and everything else and it still looks brand new; not a scratch on the face or a blemish in the band.

The other cool watch, just with less function (but a helluva lot more form) is the Omega Speedmaster. Like someone above said, get the sapphire crystal version.

 

[bobbysamd]

Omega Moonwatch

I got the Omega Seamaster Chronometer, good watch, no problems, however, I would go for the Speedmaster, only watch worn on the moon you know.

If it is good enough for NASA it is good enough for that CLE-BFE leg

I have an Omega Speedmaster Professional, also known as the Moonwatch. I like it a lot. If you're reasonably careful, the Hesalite crystal is no impediment to its use. Accuracy on mine with regular use is +4.

I really like the "Flight Qualified By NASA For All Manned Space Missions - The First Watch Worn On The Moon" inscription on the back. There are some interesting (and cool) Moonwatch variants, such as the Gene Cernan version and from the Moon to Mars. I didn't know the latter existed until I found it just now while researching this post! Here is another picture of that Moonwatch.

This is one situation where purchasing from an authorized dealer is well advised. Once again, PM me for a dealer referral.