Watches

[uwochris]

Hello guys and gals,

I was just wondering if it is important to have one of those fancy aviation-type watches? Are those things more of the "good to have but not necessary" variety, or would you say they are a necessity?

The reason I ask is because I just bought a Timex Expedition watch today from Walmart. I spent only $50 on it. I comtemplated spending more and get some fancy watch, as I expect these things to last long. I however decided to go with the Timex. I liked it because it had both the face dial and digital time readout, with indiglo, timers, 24 hour clock, 3 time zones, a compass (not magnetic), and a velcro strap. Also, I am able to set local time on the face dial, a 24 hr clock in digital, and have UTC time set as my extra time zone - I figure this is very handy.

I see a lot of pilots with those chrome/metal watches these days. I rarely see anyone with a regular Timex or similar watch. I myself prefer digital readouts with timers, which is not an option on most of the chrome aviation watches.

So, what's everyone' opinions? Do you own a fancy aviation watch? If so, what features does it have that make it good to have?

Thanks a lot!

 

[JJJ]

I've always had timex watches. A watch thats made mostly of metal will be a pain every time that you go through security. I also like having UTC, it's too hard for me to add and subtract to get back and forth

 

[flx757]

This is a pretty good site for watches. You can spend as much or as little as you like. They have a huge selection.

http://www.hmewatch.com/cgi-bin/Web_store/web_store.cgi

 

[MetroSheriff]

Timex Expedition..it takes a lickin and keeps...well you know.

 

[TWA Dude]

Re: $60 Timex

The Timex Zulu has an analog face for easy readin' in addition to a digital box so you can see local and Zulu time/date simultaneously. It alone is no problem through security. I save my more expensive "attractive" watch for off-duty occasions.

 

[tintube]

My $ 19.99- Lorus Mickey Mouse watch I bought 5 years ago fit the company I work for very well................

 

[ShawnC]

Well I myself have used the Timex Expiditions for a few years now. Great watch, I wear it just about every where (and if you see my arm that is the only place that isn't tan). I have gone swiming in the ocean with it on (both voluntary and not so voluntary), and just about any other place that one could imagine.

 

[enigma]

Here's another vote for the Timex Expedition. If you can find one, Timex makes a pilot watch that uses the Expedition works with an E6B ring. I lost mine a while back and haven't seen another, but I keep looking. My current Expedition cost me $9.72 at the Wally World in the Christmas special rack.
8N

Added at 02:45z, BTW very few professional pilots wear one of those $400 "pilot" watches. The ones that do, most likely do so because it was a gift and they don't want to insult the giver (most likely a spouse)

I would guess that I have seen more CASIO G-SHOCKS on the wrists of major airline pilots than any other watch but a nice dress type Seiko, or better.

 

[skydiverdriver]

I have one of those cool Seiko pilot watches. I have made so many friends just by spotting their pilot watches, then I know they are flyers too!!

 

[NEWSOUTH]

I don't have a watch. I use my cell phone, and the four clocks in the airplane. I always wanted that Citizen pilot watch that I never could afford. But
now I would be embarrassed to wear it after this old man told me about big pilot watches and small.....someone had to say it.

 

[Medivacer]

I have a Citizen Navihawk.

It has an E6B, a chronograph and a few time zones in it.

It also has 3 alarms and a timer calander, these I don't really need.

I find that I use the E6B function and the UTC read out more than any others.

It's worth the money I've spent on it.

The girls like, and thats the point right?

Cheers.

 

[bigsky]

Im another of those nerdy unprofessional piots with a small- But I love Breitlings. Generally speaking though most airline pilots are cheap as can be and it is a pretty good rule of thumb that the highest paid 777 captain will undoubtably wear the cheapest watch. I guess that is why I never have any money and they do! Truthfully if you are ever flying international the navihawk by citizen with 24 time zones or whatever it has is very nice- that is if you can ever figure out how to set it.

 

[AK737FO]

I use a Casio "Illuminator". Cost me $16 at Wal Mart. Best watch I have ever owned. Lights up at night with a push of a big button, shows local and zulu at the same time - just what I need.
I spent an extra $9 to put a flex band on it - so now its a Casio "delux".

 

[SDF2BUF2MCO]

Sounds like Wally World and Timex are the winners. I "splurged" and bought a $29 Timex 'Atlantis 100' there. Has the stop watch stuff and zulu time. This was a replacement for my Casio that I really liked.
As far as the jokes about pilots being cheap (how was copper wire invented? 2 pilots fighting over a penny!), I prefer to call it being frugal. For people that are weekend warriors, it is spending your money on flying airplanes rather than expensive watches. For the folks flying the line, it is the reality of being furloughed and/or going from one bankrupt airline to another.
Enjoy the view from above!

 

[chperplt]

I had a seiko pilots watch for 10 years.. Spent 250 or so on the thing in 91. It just broke and I bought a Citizen EcoDrive. A bit pricey, but if it lasts 10 years, its worth it.

 

[bobbysamd]

One of my favorite topics.

No, it's not important to have one of those "fancy" pilot watches. I happen to have a couple of pilot watches, though, because I love watches. A lot depends on how much utility you want from the watch. You certainly want a timepiece that is easy to read in all light conditions and gives you information that you want. You want one that's rugged and accurate. Some people want a watch that makes a statement. A lot also depends on how much you want to spend.

I wore a Tag-Heuer pilot watch with an E-6B scale for several years. The E-6B was useful on the ground, but hard to use while flying because the scale is small.

If you want to spend a little more for a watch, consider Limes at www.limes-watches.com . I have a Limes. They really offer a lot of value for the money. The Chase-Durer models, www.chasedurer.com , also offer a lot of value for the money and make a bold statement about being a pilot, if that's the statement you want to make. I have a Chase-Durer that I wear nearly every day.

In any event, do plenty of shopping before you buy. There's a pretty hefty markup on watches. Also, if you plan to spend the money, buy from a reputable dealer. I (or my wife) bought my Limes from the website. It needed work and they took care of it cheerfully and with no problems.

Good luck with your selection.

 

[TRBojet]

Here's another vote for the Citizen Eco-Drive. It's solar-powered; no need for batteries! I would just look for one that you like the look of and has a second time zone for GMT. I don't like to add or subtract either. Plus that **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED** time change really screws me up. I wouldn't bother with all that E6-B mumbo jumbo, either. Try www.higuchi-inc.com. It's a Japanese website (but can be displayed in English) that has a lot of nice looking Citizens. At least their my style of watch.

Tom

 

[reido737]

Try Breitling.com if you want a real pilots watch!

 

[bobbysamd]

Breitling

I fully agree, although some Breitlings share the same basic movement as a Chase-Durer and other, less-expensive watches. It's a terrific watch, but you pay a lot for the name.

Once again, shop, shop, shop, and don't be afraid to negotiate. One other point: Don't go watch-shopping in the Carribean. You won't find any real deals. Bottom-line prices are comparable to the mainland.

Anyone can PM me if they have questions about watches. I am no expert, by any means, but I have loved watches since I was a child and have a bit of knowledge.

 

[alimaui]

I absolutely love my watch. It is nice for just about any occasion. It is an anne klein. It is silver and bracelet style, and to date I have never gotten a comment about it being a "pilot watch" . I sincerely doubt that I ever will.

I had a friend though, who wanted a $200 "pilot watch" It was one of those with an E6B. Personally I have enough fun trying to read the E6B on the miniature version. I could not even imagine trying to read it when it is as small as a watch. I think he eventually decided that that kind of money was alot to drop on a watch....

Ali