Best Pilot watches ??

[sternone]

Hi,

I'm in need of a real aviator's watch... my other watches aren't suited for exact timing :-))

What do you find the best watch to wear during flights ? The Fortis one ? http://www.fortis-watch.com or are you more of a Breitling type ? And what type exactly and why ?

I don't like the breitlings to much.. it's a rodania interiour anyway (i always love to say that to breitling guys)

Besides most people are buying aviators watches to show off, i would like to have one to fly that reads very clear and has a good quality, reliable.. :uhoh:

Thanks

[IRRenewal]

Wearing a real aviator's watch doesn't make you an aviator.

[Finals19]

Wearing a real aviator's watch doesn't make you an aviator

What a profound statement IRRenewal! Go on then Iceman, do tell us what DOES make an aviator? :D:ok:

The guy asks a simple question about a nice watch to buy for flying and gets a smart ass remark!

Sternone - if you want something nice to treat yourself but not spend a ton of cash, then the Citizen Skyhawk range are a good deal - RRP about £300. It has a 30 world city time selector, which is handy as it can be set to display UTC when the analog hands display local - if you're in another country (I was in Canada) then this is a good function for flight times in zulu.
Breitling are very nice, but rather surplus to requirement with the price tag.

[MACH082]

i have the citizen sky hawk, black eagle.

couldnt be happier, UTC is displayed on the facia, and if i want to change timezones (every time zone is in memory) i just hold down 2 buttons on the left and the anologue time changes straight away. I swap to UTC when i jump in the aeroplane, and back to LMT when i clock off.

Simple and cost about $600AUS

The breitlings are nice, but ill leave them for travolta.

M

[OpenCirrus619]

Aviators Watches:

Rule 1:
Don't rely on one battery powered timing device - the battery WILL go flat at an inconvenient time.

Personally I would (actually I have) invest in one of these:
http://www.transair.co.uk/images/small_images/watches/stopwatchclip.jpg
along with one of these:
http://www.transair.co.uk/images/small_images/watches/stopwatch.jpg
both available from a well known aviation supplier.

If you really want something to exercise your wrist then try the following (with mini Wiz-Wheels):
http://www.chase-durer.com/ima/w_usaftbirds/main.jpghttp://www.mens-watches-guide.com/images/breitling_navitimer_50th_anni.JPG
http://www.casio.co.uk/images/products/250/6617.jpghttp://www.creativewatch.co.uk/citizen/jr3060-59f-citizen-skyhawk-pilots-watch-220x160.jpg

Alternatively, something altogether more useful, (from someone who owns one of the above) - a watch that provides a practical backup to the most useful instruments a GA pilot has (compass & altimeter):
http://www.sailgb.com/pi/tn.aspx?w=300&f=casio/PRG40-3VER303x400.jpg

Decide your budget / take your pick.

OC619

[Cobalt]

I use a simple Swatch, which I keep on UTC. 30 quid.

Not :cool:, but works. Exact, easy to read, date as an added bonus.

http://eu-shop.swatch.com/eshop/uk/en/Watches/Originals/Gent/GB750.aspx

For anything requiring timing in seconds and minutes I use a separate stopwatch.

[pithblot]

Hi Sternone,

I have a Lorus.

It cost about AUD19 and claims to be waterproof – but it possibly isn’t.
My Lorus keeps time very accurately, like all quartz watches, and it has a large luminous analogue display with a sweep second hand that I can easily read in a dark cockpit. My Lorus has nothing else: no multi function digital display, no compass, no altimeter, no GPS, no EPIRB, no rotating bezel, calculator or circular ‘sly drool’, not even a circadian rhythm analyzer.

I’ve been flying for over thirty years so I guess my Lorus is a ‘real pilot’s watch’. And in some places I’ve worked raskals & armed gangs target watches, wallets and jewelry and these folk are welcome to have my Lorus.

Besides, I was told early on in my career that a pilot’s skill/experience/ability is inversely proportional to the speed that she taxys and the size of his wristwatch.

Cheers!

Pithblot

[BRL]

I have a Citizen Skyhawk Eco-Drive watch. (no battery) ;)

It has a mini-whizz wheel around the edge, dual time display, millions of time zones, countdown timer, stop watch, temperature display, two alarms... It's great! I can highly recommend it. :)

[OpenCirrus619]

millions of time zones
but will it get it right from this October onwards - when the US changes it's DST rules???

OC619

[Rod1]

I have a Citizen Skyhawk which has a rechargeable battery using light energy absorbed from the face, it will work for 6 months with no light input. I am very pleased with it and the features work well in the cockpit and on business trips etc.

Rod1

[TheKentishFledgling]

I have a Chase Durer Pilot Commander Alarm - looks good and does the job bloody well - about 200 quid with exchange rate as it is, I paid about 270 a few years back. Only downside is that it IS fairly heavy when compared to a mate's Breitling I've worn in the past. But it's not an issue at all - it's not REALLY heavy!

http://www.chase-durer.com/ima/w_pilotalarm/main.jpg

http://www.chase-durer.com/features/pilotalarm_features.aspx

tKF

[IO540]

Most stopwatches are no good for flying because they have a 60-minute stopwatch dial - the divisions are usually too close together to read.

This leaves only a small % of suitable stopwatches.

For something different, I would check out Traser (http://www.h3watchshop.co.uk/). These have real tritium hands and markings and you can see them properly in the dark. I use this one (http://www.h3watchshop.co.uk/p/316/traserh3_watches/Traser_H3_Watch_|_Traser_H3_Classic_Automatic_Pro_Watch.htm) (a mechanical one but astonishingly accurate, though not a stopwatch) but a stopwatch is here (http://www.h3watchshop.co.uk/p/317/traserh3_watches/Traser_H3_Watch_|_Traser_H3_Classic_Chronograph_Watch.htm).

IMHO, most "pilot watches" are overpriced.

[Saab Dastard]

Watches with loads of functions, including digital stopwatches, I have always found too small (both buttons and displays) and too fiddly to be actually useful anywhere, especially in flight.

The most useful watch I had was a Sekonda that had a digital display as well as the main analog display. I left the digital display on UTC at all times - very handy. It cost about £25 in 2002, but broke a few months ago - I thought the battery had run out, but a new one didn't fix it. No amount of percussive maintenance would coax it back to life. ;)

So I got a very plain Citizen Eco-Drive (no battery to change :ok:). If I ever need one, I'll buy a big old stopwatch and a clip!

SD

ps - I can certainly recommend buying from the USA at the moment! :)

[High Wing Drifter]

Well, how about the Seiko Pilot Magazine freebie and a cheap Russian stopwatch. Both either tell the time or measure it well within the required limits :)

Pose value of minus umpteen thousands though.

[Roffa]

In short, the BIGGEST ;)

[18greens]

If you want to tell the time any cheap digital does a splendid job.

If you want to look cool get a complicated analogue with a spinny dial, top drawer goes to the ones with no numbers on - guarantees you cant read the time. Although they do serve a purpose in the pub and mark you out from the crowd as a dashing aviator.

So the answer is Breitling for the pub, Casio for the air. If you wear both you have a standby for when the battery goes flat on the readable one.

BTW all you smuggies with the light powered citizens, mine stopped working after three years, just stopped, no reason, no amount of warming it under million candella lamps has persuaded it to work again. :-(

[Cusco]

My Seiko ex RAF chronometer bought 15 years ago (I took the non-poxy webbing strap option and bought it with a chrome strap) is still going strong.

It is available now from Pulsar (same movement/appearance: just doesn't have a 24 hr dial) . I bought one from Daily Telegraph shop £50.00 ish last year.

Advantages of both: Black face, numbers instead of batons, lack of totally impractical twiddly calculator/whizzwheel, easy stopwatch and luminous digits that you could fry eggs on.

Disadvantages: small and insignificant: will not act as a totty magnet all crowding round you to ask if you are a pilot: does not disguise small willy.

Cusco;);)

[Flashhart]

I have a kickass Breitling. It was actually a gift because my girlfriend thought such a hot aviator should have a hot aviators watch.

The earlier post about real aviators don't need aviator watched is cr*p. I used to have a swatch watch but the hands fell off the first time I went inverted. It also serves as the perfect "I am a pilot" label when you're just about to make a move with the laydeez.

I always roll up my sleeves in the flying club ops room, regardless of the weather, to make sure everyone knows I have the best aviators watch money can buy. That look of envy from the instructors at my local FTO as I consult the watch whilst completing the tech log is simply worth every penny. They may have gold stripes and a blue book, but I have a watch which says "this guy is one of the best flyers in the world, and has the ability AND the cash to fly anything with wings"..

As they say, if you want to be the part you have to look the part....

[WildDart]

I for one like the citizen series, i dont have the skyhawk or a watch like that, due to i like one watch for all purposes and the skyhawk will problem get some funny looks.

Ive got a stylish and sleek citizen watch, it does me fine!

[Slopey]

I've got a Citizen Navihawk Blue Angels (NON Eco-Drive) sitting here never used (boxed, perfect cond) which I'm about to put on Ebay, if anyone's interested PM me with an offer - bought new for £129, my Cosmonaute arrived 3 weeks later (was originally down for a 6 month wait!) :ugh:).

[Sleeve Wing]

So Saab and WildDart, Citizen it is.
I've had military-issue Omegas and Seikos, damaged and had 'em replaced.
I've had a Breitling (stolen) and a Tag-Heuer present that lasted just two years and gave up.
The repair bill for the Tag was £200+ ( needed a new special gizmo that only Tag knew the expensive reason for !)
So i saw a Citizen Eco-Drive in an old Argos catalogue for 50 quid - black face, day and date, great luminous hands and numbers. Wow, four for the price of a repair bill !
I've had the Citizen now for 4+ years and no problems, but then, so what ? Just buy another !
I now also own its "posher" brother, an Eco-Drive Chronometer, just for Saturday nights.
How much ? 80quid ! -and both are the most accurate I've ever had.
Yeh, Citizen it is.
Rgds, Sleeve. :ok:
Oh, 18greens, :-
>BTW all you smuggies with the light powered citizens, mine stopped working after three years, just stopped, no reason, no amount of warming it under million candella lamps has persuaded it to work again. :-(<
- must've been all that night Charter. Never got a chance to catch up !!

[18greens]

If you do want to spend money what about these pieces of lovely lovelyness that aren't Breitlings .

An Anonimo Militaire:
http://mytimesquare.net/cat_images/c99a733709360b27e361dd5bc4222f6a_787787787787787787fly1.jpg

or an Azimuth Bombadier III -so much less obvious than IWC
http://www.azimuthwatch.com/azimuthadmin/photo/product/15_1b.jpg

or a Mono-Pusher Rattrapante (you have to buy that one for the name alone)

http://www.azimuthwatch.com/azimuthadmin/photo/product/31_1b.jpg

and a classic Bell and Ross
http://mytimesquare.net/cat_images/4a85dbd028c6cc59d47f5e3513319e86_883vintage123_1.jpg

[Final 3 Greens]

I have an old Breitling Cosmonaute.

It's stainless steel, has a manual mechanism and no date

It is not as accurate as a £10 quartz, since it loses a few minutes per month.

It doesn't look as cool as some of the digital watches an has a 24 hour face, which isn't everyone's idea of a good game.

But boy, oh boy, it has class and is a fine instrument.

And as the name suggests, it isn't a pilot's watch - it came from Project Mercury for those old enough to remember.

[AndyCirl]

Omega Speedmaster Automatic or Professional. First watch on the Moon as worn by all NASA Astronauts.

http://image.www.rakuten.co.jp/bluek/img10591324067.jpeg (http://image.www.rakuten.co.jp/bluek/img10591324067.jpeg)

[BroomstickPilot]

Hi Sternone,

Most so-called pilot watches, with all those extra functions that you will never use, are expensive rubbish, fit only for the club poseur. In fact the average cheap diver's watch from the scuba shop is a much better pilot's watch than almost any of the £130+ pilot's watches. The thing you need most is an accurate watch with a large, clear, uncluttered face that is easy to read in a vibrating aeroplane. That rotating bezel on the diver watch can be useful as well. For PPL (daytime VFR) you don't need a stopwatch or illuminated face anyway. Cheap, quartz watches can be very accurate.

Also, take a look at the German pilot watches from 'Werner's Flying Watches' on-line. They are a fraction of the price of the Breitlings and Fortis's and vastly more practical than the over-complex watches you get from Transair et al that you will be unable to read in flight. At least most of them have a sweep second hand with fly-back re-set.

Broomstick.

[Spamcan defender]

Got one of these..
http://www.transair.co.uk/images/small_images/watches/stopwatchclip.jpg
and these...
http://www.transair.co.uk/images/small_images/watches/stopwatch.jpg

but also have one of these...
http://www.mens-watches-guide.com/images/breitling_navitimer_50th_anni.JPG

IMHO the navitimer is fantastic. OK, it may be a bit flash for some but as a timepiece its unsurpassed.

Just my 2pworth

Spamcan

[eharding]

but also have one of these...
http://www.mens-watches-guide.com/images/breitling_navitimer_50th_anni.JPG
IMHO the navitimer is fantastic. OK, it may be a bit flash for some but as a timepiece its unsurpassed.
Just my 2pworth
Spamcan


Proving beyond all doubt that there are two Bs in Breitling -
the one at the start, and the one before the 'ling'.

[Slopey]

The minute dial on the navitimer is genuinely useful - I love it for Freda check intervals :) And the cosmo came in handy on a recent flight to singapore - all the way in the dark so no idea if it was night/morning after I'd changed to Sing time, and I do use the whizz wheel as a gross error check on my (dodgy) mental arithmetic quite a bit (although it would be nice if it had ltr/kg/usg conversions but hey ho).

So not just for show - they do actually work (occasionally)!

[Final 3 Greens]

First watch on the Moon as worn by all NASA Astronauts.

First watch on the moon maybe, worn by all astronauts I don't think.

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=4034

[thrust clb]

Buy a used 5-year old Rolex Explorer II...use it for the next 10 years and sell it for double the price you bought it. Works the same for Submariner, GMT-master and Daytona. Trust me, my best friend is a Rolex dealer. But don't buy one when you drive a cheap car...people will think it's fake!:ugh:

[mark sicknote]

I don't believe you need to spend a great deal of cash so you can pose around the local club or pub. Use the money saved to buy some flight time instead. Learn aerobatics, get a new type rating etc etc.

If you really must spend a fortune...DO NOT buy a Fortis...They are expensive junk. My mate has simply given up on his and bought a Breitling. The Fortis "Space Watch" has simply fallen apart on several occasions and appears to be less reliable than the shuttles external fuel tank foam cladding.

It may work in zero gravity but can't hack it here on the surface!

I like my Citizen Nighthawk in black. Looks great, has usefull UTC hand and a flight comp. :ok: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SZSNEC/102-3783492-9998509?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&SubscriptionId=03GJD9V67S8A727TWAR2

[Captain Procedures]

Fortis are :mad: terrible, at least mine was and I am the friend Sicknote mentions below.

The first problem I had was the GMT hand would snag on the second hand, which made the watch stop. After that had been repaired I had about two weeks without problem and then started to note that the GMT hand would lose about two hours every day (as a GA pilot learning to fly instrument, I do actually use the GMT hand to get the time when communicating with ATC so that was just plain unsafe). It is now sat on my desk with a repaired GMT hand but now the hour hand has become disconnected and just swings around on its own. I may get it repaired again but I'm in no hurry. It is a shame because the Fortis GMT Chronometer Automatic, the model I have, is a damn useful pilot's watch, it looks great and has all the functionality we could ever want.

In disgust I bought a Breitling Airwolf, which works just grand. It looks cool and is a lot lighter than the B1 it replaced. It also has night vision compliant LCD display lights, which will come in very handy when flying a Cessna 172XP ;) I like the slide rule bezel although must confess to forgetting how to use my E6B after I got PPL - hat off to Slopey on that one.

[aviate1138]

Looks like a Pilot's Watch. Cheap as chips...eBay £0.01p plus postage 49mm face
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/beejaviate/Picture2-1.jpg

[Captain_djaffar]

got a tissot 1853,tactile screen..kinda touch screen.did helped me sometimes even not a specific aviator clockie.
it got its tactile compass...meteo(hpa),thermo,altimeter(m)...and the magic chrono.

have a look at their website www.tissot.ch (http://www.tissot.ch)

[Rod1]

For those of you who may be interested in the Citizen Eco-Drive system;

Citizen Eco-Drive watches use the simplest, yet most technically advanced power generating and storage system in the Watch Manufacturing Industry. A Solar conversion panel and energy cell (battery) are the power provider for these Quartz Watches. Eco-Drive's ability to use light from any source to generate electrical power means that the supply is limitless and free. The absence of any added complex power generating machinery that would require additional upkeep is another big advantage.

My Skyhawk works very well. The Battery charge indicator has never moved off “full” which equals six months of charge. The charge indicator is not fitted to the smaller units, but the system works the same.

Rod1

[FREDAcheck]

I wear a cheap watch with a minute hand big enough to read minutes, and for when I'm going to be flying IFR and might want to do timed turns then I have a £5 Argos digital stop watch with big numbers and big buttons.

[BoeingMEL]

PLenty of heavily discounted brand-new Seikos on ebay. Check out Hong Kong and Singapore sellers with good feedback. My most recent chrono sells for £300 in the High Street but mine cost £62 and arrived by courier in 2 days! Good luck anyway.bm:D

[Hireandhire]

I rather like my affordable Lacher....Euro 189
http://www.laco.de/flieger/praezision.aspx
http://www.laco.de/Produktbilder/861177.jpg

[Dave Gittins]

I have the Citizen Ecodrive Skyhawk, which my beleoved bought me for Christmas about 5 years ago and it is brilliant.

It's only drawback is that you have to change the Daylight Saving Time (on or off) for every time zone location twice a year and that takes about 10-15 mins.

[Whirlybird]

I have a smallish, neatish, watch made by Wenger, who make Swiss army knives. It's dual time, has a rotating bezel, and has large white numbers on a black face, so easy to read in poor light. This means it looks like a ladies pilots' watch, even though it isn't officially. I bought it cheap on ebay years and years ago. And since pilots' watches for women seem to be non-existent, I rather like it.

But since only 6% of PPLs are female, most of you won't be remotely interested, so feel free to ignore this post.

[mangochutney]

I have a Fortis "Pilot Professional GMT" that I won in a competition in some mag or other a few years back.

http://www.fortis-watch.com/imgs/collections/pilot/watches/5962211m_big.jpg

Contrary to Captain Procedures, I've had no problems with it whatsoever, and am quite a fan of it, very uncluttered, and easy to read dial.

Only trouble I've had is finding a replacement bracelet strap for it, so now have it mounted on a NATO strap, which actually looks el groovyos!

[Zulu Alpha]

Anyone having problems getting straps etc for their expensive watches should look here.
http://www.watch-bands-straps-bracelets.com/shop-watchstrap.html
I got a Leather strap for my Breitling at about 30% of the price, it arrived the next day and fits and looks like the original. I suspect they are made by the same people.
ZA

[Merritt]

I bought myself a Breitling Navitimer a while back but not because I wanted it for flying.. Im afraid I have a number of hobbies - cars, watches and flying are the main three!

The Navitimer is very nice to look at but the built in whizz wheel requires excellent eyesight. The stopwatch facility is however very useful for timing cross country legs if im not cheating with GPS.

Steve

[Rans Flyer]

I brought a new Rolex GMT II (originally designed in 1956 to aid pilots) years ago, and I could now sell it for £1,000 more than I paid for it.
http://clockmaker.com.au/w/k350_rolex_16710_GMT_2.jpg

I've had lots of watches in the past but this one will last the rest of my life.

Rans.
www.FlightForLife.co.uk

[AfricanEagle]

I have a Breitling Emergency.

A percentage of my flying hours are over water sep so it is a "nice to have".

I also use it as a stopwatch to check my flying time.

And it is also good for discussions in the pub.

[IO540]

The Breitling Emergency is good fun but last time I looked at it, the transmitter emitted only on 121.50MHz.

This is a low power transmission (which one finds on all other beacons e.g. ELTs and EPIRBs too) intended to facilitate close range VDF, and works only if the rescue vehicle is within something like 10nm and is equipped with VDF.

So, if you simply ditched somewhere, the watch alone probably won't help you. An airliner flying nearby/overhead and listening to 121.50 might just pick it up and report it... One would have to do the whole works to make sure they know pretty well where you are going down.

If they emitted on 406MHz too that would be something else, but they would need a lot more power than they have to play with.

[javelin]

Breitling Aerospace AKA The Clitoris, because every @$*& has one :ok:

[Vedeneyev]

With my first paypacket (15yrs ago) I got my uncle to get me one of those RAF Seikos. Thought I lost it in a curry shop one winter several years ago. Found it a while back under a cupboard when moving house - still had the correct time to within a few seconds (except for BST!). Great watch.

[Spamcan defender]

Proving beyond all doubt that there are two Bs in Breitling -
the one at the start, and the one before the 'ling'.

I'm not really sure how to take that comment.I would like to point out that there are FAR more 'bling' watches than the navitimer. In actul fact mine has the leather strap which lessens the impact on the eye. A colleague at work has a big, ****-off Rolex which he quite openly admits to being an extension of his manhood.
I bought a Breitling for its quality and purpose rather than an ego trip. I do hope you were not trying to suggest otherwise.

Spamcan

[IRRenewal]

What a profound statement IRRenewal! Go on then Iceman, do tell us what DOES make an aviator?

A real aviator is somebody who is considered by his/her peers to be an aviator. Said person might wear a big watch, but this is definitely not a requirement.

[eharding]

I would like to point out that there are FAR more 'bling' watches than the navitimer.


There are? - in that case, if you're about to post pictures of them to the thread, do the decent thing and warn us in advance so we can turn the contrast on the monitors down - I think your last post has burnt out a couple of pixels on mine already.


In actul fact mine has the leather strap which lessens the impact on the eye.


Swap "leather strap" for "welding goggles", and I might agree with you.


I bought a Breitling for its quality and purpose rather than an ego trip. I do hope you were not trying to suggest otherwise.


Indeed, I was suggesting nothing of the sort - rather, I was implying that you have a crashing lack of taste - a completely different matter.

:E

[Speed Twelve]

Contrary to some posts here, I've got a Fortis Cosmonaut Automatic and I'm completely happy with it. It's built like a brick schiessehouse and has been completely reliable for the first 1 year+ I've owned it.
If you want a 'proper' watch rather than some overstated quartz tat I'd suggest looking at:
Damasko: OE to Eurofighter TPs, built like Darth Vader's jock strap and quite understated.
Sinn: Excellent German aviators' watches.
Glycine Combat series.
Omega Speedmaster Professional.
IWC Mk XV or XVI: Understated and so well made.

[Kyprianos Biris]

That is my favorite :
https://www.iwc.com/collection/_img/4_0_pilotswatches/3717_001_m.jpg
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chrono-Automatic

http://www.iwc.com/

[Spamcan defender]

There are? - in that case, if you're about to post pictures of them to the thread, do the decent thing and warn us in advance so we can turn the contrast on the monitors down - I think your last post has burnt out a couple of pixels on mine already.
Sorry to burst your bubble but if you look back to the first page you'll find post 5 by opencirrus619 has the 7reitling image I copied plus a few more shiny watches. So I am guilty of using an image already used by another user.

Indeed, I was suggesting nothing of the sort - rather, I was implying that you have a crashing lack of taste - a completely different matter.
sorry you feel that way but quite frankly I really don't give a s##t.So your Mr Tasteful...I congratulate you sir on your stunning achievement.
To conclude. .....
To the original poster,buy a watch that you like mate that will serve your purpose and your budget.If your only going to use it for flying that's one thing but if its your main watch then you might have different needs and purchase accordingly. Only don't post pics of it on here as eharding might take exception and get the hump.

Spamcan

[White Bear]

eharding,
Your reply above is in the finest unprovoked insulting manner of a deeply resentful man with a large chip on his shoulder.
You are not nice, not nice at all.
Don’t bother to answer you have a well earned place on my ignore list.
White Bear.

[Cusco]

His reply is par for the course for page three of a PPRuNe thread.........

Which reminds me etc... etc...

Cusco

[Julian]

Amongst all these Rolex, Omegas and Breitlings I must be the odd one out. I use a digital kitchen timer I bought for about £10 and about 5 years ago. I guess it is bling because it goes 'beep beep' when you should be about to go missed :)

J.

[stiknruda]

eharding, don't worry chum if some Colonial is horrible to you, Lucky and Uncle will still like you!

Me - I'm siding with the Colonial ;-)

[eharding]

Stik,

Wow - I go away for a day, and come back to find I'm off two Christmas card lists, have got the hump, bitter, and a chip on my shoulder.

Those that know me better would know chips don't last long in the vicinity.

My concern, I'll have you know, is purely altruistic, and stems from the sheer weight of some of these lumps of metal, and the effects they can have during the more spirited aspects of aviation - in a 6g manoeuvre, the wearer will have effectively strapped the thick end of a kilo of dead-weight to his lower arm - clearly a serious impediment to the safe operation of the controls. I would hope that the manufacturers recommend that the wearer should adopt a safety programme of development of the fore-arm muscles, presumably by indulging in periods of vigorous wrist-action throughout the day; I have no idea if Spamcan and White Bear partake of the more energetic types of aviation, but it seems that that have both adopted the wrist-exercise training with some gusto - that's it chaps, safety first.

Actually, one of the local Advanced crew - lets just call him A.Mole, from his habit of digging his way out of upturned Zlins - decided he'd had enough of his Rolex snagging the edge of the cockpit in the Extra when whanging the throttle about in the approved fashion, so took it off, zipped in into the chest-pocket of his trusty old flying suit. One decent push, and the thing ripped its way out, and after an afternoon's de-panelling we had to conclude it had made its way out of the gap at the back next to the rudder. Lucky it didn't get stuck in the elevator. These pilot watches can be killers in the wrong hands, I tell you. Best not to let them near an aeroplane, just to be on the safe side.

[unowho]

Vedeneyev wrote

"With my first paypacket (15yrs ago) I got my uncle to get me one of those RAF Seikos. Thought I lost it in a curry shop one winter several years ago. Found it a while back under a cupboard when moving house - still had the correct time to within a few seconds (except for BST!). Great watch.".

I have to agree. After giving my RAF one back i went out and bought a civvy one, Adjust once a year normally only seconds. And the price is within in reach of anyone. Not like some "Aviation" watches.

[Slopey]

Just noticed that Goldsmiths are doing the Citizen Nighthawk for £139 online btw.

[Sleeve Wing]

eharding ?
Quote : >You are not nice, not nice at all.<
Actually, White Bear, he's the best "windup" merchant in the business......!! geddit ??

Anyway, Lucky, Uncle and I still like him !

Me, Stik ? Moi ??...... I'm not siding with anybody this morning !!

[IO540]

I'd like one of these (http://www.finestwatches.com/iwc-11563.html)- one of the clearest wrist stopwatches I have ever seen - but if I had to force land in some 3rd world country they would cut my arm off first and ask questions later... :)

[Wessex Boy]

I have a £40 Pulsar RAF issue one (same watch as £230 Seiko) which has the same look 'n' feel as the cockpit instruments so your brain picks out the info easily. I used to have an IWC when I was in the RAF, that 'shouted' the time at you!
I also have a Vostock Amphibian.
Look on eBay, there are a whole range of MWC, IWC, Seiko, Poljot and US ones, I might get one of the German Air Force issue ones next, they are reasonably simple in design, but look well-engineered

[PoppyPilot]

Can anyone suggest one with diamonds for the girlies - were not concerned with the working element it just needs to look good and suitable for a slender wrist!!

[QDMQDMQDM]

But since only 6% of PPLs are female, most of you won't be remotely interested, so feel free to ignore this post.

Whirlybird, are you alright? You're not usually given to self-pity. ;-)

QDM

[p290951]

I have owned a Citizen Skyhawk for the past 20 plus years and it has never let me down. Apart from buying new batteries and leather wrist bands every so often, it has been a great investment. I will buy another when I have to.
Cheers.

[PoppyPilot]

For all the mere 6% woman PPL's out there I have found that Chanel do absolutely fabulous diamond aviators watch. Ask your favourite man to stick it in your stocking for Christmas !!!

http://www.bseen.co.uk/diamond.jpg


A mere £98,000 but worth every penny for our safety in the sky.

[stiknruda]

Poppy - thanks for that top Xmas tip.

I've just ordered one for Mrs Stik!!

Good job she does not read Pprune.

[ChampChump]

Just punch an extra hole in the strap of whatever you're having, please and spend the diamonds element on Avgas for my aeroplane....
Well, that's what I'd say if I was on the receiving end of such generosity.

[BelArgUSA]

Soon to retire 747 captain here... and Breitling man...
xxx
Oh, I agree, initially, my first Breitling Navitimer (1966 or so) was a "status symbol" - My mother offered me that watch when I got my wings as pilot. But soon it became just a pilot tool. Stopwatch, of course, but I liked the slide rule to make conversions. I always kept it on GMT/Z time, anywhere I was. Never changed it to local time.
xxx
I kept it for a long time, replaced it in 1980 or so, by a "Cosmonaute", same as Navitimer, except the 24 hrs dial which I did prefer, having one day found myself in Bahrain, getting ready for a flight 12 hrs too early in the lobby of hotel for pickup, and the rest of the crew in the bar, laughing at me... So from then-on, got the Cosmonaute, I kept GMT-Z time on the 24 hrs dial. Converting to local is easy for me, just a habit anyway. UTC minus 3 here, or plus 2 there...
xxx
With nearly 20 years of service, that Cosmonaute got stolen in my hotel room... so I bought a new one, (1999 or so) - quite expensive by then - just about same, except little details, which is my current wristwatch. I remember that my wife always got upset at me, unable to read the time as I keep on being on UTC with a 24 hrs dial that most human would not be able to read.
xxx
At times, some people in the street stop me, and say "have you got the time?" - and with a smile, I show them the time (to their confusion). I guess they must be thinking my watch is stopped, or out of order. Who cares...?
xxx
Oh, I got other (less expensive watches) - the one I liked best was the "Seiko World Timer" digital, with time zones for around the world (except local time for Gander CYQX, as usual). I hate watches that show AM-PM - I insist on 24 hrs time, I learned to count "beyond 12" in school, like 13, 14, etc... That Seiko was extremely accurate (within 5 seconds over 30 days...?) and it died after some 20 years of service... been unable to find one full of dust in a store anywhere in the world...
xxx
Now, next year, I retire from flying, but I will keep my Cosmonaute and leave it on Z time, my old habit and tradition. Maybe I will buy a $20 imitation Rolex when I will be at the beach in Brazil, typing my stupid ideas on Pprune.
xxx
Everyone has a favorite watch... Mine is and has been Breitling, now by habit. I like the slide rule, mainly used for currency conversions when I go shopping in USA, Brazil or Europe. The chronograph function, I hardly ever use nowadays, except going to football games, when I hope that Argentina will beat Brazil's team... 1 to 0 - after 89 minutes.
xxx
Worst is, I have a "reverse time clock" on the wall that you need to read in a mirror. And I also keep it on UTC... it is a conversation piece when people visit my office and memorabilia.
:)
Happy contrails

[P1GLX]

I have had a variety over the years which include both Fortis, Omega and Breitling, I think the Breitling Aerospace suits me best - it has all the functions needed including UTC, stopwatch, day and date. The watch is battery powered and gives 3 years service at least before a change is required, being quartz powered its also very accurate. In addition its titanium and therefore not too heavy unlike some aviation chrongraphs, its also a fairly attractive timepiece that can be worn all the time, the only downside is the price £2000 new tax paid although I have seen them second hand for £600 - £700.

One mans meat etc -I will stick with my Aerospace which I have owned for 12 years

[Bravo73]

I think the Breitling Aerospace suits me best <snip> the only downside is the price £2000 new tax paid

£2000 for a digital watch? :eek: You've got to give it to Breitling - they've certainly got their marketing sorted out....

[Rigid Rotor]

@Sternone - its been almost two years on ! Made up your mind yet? And which watch did you finally choose?:p

[Pilot DAR]

I think we wore poor Sternone out not too long after his inquiry about watches. I don't usually agree with slagging, but.....

[sternone]

But what ?

[Pilot DAR]

But.. When I saw slagging about the use of a "pilots" watch as a means of presenting one's (self determined) station in aviation, I agreed. In my opinion "pilot" is a skill set, discipline, attitude toward safety, and maybe occupation. It is not an image, and cannot be communicated by wristwatch.

There are so many members here whose posts on meaningful topics are so worthwhile, I can't really get too enthusiastic about discussions about fads and styles here. Thus I do not take them seriously.

It's raining in northern Germany today, and I'm bored, so a bit of non-serious posting seems an appropriate way to waste a bit of time.

If it were not for the fact that I really appreciate a good wrist watch, I would not have even been here.

[IO540]

Am I right in noticing that the well known pilot shops sell a much smaller range of pilot watches nowadays?

Most of those on offer are useless for flying anyway because they have 60-minute stopwatches whose minute hands are barely readable.

[Pilot DAR]

Yup - Readable! That's the key! No matter how many gadgets on the watch, they are useless if you cannot see them easily and quickly. The beautiful Swiss watch I chose for myself many years ago, though still a great watch, is no longer as readable as it needs to be in low light, for my older eyes.

Thus my choice to replace it with a much more practical black face white hands model, which has nothing to do with flying - it just tells me time!

[mad_jock]

one of the very few threads in the wannabies section having not been taken over by the children arguing over modular and integrated is this one here.

http://www.pprune.org/professional-pilot-training-includes-ground-studies/365216-good-watches-flying.html

This has also just reminded me I need to email and see when the watch I ordered is going to turn up.

[IO540]

I like the eye wateringly priced IWC (http://www.thefinestwatches.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/catalog.viewProduct/productId/5551/catId/76/IWC_Pilot%27%27s_Double_Chronograph) one mentioned in that thread though this one (http://www.thefinestwatches.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/catalog.viewProduct/productId/912/catId/78/IWC_Aquatimer_Chronograph_Watch_Titanium_Strap.htm) is a similar idea.

Personally I have this (http://www.h3-watches.co.uk/classic_auto_proglo.htm) Traser one, chosen partly for the great readability at night. Almost all watches with luminous hands work by absorbing light during the day and then they are fairly bright for about an hour or two when it gets dark. The Traser stays bright all the time.

[what next]

Hello!

One of the funny things about these "pilot watches" is that we are not allowed to use them at work :). At least in our company, when completing our navigation logs and logbooks, we have to take the time as displayed by the FMS, otherwise there could be a discrepancy between the technical documentation (downloaded from the FMS by the technical staff) and our operational logs...

So I really only need a watch when I wake up at night in the hotel room ... and over the years, I have found out that it needs to be luminous to be useful. Therefore, I mostly take along one of those two watches: A "retro style" LED watch (bought for 1 Euro off eBay) or one of these Traser "Swiss military" watches with its miraculous GTLS (gaseous tritium light source) hands and indexes (around 50 Euros off Ebay...). Often I will not even wear it but keep it in the overnight bag.

Greetings, Max

[IO540]

Is it really true that titanium watches don't set off the airport personal scanners? That would be a plus - I have to take off my trouser belt each time but one can get Ti buckles ;)

[mad_jock]

It all depends what they have it set at. And what the local rules are. If its set at max sensitivity fillings will set it off. And some have a random 1 in three to five setting to comply with DFT regulations on random searches.

Its not a very wise Idea to discuss what can and can't get through the detector on an open forum. But the word on the street is that Ti watches don't give as much hassle as Stainless ones. They still set the wand off if that gets used on you.

[ExSp33db1rd]

If you want to tell the time any cheap digital does a splendid job.

but........ digitals don't give you a trend if you are timing a 45 sec leg to a procedure turn, a large sweep second hand is essential, also white numbers on black face - as has been mentioned. And large, despite the jokes, turbulence makes it hard to read a dinkie little yuppie watch.

If you're only interested in VFR recreational flying, what's the problem ? Just get something that tells the time and forget all about making phone calls, or taking photographs, if you're seriously flying IFR I have yet to see an aeroplane that doesn't have a large clock with sweep second hand, built in right in front of you.

Don't buy something that requires you to carry the ' How to Use Manual 'around with you. KISS.

I bought my simple Seiko 30 years ago, I've just put a new battery in it. ( battery failure could be a problem I guess, but one usually gets a day or two's notice that all isn't well, it's never just stopped. )

Mind you, I did got through the 'watch' phase myself - bought a Glycine Airman once, hand only goes around once ever 24 hrs, like the Sun, so was good to keep on GMT, made it difficult to read quickly tho, 12 noon was at the bottom, in the 6 position. I soon got over it and it is ' somewhere' in my collection of rubbish around the house. KISS

This is all a repeat of a previous thread not long ago.

[Sam Rutherford]

Fantastic.

Er, that's it!

Sam.

[what next]

...if you're seriously flying IFR I have yet to see an aeroplane that doesn't have a large clock with sweep second hand, built in right in front of you.

Well, I'm regularly flying around ten aeroplanes (SEP and MEP for IFR training and three different Citations) and _none_ of them (not one!) has an analog clock. I can't even remember when I last flew in an aeroplane with a (working) analog clock.

[mad_jock]

To cluttered by far. Looks good in the bar though.

[FREDAcheck]

mad jock, you're taking the mick. Just look at those must-have features:

1/100 second chronograph - for those accurate turns (100th second accuracy essential for holds)
99 minute countdown timer - for slower turns
water resistant to 200 metres - ideal for Hudson landings
rotating slide rule bezel - no more hunting for the whizz wheel in flight
World Time in 43 cities (even if most of the 43 cities you land in are in the same time zone)
The picture is a bit small, but I'm pretty sure there's an AI, DI and turn co-ordinator in there somewhere.

[Utfart]

The citizen is a great watch. Granted, it's a little more glamorous that the normal digi-plastic watches I normally wore, but it was a gift from my wife 3 years ago and I don't have a single complaint. I have the older, non-radio version. Can't say I've ever used the slide rule in a practical way, but handy in the bar. In my real life as a world traveling sales man, it can't be beat. I think the current price is half what my wife paid, but that's typical, isn't it?

[Captain-Random]

Try avoid making the same mistake as me. Parent bought me a Breitling for my 18th. Checking the oil on a pa28 2 weeks later and oops nicely scratched it on the cowling grr:ugh:

[mad_jock]

To be honest and not being nasty I can actually see why it is useful for a international salesman.

With all these type's of things is all personal preference and if you like it and can afford it why not.

As shown on that other thread something like this
http://www.rltwatches.co.uk/acatalog/rxd425.JPG

is all that's required or its digital equivalent if that floats your boat.

As long as you don't have one of these (http://www.aveight.aero/ring.html) to go with it I can't see a problem wearing a 5 quid special up to a a 5k special.

[ExSp33db1rd]

I can't even remember when I last flew in an aeroplane with a (working) analog clock.

The ExSp33db1rd 747 Classic had a digital read-out with a sweep second hand.

What else is necessary.

[ExSp33db1rd]

........but one can get Ti buckles


.......or plastic. Cheaper.

[ExSp33db1rd]

.........The picture is a bit small, but I'm pretty sure there's an AI, DI and turn co-ordinator in there somewhere


and an I-pod and something to receive text messages ? My God.

One of my early Captains never carried a watch, the aircraft had a clock and he could dial up WWVH ( 5k 10k 15kand 20k Kcs. ) on the HF to get a correct time signal, and most hotel bedrooms had an alarm clock.

QED

[ExSp33db1rd]

BelArgUSA ........ we have similar tastes ! I kept my Glycine on GMT ( UTC is a French aberration ) and in later years, after retirement, used the sliderule to prove that the Supermarket were screwing me by charging more for the 'Large Economy' pack of soap powder than 2 regular packs !

Enjoy retirement - but don't, it sucks ! Poling a 747 around the World had to be the best job of all - except for the hassles with hotel room clerks ( and Mini-bar checkers when you are trying to sleep during the day ! )

[tuscan]

I haven`t read the whole thread (lazy I guess) but Ive had a Breitling Colt Automatic for years and love it. Very basic with a bezel and reads well at night. The only drawback is that it loses time if your not very active in the wrist department after a couple of days (leaving myself open there !!!!!) You could also just wind it up........Price isnt bad at about 1200-1400 quid.

[ExSp33db1rd]

1200-1400 quid


Are you joking ?

[BIRK]

http://s7ondemand4.scene7.com/is/image/Signet/2017075?$detail$

Only $15 at Wal-Mart. I kid you not, I have been using it since a got my PPL in 2006, now half way through ATPL and still does the job

[IO540]

The only drawback is that it loses time if your not very active in the wrist department after a couple of days (leaving myself open there !!!!!)

That's surely not going to be a problem for a Breitling owner :) :) :) I am sure their springs are wound fully tight.

[Chippik]

Im quite partial to Bremont watches (I dont own one yet but would love to)
BREMONT (http://www.bremont.com/home.php)

[Solaker]

Well, I'm regularly flying around ten aeroplanes (SEP and MEP for IFR training and three different Citations) and _none_ of them (not one!) has an analog clock. I can't even remember when I last flew in an aeroplane with a (working) analog clock.

I fly the Seaking Mk. 43B and it has a beautiful grand old (always working) analogue clock!

[charliejulietwhiskey]

Have had a Breitling foryears before I learned to fly, mines a chronomat however I realised I needed something with big bold fingers and numbers with a stopwatch you cant miss so bought a U-Boat, nice watches, very in fasion at the minute, cheaper than Breitling but very, very functional and visible. In my experience the fine detail and ornate nature of the Breitling makes it less functional, yes lovely to wear a 5 grand watch but not practical!

Have a look, these things are beasts, have a good swiss movement and also these early ones will be worth a bit in years to come.

Uboat Watches (http://www.uboatwatch.it/model.php?idM=28)

[Flyingmac]

My watch is very similar to, though slightly larger than this one, CWC - Cabot Watch Company | General Service 2000 watch (http://www.cwcwatch.com/g10-2000-issue-watch.htm)

Same high hand/face contrast. No clutter. No Breitling bling. High quality stainless steel construction with an equally high quality leather strap.
I can even set it to Zulu simply by pulling out the winder.:rolleyes:
It's served me well for some time now. Lidl. £7.

Was it a requirement for U-Boat crews to be left-handed?

[Piltdown Man]

One of these. (http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2544502/Trail/searchtext%3ETIMEX+EXPEDITION.htm)

Cheap, illuminated, accurate, wear it in the shower. Brilliant.

PM

[VMC-on-top]

I use one of these - keeps perfect time (RDS), water proof, time and date and looks half decent.

Casio WVA-430TDE-1A2VER Men's Wave Ceptor Radio Controlled Watch (http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=casio+wave+ceptor&rls=com.microsoft:en-GB:%7Breferrer:source%3F%7D&oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=17081184720368921902&sa=X&ei=Ajv8T7rLHY2FhQfHqaDpBg&ved=0CIcBEPMCMAE)

[bam160]

always with me: speedmaster pro - beautiful watch.
(don't really need it in the cockpit though - we use the digital clocks in the panel for aviation purposes...) ;)

[semmern]

I always have my Omega Speedmaster Professional 3570.50 with me when I fly. It has everything you need in a pilot's watch - a very readable face with white markers and hands on a black dial, and a reliable chronograph. Forget the wiz wheel watches, with the possible exception of the Breitling Navitimer/Cosmonaute (24h version of the Nav).

Here's mine in the Tiger Moth with me in a quiet moment, waiting for landing traffic before taxiing out:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/semmern/Klokker/IMG_0564.jpg

Flying something slightly more modern than the Moth ;)

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/semmern/Klokker/Semmern_speedmaster_lenke_flytur_LOW-RES.jpg

With a leather strap it can be used with a suit as well :)

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/semmern/Klokker/IMG_0240.jpg

[FREDAcheck]

As a pilot, one obviously must have the right watch, and I've always favoured this one:

http://www.simongarrett.co.uk/CaptureWatch.JPG

[Dan the weegie]

I have a citizen Skyhawk AT Eco Drive.

wish they didn't have the wizz wheel but otherwise it's great. Accurate time and displays UTC in digi and analogue formats. Blimmin useful when you need to log all your times in UTC and fly through timezones.
Otherwise it keeps brilliant time and has an alarm that's easy to use.

[mad_jock]

But unfortunately make you look gay.

[Dan the weegie]

By gay you mean stylish? Next to you it's not hard ;)

[sapco2]

My advice to anyone thinking of parting with their hard earned cash on a Breitling would be to take a look at this site first http://www.pprune.org/military-aircrew/405587-breitling-contacts.html

[Treadstone1]

There's only one for me...... Rolex GMT Master.... on my second one, i bought the first in 1976...i hope this one last as long....

[UV]

Sapco2 ...I can bring you back a fake Breitling from the Far East. Prob 99 that it will last longer than the real thing!

How can such an unimportant topic go to so many replies?

Even the Watchmaker (mBerger) says he buys the cheapest crap off ebay!

Then Semen gives us three massive oversize photos of his wrist..

Shall we discuss coloured pens next?

[sapco2]

It's obviously a debatable topic UV - hence your reply!

When watch manufacturers use the aviation theme to sell their watches (generating huge profits in the process) yet when their warranty backup is considered poor and/or their products don't meet expectations they can surely expect to have those issues discussed on the appropriate forum/s . Military personnel and professional pilots have until recently provided one the biggest customer sources for one such manufacturer and now some interesting viewpoints are emerging that are highly worthy of discussion on PPRuNe.

[GGR155]

Many years ago in my RAF days at Kai Tak I was frequently tapped up to send/buy/advise on Seiko watches. In the early seventies the place to go was the Thong Sia Watch Company where you could get any Seiko you wanted in minutes and pay a bit less than local prices. My one is still going strong and I would not part with it. The big name watches, I agree are very appealing and the satisfaction of ownership must turn lots of people on. $88 HKG in 1971 still ticking away......bit like a classic car

GGR

[OpenCirrus619]

I recently had a "significant" birthday and declare myself well pleased with the present from my wife...
http://www.breitlingsource.com/images/watches/navitimer_world_01.jpg

OC619