Good watches for flying?
 

My better half wants to buy me a watch as a gift. Was going to go for a TAG Link though just wondered if there are any specific manufacturers/models that are particularly good for flying? Budget is ~£1000. Thanks.

I've never used a watch for flying other than for telling the time to make sure I'm not late! I don't really buy all this Breitling nonsense . . .
If I had a grand to blow on a watch, I'd go for something simple like an Omega - time, date, second hand . . . job done!

It depends if you want to wear it for show or something which you can actually use.

I like the citizen eco drive watches.

Personally I find the most aviation watches clutered and nearly unusable much prefer a plain analog face water resistant to 100m and a decent none metalic strap.

Might not get up to your £1000 pounds though.

I have always quite fancied a russian aviators watch with a 24hour dial.

Best watch for flying? :hmm:

A nice clear sports stopwatch with elapsed timer for about a £5er from any good sports shop!!! :ok:

Mmm, guess not quite what you were after. ;)

But, you still have £995 in hand! :E

Use that for whatever takes your fancy! It matters not!!!! :ok:

Cheers, H 'n' H

Absolutely! Before I started training I bought myself a nice silver D&G watch for a few hundred pounds. Once I'd done a few flights I realised it was next to useless and got a cheapo digital one for £5! Echoing the last post, get a nice simple digital watch, its always nice to know what date it is for when your entering your flight plan as well.

functional they may be, but a casio is about as aesthetically pleasing as a lurid green shell suit and a Bobby Charlton combover!

Personally i'd go for a breitling, but TAG's are nice looking things as well.

LUMINOX - 3001 DIVE SERIES ORIGINAL, they don't set off the metal detector - these days sadly the most useful aspect of a timepiece on your wrist.

I wouldn't go for a 'aviator' style large watch as its all a bit suspect image-wise whilst you go through your training. If you're not careful you'll find yourself in a pair of Ray-Ban classics toying with the leather flying jacket catalogue... Sometime it takes years to live this sort of thing down. :ugh:


WWW

When I first started my PPL I treated myself to a really nice watch and was pleased that it could do just about everything.

The downside was it was useless at telling me the time and after setting 270 overhead, I would be half way across the Atlantic before I had gone through the process of setting the stopwatch.

Keep it simple.

The best watch for flying is a cheapo casio digital, not your "aviators watch"; save the later for the disco!

The bigger "aviators" ones are a nightmare for metal detectors, can catch on things, and scratch easily especially on walkarounds etc.

If you end up doing any float flying then the best watch is the cheapest one that also floats.

Bajadj,

When did you come round and peek in my wardrobe?! :=

Lets see who the SAR guys find first tho!!! H 'n' H may have the last laugh there! Who needs a Hi Vis jacket when you don the old LGSS!!! :p

Cheers, H ‘n’ H

PS End of lurid green thread creep!

I looked at 'aviator' watches a while back and decided against one as the dials are so complex that they're virtually unreadable, and - more importantly - they make you look like a bit of a tw@t.

I bought a Citizen eco-drive with a titanium bracelet instead. Simple, clear face, keeps perfect time, never needs batteries, lightweight and doesn't set off metal detectors. All for around £150.

A cheapo digital with a stopwatch would be just as good, but any half-decent aircraft will have a stopwatch anyway. Personally I'd tell the missus to save her cash for something more useful, like fast cars and beer.

Yep, I'm in the same boat as VK2TVK. I've got one of the dual analogue/digital Casio watches and it's great for the flying job. Dual time is very useful. I leave the digital bit on 'home' and then just change the hands to local time. I know it's much easier on the Breitling and Citizen 'pilot' watches but I don't think that justifies £1000. I want, and have, an alarm (it's got two but I only ever use one). I want, and have, a stopwatch for the twice yearly run and I want to be able to see what day it is, as I always remember the date but never the day.

I once sat in DXB with a Breitling Aerospace on my wrist. I'd promised myself when I got my first command I'd get one and knew exactly the design I liked. I was offered the watch at an acceptable price but, even though it's what I thought I always wanted, when I sat there and admired it's featherlight(ness) I just could not justify spending (then) £800 on a watch that looks good but really doesn't do anything more than a £50 Casio.

Buy a Casio and spend £950 on beer :)

a match made in..... heaven or hell, you choose!
 

http://www.familypk.com/wp-content/u...ed-edition.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/...6a0aea1a1a.jpg

I recently purchased the TISSOT T-Touch - at £550, not the most expensive option, although certainly a handy little gadget for the price. I have found the compass to be very acurate and easy to use in the air! (would have to go for the orange strap).

Tissot

http://www.tissot.ch/data/usersmanual/138-en.pdf

Tom..... you've aged mate!!!!:O

A lot of the guys at my company have Breitling's, of one kind or another....
They are a bit Naff, along with the Rayban aviators, although now I have lost my Serenegeti's, that's what I am reduced to!!

Its a personal choice, I use a Omega Seamaster, titanium so it does not set off the detectors. A friend has a bi-metal Submariner (Rolex, to those that don't know), now that's nice....

Personally I like a large uncluttered face simple and does the job, telling the time.
If I had the money I would get a Bi-metal Rolex GMT Master II, but then my fiancee would kill me.
Enjoy

I'm really going to sound ignorant now but when I first saw the post, I thought it was a wind up. A bit like posting a thread like "What pen is best for flying" and expecting to get silly replies like a "BIC weighs less compared to a Mont Blanc". haha.

Anyway, it seems that this is a serious thread! Am I missing the trick here. Is there a specific criteria of watches that make for good flying other than telling the time?

Not really, no...
The Clock on my current aircraft type uses GPS and we use that one for all our timings.
Its accurate enough and its a Boeing

Sun dials...
 

Even though the proud owner (and wearing) a classic Breitling Navitimer/Cosmonaute (24 hrs dial) with aviation slide rule, which is always kept on UTC - I still miss my "Seiko Worldtimer" digital that I bought around 1980 for some US$120... I lost it. And the model was discontinued, although I understand some stores still had a few for sale in some drawers, nearly forgotten by the salesman. But I did not get back to HKG or SIN since long.
xxx
If you still can locate a "Seiko Worldtimer", jump on it. You probably will not pay much for it, anyway. Besides local time for many world locations, it was the ideal "pilot watch", just the local time for Gander, and some Indian areas were missing. Seiko is reputable, it kept accuracy within a few seconds monthly.
xxx
One type of watch not to buy are some "cheap" digital, maybe for some US$20... I once bought one, and was horrified that it only showed AM/PM, was impossible to program it for 24 Hrs display. Inconvenient for pilots.
xxx
Another type of watch discontinued by Seiko (and Citizen) are the watches with analog display and small digital display at bottom of dial. I recall that flight attendants loved these (some were ladies' size) so to keep "home time" on the analog dial, and UTC on digital display.
xxx
Buy a Mickey Mouse watch, his left hand shows hours, and the right hand shows minutes.
xxx
:}
Happy contrails

Its weird I used to be of the any watch will do camp and definitely went for the big stop watch during training.

Now 6 years down the line I have a few things I know I want out of a watch. A couple of things which are handy with my current work watch and some things I definitely don't want.

My current work watch is eco drive citizen world time with a zulu arm.

1. Its light weight *
2. Its doesn't set off metal detectors *
3. Its got a leather strap *
4. It never needs batteries (my diving eco drive is still going strong after 15 years) +
5. It can go in the shower if I forget to take it off *
6. Its accruate I reset it once a month off the GPS. *
7. It reads well with minimal cockpit lighting *
8. Its dead easy to set local time but still have zulu at a glance. +
9. Its got the date on it. *
10. Uncluttered and analogue. *
11. It cost 100 quid which isn't the end of the world if it gets nicked. *
12. Its rugged ie if it gets knocked off the aircraft door it won't break. *

* is must have for me + is nice to have

A fancy watch seems to be a common gift to wannabie pilots, most of them look the part but don't really hit the mark for me in the day to day useful bit of kit league.

IWC Pilot''s Double Chronograph "Top Gun" Watch, Ceramic, Strap, Limited Edition - The Finest Watches_

I love google........you can find any old cr*p in seconds. Who buys this stuff?

The pilots at the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School are the best in their class. Only they can aspire to the ranking of TOP GUN, which is now also featured on the side and back of a watch from IWC: the TOP GUN Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph.

:ok::D

Of course there is no such thing as a good watch for flying or a 'pilot's' watch. There are fancy watches of course but they are as much jewellery as timepieces.

I'd like a Rolex maybe or some designer watch. I don't fancy the Breitling's much. Far too flashy and Walter Mittyish. Gadgets on watches are simply gimmicks. My current Pulsar, bought by my wife does the job nicely. I'd never have bought it though, usually preferring plain black Swatchs.

Some people get carried away with the whole pilot image thing, even pilots. They have the leather flying jacket and the special sunglasses and of course the watch. My 'flying' jacket, I bought in Aldi or Lidl. It's a blue workmans type jacket reversible it becomes high viz for the ramp. It even has detachable sleeves for summer days and it cost me all of €30. Add a cheap watch and you're ready to go.

You have to admit that metallic 'mirrored-effect' aviators do look the business!

Would this be the chap Bel?

SEIKO WORLD TIMER LCD REF*** SE07199

No the mirrored aviators make you look like a cock.

Must admit I do have a pair of none mirrored aviators but they stay in my flight bag and never used away from work. The reason why I have them is because 1 they are legal alot of shades are polarised these days, the arms don't break the seal on your ANR headset, they give very good coverage to stop light getting around the side of them.

If anyone are looking for good quality watches, PM me, I have some selection of different watches that might be of intrest. Personally I have tried the Suunto, a Casio, I think 1500 eco, but my favorite is still the Breitling B1. I have both B1 and B2, but not selling these, as they have gone out of production.
I also managed to get hold of a Breitling Red Arrows, another watch which I will not be selling anytime soon.

However anyone interested feel free to PM me, as I might be able to help you out if you want a watch, for flying or just for fun. But mostly brand name watches, Tag, Omega, Breitling, etc/.

Personally when I fly I prefer to have a digital time read out, to get the exact timing, thats why I like the B1, altough the read out is a bit small. Not had much time yet with the Casio or Suunto, but with compass, barometer and altimeter, is also interesting to have as back up just in case I need to watch instrument flying. The Suunto also shows vertical speed. I think the one I got was the observer, need to check to be sure.

mad jock,

whats wrong with the mirrored effect? :p

http://fashion.sunglasses-shop.co.uk...heryl-Cole.jpg

Out of interest has anyone got perscription aviators. Contrary to Mad Jock, I like the mirrored effect and want them to be prescription glasses. Sunglasses shop do them (just send in your prescription) and I was wondering whether anyone has done this.

BelArgUSA;

I have a mickey mouse watch, I fly all over europe, and it has not let me down yet!

Matty

There are quite a few blokes I have worked with have had them and haven't heard any moaning about them so they must be pretty good or worth the extra 40 quid or what ever it is.

The mirrored ones are a pain in the arse in a dual crew cockpit because they flash light around and the other pilot gets flashes out the corner of their eye. Apart from which you can see how stupid you look with your aviators on.

If I looked half as good as Chery Cole does, I'm sure you wouldn't mind!

haha;)

Are you more concerned by the reflections as you pointed out or the fact that they make you look like a poser?

(sorry - end of day winding up post!)

MME Matty,

I heard Mickey Mouse wears an MMEMatty watch :)

Omega Seamaster
 

If all the money's for a watch, go with that. It's a great watch, looks the part (not too flash, but stands out) and people who know watches will assume you have some class if they see you with one of those on your wrist.

If not, get a cheap(ish) Casio and get the bint to buy you a Bose X headset with the remainder of the wonga instead...

I've seen a lot of the GA fraternity wearing those "Torgeon(?!)" things, and they seem quite popular.

Reflections and I am not taking it as a wind up post its these daft little things that can cause problems and waste hard earned cash.

If you flying domestic your usually flying north south so one side of the cockpit gets the sun and the other doesn't. So one side wear them the other doesn't you get flashes coming from the the sunny side. And also you get twin beams on the instruments where the other person is looking. Apparently its even worse if the other pilot wears glasses because they cop the reflection off the inside of thier glasses.

PS to add I must admit I did do the swap, watch for ANR headset when the first job present topic came up with my family. Half the price of what they were planning to buy me but its been used every working day of my life since.

I have collected watches for years (sad, but its my thing!), I own Omega, Tag-Heur, Tissot, Seiko etc. What do I wear flying as a professional airline pilot?? A Casio G- Shock digital. I swear by them. Here is why:

1. Wave Ceptor auto updates correct time from LW radio signal so always 100% accurate.
2. Solar Powered so no need to worry about battery
3. Auto illuminates when I tilt it 45 degrees to look at, great at night on the flightdeck when lights are dimmed.
4. Does not set off metal detectors.
5. G-Shock technology, so will take any punishment - even my landings!
6. Resin strap, but metal case, so looks smart enough to wear to work
7. 200m water resistant (in case I ever have to do a 'Sully'!)
8. Time easy to read in BIG numerals, along with day, date and month
9. 30 time zones
10. Alarm and stop watch
11. Less than 100 quid in Argos

Save the flashy watches for the bar:ok:

(Edit - I forgot to mention the 'Time Memo' function: this is basically a button that you press to record a set event/time. PERFECT for recording Take Off/Landing times, and it stores up to 30, so can even cope with 6 sector days.....shudder!)

Have you got a link to the model?

Buy Casio G-Shock Wave Ceptor Solar LCD Gents Watch. at Argos.co.uk - Your Online Shop for .

If the link does not work it's in the Argos online cat (www.argos.co.uk), do a search on 'G Shock Watches', product number 254/5927.

I should be getting commission for this........:}

that is undoubtedly the ugliest watch i have ever seen!!

so the concensus is, one watch for the cockpit and one for outside of the cockpit!

casio for function and something else for flair... unless you spend your spare time playing flightsim or world of warcraft that is.

Amen Brother!

I cannot recommend Casio enough, bullet-proof watches. They might look fat and ugly but they do the job, and very well. Kanye West wears them I believe :}

:ok:

I've got a citizen eco drive watch that cost me £450 I think at the time but I've also got a Casio G-Shock I use when working.

problem solved!!
 

http://stuff4restaurants.com/blog2/w...atch-plane.jpg


and one for afraz and fabbe!!

Image(s) for Timex aeroplane watch - Tesco.Direct

For anyone contemplating paying £1000 for a watch...

Know the difference between quartz and an automatic movement? If you're buying a serious watch, you should.

One is a simple electronic timepiece, the other a miniature mechanical masterpiece. Both might have the same brand and design. Both might even have similar prices.

Swiss watches are famous for a reason. However, the marketeers will be happy to sell you the quartz watch for only slightly less than the real thing. Know what you are buying.