Flight Watches

[Crouse229]

I'm not well versed in the watch world, but have done some looking. Having my pilot's license and wanting something nerdy/functional in a watch I think would be what interests me most. Obviously the Breitling Navitimer is the gold standard, but I was looking for something more in the daily wear category, $500 or less. I'd really like something with an E6B for the functionality/nerdy aspect, but i'm open for suggestions if a particular one doesn't have it. I'm unfamiliar with quality outside of the usual Seiko/Citizen type watches, but figured there'd be some decent suggestions pop up here. The main characteristics in order of importance are:

1. No digital
2. No metal bracelet
3. Have an E6B
4. Good illumination (similar to a Luminox)

Anyone know anything about Torgoen? They fit the criteria, just don't have a clue on quality.

 

[Austin]

Torgoen has a good reputation as far as quartz watches go. They honor a 3 year warranty and I hear their customer service is very good. Here are a couple for you.

http://www.amazon.com/Torgoen-Swiss...T2-03-04-S03/dp/B000TRBYC2/ref=pd_sbs_watch_3

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=205704139&listingid=46269501

 

[Austin]

Here's a thread on another forum that may be of interest.

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=342086

 

[airplanedoc]

I would try Sporty's. I am sure they have a nice aviation watch selection

 

[flylot]

<Sigh>, I remember when I became a junior birdman, I had the same fetish with watches, 43 years later, you would be shocked at what most pilots wear (cheap watches, even plastic watches). Ya see my lad, when you go through magnatometers (TSA thingies) as much as we do, we get:

plastic watch, shoes with carbon fibre shanks, plastic pens.
Heck CAL even got rid of their metal wings and have cloth sew on wings (get where I'm coming from?). If ya ever beep, you know its because of the metal plate in your head!

The joke is: How can you tell a pilot? He's the one with the big watch, a little ****, who drives a sports car who is always looking for a place to cash a check.

Having said all that, I agree, check Sporty's Pilot Shop. Most of us though when we want to get a good table at a restaurant wear a fake Rolex from Beijing (usually bought at BoBo's).

Now if you are a collector, then find the original that the Blue Ball (PanAm) Clipper Skippers wore! That will set you back some and they are tough to find. Those are keepers!

 

[luvmysuper]

Citizen Titanium Eco Drive solar powered Navihawk world time. Model JR3034
around 400 dollars.

 

[airplanedoc]

I remember when I became a junior birdman

Was that back in the day when the kids got a small pair of wings for being good on the plane, the food was on china with real metal silverware, and the stewardesses were still young and cute? AKA the glory days of aviation.

the original that the Blue Ball (PanAm) Clipper Skippers wore

Are you refering to the Gruen Pan American 24 hour watch from the 40's?

 

[Crouse229]

To be honest, I just want a new watch, but I want it to be something a little different from everything else, giving a styling nod to the aviation industry, but not in a cheesy way. I know the professionals aren't out there calculating their flight plans off their watches, but I like the technical aspect that you could. I was thinking something along the lines of this:

http://sportys.com/PilotShop/product/9505

It's not what I'd call flashy, but still has the character I'm looking for.

 

[flylot]

Was that back in the day when the kids got a small pair of wings for being good on the plane, the food was on china with real metal silverware, and the stewardesses were still young and cute? AKA the glory days of aviation.

<Sigh> Yup, dems da dayz .......




Are you refering to the Gruen Pan American 24 hour watch from the 40's?

Well, that's one, the other would be the original Navitimer (actually the original was not called a Navitimer at all, the name came much later.), both are highly desirable and easily identifiable.

However, the Sporty's link the OP gave is a good choice. It looks like a fine casual watch and totally accepted at any EAA fly-in or Saturday afternoon local "hangar talk" after the fly-in breakfast, which BTW are really great fun! You would be considered real hard core if it was showing zulu time!

However, not to be worn with a dinner jacket, I think a very subdued and basic watch model would be more acceptable there.....

 

[johnmrson]

I've read good things about Torgoen watches although I've never owned one. They look pretty sweet as well.

 

[bigstick]

Get a Seiko 5 Automatic with 12/24hr dial. You'll look more like a pro.

 

[Kouros]

I would avoid a Breitling: overpriced, poor quality, low resale value. They keep changing their models every year for whatever reason. Not to mention that the rap industry has destroyed their image.

 

[rdeakle]

Citizen Titanium Eco Drive solar powered Navihawk world time. Model JR3034
around 400 dollars.

I have a MUCH older version of this watch. It looks pretty much the same, but its about 12 years old. Anything you can imagine happening to it has, short of being hit with a hammer, and its still going. Its one tough watch. I think I paid about $450 for mine at a local jewelers. You can't beat it.

 

[Thebigspendur]

Yes, now that planes have chronos and flight computers and GPS units actual flight watches serve no purpose. Many manufacturers sell flight watches but that's a marketing gimmick really. Most pilots use quartz digital watches. Its just some of the commercial airline pilots who wear the higher priced brands. Just like divers watches. What percentage of people who wear them have ever gone diving?

 

[English]

If you want to look at quality watches try Sinn, its a German make with Swiss movements.

 

[TXDE]

What about an Omega Speedmaster?

 

[Austin]

What about an Omega Speedmaster?

Excellent choice but it exceeds OP budget of $500.

 

[Aevum]

Seiko alpinist ?
http://www.seiyajapan.com/product/S-SARB047/SEIKO_Mechanical_Automatic_Watch_SARB047.html

 

[MoreSaltThanPepper]

I'm not well versed in the watch world, but have done some looking. Having my pilot's license and wanting something nerdy/functional in a watch I think would be what interests me most.The main characteristics in order of importance are:

1. No digital
2. No metal bracelet
3. Have an E6B
4. Good illumination (similar to a Luminox)

If I could reverse 3 and four, as a low-tech professional pilot, I love, love, love, my Traser chrono. Once you have tritium lume, you will never go back.

Regards,
- John

 

[langod]

Citizen Titanium Eco Drive solar powered Navihawk world time. Model JR3034
around 400 dollars.

+1
I got mine (older model Navihawk) used on the 'Bay 7 or 8 years ago. Spent $250.
It's great watch, solid and almost indestructible.