I'm in Air Force ROTC and pledging for the drill team. As such I am required to wear a watch. Does anyone have some suggestions? I've never owned one before. The only requirement is that it have a stopwatch mechanism.
Watch recommendation?
- Thread starter shavesomeface
- Start date
there are WAY too many variables that have to be taken into account before you can be given any decent recommendations. Things like price range, style (i.e. sport, casual, dress), along those lines, do you want a rubber, nylon, leather strap or a bracelet type? mechanical or quartz? If you give a little more info, I may be able to provide some recs. I love watches.
Flying / pilot, get a Breitling.
Travis.
Travis.
I'll probably get jumped for this, but having been in similar situations, IMHO the most practical option is this: http://www.amazon.com/Casio-DW5600E...=UTF8&qid=1378913952&sr=8-11&keywords=g+shock
It is everything you need and nothing too fancy to get ruined during training. I've worn one for 20 years. I prefer it paired with this band: http://www.amazon.com/Chums-The-Ban...378914229&sr=8-2&keywords=the+band+watch+band
It is everything you need and nothing too fancy to get ruined during training. I've worn one for 20 years. I prefer it paired with this band: http://www.amazon.com/Chums-The-Ban...378914229&sr=8-2&keywords=the+band+watch+band
The most practical answer is probably a Casio G-shock. Nearly indestructible, available in several sizes / styles, and also available in a few different price levels. I have one with an analog dial backed by all the digital capabilities for reading the current time at a glance, but the stopwatch, alarms, multiple timezones, etc. are there if I need them. It's also solar powered and syncs to the atomic clock time signal daily, so it's basically maintenance free. I think it cost around $150 or less and is on my wrist about 75% of the time. My other 15 or so watches each have their own strengths and purposes, but if I had to I could pare down to one "dress" watch and the G-shock and not feel like I was missing much.
+1 G-Shock is the answer, IMHO.
Disagree. All the information was accounted for with MARSMAN's response. It was for Air Force ROTC. Get the Ironman. It will be affordable and meet your needs.
Old enough to Remember that timex after the outboard motor stunt couldn't be found but John Cameron Swazey assured us it was still ticking.
My oldest daughter was in her HS ROTC and was on the drill team. Congrats and good luck. And I agree with the G-Shock recommendations. Solid, dependable, and used by many in law enforcement and military. And with a wide range of models, you can get one that looks both utilitarian and attractive.
I also agree with the recommendation for a G-Shock.
Considering he's in an ROTC (I'm assuming college, yes?) I don't think an Omega and Breitling would be the most cost effective choice for him, especially if he's going to be using it for practice.
A rugged watch will carry over nicely too once you're out in the fleet (if you happen to find yourself in the field at least).
Considering he's in an ROTC (I'm assuming college, yes?) I don't think an Omega and Breitling would be the most cost effective choice for him, especially if he's going to be using it for practice.
A rugged watch will carry over nicely too once you're out in the fleet (if you happen to find yourself in the field at least).
Omega Speedmaster Professional 
This can go all over the map depending on budget. I love my Breitlings, but can they take a beating? Probably but I wouldn't put them through abuse.
I'll also vote g-shock and add Luminox to the mix. If you want a tough manual/mechanical watch, look at Hamilton's. My Hamilton field officer has taken a beating without giving up.
I'll also vote g-shock and add Luminox to the mix. If you want a tough manual/mechanical watch, look at Hamilton's. My Hamilton field officer has taken a beating without giving up.
I'm another on the G-Shock side of the fence. I just commissioned through ROTC on December 13th, and I wore a G-shock the whole time. Not optimal for instances requiring a dress uniform, but for the money, nothing beats the solar powered models during field training exercises IMHO. Also, the models with the vibrating alarm are perfect for situations where you need to wake up quietly in the field (more of a deployment experience than ROTC). Just my two cents.
Ok, My $0.02; If you're getting one watch for ROTC and more specifically the Drill Team I would recommend something kind of like this;
http://www.shopcasio.com/product/dress-efa119bk1av-black-face-silver-band.
This gives you all the bells and whistles one may want from a watch (telling time of day, date, counting elapsed time, etc) and it won't look like you have an assault pack on your wrist (slight exaggeration) or completely break the bank. If you're performing on the drill team in your class A's or B's or whatever the AF calls them, then you should look for something that has a dressed up look to it. Stroll by the Walmart jewelry counter and see what nice Timex's and Casio's they have that are in your budget. Once you graduate, if wearing a watch has grown on you, then you can look into getting something nicer (more expensive). My recommendations then are Suunto, Citizen (my eco-drive has stood up to some tough treatment, It's not as pretty up close as it used to be but it functions great and looks fine more than a 2 feet from the observer), and maybe this;
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Foretrex-401-Waterproof-Hiking/dp/B002EOSQII
http://www.shopcasio.com/product/dress-efa119bk1av-black-face-silver-band.
This gives you all the bells and whistles one may want from a watch (telling time of day, date, counting elapsed time, etc) and it won't look like you have an assault pack on your wrist (slight exaggeration) or completely break the bank. If you're performing on the drill team in your class A's or B's or whatever the AF calls them, then you should look for something that has a dressed up look to it. Stroll by the Walmart jewelry counter and see what nice Timex's and Casio's they have that are in your budget. Once you graduate, if wearing a watch has grown on you, then you can look into getting something nicer (more expensive). My recommendations then are Suunto, Citizen (my eco-drive has stood up to some tough treatment, It's not as pretty up close as it used to be but it functions great and looks fine more than a 2 feet from the observer), and maybe this;
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Foretrex-401-Waterproof-Hiking/dp/B002EOSQII
Patek. Always choose the Patek.
Seriously, I think that the suggestions of a G-Shock are perfect. They are almost indestructable, available in different sizes and have all of the functions which you need. Good luck.
Seriously, I think that the suggestions of a G-Shock are perfect. They are almost indestructable, available in different sizes and have all of the functions which you need. Good luck.
Agreed on the G-shock. You need something that you can abuse, and if you're in college ROTC I'll make the assumption that you aren't flush with cash.
G-shock will serve you well throughout your entire career.
A few years ago I got a g shock solar and atomic watch combo from Kohls. That thing is a tank,
