Well, it's got my airframe on it (which is the main reason I even considered shelling out the money for it). Aside from that, it more usable in the jet, as the hands are actually usable at night (My Skyhawk has no light, and the lume is very poor in comparison, making it unusable at night). Lastly, I'm a fan of the sweep second hand/automatic movement. Most importantly, when you are TDY 220+ days a year as a single O-3, that per diem starts burning a hole in your pocket. As I mentioned earlier, I wanted something to commemorate my upgrade to a C-17 aircraft commander, and had my certification date engraved on the watch back. I also figured I'd get more use out of a watch that I'd wear on missions than a new TV that would just sit at home gathering dust. I still like my Skyhawk, as it was a winging gift from my parents, and it will still get some use. But my Bremont will definitely be what is on my wrist for operational flying. I considered Omegas, Breitlings, Rolex, etc, but wasn't ready to shell out that kind of money for a nice watch without some connection to either my squadron or airframe.
^^^^ Got it. That all makes sense. I was just curious if there was some whizzbang-amazing feature that came on the Bremont that wasn't on the Timex. (And I totally agree on the lighted hands deal.)
The only whizbang features are the little C-17 on the face, the timezones are labeled with common C-17 ICAOs instead of major cities, and the watch face draws heavily from the AMC patch (blue globe with yellow arrows). Does it do anything functionally that a Timex couldn't do? Nope.
Sweet Bremont. I think they did a great job in the design. I contacted Bremont about designing a CG watch and they are totally into it, but getting enough pilot's to pony up the $$ is liking pulling teeth.
No joke. In other news, saw your red X-33 on another forum and decided I had to have one just like it. I can't wait for an out of BMI regs E-7 or E-8 type to tell me my red watchband is faddish, if I ever actually receive it (looking at you CUBuffs!)
Cool. Still wear that red kevlar band every once in a while (it is hard to keep clean). Get grief every time I do, but that only increases the appeal. BTW, if anyone is wondering what the X-33's successor is, here ya go: The Omega Z-33. Recalls earlier Omega Flightmasters (and unlike the X-33, which is part of the Speedmaster Professional line, it is a Spacemaster), it is made of titanium and contains a thermo-compensated quartz module. Pretty gee-whiz in the functions dept, expensive (approx $5900!), and thick as hell. No word on military pilot discounts.
Ahhh, my Z-33 search was unfruitful because it was too small, not because there wasn't a thread. The "Omega Z-33" search yielded better results. Thanks for the course correction and back to our originally scheduled programming.
From Maverick's wrist to mine. The original Top Gun pilots watch landed yesterday to join the collection. The Orfina Porsche Design watch worn in Top Gun is often called the father of the big pilot style chronograph, and is often credited with starting the trend towards larger (40mm+) case sizes. The black oxidized coating was also new to the world of watch manufacturing at the time.
A few pages ago someone suggested chase-durer, and no response was given. I'm curious though, has anyone owned a watch from this brand? Any opinions on its reliability? The wife got me this as a present for my recent accomplishment. No, the picture is not mine. I found this picture on another forum, but it's the exact same watch. I've always been a big watch guy (on a small budget). I've eye'd rolexs from a distance. I own a plain citizen. An old titanium skyhawk that broke (from flying in a t-6b?). I'm not even sure. In any case, I have to send it in to be repaired. It works, but a seal broke somewhere and it is no longer protected against water. Before I got the top-most watch and because some of my watches are on the west coast where I left them when I drove to OCS, I've been biding my time with something like this (it's not a looker, but it gets the job done). Hmm..also, for the same recent event, someone else in my family got me a watch. Not sure who made it exactly. But it's not half-bad. Except I have no idea how long it will last. Someday, when I make a boatload of cash, I will buy a rolex. And, pretty much, every watch in this thread that doesn't have a rubber band.
$350.00... sydney, 1969 (r&r from vietnam). i get it serviced about every 5 years. the last service was about $500.00, i think. right now, it gains about 8 seconds a day.
Wow...This one just set a record @$4878. http://www.ebay.com/itm/MILITARY-OMEGA-SPEEDMASTER-X-33-UNITED-STATES-NAVY-FIGHTER-WEAPONS-SCHOOL-/251152282471?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&nma=true&si=xYxMb1XGjJlh8WJwrHP2GRB3mT8=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
I'm looking to buy Husband an "I survived Japan watch" with the last of his amazing Japanese COLA. I'm totally out of my depth though as I know jack and shit about watches. He has a Breitling (my search of google pics suggests it is a B-1) and I'd like to find something a little smaller and perhaps a bit more dressy. I'm not a fan of Rolexes at all and he doesn't love them. I'm not a fan of mixed medals (gold and silver on the same watch) and since I'm the one buying it, I'm ruling out what I don't like. Any suggestions? If you could have just one nicer watch (not a Rolex), what would it be? And--this is a stupid question--how does one go about buying higher end watches? Do I just march into a jewelry store at a high end mall while I'm Stateside, and look at shiny things until I find one I like? Is a specialty store better and if so, how do I find a good one? Anything else I need to know?
Really depends on how much you're looking to spend. If he's not down with Rolex (who makes very nice stuff, and has a ton of brand cache), but thats the price range you're in, here's a few I'd recommend: -Omega (specifically the Speedmaster Professional lineup and this one ) -Tudor, which is Rolex's little known brother. The Heritage Black Bay is my personal want right now. ( http://www.tudorwatch.com/#/en/ ) -Bell and Ross - More of a vintage look ( http://www.bellross.com/us/ ) -Bremont - They've been doing stuff with military more, and have some neat pieces. ( http://www.bremont.com ) In terms of how to go about it, I'd pick which one you want and then find an authorized dealer in Japan or nearby (Hong Kong?) that's favorable exchange rate-wise. Some will knock a bit off the price (heard as much as 10%ish, but that's a LOT), but they won't move too much. AAFES and the NEX are authorized dealers for some brands, if you want to go that route. Stick to an authorized dealer, otherwise the warranty will be void and resale value down the line will be diminished. Some brands have boutiques in big cities like New York, Tokyo, etc. No discounts there at all.
I'm leaving Japan in about a week for COT leave, before heading to Germany, so I'd be looking to buy while Stateside. I love those Bremonts--several of them--and I suspect Husband would like that Heritage Black Bay. You've definitely pointed me in the right direction. Thanks.
If you like the Bremonts you might want to check out Sinn. (not that there is anything wrong with that) It's a German watch so you might even be able to pick one up while you are there. They started out making flight instruments and that heritage shows in the look and design. In the US there is only one distributor (URL below) but they are great to deal with and service what they sell. The Sinn's are extremely rugged and striking to look at. I bought the one below for my son for his winging gift. He's worn it for about 6 months now. He loves the way it looks and he wears it all the time in the cockpit. He gets lots of positive comments on it too. He wanted the black one but I like the tegimented titanium look myself....anyway they make first class stuff that you don't see everyday. http://www.watchbuys.com/store/pc/sinnwatches.asp I think I'm going to splurge on this one soon.
Sinn is a good solid choice. They are good looking watches suited to aviation and are rugged and robust. I have had this 756 for 5+ years now and the time keeping is spot on. Fortis is a good option to look at as well.
For a while, I've been admiring this one, and imagined buying it for myself as a present for finishing flight training: (although I'll probably need to start saving now; a Breitling Transocean Chrono can run up to $8K) But now, this one makes it difficult, considering I could wear it more day-to-day without worrying as much: Plus, it's less than a tenth of the cost of the Breitling, and quite a bit more functional. But then again, the Breitling would look better with more formal clothes. So now I'm stumped. Thoughts?
Tell me you're joking... that you would pay $$$x10 for a less functional watch for the reason stated above? I doubt that even "The" Donald Trump would do that! My thoughts, I'd stick with the Citizen and invest that $7,200 in gold (but that's me). BzB
You should definitely drop 8k on a watch when you graduate API. In the words of VPOTUS, it's a "big fucking deal."
shit..get six or seven of 'em Link removed Edit by HAL Pilot: Not going to allow links to a business that violates copy right laws. I've seen more that a few fakes by by airline employeess confiscated by Customs for this reason.
No matter how "realistic" they claim to be, anyone who owns a real one can tell it's a fake. Nothing says "I'm a douche" better than wearing a fake and claiming it's real.
re:"No matter how "realistic" they claim to be, anyone who owns a real one can tell it's a fake. " concur, i've had a real gmt master for 35 years . can spot fakes 10 feet away
Well no, not only that reason , but I think it's still an important consideration; I'll bet it'd look excellent when paired with some of the more formal uniforms, like the SDB's or Dinner Dress, whereas the Eco-Drive is sort of overwhelming. And speaking of investing, that's another thing I wonder about regarding these watches. Since the Eco-Drive is a limited edition, might it appreciate in value considerably, or would the Breitling be better for that since it's more of a high-end watch?
The eco drive is not going to appreciate. It's a watch, a tough one, but it is not an heirloom with anything other than sentimental value. That is not the case for a rolex, omega, or breitling.
