I was surprised when I came on here years ago and found very expensive watches seemingly so popular with fleet aviators. Clearly, there were enough guys in a several squadrons for the big group purchases. Still, big money for a JO I thought. In my day maybe half a dozen guys would spend a couple hundred dollars in Hong Kong or the Cubi Exchange for the ubiquitous Seiko and Citizen dive watches. No J.O. EVER spent the kind of money a Rolex, Omega or Breitling would cost. We had one bachelor Hinge, sort of a showy type, who wore a Rolex. Even in the Reserves, where several guys were pulling down big money in The Show or had succeeded in business, luxury watches were not a thing.
In 1989 when my Reserve squadron wanted to make a watch purchase, we went direct to an Authorized Dealer. Chico's Pawn and Fine Time Pieces, was the best in all Chula Vista. Maybe you heard of them? For many years they were the official suppliers of chronometers for the annual Over The Line tournament in San Diego and the Tijuana to Ensenada poker run. Nothing but the best for a bunch of Reserve naval aviators. We pooled our money and cut a deal for a squadron customized watch group purchase. Being well off reservists and all around great dudes, we even subsidized the purchase for the enlisted guys.
The Micky Moonlighter was born a classic. Came in at just $35.00 a piece. Did I mention we were cheap ass airline pilots? Still keeps great time over 30 years later. Only "gold tone" watch I own, so it comes out when appropriate for color coordination styling purposes.
