Pilot Watches

dell30rb

dell30rb

Final Approach
Joined
May 18, 2011
Messages
7,148
Location
Raleigh NC
Display Name
Display name:
Ren
I'm looking to "dork it up" and possibly buy a pilot watch. I keep a stopwatch in my flight bag and while I don't need it that often, I find that its a pain to keep up with it in the cockpit.

Just wondering if any of you have bought one and what your opinion of the watch is. How useful is it? What functions can be performed, how much did it cost and etc...

Budget is something under $150


P.S. I found a timex for $30 that has a stopwatch and that can be set to display local, 12hr time and then with a single button push it will display zulu 24hr. I'm thinking this is 90% of all I'll ever need out of a watch but if I can find a 'pilot' watch that I like and isn't ridiculously expensive.....
 
11-06750.jpg


Comes with a bunch of other crap and you don't have to wear it...
 
Yeah, but it's a bit above the stated budget of $150.00 - it's swell though.
 
smarty pants

unfortunately the airplanes I fly all have very dated panels!
 
dell30rb said:
P.S. I found a timex for $30 that has a stopwatch and that can be set to display local, 12hr time and then with a single button push it will display zulu 24hr. I'm thinking this is 90% of all I'll ever need out of a watch but if I can find a 'pilot' watch that I like and isn't ridiculously expensive.....
Click to expand...
This is really all you need as the rest is just window dressing.

I've had the same $30 Timex Expedition with Indiglo for the past 8 years. Taken it diving to 120-feet repeatedly. Lost it twice while diving (fortunately another diver found it). And had to only change the battery twice in that time.

I've considered a more expensive watch, but it's something that I don't need. Basics is just fine.

For timekeeping while flying (such as switching tanks in the Warrior) and eventually IFR flying, I just make use of the on-panel clock (and eventual timer).

I'd say save your money and put the money not spent on watch toward a more useful edeavor. Like another hour of flying.
 
AggieMike88 said:
I'd say save your money and put the money not spent on watch toward a more useful edeavor. Like another hour of flying.
Click to expand...


I find myself comparing too many purchases to hours of flying.

I almost bought a new 30-06 rifle today (deer season starts in a month)... but no, that's 5 hours of flying!
 
dell30rb said:
P.S. I found a timex for $30 that has a stopwatch and that can be set to display local, 12hr time and then with a single button push it will display zulu 24hr.
Click to expand...
This is what I have. In the long-distant past I have had some "nice" watches, albeit not pilot watches, but I managed to destroy them so now I stick to the easily-replaceable kind.
 
I have a Citizen Skyhawk Eco-drive "pilot" watch that I got in St. Martin in 2009 for about $300. When I fly I wear a $20 digital watch I got at Target. :rolleyes:
 
dell30rb said:
I'm looking to "dork it up" and possibly buy a pilot watch. I keep a stopwatch in my flight bag and while I don't need it that often, I find that its a pain to keep up with it in the cockpit.

Just wondering if any of you have bought one and what your opinion of the watch is. How useful is it? What functions can be performed, how much did it cost and etc...

Budget is something under $150


P.S. I found a timex for $30 that has a stopwatch and that can be set to display local, 12hr time and then with a single button push it will display zulu 24hr. I'm thinking this is 90% of all I'll ever need out of a watch but if I can find a 'pilot' watch that I like and isn't ridiculously expensive.....
Click to expand...

Which Timex does that? Cause I'll buy it.
 
Cool, thanks. I've been looking for a watch that does all that
 
Its the "expedition"

I just bought one actually. $30 from target.
 
42a20fd3-5227-8921.jpg





You can set 2 time zones in the watch. Time zone 1 displays constantly. I have this set as a 12 hour local time. Time zone 2 I set to 24 hour zulu. When you press the top right button, time 2 (zulu) displays until you release the button.
 
Last edited:
dell30rb said:
I find myself comparing too many purchases to hours of flying.

I almost bought a new 30-06 rifle today (deer season starts in a month)... but no, that's 5 hours of flying!
Click to expand...
And you really can't tie your prize 15 pointer to the wing root and fly it home.
 
Everskyward said:
This is what I have. In the long-distant past I have had some "nice" watches, albeit not pilot watches, but I managed to destroy them so now I stick to the easily-replaceable kind.
Click to expand...
:yeahthat: Same logic applies to sunglasses for me.

I've purchased some expensive ones in past, and either bent, lost, broke, or severely scratched them within 2 weeks.

My most recent $15.00 CVS wrap-arounds I've had for 2 years now with nary a problem.
 
dell30rb said:
42a20fd3-5227-8921.jpg





You can set 2 time zones in the watch. Time zone 1 displays constantly. I have this set as a 12 hour local time. Time zone 2 I set to 24 hour zulu. When you press the top right button, time 2 (zulu) displays until you release the button.
Click to expand...

Oh snap! My old beat up Expedition will do that too! :yes: Cool!
 
I have one of those Casio G-Shock autoset watches. Has an automatic backlight that's pretty cool.

---
edit: This is the one I have:
http://www.gshock.com/products/index.php?id=C20F5516-EFB7-4DD1-BD5F-D8A6EE3D1E80

But I didn't pay near that at Penney's when it was on sale.

The backlight comes on when it's dark enough and you turn your wrist to a normal viewing angle. Plus, it solar recharges the battery so that's something else you don't have to worry about.
---


But I think I like the one this guy has:
 

Attachments

  • 2011_Lenexa 008 small.jpg
    2011_Lenexa 008 small.jpg
    231.7 KB · Views: 90
Last edited:
20 yrs of AF flying, timing controls, split second weapon delivery requirements, bombing competitions were time of impact is scored along with bulls eye scoring. Celestial navigation chronometer requirements. PT runs, 5K, 10k runs.

All on $30 Timex watches with 24hr and local/Zulu displays.
I think I bought 4 or 5 in my 20yr career and still use my last one while soaring.
You don't mind beating up a $30 watch.
 
I too felt the nedd for an impresive pilot watch. I bought a Breitling Navitimer in 1988 for around $2000. Had it about two weeks before scratching the crystal changing the oil on the SNJ. It worked well for about 5 years before one of the buttons came off. I had pretty much stopped wearing it by then and stuck it in a drawer. I sent it in a few years later as it quit working and they couldn't fix it as they no longer carried parts for the watch. Also got a Citizen Wingman for a present. It lasted about 11/2 years. I wear Timex or Casios, I'll never spend a bunch of money on a watch again. Don
 
AggieMike88 said:
:yeahthat: Same logic applies to sunglasses for me.

I've purchased some expensive ones in past, and either bent, lost, broke, or severely scratched them within 2 weeks.

My most recent $15.00 CVS wrap-arounds I've had for 2 years now with nary a problem.
Click to expand...

I used to wear costa del mar sunglasses. $130 and I got, on average about 2 years out of a pair.

Now I have $20 calcutta sunglasses. They are costa knock offs but they actually have good lenses / polarization. Usually I think cheap sunglasses feel cheap but these don't.

And since they are $20 I have several and stash them in useful locations (flight bag, boat, car)
 
I took an old Wakmann 8 day clock out of my old plane when I replaced it with an electronic. You could strap one to your wrist and REALLY dork it up. :D

BreitlingWakmann6511.jpg


Seriously, just get something simple that tells time. If you want to tell people you're a pilot, just go to parties and announce it like eveyrone else. :rolleyes:

Play with the e6b in your flightbag, and call me in the morning.
 
I think I'm going middle of the road. I really want a watch that doesn't need batteries, I like the Nighthawk but hate metal bands, well I found the Promaster which is available internationally and is the same watch, and is available with a rubber band. Ebay $188 free shipping, done. Will report when I get it. I hate digital watches and just wanted one that will display Zulu and local. This one also has an E6B which I might actually use, and if I don't, well it looks cool.

485454d1312441161-looking-citizen-nighthawk-rubber-strap-bj7010-09e.jpg
 
Last edited:
eMKay said:
I think I'm going middle of the road. I really want a watch that doesn't need batteries, I like the Nighthawk but hate metal bands, well I found the Pornstar which is available internationally and is the same watch, and is available with a rubber band. Ebay $188 free shipping, done. Will report when I get it. I hate digital watches and just wanted one that will display Zulu and local. This one also has an E6B which I might actually use, and if I don't, well it looks cool.
Click to expand...

Wow -- that's some watch....
 
eMKay said:
This one also has an E6B which I might actually use,
Click to expand...

No you won't.

and if I don't, well it looks cool.
Click to expand...

You really think so??? :rolleyes:

Get the leather jacket and Raybans first. Oh, you already have them? Then walk into any Signature FBO. Perfect!

:D
 
I know what Anthony is saying about not using the e6b. I don't think I've used one since taking the private written way back when. I'm not even sure where mine is any more.

I like a variety of watches. In the summer, dressed casually, I like a couple of Tommy Bahama watches. Other times I prefer a simple field watch, and have a couple from Eddie Bauer and Orvis. For the office and more formal occasions I have a nice dress watch I'm fond of. I'm not a fan of the larger watches marketed to pilots, but I certainly don't begrudge someone who does like them.

As for a leather jacket, Ray Bans and a good-looking watch, I'm not sure why some people like to rag on others about them. I won't knock someone who is practical and prefers nothing more than the basics. But I also won't make fun of someone who prefers a little style. We're not in jr. high any more.
 
Gerhardt said:
I know what Anthony is saying about not using the e6b. I don't think I've used one since taking the private written way back when. I'm not even sure where mine is any more.
Click to expand...

Pretty much. However, my real point is to keep a watch for telling time and an E6B for doing what it does. Once you start putting all that crap on a little watch, with little numbers, it really just is more of a novelty than actual tool. But, hey, if you want a novelty, go for it.

When, people ask me for a pilot watch, I usually recommend a dive watch of some kind, which is what I use for fly with. Waterproof, rugged, reliable, with only one function......time. But they don't want a watch for flying, they want a "pilot style" watch, whatever that means. I think that's what the OP is asking for, and mostly I see Citizens that have all the "pilot" functions, and stop watches, etc.
 
Just remember what most women learned from their mothers:
The bigger your pilot's watch the more wimpy your manly junk...
You wanna advertise that by waving around a Breitling, be my guest...
Same thing for the wannabe's strutting and posing in their Top Gun leather jackets...

I wear a Casio G-Shock (the original)... It has epoxy stuck to the band from boat building... And a small defect on the crystal where a glowing slag from the plasma cutter bounced back and landed on it (one went down my glove also - hoo, hoo, hooo boy!) It does everything I need in a watch... It has been immersed in salt water, hydraulic oil, and in tanks of Agent Orange and keeps on ticking... It times switching the gas tanks on the plane very nicely thank you... Good enough for me... Other than that I'm voting for the $30 Timex...
As far as needed a show watch for business meetings ... I just had one of those business meetings, wearing blue jeans and a red tee shirt and my G-Shock... Everyone else was wearing suits, Rolex, etc... Funny thing though, I had the head seat of the table and everyone waited respectfully for me to finish speaking before they took a turn... Maybe it was the fact that I was the only one in the room capable of writing the very large check needed to conclude the business (and get them a pay check that week)... Respect is not only earned by how you dress...
 
steamee said:
I have a Citizen Skyhawk Eco-drive "pilot" watch that I got in St. Martin in 2009 for about $300. When I fly I wear a $20 digital watch I got at Target. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

My wife gave me the Blue Angel version for Christmas a few years ago. I like the fact that it sets itself to WWVB every night and changing time zones (I travel a lot on business) is a snap. Would I have bought it myself? No, the Casio digital watch was just fine (although the strap was falling apart). But now that I have it I'm happy to wear it and use it. And, yes, it does have some dings on it from running into things now and then. That's life...
 
dmccormack said:
I've bought form this guy: http://www.longislandwatch.com/

Decent watches -- I'm not keen at showing up to customer meetings wearing a Timex anymore.

:redface:

(FWIW I wore Timex and later Casio through 21 years of military service)
Click to expand...

Agreed, the wife bought me a "retirement watch". So I have a nice watch for business/work, and my beat up Timex for the sailplane or tow plane.
 
Original Casio G-Shock for me. If it's good enough to be "standard issue" to fighter pilots, it's good enough for me.

DW-5600E-1VER.jpg
 
Last edited:
Here we are. Just the thing for the poser. As big as your wrist. Can't miss it. They'll know you're a pilot. A low-time pilot.

L1060156-1.jpg


Dan
 
Dan Thomas said:
Here we are. Just the thing for the poser. As big as your wrist. Can't miss it. They'll know you're a pilot. A low-time pilot.

L1060156-1.jpg


Dan
Click to expand...


Who needs a month and year indicator on a wristwatch???

That thing looks like the collaboration product of a Soviet design team and a Hong Kong jeweler.
 
Anthony said:
I took an old Wakmann 8 day clock out of my old plane when I replaced it with an electronic. You could strap one to your wrist and REALLY dork it up. :D

BreitlingWakmann6511.jpg


Seriously, just get something simple that tells time. If you want to tell people you're a pilot, just go to parties and announce it like eveyrone else. :rolleyes:

Play with the e6b in your flightbag, and call me in the morning.
Click to expand...


You wanna sell that?

I've got some old epaulettes and a really nice pilot cap I'll cut the OP a really cherry deal on.
 
Dan Thomas said:
Here we are. Just the thing for the poser. As big as your wrist. Can't miss it. They'll know you're a pilot. A low-time pilot.



Dan
Click to expand...
Trying to sell a $12,000 watch around here is like trying to sell ice to eskimos. Considering they're looking at $30 timex, that is a bit over the top.
Nice, but a bit over the top and hardly worth it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top