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Thread: Pilot - which one would you get?

  1. #1
    Master
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    Pilot - which one would you get?

    Thinking I need to update my collection with a pilot watch. IWC has always been top of my list but I am not so sure about the new design with triple date display, but I prefer the new larger size to the older version, which is still available at some ADs. However I have taken a liking to Zenith pilot range, which has the advantage of true in house El Primero movement. Prices wise they are virtually identical. So like your advice as to which one you would go for, or other ones that may fit the bill. Thanks.

  2. #2
    I don't really get the "Pilot" watch thing. I guess it's just a name that has fallen into common use to describe a style, the fact that pilots did not get issued or use them is obviously irrelevant. Navigators maybe (B-Uhr and some JLC, IWC etc.) but not pilots. Also the chronograph versions (such as those made by IWC, Sinn etc) are a modern rewrite of history - I think IWC first made them in the '80s. Even the Omega Speedmaster was designed for motor sport. If you want a watch that was popular amongst actual pilots during the mechanical golden era then have a look at the Rolex GMT models.

    That said I love the look of some of the new Zenith watches. The horrible designs of the last few years must have done some serious damage to the brands reputation so it is good to see they are making some good looking pieces again and in a few years people might have forgotten how dreadful they became. Zenith is one of the brands that, like JLC, a watch enthusiast should like or at least respect. I find it quite hard with JLC as the designs do nothing for me and I think most current IWC models are horrible - too big for starters. However, with the IWC vs Zenith in the style you like, I think I do actually prefer the IWC style but the Zenith movement - so difficult to say. I'm not really a chronograph person so would really choose non-chrono but definitely not the IWC big pilot which i think looks ridiculous, keeps bad time and has no historical relevance or authenticity - it's just fashion.

  3. #3
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    Both good options, but you could also look a Fortis.

    http://www.fortis-watches.com/front_content.php

  4. #4
    Master trisdg's Avatar
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    Re: Pilot - which one would you get?

    ... or Breitling. I thought this was a pilots favourite.

  5. #5
    IWC's current pilot's watches are more about fashion than function. The older ones can be quite nice, though.

    I think Sinn has one of the best ranges of pilot's watches in current production, design-wise. The company was founded by a pilot, and they have a strong heritage in that department. Their movements are obviously nothing special, but they're well-thought-out and better-looking than Damasko, which are also high-quality watches.

    Vintage Heuers are another favourite, and Breguet has some strong heritage in pilot's chronographs.

  6. #6
    Craftsman 2kilo's Avatar
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    I've been looking at these, still can't make mind mind up:

    Sinn 103's
    Sinn 757's
    Guinand 40's
    A&O Mirage
    Damasko DC66

    If the Sinn 103s had a brushed finish I would be all over them, polished just looks cheap to me, while bead blasted is too tool watch :(

    Images stolen from the web...






    Last edited by 2kilo; 17th September 2012 at 10:12.

  7. #7
    Master quoll's Avatar
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    Hanhart and Tutima also have a lot of heritage in pilot and/or navigator watches - both do very good quality reissues of their 1940s WW2 models. I must get one of Tutima's more modern styled FX series one day.

    Stowa and Laco were 'original' B-Uhr makers too. (Obviously all of the watch companies have changed ownership since then.)

    Someone already mentioned Sinn.

    Of course, our host does one or two nice pilot-style watches too. :)

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by 2kilo View Post
    I've been looking at these, still can't make mind mind up:

    Sinn 103's
    Sinn 757's
    Guinand 40's
    A&O Mirage
    Damasko DC66

    If the Sinn 103s had a brushed finish I would be all over them, polished just looks cheap to me, while bead blasted is too tool watch :(
    The 103 looks absolutely great in the metal. It's easily my favourite of those choices, especially the acrylic version with the matte bezel and proper solid caseback. While the 757 is a technically impressive watch, its flat sapphire crystal and general starkness give it all the charm of a household appliance (or a Damasko).

  9. #9
    Grand Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by trisdg View Post
    ... or Breitling. I thought this was a pilots favourite.
    It's a watch (brand) that lots of pilots wear, rather than a Pilot's Watch (tm), a trademark that only means a relatively narrow set of design parameters in WISworld.
    ...but what do I know; I don't even like watches!

  10. #10
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    Pilot - which one would you get?

    A vintage Glycine Airman would be my choice.

  11. #11
    Craftsman t72's Avatar
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    Personally I am a big fan of the IWC pilot watches. I had the UTC in plat. with blue dial and blue leather strap which was gorgeous and must say I regretted selling it :-(

  12. #12
    Master scarto's Avatar
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    The original Pilot..and the one house that currently has the best designs imo - Zenith.

  13. #13
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    Cheers,
    Wooster


  14. #14
    Grand Master Neil.C's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by petespendthrift View Post
    I don't really get the "Pilot" watch thing. I guess it's just a name that has fallen into common use to describe a style, the fact that pilots did not get issued or use them is obviously irrelevant.
    Pilots obviously did get issued with them or there wouldn't be so many 6B IWC MKXI's about.
    Cheers,
    Neil.

    My Speedmaster website:

    http://www.freewebs.com/neil271052

  15. #15
    Grand Master Neil.C's Avatar
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    And this is the continuation of the IWC Mark series.

    The last one with "proper" hands.


    Cheers,
    Neil.

    My Speedmaster website:

    http://www.freewebs.com/neil271052

  16. #16
    Hanhart fliegerchrono or Rolex GMT for me, both have a real history in aviation terms, unlike the generic "pilots" watches that seem to be in abundance these days.

  17. #17
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    For less recognisable brands, Fortis and Glycine will get my vote. However, funds permiting, I'd go for an IWC BP and if you don't like the new design, you can always go for the older one, saving you a lot of money in the process.

  18. #18
    Master Tenko's Avatar
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    This gets my vote, simple, stylish and classic

    Quote Originally Posted by Neil.C View Post
    And this is the continuation of the IWC Mark series.

    The last one with "proper" hands.



  19. #19
    Quote Originally Posted by Wooster View Post
    Cheers,
    Wooster

    Love it!

    OP - you could look at Bremont! Shall I get my coat...?

  20. #20
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by tim2012 View Post
    I have taken a liking to Zenith pilot range
    http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.ph...90#post2439490


  21. #21
    Master
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    That is a great watch. Good purchase.

  22. #22
    Journeyman rufus's Avatar
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    Something different...


  23. #23
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    The best pilots IMO are IWC mark XV or big pilot.
    As I will never be able to save enough money for such a watch, I pick this one :









    ; )

    laurent

  24. #24
    Grand Master magirus's Avatar
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    You might consider a watch that is actually worn by pilots.

    F.T.F.A.

  25. #25
    Master Flashharry's Avatar
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    If you like the IWC then what about Eddies Speedbird 1



    or another of my favourites is the Stowa FOLE


  26. #26
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    I like the IWC 3717 but it's a chrono if you don't mind it.

  27. #27
    I bought a Sinn 356 from the forum a few months ago, just put it on a brown Toshi and love it, real classic looks.

  28. #28
    Grand Master
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    a bit cheeky of me but i have this wonderful Archimede in sc right now!
    ktmog6uk
    marchingontogether!



  29. #29
    Issued to SA pilots:


  30. #30
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    PRS22............

    Last edited by Dapper; 20th September 2012 at 12:52.

  31. #31
    Quote Originally Posted by Neil.C View Post
    Pilots obviously did get issued with them or there wouldn't be so many 6B IWC MKXI's about.
    Not all aircrew are pilots. The IWCs were originally issued to navigators for astronavigation - the only reason to have a really accurate watch on an aircraft. Later when they became worn out and obsolete due to new navigation technologies and also not keeping good enough time for astronav they were downgraded to being general issue and given to any branch (possibly including pilots who have traditionally been given a completely bog standard general issue watch). It is a misconception that the pilots themselves need a really accurate watch. B-Uhrs, Tutimas, Hanharts, Heuers etc. - all the quality aircrew watches that were very accurate or chronographs were given to the navigators (regardless of nation). The actual pilots themselves have never really needed anything with chronograph or other special functions either (although GMT display on dual time is very useful).

  32. #32
    Master seffrican's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by andy111s View Post
    Issued to SA pilots:

    There's one on the bay right now, is it yours?

  33. #33
    Master helidoc's Avatar
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    Pilot - which one would you get?

    Quote Originally Posted by petespendthrift View Post
    Also the chronograph versions (such as those made by IWC, Sinn etc) are a modern rewrite of history - I think IWC first made them in the '80s

    I think it was Fortis who kick started the modern flieger chronograph with this, a few months before IWC's first (quartz / mech) hybrid.



    David

  34. #34
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    Has to have GMT function for me, in airline life at least, Rolex 166713 would be my pick of the litter.

  35. #35
    Master Plake's Avatar
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    Pilot - which one would you get?

    Quote Originally Posted by magirus View Post
    You might consider a watch that is actually worn by pilots.

    +1 for Damasko dc56

    Totally embarrasses everything Breitling and IWC have to offer in terms of case tech and finishing. All 7750 based too.

  36. #36
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    Quote Originally Posted by Plake View Post
    +1 for Damasko dc56

    Totally embarrasses everything Breitling and IWC have to offer in terms of case tech and finishing. All 7750 based too.
    Case tech certainly, but finishing?....

  37. #37
    Master helidoc's Avatar
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    Pilot - which one would you get?

    Back to the OP's original question, I would recommend something 3 handed.

    Top recommendation is the Bremont MB 2 in orange, I find it very compelling on the wrist. The value choice is the Sinn 856, but I would rather save for the MB2 (I am!). Left field choice is the B&R 03-92, which although looks costly next to the Sinn , it has a unique (marmite) look, as well as the option of a ceramic case.

  38. #38
    Quote Originally Posted by seffrican View Post
    There's one on the bay right now, is it yours?
    No, mine has a correct second hand and a movement spacer...

  39. #39
    Master Plake's Avatar
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    Pilot - which one would you get?

    Quote Originally Posted by bydandie View Post
    Case tech certainly, but finishing?....
    Yeah fair point. I mean the ability of the finish to stay mint. Which is something different.

  40. #40
    Grand Master Neil.C's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by petespendthrift View Post
    Not all aircrew are pilots. The IWCs were originally issued to navigators for astronavigation - the only reason to have a really accurate watch on an aircraft. Later when they became worn out and obsolete due to new navigation technologies and also not keeping good enough time for astronav they were downgraded to being general issue and given to any branch (possibly including pilots who have traditionally been given a completely bog standard general issue watch). It is a misconception that the pilots themselves need a really accurate watch. B-Uhrs, Tutimas, Hanharts, Heuers etc. - all the quality aircrew watches that were very accurate or chronographs were given to the navigators (regardless of nation). The actual pilots themselves have never really needed anything with chronograph or other special functions either (although GMT display on dual time is very useful).
    I agree with you but you originally said...


    Quote Originally Posted by petespendthrift View Post
    I don't really get the "Pilot" watch thing. I guess it's just a name that has fallen into common use to describe a style, the fact that pilots did not get issued or use them is obviously irrelevant.
    And I disagreed as they obviously did get issued with watches. I didn't mention anything else except that pilots were issued with watches, which they were but probably not chronographs although a chap I know was an army helicopter pilot and was issued with the usual Seiko quartz chronograph .

    Here are a couple more of my older versions of pilot watches..




    Cheers,
    Neil.

    My Speedmaster website:

    http://www.freewebs.com/neil271052

  41. #41
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    In a single seat aircraft the pilot is also the navigator, so the 'Hour Angle' watch developed by Charles Lindbergh & Longines, could arguably be the orginal pilot/navigator watch. Although I'm sure pilots wore their own wristwatches i.e. non-issued, since the earliest days of flying. BTW Longines still produce the 'Hour Angle'.

  42. #42
    Grand Master Neil.C's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Nealywheelie View Post
    In a single seat aircraft the pilot is also the navigator, so the 'Hour Angle' watch developed by Charles Lindbergh & Longines, could arguably be the orginal pilot/navigator watch. Although I'm sure pilots wore their own wristwatches i.e. non-issued, since the earliest days of flying. BTW Longines still produce the 'Hour Angle'.
    Yep, probably the original specialist pilot watch.

    I think many cite the Cartier designed Santos as being the first but really only an ordinary wristlet to be used for ballooning.
    Cheers,
    Neil.

    My Speedmaster website:

    http://www.freewebs.com/neil271052

  43. #43
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    Quote Originally Posted by maple223 View Post
    I like the IWC 3717 but it's a chrono if you don't mind it.

    Another vote for this watch from me , ......it's my daily beater and I love it .

  44. #44
    Craftsman Retep's Avatar
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    I believe this is what Pilot's watches are all about (well more or less)..


    (not my picture)

  45. #45
    And in a similar vein:


    (Fred@ATG)


    (viper@WuS) - Tuskegee Red Tail special Gallet.


    A.M.I.


    F.A.P.


    F.A.P.


    (Colin@ATG) SwAF/SAAF.

  46. #46
    Master SSK007's Avatar
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    Simple

  47. #47
    Craftsman
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    Quote Originally Posted by ktmog6uk View Post
    a bit cheeky of me but i have this wonderful Archimede in sc right now!
    +1 for the Archimede from me too.

    I wear mine most days at work and I often get it checked out by the more senior people around me who splash out on IWCs and Rolexes.

    It's a great value watch and handsome too.

  48. #48
    Master Skier's Avatar
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    The term 'pilot watch' is probably a hang-over from the days before accurate clocks/stopwatches were fitted into cockpits and now describes a style more than who they are used by. In the modern RAF both pilots and navigators are issued watches though quite why these days is beyond me. I think the last time I used a wrist watch whilst airborne was for an IP to target run in a Jet Provost in 1988 when one of the 2 stopwatches fell from the coaming. With GPS fed navigation equipment and very accurate time the need for a watch is further negated.

    The recent Pulsar issued watch was, and may still be, banned in cockpits as one fell to pieces whilst airborne. The Red Arrows were, and may still be, sponsored by Breitling but this was nothing more than marketing, in the same way that Rolex sponsor Roger Federer - he doesn't need the watch to play tennis. I know nothing about the EADS/Damasko partnership but, again, it's marketing.

    I have 2 issued Seiko watches, commonly referred to as the Gen I and Gen II and haven't worn either for around 15 years; I last flew operationally in 2004. I also have an IWC 3717, a vintage pre-moon Speedmaster and a Breitling Aerospace Avantage - all could be described as Pilot Watches but none have ever had any utility in the cockpit for me though, in extremis, they could have.

    Bottom line is buy a watch you like, using whatever criteria are important to you: styling, movement, heritage etc. Above all - enjoy!

  49. #49
    IWC 3717 is a good choice



    although my money would / has gone on these



    Andy

    Wanted - Damasko DC57

  50. #50
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