Helicopter Pilot Watch Rec.

[ndnavyboomer]

Dear All,

I've sufficiently searched and read several posts about watches for pilots. But I am interested in giving a watch to a helicopter pilot for my best friend for his wedding - I've got over a year before I need the watch, but tend to over-research and think through things like this.

He's a Navy Helicopter pilot. I like the idea of a watch with some history and even read through the history of the Air King. But I have a couple of issues:
1. I could do a vintage Air King, but it isn't quite vintage enough - post WWII, and I'd be looking at it being a small watch, that would likely need significant servicing and repair.
2. I could do a current Air King, but it misses the date, which I think he would want, and is not technically really a pilot's watch, other than the clearer markers for the secondhand.
3. I like the Air King for its history, but not sure it really has the catch of the eye and makes it worth it to go for that over a GMT Master.
4. It does seem that Breitling has the market on pilot watches (though moreso for jets than helos) but I wonder if I should look at Breitling instead of Rolex because of the specific nature of the gift.

If there's something I'm not thinking of or any recommendations, I'd be happy to hear. If any of you are helo pilots, I'd especially love to hear what you wear, what you see others wear, and any specific thoughts.

[BillA]

Gmt II

[skyseadweller]

I'am a helo pilot.
your friend won't be watching much of his watch while actually flying , his hand will be mostly on the collective.
a pilot watch i personally find cool is the IWC Top gun model its a replica of the Orfina/Porsche design tom cruise wore in the movie of the same name

if you have helo questions i'm here for you

[cbalster]

Originally Posted by skyseadweller

I'am a helo pilot.
your friend won't be watching much of his watch while actually flying , his hand will be mostly on the collective.
a pilot watch i personally find cool is the IWC Top gun model its a replica of the Orfina/Porsche design tom cruise wore in the movie of the same name

if you have helo questions i'm here for you

I was thinking IWC or Zenith would be cool options. While some might say GMT or Skydweller, there won't be much time zone crossing in a helicopter. A Daytona would be a sweet choice but that's quite expensive! Vintage President, modern DJ would be my choice. Also consider an Omega Speedmaster.

[ndnavyboomer]

Originally Posted by skyseadweller

I'am a helo pilot.
your friend won't be watching much of his watch while actually flying , his hand will be mostly on the collective.
a pilot watch i personally find cool is the IWC Top gun model its a replica of the Orfina/Porsche design tom cruise wore in the movie of the same name

if you have helo questions i'm here for you

I'm actually surprised to hear you recommend the Top Gun model - my limited experience of helo guys is they want nothing to do with the jet Top Gun stuff.

Any other thoughts? Or just go with a cool guy watch and not worry about the pilot aspect?

[Largoshark]

I don't think you can go wrong with a classic Navitimer in this scenario.

[Ungucpho]

IWC big Pilot l. A watch you can actually buy and probably get a discount on

[JParm]

Was a Navy helo pilot before I got out.

Here are a couple of my stalwarts.

[ltmgeller]

If he's a Navy pilot, you can't go wrong with a GMT or a Sub.

[skyseadweller]

Go second hand , buy well , at a low low price : a Breitling Emergency

[SeaAndSky]

A Submariner would be my choice. The only time the helo guys in any of my Air Wings crossed timezones was when the boat steamed across them. If he plans on doing an airline gig after separation or retirement then get him a GMT.

[GMT Fan]

I'm a retired USN aviator. I have a Batman and a Pepsi Jubilee. GMT Master II, to me, and to my retired US Army helicopter pilot Dad, is the ultimate.
Current Navy pilots balk at the price for a GMT Master II. Many of them are opting for Breitling, as you say. But many of them are opting for Bremont.
https://us.bremont.com/collections/w...cts/alt1-zt-51

[InitialAndPitch]

Originally Posted by skyseadweller

Go second hand , buy well , at a low low price : a Breitling Emergency

Just make sure it’s got the frequency update especially when flying in US if buying an older model.

[Tudor841]

I would recommend an Explorer 2, either a five digit 16570 or the newer 42mm model.

[Martymcflyface]

I don’t fly choppers, but as an airline pilot I think the GMT is the most appropriate. Maybe for a Navy guy he would appreciate the Submariner more.

[procrustes]

Originally Posted by Tudor841

I would recommend an Explorer 2, either a five digit 16570 or the newer 42mm model.

Explorer 2 for a helicopter pilot?
How about this one?

[exador]

Breitling 817 as issued to Italian Army Helicopter Pilots:

https://www.acollectedman.com/collec...-chronograph-2

[gtnator]

Originally Posted by Ungucpho

IWC big Pilot l. A watch you can actually buy and probably get a discount on

Yes, and it wasn’t like that a few years ago. And it was priced higher. Good time to buy this one for sure.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[glamorama]

Not a recommendation but thought I’d show an actual military issued heli watch. This is a Seiko quartz from the Swedish Air Force, used in the 90’ies.

[daveathall]

I would look at IWC.

[Rock]

All the 'flyers' I have ever met just love IWC Pilot watches. Almost a 'cult' thing.

[TheVTCGuy]

I was a Navy pilot for 12 years, 2000 fixed wing hours and about 400 rotary. My first watch bought when I earned my wings was the GMT II. It is useful, iconic, identified with pilots darn good looking. You couldn’t go wrong with this choice.

[Ungucpho]

Originally Posted by daveathall

I would look at IWC.

Originally Posted by Rock

All the 'flyers' I have ever met just love IWC Pilot watches. Almost a 'cult' thing.

Always good to hear others bring up other brands, especially on a Rolex forum

[woodsworth]

Loved my Big Pilot... Plan on getting another one day :D

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by InitialAndPitch

Just make sure it’s got the frequency update especially when flying in US if buying an older model.

Get the aerospace instead

[derekstlmo]

Aerospace

[East Bay Rider]

I like the look of this Sinn 857 UTC on bracelet or leather.
https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/857_UTC.htm

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

I like the look of this Sinn 857 UTC on bracelet or leather.
https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/857_UTC.htm

Fabulous recommendation. I have 2 Sinn watches, they are brilliant.

[ts3]

I am a private pilot flying fixed wing and rotary.

My first decent watch was an IWC Mark XV. Still my daily beater two decades later despite being into Patek these days. Perfect tool watch that only looks better if scratched and slightly dinged which will happen if you hang around aircraft a lot.

Never much liked the Big Pilot and would recommend an IWC Mark XVIII if you want to buy new. If used go Mark XII or Mark XV or Mark XVIII as well which can all be had at a bargain. Avoid Mark XVI and XVII which are generally less liked.

A GMT doesn't make much sense for a helicopter pilot in my experience. Flying across time zones is airline and not helicopter work...

[Fleetlord]

https://www.muehle-glashuette.de/en/...r-chronograph/