Watch recommendations for a pilot

So I'm a helicopter pilot and need some watch recommendations for the cockpit. Right now I'm rocking some el cheapo on the flight line. I decided I need to start upholding the "I'm a pilot, look at my watch" mentality.

The two I own now of mention are (both recommendations found here on SF, thanks):

Seiko Spirit Automatic
Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic

Obviously, I need more of a utilitarian watch.

I don't like metal bracelets, but with flight gloves on, it is very difficult to fasten a leather strap.

I also can't decide between auto or quartz for this one. I love automatic for its beauty, but for a practical everyday watch? I don't know. Advise. (Meaning: please talk me into thinking that an automatic can be practical)

I don't care too much about chrono or non chrono.

Trying to stay $600 or less.

So I guess I'm looking for a watch I can keep throughout my career that is practical with great style and a hint of "go to hell" .

Most of the real pilots I know wear Casio G-Shock watches when working. The expensive "pilot's watches" advertised are for pilot wannabes. For under $600, check out Oris, Hamilton, Tissot, etc.

Wear what you like.

Twotone

Stowa Flieger Original?

Wannabes or not, here are some solid pilot watches. Fortis Stowa IWC Sinn Damasko Omega

I wish this were a Sunglasses recommendations thread...

IWC or Stowa make pretty cool looking chronographs. Big diameters on the dials, though

The IWC and Speedy are great chronos, but definitely over $600.

any of the germans... sinns, damasko, etc. you want a big crown and you can put them on a military-style / nato / zulu strap

Have you asked on PPRuNe?
(It might be useful to find out what works for other pilots.)

Have you asked on PPRuNe?
(It might be useful to find out what works for other pilots.)

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Nope, never seen the site. Scanned an Army Aviation forum, but nothing. I will check it out.

Wear what you like.

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I'd like to, but I just haven't seen much that I do like, hence the request for recommendations.

I like the ones above, but the leather are not going to work I don't think, and the velcro, is... well, velcro. I guess I can always just buy a strap seperately.

Anything with a snooze alarm.

Originally Posted by cnh121

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I like the ones above, but the leather are not going to work I don't think, and the velcro, is... well, velcro. I guess I can always just buy a strap seperately.

The velcro strap is how the Apollo astronauts wore it. It comes with a steel bracelet (or leather is you buy .31). It's an Omega Speedmaster Professional.

Easy fasten for leather band
Deployant Clasp.

OP, Have a look at Sinn 656, though it costs more. It has a very functional look that is based on cockpit clock design. http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=129249 http://www.ceasuripentruromania.ro/c...nguage=english You will also have better luck asking on watch forum like the one above or Timezone.

Originally Posted by ZON_JR

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Anything with a snooze alarm.