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Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
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Author:  VC25 [ Tue Nov 01, 2011 9:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
Hi all. Newbie here with a question or two. I was able to be a part of a special order for the crew of Air Force One back in 07. It's # 24 of 33 produced . The Presidential/Air Force One seal is very detailed and you really need a magnifying glass to appreciate it. Does Breitling do a lot of this type of LE work ? I assume there would be a minimum requirement to order something special. Lastly, the LCD display lights up a very soft green color which I was told was specially done for use with night vision equipment. Not sure if this is true. Can anyone comment on what color their Advantage lighting is ? These were put into service while Pres. Bush was in office and I assume he got #1 !!! Anyone care to guess on value for insurance purposes ?

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Author:  P51 [ Tue Nov 01, 2011 11:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
Hi VC25, this is P51 here.

No, can't help you with many of your asks, but I just thought I would post a reply to you anyway. Someone else here will help, as there are a number of very knowledgeable members on this forum.

Like most Makers, Breitling have made watches for special interests or ceremonies in the past, as well as an number of Air Forces around the world. Iraq, Iran, Libya (I think) France, the RAF, Italy, etc. I am not sure they are generally available, as these are issued to pilots within those organisations. They come up for sale - second hand, and thats when you can get hold of them. Some are avaialble though, new.

I once saw an O & W Selectron that was part of a G E promotion, in a similar way to Breitling. So it does happen.

I think your watch is great asset though, and will no doubt receive interest in the years ahead. Very thoughtful on the green glow too. :lingsrock:

Regards

Jim
Author:  Turkeylover [ Wed Nov 02, 2011 1:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
Welcome to the forum.

The AF 1 Avantage is a beautiful piece. You are correct when you talk about the logo on the dial. Breitling does a spectacular job printing them. The quality is superb and can only truly be appreciated under magnification.

I own a number of these pieces including the Avantage. Breitling is a major player when it comes to providing custom dial limited production watches to military units. If I remember correctly, they require a minimum order of 25-50 for the Avantage.

I was a bit thrown off with the lack of brightness on the LED display as well. My B-1's are much brighter so I was a bit concerned until I investigated more and found that it does not appear to be as bright as the others in the line. I would not worry about it being defective.

Regarding value, I would use the regular retail value of the watch for insurance purposes.

Hope this helps.
Author:  Sharkmouth [ Wed Nov 02, 2011 2:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
:welcome:

Quote:
Does Breitling do a lot of this type of LE work ?
Yes, mostly for the military but occasionally for civil organizations. Breitling Israel has photos of many of them here
http://www.clubbreitlingisrael.co.il/site/detail/departAlbum/albumPic.asp?depart_id=24739&category_id=30898

Forum sponsor Andrew Michaels commissions many watches for UK forces. You can buy directly from them. http://www.andrewmichaels.co.uk/amj/breitling-exclusive-range/military-aerospace/ You'll need a password to access the page. I have one of their F-4 Phantom models.

Quote:
I assume there would be a minimum requirement to order something special
Usually 50 but I see your AFO is from a run of 33.

Quote:
Lastly, the LCD display lights up a very soft green color which I was told was specially done for use with night vision equipment. Not sure if this is true.
Perfectly true. The LCD display is made to be seen using Night Vision Goggles.

Quote:
Anyone care to guess on value for insurance purposes
It will be the same as an Aerospace without a special dial. Check eBay for current going rate.

Hope this helps.
Author:  Roffensian [ Wed Nov 02, 2011 4:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
I think that most of it has been said.

In terms of numbers, Breitling only allows certain models to be ordered as LEs and the minimum number is dependent on the model, but unless it's changed they are all either 25 or 50 with Breitling reserving the right to make exceptions in certain cases.
Author:  VC25 [ Wed Nov 02, 2011 7:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
Great info and thank you for the welcome. This is a great watch. Very glad to know the green glow is for night vision use too ! Proud to own this one for sure. Cheers ! :lingsrock:
Author:  flyviper [ Mon Nov 07, 2011 8:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
Quote:
Perfectly true. The LCD display is made to be seen using Night Vision Goggles.


If you use your NVGs to read your watch, you have a lot bigger problems than finding out what time it is. I think the NVG compatible thing is just an advertising gimmick. A $20 Timex "indiglo" watch won't even negatively affect NVGs.

Anyways, nice looking watch...Breitling does a great job on the custom faces.
Author:  johnnyboomboombuck [ Mon Nov 07, 2011 10:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
"A $20 Timex "indiglo" watch won't even negatively affect NVGs..."

You are very correct on that one. I have, however, witnessed a WiseLED with 2600 lumes temporarily blind a sentry. Made a grown man cry.
Author:  swiss1 [ Mon Nov 07, 2011 11:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
There have been a few different models to bear the AF1 logo, last one i remember was the colt from maybe 6 years ago .
Author:  VC25 [ Mon Nov 07, 2011 2:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
flyviper wrote:
Quote:
Perfectly true. The LCD display is made to be seen using Night Vision Goggles.


If you use your NVGs to read your watch, you have a lot bigger problems than finding out what time it is. I think the NVG compatible thing is just an advertising gimmick. A $20 Timex "indiglo" watch won't even negatively affect NVGs.

Anyways, nice looking watch...Breitling does a great job on the custom faces.


Kind of a goofy gimmick too considering the environment it is used in. I'm thinking there are other ways to know what time it is while in flight ! Interesting to hear that other AF1's have been produced thruout the years. This one was ordered in a batch made for the flight crew in '07. I was not a part of the crew.
Author:  F14D_Tomcat [ Fri Nov 18, 2011 11:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
Very sweet pick-up ....and matching username :wink: :lingsrock:
Author:  alexraptor50 [ Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
I have #32 of 33.
Author:  vintage [ Sat Jun 23, 2012 4:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
alexraptor50 wrote:
I have #32 of 33. Iv been looking for someone who has one too. My dad was part of the order so I have one also. Reply of you want to chat.


Can you post a pic? haven't seen this one before. Thanks.
Author:  alexraptor50 [ Sat Jun 23, 2012 2:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
vintage wrote:
alexraptor50 wrote:
I have #32 of 33.

Can you post a pic? haven't seen this one before. Thanks.

Attachment:
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1340491242.252804.jpg
Author:  Budlum24 [ Sat Jun 23, 2012 2:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aerospace Advantage "Air Force One"
Very nice. That is a keeper.
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