Hello all-
I'm a military pilot, stationed in Alaska. I've been here for a while doing watch research--background is that I've owned variations of the same watch for the last 15 years or so, the Citizen Skyhawk which is a decent little model that has lots of great features for pilots and looks pretty nice. Unfortunately, the face tends to get chipped and cracked, and my current one's band just broke, so I end up replacing them every 4+ years or so. I'm thinking it may be time for me to take the plunge and invest in a nice high-end watch that will last. If I'm going to pay thousands of $$, I'm hoping it will last me 15+ years, but that's one thing I'm researching, if Lings or other brands are able to hold up that long with minor periodic maintenance.
As I type this post, I'm deployed to the Middle East, so I may go to a Breitling dealer in town next week and try to do some more research. Should be home in another 1.5 months or so. Sure would be great to have a watch waiting for me when I get there! I saw a couple threads here about custom editions made, with printing, and I especially like the E-6 that one person had put on theirs. I understand that USAF weapons schools sometimes put together group buys at Nellis AFB with customization. I'm not a weapons school person, though, so I don't know if I'd be able to participate in that, but I would LOVE... LOVE to have my airplane printed on the watch face, or something else memorable, to really make this watch special to me.
Since I know I like picture threads, (and I'm guessing you all do too) here's some screen captures I've made from the Breitling website of some of the models I'm considering. Right now the Airwolf is topping my list, with Aerospace as a second, but also considering the Emergency and new Chronomat. Maybe even a Co-pilot addition. I really like the look of the titanium grey faces on the Airwolf and Aerospace.
And lastly, some other pics I found here linked from elsewhere of the new Chronomat I'd consider.
