The Breitling Watch Source Forums

So my watch collection theme is pilot’s watches.

I have 2 Navitimers, a GMT Master II, and a Hamilton Pilot. On my list are the Santos, IWC Mark XVIII, and a Speedy. I also want a SOH II, which is not a pilots watch obviously, but I also want a diver and it’s just so pretty!

As far as iconic and/or historically significant pilots watches go, what else should be on my wish list?

To be honest, other than the Navitimer then the Speedy (which you've already mentioned) is undoubtedly one of the most iconic aviation piece around (assuming you count space travel as aviation! )

If you're looking truly iconic pieces then (but only if funds and wrist size allow!) you could consider the IWC Big Pilot instead of the Mark XVIII. I personally had timekeeping issues with mine, but there's no doubting it's a superb looking watch.... and I assume mine was just a lemon.

Another iconic aviation piece for me would be the Breguet Type XX Aeronavale. Breguet have a rich aviation history...... and make damn fine watches to boot.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

As Driver mentioned, Breguet is certainly worth considering. I would also add Zenith to the list as a possibility -- particularly any of the Type 20 Pilot Watches, as well as the Cronometro Tipo CP-2.

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Cheers,
Jim

well, in theory, these three would be great additions indeed ....
for the Zenith, the modern examples don't really do the originals justice, the movement dimensions are quite incorrect, so both look a bit crosseyed.

Breguet, on the other hand, did a smart marketing move with the Type XX Aeronavale, admittedly - Breitling had forgotten about their heritage and remained quiet about the fact the "original" Breguet of the very late 1950s that this is based on, was actually manufactured by Mathey Tissot & branded for both Breguet & Girard Perregaux - and was a blatant copy of a watch design Breitling had introduced 6 years earlier; so is it really iconic?

Love the vintage Mathey and own a GP branded example from the early 60s - but the "borrowed" Breitling design is quite clearly evident

To me if you are talking about pilot's watches I will have to recommend Chronomat because it is designed by real pilots and they will become legend many years later IMO.

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Breitling Chronomat 01 Limited Edition
Breitling Navitimer 01 46mm

You could just go for the SOHC, at least I wouldn't blame you if you did.

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Justin
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The Superocean Heritage II is already on the list! And the Breguet XX is also added to the list.

Thanks for the input!

I would say you can consider adding:

1. Seiko 6139 Pogue (first automatic chronograph in space - unofficially taken aboard - which performed perfectly well)
2. Sinn 140/142 (aboard a space shuttle to test the performance of an automatic watch in space)
3. BUhr A replica would be much cheaper. The ones with the modified Unitas movement with central second hand that can be stopped are especially great
4. Read up about the most suitable Fortis chronograph. Fortis supplied watches to Russian cosmonauts.
5. Omega Flightmaster - used by a number of astronauts and of course many pilots. It has a counterpart with a completely different movement - The Hamilton Chronomatic GMT
6. Similar to the ones in #5 are two very similar looking and very cool Breitling GMTs, one with the chronomatic movement and the other with the Valjoux 72 movement
7. Benrus Sky Chief
8. Heuer Bund
9. Airain Type 20 and counterparts made by Dodane and so on
10. Zenith Cairelli
11. Breitling has 5 or 6 top notch and very expensive (to me!) now vintage watches: AVI, Co-pilot, Unitime, 765, 817-cp-1

It is a genre on its own that can keep you busy for the rest of your life.


AmI

Great list already!
Besides the already mentioned Zenith, I'd add the Glashutte Original Senator Excellence with black navigation dial.