As far as official US Air Force watches go, they are mostly used for marathon watches; however, airmen have many options when it comes to choosing the right Air Force watch that can stand up to the challenges of a busy cockpit. Whether you are a seasoned pilot or just an aviation enthusiast, having a reliable watch is a must. In this article, we take a look at some of the best options for airmen, carefully crafted by renowned horologists who understand the demands of military aviation.
MARATHON 41mm Pilot’s Navigator: An official US Air Force watch
Let’s start our journey by talking about a super cool watch called the Marathon Pilot’s Navigator. It’s like a super fancy watch made by a really famous Swiss company called Marathon. These guys are known for making watches for the military, and this watch they made is a mix of being fancy, useful, and really tough. It’s the official watch used by the United States Air Force, which is pretty awesome!
One cool thing about this watch is that it can stay underwater up to 60 meters deep without getting ruined. That’s like diving into a swimming pool with it, and it’ll still work just fine!
The Marathon Pilot’s Navigator has a special feature called a “chronograph.” It’s like a super-precise timer that helps you measure time really accurately. It also shows you the date so you always know what day it is. Even in the dark, you can still see the time because it has a special system that makes the numbers glow, kind of like how glow-in-the-dark stickers work.
This watch is a great friend for the US Air Force folks who need a really, really good watch. People who bought it seem to really like it and gave it a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, which is pretty high!
Now, let’s talk about some technical stuff:
It’s built following strict rules set by the government for military stuff. There’s a special code on the back of the watch that tells you it’s made just right for the military.
The watch can light up by itself because it has special tubes inside that make it glow. You don’t need to shine a light on it for it to work in the dark.
This watch is made for pilots and people who jump out of planes (parachutists). It’s not heavy, and it’s super tough. It’s also not easy to scratch the glass on the front.
Inside the watch, there’s a special Swiss-made part that helps it keep time really well. It’s like having a super-precise engine inside.
So, in simple words, this watch is like a super tough, fancy, and accurate timekeeper made for the Air Force and other cool folks. It can even glow in the dark, and you can take it swimming with you without worries. It’s like having a little piece of high-tech Swiss awesomeness on your wrist!
Price: USD$450
Rating: 4.4
36MM OFFICIAL USAF OFFICER’S WATCH WITH DATE (GPQ)
The USAF Officer’s Watch is a really awesome watch that’s built to be super tough and reliable. It’s made following strict military rules, and it has a really interesting history!
Imagine a watch that’s not just cool but also tough. Well, that’s what the General Purpose Field Watch is all about. It’s designed to be tough and lightweight. The case of this watch is made from a special material that can take a lot of hits without breaking.
This watch goes by a few different names like Officer’s Field Watch Quartz (OFQ) and Stainless Steel General Purpose Quartz (GPQ-SS). What’s inside this watch is pretty amazing too. It has a special Swiss-made part called a quartz movement. This part makes sure the watch works perfectly, and it even tells you when the battery is running out.
Price: USD$500
Rating: 4.5
41MM OFFICIAL USAF™ PILOT’S NAVIGATOR WITH DATE
A long time ago, in 1986, there was something super cool created called the Navigator Class of Wristwatches. It was made in partnership with Kelly Air Force Base, and it was a big deal in the world of watches. Imagine it as a superhero of time!
Even today, the Navigator watch is still super awesome. In 2019, it got some cool updates to make it even tougher and better.
So, what’s so special about this watch? Well, it’s not just a regular watch you wear on your wrist. It’s like a super tool for keeping track of time. It makes sure you don’t waste any time and use every second wisely.
Here are some cool things about the Navigator watch:
Movement: Inside it, there’s something called “high-torque movement.” It’s like the engine of the watch, and it’s really strong.
End-of-Life Indicator: It even tells you when it’s time to change the battery. How cool is that?
Tritium Tubes: The numbers and hands on the watch glow in the dark, so you can always read the time, even in the dark!
Bezel: There’s a special ring that you can turn to measure time. It’s like a secret feature!
Case: The outside of the watch is built to be super tough, so it can survive in really rough places. It’s like a superhero suit for the watch.
Every single part of this watch is made with lots of care and precision. It’s like the people who made it wanted to make something really, really good.
So, if you’re an adventurer or a professional who wants a watch that can handle anything, the Navigator is the perfect choice. It’s like having a trusty sidekick on your wrist, always helping you keep track of time in style!
Price: USD$480
Rating: 4.7
Popular watches in the US Air Force
There are a number of additional timepieces that Air Force members like in addition to the official US Air Force watches. These include timepieces made by companies like Suunto, Timex Expedition, Casio G-Shock, and Bulova Accutron. All of these timepieces are renowned for their sturdiness and dependability, which makes them perfect for usage in a military setting.
The Super Cool Air Force Watch – GRAVITY MASTER GR-B200RAF-8A
Have you ever heard of the Gravity Master watch? It’s part of the G-Shock Gravitymaster Series, and it’s super special because it was made together with the Royal Air Force (RAF), which is the world’s oldest air force. This watch is made for brave pilots who work in really tough conditions.
Let’s talk about what makes this watch so awesome:
Base Model: This watch starts with something called the GR-B200. It’s like the foundation of the watch, and it’s built tough with something called a Carbon Core Guard structure. It also has a special sensor that can do four cool things: tell you which way is north (compass), measure how high up you are (altimeter/barometer), check the temperature, and even count your steps (pedometer).
Cool Colors: The watch is mostly a dark gray color, which looks like the color of the airplane. But there are also white and green parts that remind you of the colors you see in a fancy cockpit. It’s a design inspired by stealthy, hidden airplanes.
Special Words: If you look closely at the band of the watch, you’ll see the words “Per Ardua Ad Astra.” That’s in Latin, and it means “Through adversity to the stars.” It’s like a cool motto of the RAF, and you’ll also spot the RAF logo on the band ring.
Amazing Collaboration: This watch is like a special team-up between the RAF, who do really tough missions in the sky, and the G-Shock Gravitymaster, which is the ultimate watch for pilots. It has all the fancy features pilots need.
More About the Features:
Step Count: The watch can count your steps, from 0 to a whopping 999,999 steps!
Power Saving: It’s smart and knows when you’re not using it, so it takes a little nap to save power.
Altimeter: It can tell you how high up you are, even way up in the mountains.
Barometer: This helps you know if the weather is changing, so you can be ready.
Digital Compass: Imagine it’s like a mini GPS that shows you which way to go.
Thermometer: It can check the temperature, so you’ll know if it’s cold or hot outside.
So, in simple words, the GRAVITY MASTER watch is like a high-tech gadget for pilots. It helps them fly safely, even in really challenging situations. It’s not just a watch; it’s a buddy for pilots in the sky!
Price: Approx USD $350
Rating: 4.9
Bulova Accutron II Alpha Watch: A Timeless American Classic
Next in line is the Bulova Accutron II Alpha watch, a masterpiece meticulously crafted by the esteemed American horological institution, Bulova. With a rich heritage of crafting timepieces for the military, Bulova has established itself as a trusted brand among Airmen. This watch is a very good option for an official US Air Force watch.
Water-resistant up to 100 meters, the Bulova Accutron II Alpha is a resolute companion for your high-flying adventures. This watch movement is six times more accurate than a standard quartz movement, with an accuracy of +/- 10 seconds per year. With its classic design and dependable performance, the Bulova Accutron II Alpha stands as a premier choice for Airmen seeking a blend of style and functionality.
Price: Approx USD $570
Rating: 4.3
For those who hold Japanese precision and craftsmanship in high regard, the Seiko Prospex Flightmaster represents an exceptional choice. Seiko, renowned for its superlative timepieces, has fashioned a watch that caters to the needs of aviation professionals.
Timex Expedition Scout: Affordability and Reliability
Last but certainly not least, we have the Timex Expedition Scout, a watch that impeccably embodies the principles of affordability and reliability. Timex, a renowned American horological manufacturer, has carved a niche by producing timepieces that offer exceptional value for money. The perfect watch for serving in the US Air Force.
With a water resistance of up to 100 meters, the Timex Expedition Scout is a robust companion for Airmen seeking durability. Its chronograph feature ensures precise timekeeping, while the date aperture enhances practicality. Additionally, the Indiglo backlight provides excellent visibility, even in the darkest environments. If you are searching for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, the Timex Expedition Scout stands as an excellent choice.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Timex Expedition Scout watch:
Pros:
Rugged and durable construction
Stylish and versatile design
Water-resistant to 100 meters
Indiglo night light
Affordable price
Cons:
The strap can be uncomfortable for some people
The watch is not as well-made as some other watches in its price range
Overall, the Timex Expedition Scout is a great watch that offers a good balance of style, functionality, and durability. It is a great choice for everyday wear or for more active activities.
The Perfect Official US Air Force Watches for You
These watches merely represent a fraction of the vast assortment of options available to Airmen and official US Air Force watches. Ultimately, the most suitable watch for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize Swiss craftsmanship, American heritage, Japanese precision, or affordability, there exists a timepiece perfectly aligned with your style and requirements.
So, take to the skies with confidence, knowing that your wrist is adorned with a watch that not only keeps you on track but also elevates your sense of style. Choose wisely and let your watch become a reflection of your passion for aviation.
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