The space race to the moon.
It's funny how I'm still thinking about @Aurelian reply to yesterday's post about my new LE Lunar Pilot from Bulova. Will he be right in predicting that I may never wear it again?
I'm not worried but I do have to admit that he raised a valid point in reminding me that there are watches which requires a lot of effort and dedication to learn how accept and love, and that I may not be willing to invest this kind of effort in the Lunar Pilot.
Maybe thinking about it pushed me to wear the Airman today. This is the Airman No. 1, which when it was launched was the closest model to those worn by pilots in the mid-late 20th century. It kept the same dial, it's pretty much the same dimensions and is fitted with a period correct acrylic crystal.
The Airman also went to space, but not with the Apollo program and it never got close to the moon. But it sure got closer to it than the modern Lunar Pilot and it didn't have to hitchhike in anyone pocket to get there, Also the credential of the Airman as a pilot's watch are irrefutable.
The Glycine Airman is a GMT and not a chronograph. It's also still mechanically powered as opposed to quartz driven. It never was a contender for an Apollo mission watch and was not sanctified officially by NASA. It's not a Lunar Pilot, but TBH if I had to decide which of the two to keep I would probably sell the Bulova and keep the Glycine.
And it wears incredibly well due to its slim profile and supple strap. It's a great watch.
I'm a big fan of watches that are interesting because they are either unique, have interesting features, well designed or simply offer a great value for their price.
I have 2 vintage examples, and thoroughly enjoy wearing both of them. I inherited my grandfather's 1956 example. It was in really rough shape, so I had it restored. It came out beautifully, however the replacement crystal is different from the original, as it is missing the date magnifier. I have sourced an original and will have it installed sometime in the future.
The 2nd one is my father's watch, which he wore in Vietnam. I keep that one in it's original condition, as he wore it. I may decide to replace the crystal someday
Great watches with a ton of history. I've contemplated picking up a modern one so I wouldn't worry about wearing it in the rain
Great watches with a ton of history. I've contemplated picking up a modern one so I wouldn't worry about wearing it in the rain
I hate to be the one who disappoint you because the WR of the Airman No.1 is also period correct. meaning 1ATM. I'm afraid to even sneeze when I wear it and getting near a kitchen sink is something that I need to think about twice before negotiating my way around a glass of water.