I hope this is the correct page to start in. I'm new to the site, if mods say it should be elsewhere so be it!

This is an interesting question IMO. I have several keepsakes I'd save, but which watch would I grab if I could just grab one? In perusing my modest collection of contemporary (1980-2016?) watches, which would I grab as I fled?

It only comes down to three, really:

Sweetheart's gift on my birthday. Damn I love this:


My reliable 20-year old daily, which I really like. Reliable as an anvil, and just as strong:


Or my most recent acquisition, which is a true classic tool watch:


Ya' know, it is really hard to choose.

Sadly, and apologies to all Speedies everywhere, but I might go for the IWC. It does everything I need: Tells time w/ accuracy, has a chrono function (great for cooking, which I enjoy,) and has a date. My mind is sometimes discordant, like when signing a check (what day is it? Actually, what year is it?) Well, day and date count too. I suppose I'll remember the Covid-19 epidemic of 2019...

So, which one, and why?

 

My beloved and faithful Seiko 6309-7049 automatic.

I purchased it new at the NAS Whiting Field NEX while in U.S. Navy pilot training in 1987, I flew with it in the fleet, I flew with it at the regional airlines, I flew with it at Delta Air Lines, I flew with it on patrol as a Cincinnati Police Officer [during furlough from Delta Air Lines] and I flew with it at Delta Air Lines again...it is my beloved and faithful watch...

NOTE: The flying of Ford Police Interceptors over railroad crossings while in hot pursuit.

File pic with original boxes and papers...


Pic from today...

 

Nice watch and great history. My dad flew Banshees off the USS Intrepid in the '50s and my son is a recent grad from West Point. I'm That Guy who went to architecture school.

 

All mine are in one case, so I just grab the case and run.

 

No can do. The case is scorching hot and you just have time to flip the lid and grab one watch 'cause your other hand is filled with Stuff She Needs. So, which watch is it?

 

The one that was residing on my wrist as I made sure my family were safe. Rest of it is insured.

 

Simple to Answer. My 1997 Seamaster that my Dad bought me.

 

Well, that's an honest and heartfelt answer but it defies the point of the game, no?

 

I didn't realize Seamasters had the wave 23 years ago. Interesting, but then I'm new to Omegas. I'd keep that one, to, if I were in your shoes.

I crashed a Honda 650 XL with my TAG on, and as I slid along the pavement I was only thinking, I hope this doesn't break my watch! True story. I could see in slow motion as I slid along, pebbles and stuff glinting in the sun. And my left hand, watch face down, scraping along. The leather glove and ballistic jacket were toast, but the watch (and me) were unscathed.

 

my Captain Winsor Annual Calendar.

 

Do you have photos? I'm curious what it is. Thanks,
Chris

 

I'd opt for the one with the fire hose complication.

 

OK. But whats wrong w playing along?

 

Very tough choice but probably my 1962 Constellation because it’s a mint no date model and it took me years to find it. But I might cheat and grab my Speedy Pro too ... and my SMPc ... and my 167.005

 

Wow, that is beautiful! It looks brand new. Congratulations.

 

Thank you. It was an estate buy. Literally sat in a drawer for more than 50 years. The original owner only wore it a handful of times. Go figure!

 

If my house was burning and my leopard print couch was on fire I'd automatically grab this one.

 

I'd only be concerned with saving whatever watch happened to be on my wrist at the time.