A lot of people wear speedmasters because the Apollo astronauts wore them. This is mostly in jest, but if people really wanted to emulate those Apollo astronaut icons, they would choose the most practical options which would be quartz watches, not mechanical watches. They’d be brighter, have better battery, keep better time, more durable, etc
But in seriousness, I totally respect the history and craftsmanship of these watches, just not their practicality in modern day.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Can I ask some follow up questions?
I’m really surprised that any fighter pilot in the last several decades actually needs a wristwatch on a mission. Does the aircraft itself not have this kind of display built in, and in a way that is more accessible, accurate, and reliable than looking down at your wrist (which I assume if you are right handed would be down by the pilot’s side on the throttle, HOTAS style?)
Post-ejection, sure I can see that, but in flight on a mission, are there not on board systems that do the job better?
For money, I never understood this either, isn’t a stack of USD $100 bills more recognizable and valuable in most places than a watch, even a Rolex?
Where on a pilot’s G-suit do you expect him (or her) to stash several thousands of dollars’ worth of bills?
I totally understand the frustration with digital watches - I find them difficult to read even for lap swimming, especially when I have tinted goggles on, so I don’t use them.