Cheers!
New here, so I'll introduce my core collection. My favorite 5 and the reason behind owning them.
- Cartier Santos (ref. 2961)
First watch designed for a pilot, worn by the first airplane pilot in history (sorry Wright brothers, just facts) and one of the greatest pioneers of the skies.
This specific reference is simply gorgeous to wear, versatile and yet chic. Movement is an honnest and robust automatic ETA.
3 years in the collection, it would only get replaced by another vintage Santos or Santos-Dumont.
- Longines "Lindbergh" Hour Angle Watch (ref. L989.5215):
Designed by Weems and Lindbergh, this is a (now obsolete) navigation instrument, not a watch. Proof of this is the roman numeral "IV", instead of the watchmaker's "IIII".
This model takes you back to the start of aviation history. But this reference in particular is the most wearable one, with the highest qualit. Powered by a legendary in-house ultra-thin automatic movement (cal. L989.2, Lindbergh-dedicated version of the record-braking L990.1).
3 years in the collection, I wouldn't replace it.
- Omega Speedmaster Professional (1861 gen.):
You know the history... Space, North Pole... But really, it just is a perfect design, with a great movement and an overall robust and high quality watch.
Manual wound, hesalite. I don't really enjoy the OEM steel bracelet anymore, so I wear it mostly on an aftermarket steel bracelet, or velcro straps.
10 years in the collection, bought new (grail at the time), never getting replaced.
- Tissot Heritage Navigator "Sageata Orientului":
Not just a worldtimer, but a modern interpretation of a milestone watch from Tissot.
This limited edition of 444 is paying tribute to the history of the FRNA (CIDNA). A pioneering French-Romanian airline that made some historical firsts, in an effort to beat the Orient Express. The airline merged to create Air France, continuing to write history.
4 years in the collection but I'm not wearing it a lot because of its large size. I'm not planning replacement, but might get the vintage worldtimer at one point.
- Tissot Visodate Automatic:
This one doesn't have anything to do with aviation but with friendship and watchmaking excellence.
One of my best friends had the same watch in his collection. I fell in love with it and had to get one too.
It's the original Automatic Visodate, with the Omega-Tissot movement. The iconic case is shaped in 18kt gold, highlighting its design features.
1 year in the collection, bought NOS, never getting replaced.