Time will tell...

[Webb]

I remember that my father always wore his wristwatch with the face inward. I thought it odd.

He was in the Navy during WWII, then the reserves (Captain) and the VA so maybe it's a military thing.

[PhantomTweak]

Maybe because the chronometer was the most complicated, hard to produce and yet still usefull on the ground for a compass and distance calculator? Also, probably the most expensive yet easily removed and carried home type item on the plane? I am guessing, I don't know at all but it makes sense to me. Precision manufacturing of the gears and bearings needed to make a good chronometer was frequently all by hand and single person. Thus time consuming, and very expensive.
Or maybe they didn't want them to be late to tea...you know the Brits (with apologies to Paul!)

Pat☺

[Hagar]

Now I was told many decades ago that during World War One shot down aviators were to save the Aircraft Clock where possible prior to burning the aircraft if they crashed behind enemy lines.

I wonder why the clock was so important?

I could not find anything on the saving the aircraft clock during World War One but there is lots of information on different military clocks and their uses during various wars including prior to World War One.

I have also read about this. I found a reasonable explanation here --> http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/aircraft/1486-rfc-aircraft-clocks.html

[Hagar]

I found photos of the aforesaid Mark V Cockpit watch here --> http://forums.watchuseek.com/f7/incredible-mark-v-cockpit-watches-873378.html

Article plus photos on the Mark IV.A & Mark V cockpit watches here --> http://monochrome-watches.com/the-history-of-the-pilot-watch-part-iii-mark-iv-a-and-mark-v/

[expat]

The proper way to wear a watch, is the way you are most comfortable doing. I am right handed and I have always worn my watch on the right hand. My wife also wears hers on the right hand. I tried and tried to wear it on the left, but it was never comfortable, so for the last 40 years it has been on the right.....
Matt

[Fozzer]

The proper way to wear a watch, is the way you are most comfortable doing. I am right handed and I have always worn my watch on the right hand. My wife also wears hers on the right hand. I tried and tried to wear it on the left, but it was never comfortable, so for the last 40 years it has been on the right.....
Matt

...just curious, Matt...

Do you "dress" the same way?.... ... ...!

(Left or Right)..?

Paul... ... ...!

[Flying Trucker]

Good morning all...

Wow...we can always count on Doug "Hagar" to come through with informative Links on our topics...

Excellent Links Doug with some informative information.

I found it interesting that the early cockpit watch used during World War One was not part of the aircraft inventory and the responsibility of the pilot, it was the most expensive instrument on the aircraft and the AM (Air Ministry wanted it back whether he crashed or not) I believe that was in the first Link.

I realize that aviating during the First World War anywhere at night would be much like flying in Northern Canada, few landmarks to be seen on a moonless night even today.

The cockpit clock would be an essential instrument for navigation and fuel consumption.

When I was flying many of us had issued wrist watches or chronographs, I had two of each, silver and gold.
Reason, well they had to match the Cuff Links...

The cockpit clock was used to fly many different types of Instrument Flying Approaches in Instrument Conditions and was much easier to see mounted on the instrument panel. It kept your instrument scan focused where it should be, on the instruments.

On retirement one usually got a very expensive chronograph with matching cuff links and tie clip and also got to keep the time piece they were issued with.

I only wear a chronograph now when I wear cuff links and a tie clip, most of the time I have a military style pocket watch with cover, fits well in the pocket watch pocket of most jeans, yes folks I think that is what that little pocket above the right hand large pocket is for...or a vest pocket...suite or sports jacket pocket...

Rarely do I ever carry or wear a watch now, everywhere we go there is a clock of some sort. Vehicles, boats, aeroplanes, restaurants, yes they all have clocks or time pieces.

I regularly get a good chuckle when stopping into an airports restaurant and we see aviators sitting inside at a table with tear drop sunglasses on (even if it is raining outside) and a chronograph large enough on their wrist to land a piper cub on....epaulettes covered in gold, they are hardly old enough to shave, their Instructors Rating is still wet...

Gosh, wonder if I was like that....

Once in awhile I wear my Ten Dollar Timex Watch, I know when Mickey Mouse's big arm is at the Twelve and his little arm is pointing to the Six...I am 30 minutes late for lunch and will get a ten minute tongue lashing from the Old Girl....I know....I timed her....

Again thanks for all the replies folks...any further information please add it.

Have got to put on my Timex Mickey Mouse Watch and go stand in the corner of my wee little shed in the underground for a hour as the Old Girl read this post....