Nautical Wristwatch

RockyMtnFlyer

5-Year Member
Joined
May 10, 2013
Messages
4
Hi everyone,

I am a 2013-2014 USMMA Sponsored Prep Student however, I have a question for the more "seasoned" sailors on here. I recently finished my associate’s degree and I would really like to spoil myself on that achievement and also on receiving an appointment to NMMI. I have my eye on the Maritime Logistics & Security Program (Formerly the Logistics and Intermodal Transportation Program) when I get to USMMA. I would like to purchase a new wristwatch that not only would look cool and would be within regulations, but would also be compatible or helpful with the Deck navigation courses. I am unsure of what sorts of bells and whistles should be on a decent nautical watch for this program. If you all know of any types of watches that are useful either as a cadet or in the industry, I would greatly appreciate your input. Oh and one last thing, I am not a Rockefeller by any means whatsoever, so I am looking somewhere in the $500 range (give or take a bit) for a new timepiece. Please PM me if you don't want to come across as a sales person here.

Thank You!
 
As far as wristwatch regulations, nothing is really enforced at USMMA. I see the usual black and brown bands, along with gold, silver, white, green, pink, etc.
 
I'd say $500 is too much to spend for an every day watch at KP. Most m/n get the G shock watches with the auto time zone feature.
 
I'd say $500 is too much to spend for an every day watch at KP. Most m/n get the G shock watches with the auto time zone feature.

I found a really nice Bulova that would be great for everyday use however, I was hesitant to buy it cause I wasn't sure if it would have some of the features I would need on it. You do bring up a good issue about the auto time zone feature, because the Bulova doesn't have that feature on it and I would either have to leave it alone on a single time or set it exactly for every new timezone I would go to.
 
Wait for the "real" time piece until graduation, if you are in an engine room it will get oily. Many Mids use Casio or Timex watches. Best of everything as you embark on this phase of your life. Semper Gumby.
 
Wait for the "real" time piece until graduation, if you are in an engine room it will get oily. Many Mids use Casio or Timex watches. Best of everything as you embark on this phase of your life. Semper Gumby.

Thank You Ma'am, And best wishes for your DS!
 
Yeah, chances are that you'll break or lose any good watch you get at this point. On top of the fact that, with some of the places we go to for sea, you shouldn't really bring anything that you'd be heart (or wallet) broken to lose, either to corrupt local officials, lost luggage, or frantic packing when you find out you're leaving a ship two weeks early. As far as features for sea and the Academy go, I always preferred to have a digital one that I could set to the GPS every day, and have a digital readout of minutes and seconds for star sights. One that has selectable time zone features is nice too, because you can set one to GMT, and the time zone of wherever you're from so you know what time it is when you get the chance to call home. Auto-updating time zones are actually more annoying than useful; ships often keep different time from the zone they are in, and in any case the radio signals that update the watch overseas are sketchy at best. The LAST thing you want on board ship is your watch resetting itself without you knowing it. At the Academy, a watch with an alarm is useful, as well as a stopwatch or timer for keeping track of run times or pacing for the PRT. If you're really set on getting a nice watch, choose whatever you like, then buy a cheapo for daily and sea use and keep the nice one in your drawer for going out or wearing with your dress uniform.
 
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