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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Fratello On Air’s answer is a matter of personal risk tolerance, not a warning that flying itself harms vintage watches. In an episode published March 19, 2024, the hosts explain that they tend to wear newer, more robust watches while traveling because of everyday mishaps such as spills, knocks, and accidents. A vintage watch can still come along; the choice is whether to wear it, store it, or leave it at home.
Why the hosts choose newer watches for flights
The episode was prompted by a listener asking why Balazs no longer wears vintage watches such as his Rolex GMT-Master on airplanes. The hosts’ concern is the handling that can come with travel—not cabin pressure, altitude, or aircraft systems. The episode page offers no evidence that flying itself damages a vintage watch, so their preference is best understood as a personal judgment about the chance of an ordinary accident.
That distinction matters: a watch does not become unsafe to fly with simply because it is old. The relevant question is whether you are comfortable wearing that particular watch through the bumps, spills, and busy moments of a trip.
Three practical choices for traveling with a vintage watch
| Choice | When it may suit you | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Wear a newer, more robust watch | You want a watch on your wrist but would rather not expose a particularly fragile or valuable vintage piece to routine travel handling. | You leave the vintage watch at home or packed away rather than wearing it during the trip. |
| Store the vintage watch in your bag | You want to bring it but prefer not to wear it while traveling. | It is off-wrist and needs a secure place among your belongings; the episode does not test a storage method or establish protection from specific hazards. |
| Leave it at home | You would rather avoid taking the watch on the trip. | You will not have it available to wear while away. |
How to decide what to wear
- Consider the individual watch. Your comfort may differ depending on its condition, fragility, and personal or financial value.
- Think about your trip. If you expect lots of handling or would be preoccupied with protecting the watch, wearing a different one—or leaving it behind—may feel more comfortable.
- Choose whether you want it on your wrist. If you want to bring the vintage watch without wearing it, a padded pouch or watch travel case is an optional way to keep it off-wrist. Fratello does not recommend or test a particular case, and the episode does not establish that any case prevents theft, impact, or other specific harm.
What the episode covers
The publisher’s page for “Fratello On Air: Wearing Vintage Watches On Airplanes” is dated March 19, 2024, and says the main subject begins after about 40 minutes. The full episode also discusses an Angelus Chrono-Datoluxe, a Speedmaster Professional comparison, a vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre, and a Grand Seiko SBGA439 on a Delugs strap. Listen to the episode and read the page at Fratello Watches.
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Best Value
- Set Includes: Watch, box, instruction manual (English language not guaranteed)
- Reinforced water resistance for everyday use: 10 bar
- Made in Japan
Rank #4
- Movement: Japan MIYOTA 8215 Mechanical Automatic Movement, Automatic winding, second stop device, 40 hours of energy storage, quite accurate.
- Sapphire Mirror: The watch mirror is made of sapphire glass, which is Hard texture and less prone to scratches.
- Fashion watch: This Pilot watch is made of Stainless steel Lassa craft case, genuine leather strap, which not only ensures the comfort of the wrist, but also can easily match your clothes. Fits wrists from approximately 152mm to approximately 228mm.
- Waterproof & Luminous: The Aviator watch is water resistant to 50 methers, It can support daily hand washing, car washing, rain and other water contact sports. Luminous hands and markers, It can see the time in dark place or at night.
- As a gift: watches are suitable for outdoor sports such as running, sports, fishing, dating, new year, christmas, thanksgiving, hollywood, wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation, father's day, birthday party, corporate events.
Rank #3
- Movement: Japan MIYOTA 8215 Mechanical Automatic Movement, Automatic winding, second stop device, 40 hours of energy storage, quite accurate.
- Sapphire Mirror: The watch mirror is made of sapphire glass, which is Hard texture and less prone to scratches.
- Fashion watch: This Pilot watch is made of Stainless steel Lassa craft case, genuine leather strap, which not only ensures the comfort of the wrist, but also can easily match your clothes. Fits wrists from approximately 152mm to approximately 228mm.
- Waterproof & Luminous: The Aviator watch is water resistant to 50 methers, It can support daily hand washing, car washing, rain and other water contact sports. Luminous hands and markers, It can see the time in dark place or at night.
- As a gift: watches are suitable for outdoor sports such as running, sports, fishing, dating, new year, christmas, thanksgiving, hollywood, wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation, father's day, birthday party, corporate events.
Rank #2
- Sleek & Functional Design: This sophisticated titanium men's watch showcases a distinctive dial layout with dedicated markers for minutes, 12-hour, and 24-hour time displays. Arabic numerals ensure optimal legibility, while the bold red-tipped second hand injects a subtle yet striking accent. The inclusion of a practical date window further elevates its everyday versatility.
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- Clear AR Coated Sapphire Lens & Super Luminous: Fitted with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, this automatic watch delivers unmatched clarity and scratch resistance. The watch hands and markersare coated with super-luminous material for easy readability even in low-light conditions.
- Precision Japanese Movement & 10ATM Water-Resistant: Powered by a precise Miyota 8215 automatic movement, this timepiece ensures accurate timekeeping and long-term reliability. With a 10ATM water resistance rating, it’s built to accompany you on outdoor adventures without compromise.
- Quick-Release Nylon Strap for Comfort: The lightweight nylon strap prioritizes comfort for all-day wear, while the quick-release mechanism allows for effortless strap changes to suit any occasion. Low-maintenance and durable, it’s designed for convenience.
#1 Best Overall
- Men's luxury timepieces with technical advancements and a sporty style
- 3 Hand, Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Spherical Mineral Crystal
- 100 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
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