Vintage GMT

[roadie1]

Fantastic!

[repaircraftsvc]

Here are papers for my GMT

[repaircraftsvc]

When we (Me and my GMT watch)worked in Libya for the Libyan Air Force it was under a contract with European Helicopter Establishment a company owned by Edwin P Wilson(Google him for more interesting reading).
From the press at the time.During the Libyan war between Libya and Egypt in mid 1977 Libyan officials had recruited a number of American mercenary pilot and technicians to fly and maintain the CH-47 and C-130 Aircraft. On 24 May 1977 both sides agreed to a armistice. Libyan casualties 400 dead or wounded.Egyptian casualties roughly 100 dead

[repaircraftsvc]

Just read a thing about GMT watches. It said if could afford to fly in the 1960s you could afford to buy a Gold GMT-Master watch.

[Wahlberg]

Thank you for sharing! Amazing stuff, keep posting!

[ckyau]

It is very cool and amazing. Would love to get more posts.

[alwayshere]

thanks for posting James.

Admittedly, surprised it wasn't that cheap back in the day either.

[repaircraftsvc]

Have only seen 2 remarks on should we change the faded bezel.
Sure would like to hear more from people in the know.

[repaircraftsvc]

After reviewing this fine book SHADOW WAR, The CIA Secret War in Laos.
written by Kenneth Conboy. I find that is a must read for those that want the details of the CIA secret war in Laos.
Here are some excerpts about Air America CH-47 Chinook helicopters in one part of the war.
YEP me and my Rolex GMT where there in some of this excerpts

[repaircraftsvc]

photo of runway at Long Cheng 20A.
One way in and out NO go around.

[HK_Expat]

Interesting thread, thanks

I say keep the bezel as is.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by repaircraftsvc

After reviewing this fine book SHADOW WAR, The CIA Secret War in Laos.
written by Kenneth Conboy. I find that is a must read for those that want the details of the CIA secret war in Laos.
Here are some excerpts about Air America CH-47 Chinook helicopters in one part of the war.
YEP me and my Rolex GMT where there in some of this excerpts

Any chance you have heard the name Col. Pat H. Daily, US Army Ret. ? He was operating in Laos and other southeast Asian countries with the CIA in the mid-1970s and retired in 1978.

[repaircraftsvc]

NO But people in the field did not use their real names used names like junkyard or canoe names like that. So lot of times you didn't know there real name if you just worked with them time to time.

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Any chance you have heard the name Col. Pat H. Daily, US Army Ret. ? He was operating in Laos and other southeast Asian countries with the CIA in the mid-1970s and retired in 1978.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by repaircraftsvc

Have only seen 2 remarks on should we change the faded bezel.
Sure would like to hear more from people in the know.

It is a beautiful watch and that bracelet is very unusual but not entirely out of character for the all gold GMT. Even better is the provenance and incredible stories the OP has been a part of.

Something like this would be nice if you want to see the characters on the insert clearly and something nearly period correct.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/264909421055
https://www.ebay.com/itm/265951704719

I played around with inserts and purchased a few faded ones too but also enjoy the new ones as they are very legible. New can be had for about $200 - $250 on EBAY if you are patient. But a good period correct version with small arrow and fat fonts are crazy expensive, like my examples above. I think the insert (in the links) to be a real but unfortunately they have not included pics of the back side. May be one of the super-fakes. Excuse me, aftermarket.

That said, I do like the original insert too. Has a nice fade to it. Need a little Polywatch on the acrylic crystal to remove the scratches and good to go!

OP, have really enjoyed the journey (vicariously…) you have endured.

[TuRo]

Indeed, and sentiment expansion pls of that of the U.S. of A. to the entire Freeworld...

[repaircraftsvc]

Adios Amigos. Happy trails to you till we meet again.
Rolexes getting out of Saigon

[Noahgraph]

Amazing!!

[repaircraftsvc]

I put the history of the Rolex GMT Master watch and the life history of my GMT Master ref 16758 that is kind interesting I think in a Pam Am binder that I had aircraft maintenance manuals in.

[Barada7]

Awesome pictures. Thank you!

[Bell904]

Beautiful Documentation

[repaircraftsvc]

I Just realized my GMT stared life as what some call a Concord watch.
Since this was a daily working watch we had the hands change the first time it was cleaned so we could read it better. The small hands where very hard to read at night in a half lit cockpit.
So with the hands changed can I still call it a Concord watch?

[jrod721]

What a cool thread.

[subx]

what a great insight into your watch through your career ! thanks for sharing !

[repaircraftsvc]

My new leather band matches watch face.

[Pete_mcC]

That’s one amazing watch and story

[strafer_kid]

Amazing!

[repaircraftsvc]

Go here and see my leather band being made.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vQQn6r9s5U

[TheManny]

Amazing

[gates]

Sir - no way would I change that insert its part of the history of the watch, that said I see you are in Mesa - I live in scottsdale and there is a great watchmaker that lives in your area - PHILLIP RIDLEY, "Ridley Watchmakers" just did a great job on my 1968 double red sea dweller, if you want anything done to your watch he's close and qualified - if you REALLY want to change that insert he'd be the guy to help you out but its going to be expensive and personally I would leave it as is. Thank you for your service Sir!

[repaircraftsvc]

E mail m his info to [email protected] I am not going to change insert but would like to see I could find the small hands for it.

Originally Posted by gates

Sir - no way would I change that insert its part of the history of the watch, that said I see you are in Mesa - I live in scottsdale and there is a great watchmaker that lives in your area - PHILLIP RIDLEY, "Ridley Watchmakers" just did a great job on my 1968 double red sea dweller, if you want anything done to your watch he's close and qualified - if you REALLY want to change that insert he'd be the guy to help you out but its going to be expensive and personally I would leave it as is. Thank you for your service Sir!