Vintage 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.

[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.

[repaircraftsvc]

I don't have the box for my watch. Sure would like to have the correct one and I am not sure what is the correct one. If any one can help please post the info and photo.
Just ordered Polywatch Thank you
When you live in Arizona you have you turquoise and bolo tie

[repaircraftsvc]

Well all the people that worked at Air America sure were all patriots.
Hear are two photos of the gold bracelets that many of them wore with there Rolex watch.
For many the idea was if they went down they had something to pay for help to get to safety.
Me my thoughts about it were if you survived what ever brought you down you then faced who is going to find me (1)No one that was not likely.(2) The good guys very possible and they most likely would help you with out pay.(3) The bad guys this very possible and if it was them most likely they would just kill you take your boots ,Rolex watch and bracelet and leave you .
Well now at 89 years old 71 years as a aircraft mechanic my mined is still in the fight but my body said NO get in the rocking chair .Well my ass sure dose't fit it so here I am writing on the Rolex forum waiting for the good lord and nature to do their job.

[repaircraftsvc]

If your in to spying Google "the CIA quiet one helicopter" how the CIA and Air America wiretap the North Vietnam phone line during Kissinger Paris peace talks with the "quiet one" a special built stealth helicopter.
I wounder did the Air America crew have their Rolex watches on for this flight? I don't know.

[repaircraftsvc]

HERE IS A BIG SALUTE THIS MEMORIAL TO ALL THE MILITARY PEOPLE WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Thank you to all that have and are serving their country.

From S/SGT James Dodds U.S. Air Force 1953-1960 B-47 Crew Chief

[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 repaircraftsvc@aol.com 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!