Watches

I don’t think you’d need to find anything particularly tough for your intended use - getting in and out of a cockpit would maybe give some dings but nothing you’d need any special treatment for. Any well made watch will survive, and I’m a strong believer in using your stuff so I find watches with dings and scratches from honest use much more interesting.

For GMT’s around the $1k mark I’d be looking at watches with the Miyota 9075 movement. The Traska Venturer GMT, Jack Mason Strat-O-Timer, and Lorier Hyperion would be great choices. You could probably also find a Longines Spirit Zulu Time in your budget too - they’re handsome watches.

If you like Sinn watches, have a look at Gunand:

https://www.guinand-uhren.de/watches.html

That's the small boutique run by Helmut Sinn - former pilot and flight instructor - afterhe sold Sinn Spezialuhren. Turns out he didn't want to retire and ran this small shop almost until he died at 102 years of age. It's been run as a mom-and-pop shop today by a charming couple.

Great quality, many of Helmut Sinn's original dsigns and great value because they don't sink so much money into advertising.

I want to say for modern pilots, the Breitling EVO, but that might be out of your budget, and not mechanical. I’d consider it for the features though.

Besides that, maybe the Citizen Pro Master Skyhawk, also not an automatic, but with some useful features for a pilot.

If you really want a automatic with GMT, I think your instincts about the Sinn 856 are right.

Sinn UTC was exactly what I thought of. Perfect.

Just to give you some more options, Glycine Airman

I'm a big Sinn fan. But look at the on base PX. Sometimes you can get good Omegas at a reduced price. The no sales tax adds up when buying a 5 figure wristwatch.

While the Seamaster might not have a GMT hand. It's pretty rugged as a dive watch. And more electromagnetic resistance than a Rolex Milgauss.

I wear a Bremont MBIIIin the jet. Meets all your needs, but is slightly outside your budget. Well worth it though, maybe save a little longer? Watch was actually tested by Martin Baker and certified to use with and survive ejections.