A Wristwatch Worth Millions?? | EAA Airventure in Oshkosh 2023 

Years ago when I was a boy, I met Gen. Jimmy Doolittle. It was the Antique airplane fly-in in Watsonville,CA. I walked up to a crowd around my fathers airplane. My dad called be over and asked me, "Son, Do you know who this man is?" I looked at a older gentleman sitting along with his wife next the airplane. I reached out my hand and made the introduction. He reached out with a big smile and said " My name is Jimmy Doolittle". I was shocked. I grew up in an aviation household. Did I know Jimmy Doolittle, Damn right! Famous Air Racing pilot in the 1920s. Chief Pilot for Shell Oil in the 30's and the man who led a bombing flight of B-25s over Tokyo in 1942. We also shared the same birthday Dec.14th! I had been educated about early aviation by my dad. To meet a pioneer of aviation was the highlight of the trip. Aviation is a small world, and if you make enough air shows your bound to run into Mike and Chandra sooner or later! Hopin' so! Back to Work! Another great video.

Mike, seeing the emotion and joy in your eyes from that flight is a testament to your great heart and love of aviation. I wish you and your wife all the best

What a treat. I got addicted to the channel for build vids. But, the variety just keeps getting better.

My Grandfather flew 62 missions to Germany as a navigator, shot down twice over/in the ocean, He lived almost until he was 90.. That aircraft is a Beast!

And I thought I was a sheet metal worker,.. what a project....So Glad there are folks with the skills and time to bring these aircraft back to life..... Thank You Mike for posting this ! and BRAVO to the gentleman that did all the work.... it is Beautiful.

The sound of those radials just never gets old. So much character. My ride in the B-17 Yankee Lady is an experience i will never forget. Brave ypung men. There was very little between them and the bullets coming at them. Very somber at the moment i got i to it and realized what it must have been like. Still gives me chills.

Cool. I got to ride in a B-25, converted to a water bomber in the mid 70's, shortly after I got my private pilots license. Went out for two water dump runs sitting in the co-pilots seat. The pilot asked me to hold the throttles as the one for the right engine wasn't holding and would slowly lower the engine RPM. At the end of the day, when the fire was contained, it only took a couple of minutes to tighten the friction lock, but there wasn't time to do that when the fire was raging. I will never forget the rush when the water was released and the plane lept up several hundred feet just from the sudden loss of weight!

WOW Mike, THANK YOU so very much for taking us along.

I spy me! What a fun experience with you guys. And an incredible story told by Larry Kelley.

"Only at Oshkosh." There, Mike already said it. What an awesome treat of living history! 😎🤟

I would be happy to just have been on the ground to watch this historic bird fly over. Beautiful restoration.

I bought my dad and I a ride in the Collings foundation B-17 for his 70th birthday, I was amazed at how small they are inside vs. how big they look from the ground, and sitting in the nose with the ground going under your feet was really special...

A flight you will never forget. My father in law flew in a Concorde many years ago on a leisure flight. Still talks about it to this day . Unforgettable experiences are fantastic.

I was in Glendale, CA near the intersection of I-5 and the 134 when Mr. Doolittle passed away in 1993. I clearly remember the flight of B-25's over the facility doing the honor flight. What a contrast...pilots with gray hair flying Mike and family, contrasted with the "kids" who flew those things 80 years ago!

Tank you for sharing the flight. My son and I had the privilege to fly in a B-25 and what an experience that was. I will never forget it.

Jimmy worked here in Redondo Beach at TRW and they have a road named after him, Doolittle Drive, its off Manhattan Beach Blvd. My dads Cousin delivered Mail to his office.

Great video Mike, I only wished I'd heard a bit more of those engines ;-)

Absolutely beautiful in so many ways

Simply amazing, Thanks Mike!

Such a cool opportunity! What a privilege. Thanks for sharing!

Always a joy to watch a new video from you Mike!

Amazing transformation that Mitchell went through! I can’t even imagine the hours of labor that took. I had goosebumps throughout this entire video - hearing the story, seeing that watch 😮😮, and seeing that beautiful bird fly. A bit of tearing up, too, as I always think about the true heroes that flew these into battle 8 decades prior. Always a deep experience for me being around these old warbirds - like the spirits of those men are still with the aircraft. Thanks for sharing, Mike! GREAT vid!! 🤩

I got to see Panchito Fly over my house in Dayton, Ohio and got to walk around and take pictures of it at the Dayton Air Show. To imagine these huge planes taking off from a relatively small aircraft carrier is mind blowing. Jimmy Doolittle and his raiders all took off from the deck and many had to ditch in the ocean or crash land in China. God bless them for their acts of heroism and the tireless efforts of the Chinese people who helped them escape.

Brad is the best for making this happen! Such a great opportunity and was great to get to know you and Chandra, Mike!

I cant click fast enough when Mike puts out a video!!

Beautiful video Mike. This touched me!! I’m named after my great uncle who was in a B-25 and died in a training accident at the end of WWII in Myrtle Beach,SC. He was filling in for a crew member who was sick, so I’m not sure what role he was doing. One day I hope to find the military archives of that accident to really understand what happened.

That would indeed be a one in a lifetime experience. Very cool.

IMHO Panchito is the best B-25 out there, seems like she is flown the most that i see. Being based out of Delaware she is based relatively close to where i live i see her quite often. Glad you got experience a ride in her. My wife and I arrived at the show at the end of the week ( fri, sat) and was dissapointed i couldn"t seem to find you.

I live near and fly in. And out of Pendleton Ore airport,- KPDT Doolittle and his Raiders were based here in prep for their raids. Runway 29 approach is similar to an aircraft carrier as it starts on a bluff high above the city. You can still see the old tie downs that did not put the planes in rows like occured in Hawaii. Thanks for sharing this video.

I got to fly in a B-25 over 30 years ago when I was 9 years old. I sat in the tailgunners seat and was a little scared when those engines were back firing while taxiing! It was something I will remember for the rest of my life

Awesome video Mike. My father flew B-25s and B-29s. This brings back memories of stories that my father told me.

Larry is a class act and has devoted so much to aviation. Panchito is an amazing B25, probably the cleanest Mitchell out there. I've flown in Panchito many times and every flight is magical. Great video, looked like a beautiful flight!

What a story of the life and rebuild of a wonderful airplane. And seeing the wrist watch is icing on the cake. What a thrill it had to be to ride in such a magnificent aircraft. The watch cannot be worth more than the plane as both are priceless. Mike, thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

What an amazing experience! Thanks for sharing!

4:58 Punta Gorda! That's my home town!!

This is the reason why I will be going back to Oshkosh. The history. I freaking love these history stories!

Awesome! What an emotional ride you took us on … thanks … Always something exciting to watch in your video’s ❤️👍🏻🤙🏻

Good for you! what an amazing opportunity.

Amazing video! Did I see Mike getting a little misty-eyed at the wonder of flying in this beauty? If so, I don’t blame you.. what an incredible piece of history, and you are all so so lucky to be a part of it ❤️

Some have said you shouldn't risk flying such rare aircraft as these. I think it worthy of the risks. We have all seen aircraft in a museum, they are without life, cold and dead. But to hear the roar of it's engine, to see the sunlight glint off it's canopy as it banks away after a low pass ... it lives once again ❤ ... Very close to bringing a tear to my eye , Thank you Mike for this video and for your passion ♥

This was an unexpected and interesting video ! And Mike, I'd love to see more of the house build, the out of the box thinking while the construction is going on is epic

Thank you for doing this video Mike. I am an Air Force Academy grad, and the school is taking alot of heat for the football uniforms they will be wearing this year in honor of the Doolittle raiders. The importance of this aircraft, and the courage of the men who participated in that mission should never be forgotten.

Good morning from Minnesota!! Fantastic!

Breathtaking gorgeous plane. Thanks Mike.

So cool to fly in the old warbirds. I got a flight in the B-17G Aluminum Overcast when I was still in the Navy. Sat in the pilot’s seat and logged an hour of time signed by the instructor in the right seat. I’ll never forget that day. Thanks Mike and glad you enjoyed that day!

On my bucket list, My Father and His brother flew on the B-25 Mitchell in Germany in WWII. One of the greatest airplanes ever built.

Larry Kelly is a hoot and Tom Reilly has so much knowledge of warbirds in his head! I did not know Larry has Jimmy Dolittle's watch. That is a crazy piece of history!

What an amazing story, Aircraft and man. Thank you so much for sharing this story. 👏👏👏🥰🥰

Excellent video Mike. What an epic opportunity to fly in such a beautiful piece of history! Thank you for taking us all along with you. Hope the family is doing well. Safe skies my friend 🇺🇸🛩️

Awesome! What an amazing privilege!

Can't think of a better way to honor the greatest generation than keeping these birds flying. Fun ride!

Awesome!!!

Not a pilot here, but I just love aviation! Mike’s channel and Trent palmers channel are my favorites! Keep up the good work guys…

Mike seeing you at Oshkosh was one of the main reasons I went in so happy I got to meet you

Nice ! Thanks for sharing.

WOW Mike, what an incredible privilege that was! Thanks a ton for sharing this!

Wow, awesome job rebuilding it and awesome to see this, thanks Mike.

I had the privilege and honor of meeting Lt. COL. Dick Cole at CAF CENTEX. At 101 years old, he was sharp as a tack. True American Hero. 🇺🇸

What a great experience. Thanks for sharing 💖

.....& here I thought that little girl won the wrist-watch she was so excited!!! Should've arranged a ride in the B25 for her!!!!

This is an amazing video. Thanks for sharing! Stuff like this makes it easier to wait for 2024 lol

Awesome aviators.

Longings Lindbergh Hour Angle watch. The ultimate aviator’s watch. I chose it over a Navitimer without even a second thought. Still marvel at it every time I put it on.

Im so jealous. Panchito is such a beautiful plane(of course so is Devil Dog) thank you for giving us such a unique look at Doolittles watch and glad you got to enjoy another year here in Oshkosh

They would have to be the smoothest running propellers I've ever seen.. that things Nice ..real NICE!!

Beautiful plane! Thanks for the video

Thanks for showing going for a ride in this B25. Amazing plane. I could see the Joy on your face. I was not sure who had more fun, you or your wife. It was great to see your wife with a bigger smile than you, claiming through to the gun turrits. I guessing it was her that took the vids from the gun turrits. I loved watching this. As you would know. I often watch Kerme Weeks channel as well. Has a fantastic range of flying WW1 and WW2 planes. If you not been in contact with him, and visit him, you should. From What I seen on you tube, fasinating place. I live in New Zealand so bit far away for me. At this point of time. He has Just got going an A26 Avenger recently. They are just finishing doing some test flights in past weeks. I think is last vid he has put up. I Not sure if is the same plane, I know he was having one Rebuilt down here in New Zealand for last 20 years or so. I might have missed the episode where it was shipped back to Kerme. Just finished putting back together in America.

That's awesome, Don't get to see too many of those flying today to get a ride one must have been a real treat

You look like a kid in the candy store Mike!! That's so cool that you and your wife got to go up in that beautiful plane. Love you all.

I got to fly Panchito when i was at Naval Test Pilot School. I loved it, super nice guys too.

Keep up the hard work/ and making videos

Thanks for sharing. The effort to restore these amazing machines that did so much is mind-boggling.

Jimmy Doolittle and his crew practiced for the raid in Niceville, Florida at Eglin AFB. The practice field is still there just north of my home. He planned the raid around a table in a Fort Walton, Fllorida restaurant on the sound. A great man.

You deserve every bit of that flight Mike. Outstanding History for sure. Thank you so much for sharing.

Saw Gen. Doolittle at the Yuma International Airport (Az.) in the mid 1960's. I would have not known him, but my father told me. My father flew a F4U Corsair off of the carrier USS Coral Sea in the South Pacific. Great memories.

Great video, thanks Mike

This was my first visit to Oshkosh Air Venture. So overwhelming. I hope I can make it a regular visit!

Wow, what an aircraft!! You looked quite emotional Mike. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

One million thumbs up!!! Great video!!! Cheers from Italy

Mr Patey, do a war bird build pleeeaaassseeee!!!

That, I’ll bet, was absolutely incredible… Wow😮

Out-freaking-standing!!! How I envy you flying in this historical event of flight Americana. Great video! Thank you.

Awesome!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

You continue to do things that cause to hold you higher in my esteem.

What a cool experience that must have been!

Less comments and speeches, more filming…. Wow that is how we love you Mike ! Thx a lot ! Good one ! 🎉 Beautiful airplane ! 👌💪🙏

Got to meet Dick Cole in Titusville ~2012. Amazing guy.

Catching a chance to hop a flight like that would be most anyone's dream.

Mike in one word AWESOME! You really makes us enjoy the great vipe you express with your experience and joy! Thanks from the Jacobs family all the from Curaçao in the Caribbean 🤣🙏👍🏼

Such an amazing looking bird Mike thank you for sharing, walking through the war bird section at Osh, she really caught our eye also. Beautiful looking plane.

I am a watch fanatic and had to catch my breath when the gentleman said the watch he was wearing belonged to Jimmy Doolittle. Wow!

Great to see Panchito and the restoration story featured in a video Mike. This is an amazing aircraft and story. Living close to their home airfield I am fortunate enough to see this plane on a regular basis and have spoken with the owners many times and its always a pleasure and fantastic experience.

To cool! 😎

The fantastic Mike Patey!

That looked like fun. There's a B25 and a B 17 that have been flying around here in northern Washington state. They're both beautiful planes. I love the b 25 I even ordered the rc B 25 from motion rc. Can't wait to fly it. Great to see you and Chandra having a blast at Oshkosh 😊

Awesomeness!! Just subscribed to your channel via Garrett.

Pretty cool!

Just learned about pilot Devyn Reiley's T-6 Texan plane crash that occurred during the Oshkosh event. My condolences to the family.

Mike, have you ever met Kermit Weeks? Do you think you'll ever get into war birds? I live by the War Hawk air museum in Idaho. Im so lucky to get to see all of these airplanes fly. The last heritage flight was an F-35 with a P-40, P51, and a Corsair. Once a year they bring in B-25's and B17's that you can ride in............so cool. I have watched you since you first started making videos and have mad respect for you. i hope I can meet you sometime.

Amazing!