What time is it? Watches and horology

Lots of massive Rolex billboards in Philadelphia advertising GMT Master 2 and steel Daytona.. is this just a ploy to get punters into local ADs where they’ll be told there’s no steel sports watches and they have to buy some mother-of-pearl fluted bimetal monstrosity instead? - or is the supply/demand issue just a European thing?

Yeah. Ads all over Los Angeles too. And every other American city. Where they use references that are impossible to buy. Not a European issue. ADs here don’t even have the mother of pearl jobbies, just completely empty cabinets.

That would be this…

The Autodromo is pure/unashamed 80s car instrument binnacle pastiche tho. I just think it’s really well done.

Pilot watch thoughts......looking to buy a nice pilot-style watch for Christmas.

I've been looking at various options - like the Sinn 103 ST (I like the flat bezel), which is quite reasonably priced, vs a more expensive (and possibly better investment than a Sinn, although I realise that isn't a given at all) IWC pilot watch.

Interested in the forum's thoughts or other options.

Thanks

Jay

Sinn 103 ST is a classic, been to space and all that. I personally prefer the ST to ST SA as the acrylic crystal and non screw down pushers add to the simplicity/toolish vibe of the package overall. Quite the strap monster.

IWC is another classic, but their AR coating on the outside annoys me. I'd still like to try Mark XII and XV though, but they're expensive.

Longines is another nice option, the new Spirit is nice although I moved it on as it was a bit too shiny for me.

Few pictures

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Thanks PawG - the Sinn looks good and likewise I would put it on a NATO strap rather than bracelet.

Longines looks good in a minimal way - I will investigate!

The IWC pilots are pretty overpriced IMO. Sellita movement, no finishing, not much of anything. You’re paying four grand for the name and the (admittedly very classic) look.

Would take a 4k IWC over a certain forum fave brand any day of the week. 😁

I really like my IWC pilot - I think it has a classic look, quality feel and finishing to it. It was my first ‘proper’ watch and marked a milestone in my career so obviously has sentimental value. I do like the Sinn’s and they’re very nicely finished but they’re not an IWC 🤷‍♂️

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Not even a discussion imo.

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I used to have the first Doppelchrono but I'd get the Sinn because of the bezel. Looks perfect. Pilot watches without a rotating bezel annoy me. And I hate getting scratches on a polished bezel when I bash the watch on a door frame or something. And I hate the so-called Spitfire hands on the modern IWC pilots.

I like my IWC UTC spitfire.
Mainly because my brain isn’t wired up properly and it doesn’t compute 24hr times

That and it’s a bit under the radar, wouldn’t pay new money though. Think I paid £1700 for mine.

Perfect - IWC for Sinn money!

Thanks everybody for the advice.

How do the experts feel about Fortis? I like the styling of so many of their pilot and/or dive watches. Cleaner than IWC. And you can get quite a lot for 2k. E.g. a pilot look with chronograph which is also a 200m diver. https://www.chrono24.co.uk/fortis/index-5.htm?sortorder=11&query=fortis

Best ignore what I say about IWC. I think they completely lost the plot on styling after the 3711/3713 Doppel. When I'm a billionaire I'll buy the company and bash some heads together.

Chrono or not?

This German pilot's watch history is fun https://quillandpad.com/2020/07/11/a-crash-course-in-b-uhren-and-flieger-pilots-watches-covering-both-historic-and-modern-examples-a-pilots-watch-photofest/ As you can see, Spitfire hands are really Luftwaffe hands. RAF watches haven't really been a thing in the posh watch industry. Perhaps that's why Bremont chose their niche?

Longines is another nice option, the new Spirit is nice although I moved it on as it was a bit too shiny for me.

Ti one would be the ticket!

If I hadn't been wiped out in the recession I'd probably have one of these. Imagine!

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/iwc/pilot-double-chronograph-split-second--id11417283.htm

Yes, good shout. Although I haven't seen one at a good price yet. Last 40mm black face Spirit in steel sold for around £850 on eBay the other day. On the bracelet. That is a lot of watch for the money. Mine was running more accurately than the BB58 and the movement action with that big crown was just amazing.

Someone got a cracking deal! The Ti 40mm on bracelet is the one for me. Adding that to the Pelagos would mark a slippery slope to some sort of Ti collection!

Anyone any interest in this before I list elsewhere? Black Bay 58 on Nato.. Bought 22nd August this year, full set.. I've just over stretched coming I to Christmas.. £1900 Inc del.. can obviously provide pics etc when needed..

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Not fixed, depends on what is out there.

Having said that I did like the IWCs above and the Sinn is a chrono, so would prob go for a chrono although the plainer IWC pilots would work as well.