Originally Posted by
Timelord
Originally Posted by
HappyJack
I bought a Revue Thommen Airspeed Classic Quartz chrono in 1999 - so again, it was probably one of the first. It was then about the same price, and pretty much size as the Lemania 5100 version, which looked virtually identical apart from having a day window and lacking the 1/10ths register. The Quartz version was of course much more accurate, so I went for that, though I've since amended my ways and now have the RT auto Lemania version instead.
The ETA 251.262 is an excellent movement, probably more rugged than the Lemania; certainly with better functionality (split timer, and ability to reset the minute hand to create a count-down stop watch - very useful for counting down to race / mission start) and I'd recommend it highly as the basis for the Mission Timer.
Thanks for that information. I've read your posts on various fora with regard to RT Airspeeds and the comparison of the Lemania with the 251.262 with great interest. Do you plan on getting the RT Airspeed 2 with the Valjoux 7750?
No - For myself, I don't think I'd go for the RT Valjoux version. Whilst I like the count-down bezel, I already have the RT Lemania version with the CD bezel. I really prefer a centre-sweep minute hand chrono display to the 30 min sub-register of the 7750, and when I can find one I can afford, I think I'll probably trade my Fortis B-42 GMT chrono for a B-42 Fortis Lemania auto, much as I love the Fortis.
I just missed one on eBay a couple of days ago, and the major factor in my being the underbidder was that I didn't really want to have to sell the RT Lemania, as well as the Fortis, to pay for it. The RT is a much more wearable size than any Fortis chrono - both makes have a superbly clear display, but the RT actually fits under a shirt sleeve.
I already have a Valjoux 7750 chrono - my Fortis Pilot Professional GMT Chrono has the 7754 movement - ie, the 7750 modified to provide a GMT hand, which is a feature more than the RT. I DO quite like the infamous "wobble" of the Valjoux movement, and the model I have has a glass back - so you can see the rotor. But, if you don't want or need a GMT version, and aren't worried about having a centre sweep minute hand, the RT Valjoux version is good value for money, very comfortable to wear, and I'd certainly recommend it.
Funnily enough, if I did get a Lemania 5100 Fortis B-42 (which is a massive watch and therefore at risk of getting bashed), I'd be tempted to get another RT Airspeed quartz chrono, as a beater/sports watch/timekeeper...Of course, if Eddie manages to build an ETA 251.262 powered mission timer, I might go for that instead - then I can keep the RT Lemania auto,
and have a high-end quartz. And perhaps save myself the expense of buying a Sinn EZM-1!