Originally Posted by
BillyCasper
I bought Christian's Navigator, to some extent out of curiosity. I have an IWC Mk11 and with the Hamilton 6B and Smiths W10 represent my favourite style of watch. Christian's had been on SC for around about a fortnight, so I don't think I was depriving anybody who desperately wanted one. Let me know if I have.
I had been sceptical, principally around the branding. The logo and font in the large size pictures just didn't seem attractive to me.
Having got my hands on one, I thinks it's a very, very good watch. Solid, good weight, clear to read, very nicely finished and presented. My doubts about the branding, inconsequential in the flesh.
Is it fair to compare it directly with a Mk11? It's hard not to and compares very well. A lovely looking watch, classic design, for maybe 10% of the cost of a Mk11 without the risk of vintage ownership. I think some of the differences have been mentioned, the polished bezel rather than brushed, the position of the strap bars. One of the problems with the Mk11 is that the bars are set low in the lugs, fine with a NATO strap, but if you want to put it on a normal two piece leather strap, there is quite a gap between the strap and case.
Not keen on the strap, clasp contraption, but that would be true for any watch.
Overall, a sceptic won over.