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Thread: Speedbird 4?

  1. #51
    Administrator swanbourne's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MartinCRC View Post
    For me it looks a bit generic, non-descript. Too big, even at 40mm, the date window far too inboard, betraying a case far too large for the movement. The red colour accents are naff. If you wanted a bit of colour, then you could do a lot worse than ape the colouring of Jocke's latest Glashutte (see WT).

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    This isn't my design. I gave the manufacturer a very loose brief and asked them to come up with something. I have some ideas of my own but wanted to see what somebody else's idea of a modern pilot watch was. The date window wouldn't be that far inboard on a 40mm watch, I suspect the rendering is based on 42mm.

    Eddie
    Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".

  2. #52
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    mk4

    does this mean you have settled on a 40mm case, and what other potential ideas do you have for this mk 4.

  3. #53
    Master raysablade's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by swanbourne View Post
    This isn't my design. I gave the manufacturer a very loose brief and asked them to come up with something. I have some ideas of my own but wanted to see what somebody else's idea of a modern pilot watch was. The date window wouldn't be that far inboard on a 40mm watch, I suspect the rendering is based on 42mm.

    Eddie
    Never mind modern, what the world needs is 39mm version of the the mythical Smiths SS4 with a sapphire crystal flat to the bezel like they do with Orfinas


  4. #54
    Grand Master markrlondon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by swanbourne View Post
    Phwoar! I like.

  5. #55
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    Think a blank chapter ring might look better.

  6. #56
    Master Lampoc's Avatar
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    I like it. It is very similar to one of my favourite watches though:


  7. #57
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    I quite like the new 36 mm IWC pilot in terms of size. I think you can get away with smaller sized cases when they don't have massive bezels.

  8. #58
    Grand Master PickleB's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by James_ View Post
    Think a blank chapter ring might look better.
    Or indices only? I see no use for numerals unless the ring / bezel can rotate...and I don't think they are decorative.

  9. #59
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    Quote Originally Posted by swanbourne View Post


    Eddie
    Looks great, didn't realise I needed to upgrade my SB3 until I saw that.

  10. #60
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    black date wheel, green text, and i'd be very very tempted - especially with a ratcheting bracelet!
    ktmog6uk
    marchingontogether!



  11. #61
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    Quote Originally Posted by PickleB View Post
    Or indices only? I see no use for numerals unless the ring / bezel can rotate...and I don't think they are decorative.
    Indices only would be better but I'm also thinking about alignment issues being eliminated if a blank one was used. Or maybe I've just had too many Seiko's!

  12. #62
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    keep some numbers , maybe make some a bit bigger and protective shoulders for winding crown.

  13. #63
    Quote Originally Posted by swanbourne View Post


    Eddie
    Liking this style a lot the bits of colour look good adding a black date wheel and drilled lugs would be even better.
    Dave

  14. #64
    Master OliverCD's Avatar
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    A look with blue hands and moving the date to the outside edge slightly

  15. #65
    nice, i like that. reservations about the date wheel/position aside.


    atb
    steve

  16. #66
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    Real potential to do something distinctive and fresh here.

    For me, I think the abbreviated batons alongside the arabics need work. Circular lume plots instead? I'd be interested to see how full arabics looked, as well.

  17. #67
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    Is a bigger date a possibility? I found the one on the SBIII somewhat difficult to read.

    And I'm afraid I don't like those hands.

  18. #68
    Grand Master markrlondon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jeremy67 View Post
    Is a bigger date a possibility? I found the one on the SBIII somewhat difficult to read.

    And I'm afraid I don't like those hands.
    Good point, I think it is a watch that would benefit from having a 'big date'.

  19. #69
    Master OliverCD's Avatar
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    Had a very quick mock up of oversized arabics on the dial...


  20. #70
    Master bowie's Avatar
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    Needs to be blue and yellow,42mm option of cyclops date,black date and bead blasted case and braeclett also like the large arabic numbers from oliver.

  21. #71
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    Quote Originally Posted by OliverCD View Post

    This, with a white on black date disc & numerals at 3, 6 & 9

  22. #72
    Grand Master Der Amf's Avatar
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    The numerals on pilot watches are so often deathly dull. The CWC G10 gives a great example of how to get a little more character into numerals that are nonetheless nice and clear


  23. #73
    I think the straight lugs would make it a different model, rather than a speedbird. Seems like the apple would be falling too far from the tree.

  24. #74
    Master sweets's Avatar
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    Like it, a nice idea.
    Some points to perhaps consider, if I may.

    Current Speedbird date is nice and symmetrically positioned at 6. I would prefer that to 3, and as that has an index (no numeral), it should fit nicely too.
    I really like white hands on black (not silver, which can disappear in certain lights). Any chance of that?
    I like the red, but perhaps there is too much. Speedbird name to remain in white, perhaps?
    If the Speedbird 3 continues, I can see that Flieger hands extend the range. If this is a replacement, I would hate to see the MkXI hands abandoned.
    I love that the minute hand extends over the chapter ring, but in truth this is unlikely to happen, as the hands remain on the movement and the chapter ring in the case, so a clash is likely when assembling.
    The endlink to bracelet transition looks a little weird, with angled ends on the SELs and straight links on the bracelet, leaving a gap.

    Looking forward to seeing this develop.
    Dave

  25. #75
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    love it but i am sold if its brush finish


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  26. #76
    Craftsman dschaen81's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Der Amf View Post
    The numerals on pilot watches are so often deathly dull. The CWC G10 gives a great example of how to get a little more character into numerals that are nonetheless nice and clear
    Good point! Overlooked details like this can make a world of difference.

  27. #77
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    I actually really like this one. I would agree with Sweets comments regarding the date


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  28. #78
    Quote Originally Posted by Kiki Picasso View Post

    have another play about with the MK XI design.

    There's a gap in the market currently for another PRS-1 esque watch.

    I think another visit to the MK XI would go down a treat.
    Please.

  29. #79
    A non date option with drilled lugs, double AR and a tapered bracelet please.

  30. #80
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    I like the all the colored dial accents (not so much on the hands except the second hand), SB3 bracelet or at least a brushed bracelet instead of polished, black background date at 6 instead of 3, and A/R on only the underside. Lume on the numbers while I'm at it. Great launching point!

  31. #81
    hi Eddie!

    I like the case design with inward shaped lugs omega style,
    I think the watch in general with
    tons of lume
    screwdown crown
    min 10atm wr
    brushed case
    drilled lugs
    black date wheel

    and TAPERED DOWN BRACELET

    would be luxurious.

    I reckon over 40mm it would be too big, because the dial already has quite some presence and tends to wear bigger.

    hell why not do a his & hers?
    40mm and 36mm

    so I can buy one too!

    Your sincerely
    Bubette
    Last edited by bubi; 23rd June 2017 at 15:21. Reason: added stuff

  32. #82
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    For me, all text in white, tapered bracelet (down to 16mm) and an armoured plexiglass with tension ring. This would make the SB4 stunning timepiece!


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  33. #83
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    Lugs look too short on the mock-up, as they are on the SPIII, making wearing a Nato problematic. Ability to wear Nato is a must on these types of watches (for me anyway) - it's why I sold my otherwise near perfect SPIII.

  34. #84
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    Like it. Definitely interested in seeing it with a black date wheel.

  35. #85
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    If the case could be fitted with a rotatable bezel it would make a good base for a PRS-14 replacement dive watch ;-)

  36. #86
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    Hi Eddie

    Very pleased to hear that you are thinking about the SB4; are you planning to produce a GMT version?

    Feedback from the rendering:
    I'm definitely *not* a fan of the red - it may also not show up well under the new blue-green lighting used in cockpits
    I like the arrangement of the numerals
    Agree with the consensus that a larger, black date wheel would be better
    The SB's have always "worn large" - I'm sure 40mm would be ample.

    My suggestions:
    GMT hand with lume
    Bracelet from the SB3
    Loads of lume - T100 TGLS perhaps?
    Illuminated GMT hand
    Screw-down crown
    Sapphire crystal
    Did I mention the GMT hand? ;)

    I look forward to the final design

  37. #87
    Master Saxon007's Avatar
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    I find the rendering rather Seiko-like. Not for me.

    Why not go retro? Just a slight tweak to the Speedbird III...


  38. #88
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    Quote Originally Posted by Saxon007 View Post
    I find the rendering rather Seiko-like. Not for me.

    Why not go retro? Just a slight tweak to the Speedbird III...

    That's a beauty! I'd go for it...

  39. #89
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    Will it come with stickers intact and no 6 month wait on the warranty card?

  40. #90
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    Quote Originally Posted by Saxon007 View Post
    I find the rendering rather Seiko-like. Not for me.

    Why not go retro? Just a slight tweak to the Speedbird III...

    Aside from no date, what am I missing?

  41. #91
    Master Saxon007's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mj2k View Post
    Aside from no date, what am I missing?
    No date, no logo. Essentially the same as the first Speedbird except slightly larger, better lume and a bracelet.

    PRS-1

  42. #92
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    I'm not keen - the red doesn't appeal and I really dislike the hands. I much prefer the SB3, that is spot-on to me.

  43. #93
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    It may well be the flat rendering but I'm sorry to say I can take or leave this. Whereas I covet almost every one of Eddie's other watches.

  44. #94
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    Quote Originally Posted by Saxon007 View Post
    No date, no logo. Essentially the same as the first Speedbird except slightly larger, better lume and a bracelet.

    PRS-1
    Tend to agree.
    Prefer:
    no date
    white/yellow/green (not necessarily in any order of preference) instead of red (which initially I liked but think now would tire off fairly quickly)
    38mm case would be nice but it sounds like 40mm could be set by now?

  45. #95
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    Own the SB3 which is just about perfect, would love to see the Prs1 reintroduced or something similar.

  46. #96
    Journeyman parsig9's Avatar
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    SB IV would be a big seller with the sterile dial and that fantastic bracelet.

    One of the nicest bracelets there are.

  47. #97
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    The way I'd like to see it:

    At least 42mm case (option?) for those of us who are on the bigger side.

    Date at 6. (Having the date a little inboard of 6 is better than inboard of 3.) Or no date.

    Batons at 3, 6, 9 should be longer, to occupy the same height as the numerals.

    The end links on that bracelet simply do not work.

    Drilled lugs please.

    I'd be interested to see the render with red changed to white, and also with a sterile dial.

    Would a very slightly domed crystal be a possibility?

    Bezel, crown, lugs, hands, chapter ring, and numerals are all near perfect.

  48. #98
    Another opinion, for what it's worth ;)

    Really like the overall design of the case and bracelet. End links are unusual, but I think I like them!

    Colour wise, how about orange or yellow for the details, with a matching second hand

    I'd loose the date and maybe stick to indices instead of numerals


    I'd love to see a rotatable rehaut like the flightmaster

  49. #99
    Craftsman redhed18's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Saxon007 View Post
    Why not go retro? Just a slight tweak to the Speedbird III...

    Agree!
    Much more in keeping with the Speedbird lineage.

    I didn't find the original rendering spoke "Timefactors" or "Speedbird" to me in the least.

    The release of the MKII Hawkinge and the new IWC Mark XVIII "Nod to XI" show the demand for such clean retro designs.

    And while that seem like competition, I think there is room in between these two:
    - improve on the MKII release (better dimensions / better movement / anti-magnetic / sterile dial / more lume? / add bracelet)
    - come in significantly under price on the IWC which is *stupid* for what it is...

    e.g.

    MKII Hawkinge Dimensions
    • Case Width: 37.80 mm(not including crown)
    • Case Thickness: 12.75 mm
    • Case length: 48.50 mm end to end
    • Lug width: 18.00 mm

    Many people complain this model is too thick relative to the size...
    vs.

    Recent SpeedBird releases (Speedbird GMT, Speedbird III)

    • Case Width: 39.00 mm(42.6mm including crown)
    • Case Thickness: 11.90 mm
    • Case length: 46.00 mm end to end
    • Lug width: 20.00 mm

    Original Speedbird PRS-1 (as best I can find out...)

    • Case Width: 37.5 mm (not including crown)
    • Case Thickness: 11.75 mm
    • Case length: ??.?? mm end to end
    • Lug width: 18.00 mm

    PS.
    I'd like to keep the Speedbird text off the dial, but it could be fantastically engraved in script on the caseback.
    Last edited by redhed18; 18th August 2017 at 23:36.

  50. #100
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    New Speedbird

    I agree with those saying to keep the old Speedbird hands.
    They are classic and are part of the charm of the Speedbird line.

    I also like the Speedbird script/ logo on the dial. I've had both versions of the Speedbird (sterile and with script) and I felt the one with the logo had more character.

    I wonder if there is a way to take the classic look of the Speedbird 3, keep some of the classic cues, but add some modern elements. Maybe sharpen the indices and numerals, use applied indices with lume fill, redesign the lugs as your did in the sample image. Basically somehow find a way to update the classic design and create a modern interpretation.


    I also prefer the classic bracelet. But if there is a way to taper the classic bracelet and add a RATCHETING CLASP that watch would be an INSTANT buy and my perfect watch.

    Thanks for the great work Eddie!

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