Reply With QuoteQuite a few options, higher end of the budget you could look at a Bremont Airco or Martin Baker, or a Breitling Aviator 8. Lower cost, Stowa or Laco would be a good shout and have a history with the Luftwaffe pilots watches.
Looking for suggestions from the combined knowledge of the forum.
After the Speedy and the BB58 I’m looking to add a Pilot watch (vintage or new) to the “collection”. To narrow down the search I was looking at something:
- smaller than 43mm
- nato or leather strap
- no Chrono
- no quartz (got it covered by an inexpensive Timex Exp. T49905)
I really like the IWC Mark series but was wondering whether there were other similar options?
Thanks all for any input!
Dave
Inviato dal mio iPad utilizzando Tapatalk
Quite a few options, higher end of the budget you could look at a Bremont Airco or Martin Baker, or a Breitling Aviator 8. Lower cost, Stowa or Laco would be a good shout and have a history with the Luftwaffe pilots watches.
Very much under budget for you, but the Oris ProPilot is a lovely watch. 41 mm, choice of straps. I was chatting to my dentist the other day and noticed he was wearing one. He was originally going to get a Bremont, but preferred the looks of the Oris with the added advantage of being left with enough change to buy a new set of golf clubs. :)
Last edited by gerrudd; 26th October 2019 at 22:34. Reason: typos
Amazing options so far! I didn’t consider Oris or Stowa in my previous search but really like what I see!
Inviato dal mio iPad utilizzando Tapatalk
Stowa would be a very good shout, you can also get it customised, other than that Laco or Hanhart.
IWC Pilot Top Gun Automatic!!
It's 41mm, has an in-house movement with 72 hours power reserve and looks excellent. What more could you want?
IWC Pilot Le Petit Prince
Stowa Flieger 40 I saw yesterday.
You have ruled out chronos otherwise I quite liked these 2, also from yesterday.
+1 for the Le Petit Prince I have the chrono version the blue is lovely.
If you’re looking for something a bit different in the iwc pilots range I quite like these
https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/IWC/Pi...e289498&rank=1
The whole “Top Gun” branding is cringeworthy though. I say that as someone who unashamedly loves the movie and is looking forward to the sequel. It’s somehow worse than unit badge watches for me. It’s just unbelievably naff.Originally Posted by Sibo
Damasko DA36 or 37 with plenty of cash left over.
Andy
Wanted - Damasko DC57
Some very nice Wempe Zeitmeister models for pretty good prices
Have the Glashuette kudos too.
Zenith cp2. If you want a pilots watch and don’t check it out you are missing out! And it does feel much smaller than its diameter would suggest!
Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app
I always liked the look of the IWC Mk 12 or Mk 15 - the proper ‘blunt hour’ handset.
If you want a brand new homage, then Eddie does the Speedbird PRS-22 https://www.timefactors.com/sb3new.htm
I’d definitely recommend the Zenith pilot Type 20. I’ve got the 46mm version and I prefer it over the IWC and Bremont offerings.
There’s a 40mm version as well in a choice of different colours but tbh the 46mm wears more like a 43mm and very comfortable on the wrist. Definitely worth checking out in my opinion.
It has to be this one for me, I look at it in the window of Berry’s every time I pass:
https://www.iwc.com/gb/en/watch-coll...ark-xviii.html
I’d be looking for an XV or the earlier XII with the JLC movement.
Breguet XX - 2nd hand of course.
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
The bronze version of this looks awesome as well.I’d definitely recommend the Zenith pilot Type 20. I’ve got the 46mm version and I prefer it over the IWC and Bremont offerings.
There’s a 40mm version as well in a choice of different colours but tbh the 46mm wears more like a 43mm and very comfortable on the wrist. Definitely worth checking out in my opinion.
Out the park a bit.. but the Ball Engineer 3 in bronze is stunning.. and if you like illumination unbeatable.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Fair point.
I like it but if you ignore the Top Gun branding, it's still an excellent watch, ceramic case, great looking and pretty good value especially because it's not a bought in movement.
Sent from my SM-G965F using TZ-UK mobile app
One more vote for the wempe zeitmeister fliegers. Impeccable quality and low production each year. They even have a bronze model this year for less than 3k
This gives you some money to buy something else
It's a chrono but the Zenith Pilot big date is a stunning piece.
42mm, brushed, 1st class strap and buckle, el primero movement, super legibility and easy within budget with some AD haggle or upcoming Black Friday codes from the large chains.
I'd also have a look at the cheaper Navitimer 8 collection and even the Oris ProPilot.
Last edited by pete-r; 27th October 2019 at 09:23.
Or an x33.
I was suggest these as well, but as you say, it’s a chrono. Interesting bracelet.
Do like the Type 20s, except for those onion crowns. They look really uncomfortable.
Lots of options so far and at every price point. At the lower end my personal taste would point towards Stowa, at the upper end the IWC, Zenith and Breitling are stunners!I’d definitely recommend the Zenith pilot Type 20. I’ve got the 46mm version and I prefer it over the IWC and Bremont offerings.
There’s a 40mm version as well in a choice of different colours but tbh the 46mm wears more like a 43mm and very comfortable on the wrist. Definitely worth checking out in my opinion.
This Zenith is something I will definitely try on!
I would look at Archimede surprised it hasn't been mentioned.
https://www.archimede-watches.com/pilot/pilot-42/
Also, Laco watch as well
https://www.laco-watches.com/en/watc...watch-original
Last edited by jk103; 27th October 2019 at 14:03.
Beaverbrooks have the type 20 chrono in the sale.. 2 grand off
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
What about the IWC (or JLC) Mk11 ? Maybe too far out of budget?
At the lower end of the price spectrum I like the Hanhart Pioneer One. The rotating bezel is a big plus, it turns as if on butter and stays where I put it. At the upper end of the price range the 40mm Zenith Type 20 with the blue dial (other colors available) is a watch I'd love to own.
(not my watch or photo)
Posting Permissions
