Original Nighthawk "v" Seiko Flightmaster

I also like simple dials.... I've seen loads reviews and thought... not for me... too big, too busy, whats all the fuss!! 

They are so expensive now also!!! 

This Nighthawk has been a revelation mind. Is been on my wrist now for 3 weeks solid (which is a record for.me!!). 

The critsm about the busy dial is valid... I have found not, I don't see all the numbers now I only see the dial...

So bizarre!!

I love my Nighty!

I understand the criticisms about the busy dial, and that is really what keeps me from adding a Flighty, but there is something almost hypnotic about the asymmetrical layout of the dial and the applied Arabics and indices on my Nighty. Also, screw-down crown, 200M water resistance, an internal rotating bezel, and of course Eco-Drive movement. I consider adding a Flighty to my collection every few months, but have decided against doing so to date.

I bought this as a gift for my brother who is a pilot. He likes it as it actually offers a Manual back up for fuel and distance calculations. He tried to explain it to me once and I glazed over. He loves it and it's his only watch so it qualifies as a true tool used for its intended purpose. Personally I wouldn't wear it as I don't have the need but it will last for years and is a true GMT. I paid 250 USD about a year ago. 

You did well friend I've just bought new for about $380!! I know I could have gone used for a little cheaper. They've really exploded in price....

1 month ago I'd have said too busy dial and too big, but once I'd got the Nighthawk, that was it... so weird. All I can say is when looking at the Nighthawk now, my eye do not see all the surroundin  number. They only see the hand and bases dial numbers...

@JoshKosh08 You have both, what do you think?

Not got the flighty yet..... but the Nighthawk is tremendous.

Apart from my Gshocks and casios, my collection is mechanical, however....

The eco drive, lume, hands, face, dual time. It's does mot wear a big as you might expect, the busy dial is not an issue.

Its been a real surprise...... hence why the flighty is on it's way. 

I am clearly late the the party here, both are discontinued a d getting really expensive and hard to get... I think the nighthawk is a modern classic. I suspect, the flighty is the same or will be....

The funny thing is, is that for 2 years I dismissed both not understanding what the fuss was all about

@theossifrage Honestly I don't think I like busy dials anymore and these 2 are my least favourite in my collection due to personal preference. 

But I prefer the flightmaster because there's so much more depth to the dial than the Nighthawk even though they're around the same thickness. It's probably because of the flightmaster's heavily domed crystal that gives it that effect.

I'm gonna get rid of the Nighthawk anyway and replace it with an automatic Citizen. I can't take care of an eco drive properly because I usually keep it locked up in the dark, and that damages it long term. 

Another reason the flightmaster will stay in the collection because it's the first watch in my collection, it's turning 7 years old this year in 2 months.

@theossifrage that also doesn't mean I don't like busy dials anymore, it's just that I very much prefer simple dials over them.

I do think as you get into this hobby, your preferences move away from big, showy watches to ones which are simpler but have more subtle traits. Like dress watches with subtle patterning or guilloche dials.

Citizen does have some amazing watches locked away for the Japanese market only, or behind their 'The Citizen' upscale marque. If you can find one of those online, there are some nice textured dials and titanium case pieces floating around.

I got the Flighty finally today. Put the standard TGV Genuine NDC strap on it......... first impressions......... it ok..... o like the nighthawk better, but its early days.....

In terms of the rest of my collection, these are by far the biggest and yes "in your face". My others are around 38mm make, with the exception of my 1967 Spaceview and strangely my 2020 Spaceview which is monstrously big unfortunately.... 

I won't be getting anymore of these watches but...... I have no regrets.... especially the Nighthawk....

I'm late to the party on this thread as well, but I have a serious question for you folks.  How old are you? The reason I ask is that, as I'm becoming a "distinguished gentleman", read "old", I find it more and more difficult to be able to tell the time on those busy dials. I bought a Flighty because of the hype, put it on, couldn't read it, and plan on selling it.

Anyone else in the same boat?

Great question... the flighty is not the easiest to read for me.

The digital display on my Casioaks is the same.

Yes, I like clear displays. My Manhasset (Islander watch) is lovely and clear.

I'm on day 3 of my Flighty v Nighthawk journey and the Nighthawk is far more legible. Your eye blur out the noise somehow.

This has not been the case with the Flighty...... 

I have complaints here about it, It sure a classic seiko. However, the Nighthawk has Ecodrive, a good dual time and overall is a more complete watch. All the functionality on the Flighty I won't use and it does not wow me... 1 moan, the Nighthawk bracelet is half decent, the Flighty bracelet is very poor

I respect the flighty, its amazing for the (original price). I love the domed crystal. With a decent strap it's very comfortable, it does not wear large to me. The lume is good. But.... The Nighthawk has eco drive, it also wears smaller than you would expect, the dual time is cool. The bracelet is better. I won't use any of the flightys functionality. 

As a stand alone watch it's outstanding..... in a head to head with the Nighthawk.... its the Nighthawk for me...