Great Option for a Pilot’s Watch with a Type A Flieger Style Dial

Islander #ISL-107

Dimensions: 46mm lug to lug, 39 mm wide, 12mm thick

Case: stainless steel

Case Back: stainless-steel embossed with F14

Strap: Genuine leather

Crystal: sapphire

Lume: SuperLuminova C3

Movement: Seiko NH35

Water Resistance: 100m

Many of the pilot watches I see are on the larger size, generally being 42mm or larger, although there are numerous that are 40mm and below, including the new Seiko 5 SRPHs. The first series of Islander pilot watches with Flieger-style dials were 42mm in diameter. I do have one of the larger models in my collection, the #ISL-99, which I do enjoy. Recently, Marc has released some 39mm versions of his Flieger-style pilot watches. I like smaller watches in general, so I decided to pick up an #ISL-107. I already had a Type B dial with the #ISL-99 and that is why I selected one with a Type A dial. He has since released even more 39mm variants, both with and without a date complication. The #ISL-107 is one of the models that has no date function.

This is a great value watch. For $199, you are getting sapphire crystal, 100M WR, a screw down crown, a reliable Seiko NH movement with both hacking and hand-winding, SuperLuminova lume applied to the hands and dial, and a classic-looking watch reminiscent of WWII era pilot’s watches. The dial is unbranded and actually has no letters or logo at all, which is why these models are my go-to recommendation for collectors who like unbranded dials or those who have a problem with Marc’s logo. Again, this lack of branding and writing is historically accurate and furthers the vintage feeling of this watch.

Marc has also made a slight improvement to the crown of the 39mm models when compared to the earlier 42mm models. The crown on my #ISL-107 feels larger and easier to grip than the crown on my #ISL-99. It appears as if the crown has been inverted so the bevel now faces the case rather than facing out. The crown appears to be the same size, not actually any larger, but it does feel larger to my grip, and makes a difference when setting or winding the watch.

As you can see, the crown protrudes just a bit more on the #ISL-107.

The lume is applied liberally to all the markers as well as the hands, and the Superluminova lasts quite well. This is true of the lume on all my Islanders, whether is it C3 or BGW9. I have noticed my Islanders glowing around 3-4 in the morning in their box if I happen to wake early.

I do have a couple of small issues with this watch, beginning with the strap. It is not very good, and I replaced it with a Barton top grain saddle leather strap that I feel looks period appropriate. The original strap is a black genuine leather strap that is almost as bad as a strap from Vostok or AliExpress. The other small issue with this watch is the use of an NH35 on a watch with no date, leaving a ghost position when setting the watch. My #ISL-99 has an NH38, which would have been preferable in this watch. I know Marc has spoken in various videos about supply issues in getting the various NH movements, leading to using the available movements and leaving the ghost position. I still wish this watch had an NH38 movement, but that has not prevented this watch from becoming a favorite in my Islander collection. It fits my wrist better than my #ISL-99 in my opinion.

As with all Islanders, I do think you are getting a great value watch that is solidly built and backed by the company. Anytime I have reached out to customer service at Long Island Watch, whether for an Islander or another brand, I have always been treated well and had my problems resolved to my satisfaction.

In a recent video, Marc did make a brief statement about rising costs, so we may see an increase in the price of new releases. However, given the value I see in the Islander line, I don’t see my enthusiasm for the brand waning anytime soon over a small price increase, especially considering I still add an occasional new Seiko to my collection.