Building a Beater Collection Pt 4
After the setback with the Pagani Connery, I decided to get something I would know in my bones would be great.
So after much searching, researching, and review gathering, I opted for a good old Seiko SNK809 pilot's watch.
When it arrived, it looked glorious. Loved the matte finish, the Type B Flieger styling, and could live with the day/date (not needed on this style of watch IMO).
BUT...
Its 37mm just disappeared on my wrist. It looked like I was wearing someone else's watch. Someone tiny.
Note: I've since tried on my friend's two 36mm vintage Rolexes and they, too, are itty bitty on me. Good things to learn on this journey.
So I sent the lovely watch back to the oompa-loompas and looked for a larger Flieger B variant.
And I thought I had found it in the Orient Pilot RA-AC0H03B10B. Great reviews, 43mm, looked the part, and only a tiny date for less visual clutter.
neither image here is mine - if you are the owner of the image and object I can change them to stock photos
When it arrived, NO. NO NO NO. It made me sad.
Most of you will probably think I'm nuts for this, but I do product design, and this had a fatal design flaw that bothered the hell out of me -
The little metal applied badge resting against the matte dial with everything else printed. It didn't just look out of place, it looked like someone sneezed a little blob of silver on the watch.
It wasn't apparent in online photos or in most video reviews but it was glaring in real life. I was able to take this screenshot from a YT video and capture the moment where the moving light makes the applique just look wrong.
I'm sorry, but if I pay $200 for a watch it can't piss me off every time I look at it. It's just WRONG.
Others won't be bothered at all and it's a high quality watch that does everything it claims and does it well.
I quite like the applied Orient badge on the Makos and Bambinos and such where the shiny 3D thing gels with everything else.
So back East went the Orient. My search for a Type B Flieger will continue.
Next time, the next watch in my beater collection.
Previous:
https://www.watchcrunch.com/MrPsionic/posts/building-a-beater-collection-pt-3-28750
Next:
https://www.watchcrunch.com/MrPsionic/posts/building-a-beater-collection-pt-5-28918
I'm a musician and in the guitar amp biz. I do gear reviews on my own YT channel but I'm not here for that - this is my side hobby. That said, I know how the sausages are made both in production/manuf...
Sorry to hear that your SNK809 didn't work out. I have the 803 variant with the khaki dial and love it! That Orient flieger is Boss too. Didn't even notice the applied logo until you pointed it out! LOL!
BTW, I have a modest collection of a dozen pieces that some folks would consider "beaters". Makes no diff to me, I enjoy 'em and wear 'em and don't consider them to second rate in any way 😀
Sorry to hear that your SNK809 didn't work out. I have the 803 variant with the khaki dial and love it! That Orient flieger is Boss too. Didn't even notice the applied logo until you pointed it out! LOL!
BTW, I have a modest collection of a dozen pieces that some folks would consider "beaters". Makes no diff to me, I enjoy 'em and wear 'em and don't consider them to second rate in any way 😀
I doubt I’ll ever buy anything that most collectors won’t view as a “beater.” I use the term with pride.
I watched all 4 of your posts and there are a ton of options that may match with your needs on Aliexpress. I bought this watch for like $60 and It has pretty much everything I need for a daily watch. NH35, Sapphire crystal, screw down crown and 40mm diameter. If it's too small for you there are some other 42mm options also in there. Just take a look.
I watched all 4 of your posts and there are a ton of options that may match with your needs on Aliexpress. I bought this watch for like $60 and It has pretty much everything I need for a daily watch. NH35, Sapphire crystal, screw down crown and 40mm diameter. If it's too small for you there are some other 42mm options also in there. Just take a look.
What watch?
Great watch..everything you need and nothing you don't...enjoy
How do you feel about the other way around: Applied markers, printed logo/text?
How do you feel about the other way around: Applied markers, printed logo/text?
That’s fine. More than fine.
It’s about the visual hierarchy and if anything competes against the aesthetic.
Maybe you could like this Laco German Flieger 42mm automatic. You can find it for €340 on Amazon. But there are several simpler or more expensive configurations for this Laco.
That’s a $900 watch here. That’s guitar money.
Edit: ah, I had the wrong model. $400. Interesting…
That’s fine. More than fine.
It’s about the visual hierarchy and if anything competes against the aesthetic.
I think I get what you mean now. Thanks!
How do you feel about the other way around: Applied markers, printed logo/text?
IMO I'm in love !
How about something rock solid BUT more on the Dive side? Casio Duro? Here's a Promaster Echo-Drive on salehttps://a.co/d/fyPLov6
If you want a field watch how about this Titanium = tough ad nails and Echo-Drive accurate
https://www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/product/BM8560-53E.html
This watch is in budget
This model is $200.00 Not Echo-Drive but a great option
https://www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/product/BM8180-03E.html
If you can't stretch to the $400 Laco Aachen above (which I highly recommend) there's a 42mm option from Islander for $177:
And a 39mm option from San Martin for $165:
Pop for the Laco that @JAWS80 suggested. That was the first thing that came to mind before I even read that comment.
How about something rock solid BUT more on the Dive side? Casio Duro? Here's a Promaster Echo-Drive on salehttps://a.co/d/fyPLov6
If you want a field watch how about this Titanium = tough ad nails and Echo-Drive accurate
https://www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/product/BM8560-53E.html
This watch is in budget
This model is $200.00 Not Echo-Drive but a great option
https://www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/product/BM8180-03E.html
My eco-driver flieger, look that @TimeJunkie, not bad for €130
My eco-driver flieger, look that @TimeJunkie, not bad for €130
Awesome watch!
I love my Laco Aachen in a 42mm case. I especially love the big authentic dial and the fantastic lume. I got this Marc at Long Island Watch for $410. The watch comes in a really nice zippered case, too.
Hey man ..... I'm a little late to the discussion but I'm in the same delima....... The OG watches from Germany ( ww2 types ) don't look that pleasing to me ..... I am hooked to the Seiko snk800 series but I can't find it anywhere at reasonable prises ( I live in India) and I also have large wrists .... I'm a big guy and I'm afraid the same problem is gonna occur like it did for you . The new Seiko SRPH series doesn't look that good to me either mabye because of the lack of sword hands ........ I am exploring the internet for a good looking type b flieger..... I found this new( sort of company) which specialises in pilot watches called AVI 8.... Found this model which looks good to me but I don't really know as I have never held it in my hand the model name is (AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Clowes Automatic ) I am still out to discover a good looking pilots watch.
I’ve heard the Avi 8s are OK but the visuals are always off for me.
Later I got the Laco Aachen 42 and thought it was garbage. Looked cheap, crown wobbled, movement rattled, plasticy strap. Back it went. Immediately.
I stopped looking for a Type B at that point and got a Hamilton Khaki Automatic. Perfection.
But if I wanted a Type B I’d either save up for a Stowa or scratch the itch with a San Martin.