My next watch (recommendations)

I filled my pilot-ish slot with a Marathon Navigator. It's really fun, odd, and striking (I picked an odd dial colour on purpose, most of them look more neutral). Runs $300ish.

Mind it is plastic (it's for pilots! it should be light!). Marathon has just launched a new high-accuracy metal version, which looks really cool but runs $800.

I do like a bit of quirk! Thanks for the suggestion I’ll have to see if I can get some hands on somewhere, I would like to feel the plastic!

Save for the steel Marathon. Marathon actually listened to end user feedback. Better movement, more down swept lugs, higher WR, Sapphire cristal, same ADANAC shape that homages the Benrus Type I.

This model has been issued to USAF pilots since it's release.

And the battery hatch on the back is awesome for the end user as well.

Personally I wish they color matched the date wheel, but I can get over it.

Or go Lunar Pilot Reduced. I say reduced cuz I have the OG and it's big.

Definitely an attractive watch! Also have been thinking about the lunar pilot, but when I get to my chrono watch!

I would suggest Hamilton Murph for a little over $700 or Seiko5 GMT for around $500. I have the Hammy Khaki Field Auto and love the watch. The Seiko5 GMT is a 2023 purchase and it’s fantastic value. Another good one would be the Tissot PRX if you’re looking for the integrated bracelet look. Check out my gallery if you want pictures.

All great suggestions, all quality watches. Maybe I’m looking for something a bit more off the beaten track. Thanks for the suggestions though!

I'll also suggest a Marathon Navigator, I have two myself. They are fun watches that are dependable, and interesting.

I bought a plastic one a while back, just to try tritium lume, and it soon became my most worn watch.

Then I upgraded to the steel version when it released... It is a big upgrade, but it's also a bit "upgrade" in price as well.

If you're leaning automatic, I suggest checking out Vaer watches, they do some interesting ones that are USA assembled.

For a slightly different pilot watch there is a Swedish microbrand called Malm. They have just started taking pre-orders on a as vintage inspired pilot.

They’re generally at the upper end of your budget range but it might be worth a look. Also they’re on WC so you could chat to them. Otherwise there’s German brand Zeppelin I just recently got a quartz chronograph from them.

There are lots of microbrands out there. Check out Zelos, Baltic, Halios, and Christopher Ward.

I had the Laco Aachen. Had. Past tense. I found the quality insulting at that price point.

I have the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic and the Hamilton Murph 38. I love them both.

Both infinitely better than the Laco.

Though the stock straps were garbage.

Lots of good choices in the $500-700 range. Take your time and see what speaks to you.

PS I also have a Zeppelin quartz and love it. I tried on quite a few Zeppelins a few months back and was impressed by all of them.

Just got a Zelos diver so probably not them, although their dials are tremendous!

I do like the look of that Malm! Thanks!

Hmm for pilot, I was thinking more a look like laco’s pilot watches, but I might have to look into the marathons!

This is what I’ve heard some whispers of with Laco. Although I like their designs and colors, if I’m spending more money I want a better quality watch, so this kind of puts me off them..

I do also like zeppelin’s designs!

I also have a Seiko Flightmaster, which is the pilotest pilot watch to ever pilot. Or something.

Crazy that it’s in this price range now, but it is a thing of crazy beauty.

It is an icon and definitely came to mind, I’m afraid the dial might just be a little bit busy for me. I’d have to get some in person time with it to determine whether it is

I picked up this Nodus field watch - no date version. I haven’t seen a watch quite like it at the price point.

Will run you $450.

Oh man hadn’t really heard of nodus yet but that is a beauty!