Plans for 2024 - Finding myself a Flieger Chronograph
I don’t know if it is a proper term but I hope to add a military inspired Chronograph next year. For years I have looked at the Longines Avigation Big Eye. I have tested it an AD after some struggle to actually find one. It doesn’t seem to be the standard to have one in the shop. Other contenders are Breguet with their type 20 and XX. Finally I looked at Hanhart 417. The Breguets I find (too) expensive and the Hanhart is nowhere to try out for me.
Even if the Big Eye is my top contender at the moment I wonder if I miss something. Is there a candidate in preferable 40mm size that can match my options? I figure that this might be a model for micro brands to come up with. My knowledge of those are limited to say the least.
(*pictures by Hodinkee*)
Is there anyone with a candidate you could suggest or recommend?
I collect new as well as vintage. I have a weak spot for 50s and 60s Omegas. Besides from those I consider myself allround.
https://www.stowa.de/en/Chronographen/
https://www.breitling.com/us-en/find-your-breitling/aviation-watches/?search%5Bengraving%5D=&search%5Bsorting%5D=newest&filter=1&search%5Bsizes%5D%5B%5D=size5&search%5BlowPrice%5D=&search%5BhighPrice%5D=
Maybe Stowa or Breitling?
The Big eye is on my list as well. I think this is also a watch that works with so many different straps
https://www.stowa.de/en/Chronographen/
https://www.breitling.com/us-en/find-your-breitling/aviation-watches/?search%5Bengraving%5D=&search%5Bsorting%5D=newest&filter=1&search%5Bsizes%5D%5B%5D=size5&search%5BlowPrice%5D=&search%5BhighPrice%5D=
Maybe Stowa or Breitling?
Haven’t seen any IRL. The upcoming Stowa steel seems interesting with a lug to lug I can handle despite the size. The Breitling 53 reissue seems like a good alternative. Is it limited or in their standard catalogue. Thanks for your suggestions👍
The Big eye is on my list as well. I think this is also a watch that works with so many different straps
It does. I was also very pleasently surprised that the tip to tip was so reasonable (for Longines) Despite the 41mm case.
Have you looked at Sinn?
Have you looked at Sinn?
Especially the new “flieger klassik” bicompax.
Ahem...
Edit: dear Lord, I just got the Longines badge because of this post...
Perhaps the Vertex MP45? https://vertex-watches.com/collections/the-mp45-series Bonuspoints for heritage and being the only brand not selling to the other side. Limited and pricey though...
Have you looked at Sinn?
Not really! Is that the 356? The 38,5mm case size looks good, but 15,5mm looks thick on paper. But maybe a lot of that is chrystal. It sure have the looks. Thank you!
Ahem...
Edit: dear Lord, I just got the Longines badge because of this post...
Congratulation to your Longines badge. Your watch looks great but I didn’t find that iteration on their website. There is a version with 3 subdials but that one was 42mm. That might be too big for me.
Congratulation to your Longines badge. Your watch looks great but I didn’t find that iteration on their website. There is a version with 3 subdials but that one was 42mm. That might be too big for me.
It's because it's was cooperation between AMWG and MT and and exclusive sell through AMWG web shop.
Additional runs were done with HEMEL, and I think there are some watches left with a dealer in Canada. Would you be interested if I contact him and ask if they still have some stock?
Not really! Is that the 356? The 38,5mm case size looks good, but 15,5mm looks thick on paper. But maybe a lot of that is chrystal. It sure have the looks. Thank you!
Yup it is! Never seen one in person but I had the same thoughts as you haha. Sounds like it could be on the chonky side.
Perhaps the Vertex MP45? https://vertex-watches.com/collections/the-mp45-series Bonuspoints for heritage and being the only brand not selling to the other side. Limited and pricey though...
Very nice looking. The measurements seems really fine. Pricewise it seems like the same valpar as for the Big Eye. They seems to be produced in small quantities. Do they do refills of their stock?
It's because it's was cooperation between AMWG and MT and and exclusive sell through AMWG web shop.
Additional runs were done with HEMEL, and I think there are some watches left with a dealer in Canada. Would you be interested if I contact him and ask if they still have some stock?
Thank you, but I think it is a bit early for that. My planned purchase will probably not be until March-April next year. But I might come back to you in this matter later on.
Very nice looking. The measurements seems really fine. Pricewise it seems like the same valpar as for the Big Eye. They seems to be produced in small quantities. Do they do refills of their stock?
Not sure but I don't think they will discontinue the model, it seems they just make limited variations. A quick search shows they have this model from at least 2019 (the heritage) and I don't really think sales have been that poor not to reach 25 pieces total.
Have you looked at Sinn?
Uhhh I'm a sucker for Sinn. Will have one eventually. Eyeing the 936
Give one more vote on Sinn. Sturdy and adequate maintenance cost
Maybe take a peak at the Magellano Series from Zeno👀
https://www.zeno-watch.ch/de/product/magellano-chronograph-bicompax-panda-2/
Maybe take a peak at the Magellano Series from Zeno👀
https://www.zeno-watch.ch/de/product/magellano-chronograph-bicompax-panda-2/
Thank you! A new brand to me. I found this 40mm.
The Longines Bigeye is the perfect choice in my humble opinion. It is very special and has its owns style. Try to look at Hamilton’ proposals for some alternative military style…
The Longines Bigeye is the perfect choice in my humble opinion. It is very special and has its owns style. Try to look at Hamilton’ proposals for some alternative military style…
I got some great alternatives in the thread besides my own candidates. The Big Eye is still up there but one of the new suggestions I’m considering seriously.
This one:
The Fortis Fleiger series is my humble recommendation.
The Fortis Fleiger series is my humble recommendation.
Thank you! I look into them👍
I had a Sinn 103 briefly, I now have a Hanhart 417 1954 which I prefer.
I’d recommend it, you won’t be disappointed.
I had a Sinn 103 briefly, I now have a Hanhart 417 1954 which I prefer.
I’d recommend it, you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you! It’s very positive when present owners still are happy with their choises👍
No bad choices in the three you’re looking at. I have the 417 and a Spirit Chronograph ( was a tough choice vs the Big Eye). Always admired the Type XX.
No bad choices in the three you’re looking at. I have the 417 and a Spirit Chronograph ( was a tough choice vs the Big Eye). Always admired the Type XX.
Still haven’t made up my mind. Besides my original candidates I got one or two very interesting suggestions.
I really like this one it’s odd and wonderful …!!
Another recommendation for the 39mm Hanhar 417 1954 👍🏻👍🏻