I can't stop considering Flieger Chronographs!

[sierra11b]

I still have 2.5 months until Dirk delivers and I am already planning my next.

Except this time I am looking for more of a bargain piece </= $2000. What's great about Flieger Chronos is that there's plenty of great pieces in this price range with 7750s to even Seagull ST-19 well under that budget.

A few I am considering are (all pictures borrowed):

Precista PRS-5

A true bargain and fun piece. Granted I'm not a huge fan of a 30minute register or a Chinese movement (although I could be persuaded). I still have a lot of homework to do on the ST-19 but at at $425 it seems hard to beat.




Archimede Flieger Chronograph.

What's cool about this watch is the clean style and attention to detail for the price (~$1260 on strap). The case has substantial pushers and a nice onion crown which, according to reviews, isn't a wrist biter considering it's 42mm (and not 43mm+ you typically get with some fliegers).

The dial is clean and well though-out in that the subdials do not protrude and cut-off the indices which are all clearly written (except the absence of the 6). The date is tastefully hidden inside the subdial at 6 o'clock which is something you don't see with this style flieger. What makes this watch affordable is that the venerable 7750 comes entirely undecorated. But hey, it's still a 7750 and there's nothing wrong with that!



Sinn 358 Acrylic

The sapphire version of this watch increases the price dramatically but I happen to love the warmth of acrylic. Nice styling and as most of us know Sinn is no slouch in the watch department. Price $1860 on strap.



Tutima F2 Chronograph 780-31 (38.5mm)

This one is outside of the budget by about $700 on strap and $1300 for bracelet. I had the opportunity to try this watch on alongside all of what IWC has to offer and was throughly impressed by the attention to detail. I was so impressed that I lost all interest in the IWCs on the table.

Absolutely top rate and with a richer Flieger history compared to watches two or three times the price. Bracelet on this watch is a MUST as it reminded me so much of the Super Jubilee. There is a 43mm version of this watch but it's substantially more.



Any feedback and opinions would be greatly appreciated!

[kilyung]

I'd stretch a little more for an IWC 3717 or better yet 3706.

[wingku]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I'd stretch a little more for an IWC 3717 or better yet 3706.

Wouldn't that be a pretty huge jump on budget from these to IWC?

[warren G.]

About couple more grand I would think.

[Survivor]

This will take even more stretching but...........

[sierra11b]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I'd stretch a little more for an IWC 3717 or better yet 3706.

A big part of me wants to try a reasonably priced watch of great quality I'm almost certain I would enjoy rather than take the safe way in going IWC. Think of it as a 'test' for myself.

I have to be honest in that of all the manufacturers out there IWC is the one that appeals to me the least for numerous reasons. I will admit that their attention to detail is quite striking, especially in the dial dept, but the rest of the watch makes me wonder where my hard earned money is going compared to flieger watches at a fraction of the cost? This is really apparent when you compare the IWC to the Archimede which I think has better styling. You want me to shell out how much more for a "higly decorated" 7750? Are you serious?

My observation was that before IWC offered an in-house movement people spoke about IWC fliegers and their 'highly decorated' 7750s much like fans of Panerai justified the crazy prices of a Unitas 6497 just because it's Panerai. Of course this talk has dwindled because IWC now offers the 8936X movements, but the price of those watches puts me into a category of much more appealing chronographs.

Besides, if I were to expand my budget Tutima would take my money over IWC for reason mentioned in the OP.

[mfer]

Stowa has a new one. It was featured in watchtimes magazine.

It is a 30 min chrono without a continous second hand.
--Take your Precista and remove the subdial on the left

[sierra11b]

The Stowa is a nice piece. If it had a 60 minute subdial it would be a serious contender.

[karmatp]

Those are all great choices Eric, I like them all. I have owned a few IWC over the years and I loved them all, but my flipping habit got the best of me and they are all gone. I have really been thinking about another 3717, but your choices give me pause.

I like that Sinn a lot, and I have owned a Sinn in the past and it was a great watch for the money. The Archimede in your pics looks like a sweet watch, I need to look them up.

After owning well over a dozen Rolex sport watches, lots of Panerai's, IWC's etc, I am starting to think they they are not worth the money. There are just so many other less known brands that don't spend millions and millions of dollars on marketing that offer just as solid of a watch for thousands less.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by sierra11b

I have to be honest in that of all the manufacturers out there IWC is the one that appeals to me the least for numerous reasons. I will admit that their attention to detail is quite striking, especially in the dial dept, but the rest of the watch makes me wonder where my hard earned money is going compared to flieger watches at a fraction of the cost?

Your money is going to the design and manufacture of the most amazing bracelet you can buy at nearly any price. Not a single watch on your list has a bracelet that matches the IWC's in the slightest. Even Rolex doesn't offer a bracelet comparable to the current IWC pilot line.

To keep this on track, I'll say that the Sinn is the watch I would choose out of those you listed. It's the only one that appears not to be trying to be something else - it's clearly a Sinn.

[karmatp]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

Your money is going to the design and manufacture of the most amazing bracelet you can buy at nearly any price. Not a single watch on your list has a bracelet that matches the IWC's in the slightest. Even Rolex doesn't offer a bracelet comparable to the current IWC pilot line.

To keep this on track, I'll say that the Sinn is the watch I would choose out of those you listed. It's the only one that appears not to be trying to be something else - it's clearly a Sinn.

This is true, IWC does makes the best and most comfortable bracelets and clasps on the market. IWC bracelets are very expensive, but for once when it comes to watches, you actually get what you are paying for.

[sierra11b]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

Your money is going to the design and manufacture of the most amazing bracelet you can buy at nearly any price. Not a single watch on your list has a bracelet that matches the IWC's in the slightest.

While I will agree with you that IWCs bracelet it fantastic to say that Tutima's doesn't come close is a pretty bold statement. I physically tried on the Tutima F2 with bracelet at the same AD whom also carries IWC and the fit was phenominal (in St. Thomas). Personally, if I closed my eyes I could have convinced myself it was the Super Jubilee and I own two of those.

Again, I am 100% convinced that Tutimas bracelet is a great braclet as are others that have reviewed the piece, but you just don't hear much about them as they aren't giants with a cult following like IWC.

While this is a different version of the Tutima flieger the reviewer gives his opinion of the bracelet at 3:02 which I absolutely agree: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3ybHN8l84E

[AzPaul]

When it comes to chronographs, I like a little something going on with the bezel but those are certainly nice looking dials.

[Survivor]

Originally Posted by sierra11b

While I will agree with you that IWCs bracelet it fantastic to say that Tutima's doesn't come close is a pretty bold statement. I physically tried on the Tutima F2 with bracelet at the same AD whom also carries IWC and the fit was phenominal (in St. Thomas). Personally, if I closed my eyes I could have convinced myself it was the Super Jubilee and I own two of those.

Again, I am 100% convinced that Tutimas bracelet is a great braclet as are others that have reviewed the piece, but you just don't hear much about them as they aren't giants with a cult following like IWC.

While this is a different version of the Tutima flieger the reviewer gives his opinion of the bracelet at 3:02 which I absolutely agree: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3ybHN8l84E

Sounds to me like your mind is made up....not quite sure why you haven't pulled the trigger. Do it and start enjoying your Tutima and its legacy!!

[sierra11b]

Honestly, I'm still undecided on the Archimede. It's half the price of the Tutima and looks like a nice kit.

[Americandave]

Originally Posted by sierra11b

Honestly, I'm still undecided on the Archimede. It's half the price of the Tutima and looks like a nice kit.

Archimede on a NATO would look awesome, IMO.

In-house chronos all seem to be insanely priced. I love the Zenith models, and on the used market think they're the best deal going. They're well out of budget though for this thread, and those are the low end price wise for in-house...

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by sierra11b

While I will agree with you that IWCs bracelet it fantastic to say that Tutima's doesn't come close is a pretty bold statement. I physically tried on the Tutima F2 with bracelet at the same AD whom also carries IWC and the fit was phenominal (in St. Thomas). Personally, if I closed my eyes I could have convinced myself it was the Super Jubilee and I own two of those.

Again, I am 100% convinced that Tutimas bracelet is a great braclet as are others that have reviewed the piece, but you just don't hear much about them as they aren't giants with a cult following like IWC.

While this is a different version of the Tutima flieger the reviewer gives his opinion of the bracelet at 3:02 which I absolutely agree: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3ybHN8l84E

I can't watch the video right now, but thanks for posting it. I'll take a look later. The bracelet does look similar. However, does it adjust with the button and pin system? Also, does the clasp have micro-adjustments? If not, it's missing the two nicest features of the current IWC bracelet.

[sierra11b]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

I can't watch the video right now, but thanks for posting it. I'll take a look later. The bracelet does look similar. However, does it adjust with the button and pin system? Also, does the clasp have micro-adjustments? If not, it's missing the two nicest features of the current IWC bracelet.

No and No. As I recall it works just like the super jubilee in that you remove the links one row at a time. A crap shoot like any non-micro-adjustable bracelet but given the fact the links are so small like the SJ I cannot see why you couldn't get a perfect fit, although you would have to add and remove depending on your wrist swelled/shrunk.

[joe100]

Breguet Type XX?

[Americandave]

What about the Fortis chronos? How are those on the used market price wise? I've seen some decent ones in store, especially a Ti cosmonaut that caught my eye

[sierra11b]

Originally Posted by joe100

Breguet Type XX?

That would be ideal and a watch that comes with a remarkable history but I want to challenge myself to something less expensive this time.

I could save enough for the Breguet and actually put it off before in a recent running of chronographs for an entirely different watch, but the thing about Fliegers is that there's no shortage of history amongst most the manufacturers. It's a style of watch that truly reflects quality for the price vs. branding.

[slcbbrown]

I like all your choices and the Type XX, as well. However, you might want to consider Wilson Watch Works.

[wingku]

What's the decision, Eric?

You got me all worked up and now I want a decent, affordable flieger too!

[sierra11b]

I think I'm going to position myself for the Archimede. The dial looks fantastic, the case is in-house, the base 7750 will always be serviceable, and those that own the watch seem happy with their purchase amongst other expensive pieces in their collections. What's not to like?

Even though I like the looks of the Archimede I'm starting to wonder if I'll want a Flieger with more WR so that I can safely wear at work once I'm in a position to purchase (Sinn)? I'll have to set aside the money and ask myself this question when it's time to buy.

Right now I wear a Seiko SKX007 at work which works well for the application but needs to be reset every time or at least shaken to get the rotor to wind the mainspring (no winding capabilities other than wearing the watch). At any rate I'll have to wait until the Dornbluth arrives before I can consider actually pulling the trigger.

[andyboy39]

I think Steinhart make very good and very affordable Flieger Pieces..

[sierra11b]

There's literally dozens of notable watches to consider along with the Steiner in this category. While I do like what Steiner offers I think the design of the Archimede is slightly better and more refined.

Other watches to consider for the sake of this thread if anyone is considering:

-Damasko DC56 (although I read the hardening process of the case can make other nearby watches prone to magnetism. Can't verify this though... But it is the watch that passed the tests to be used by Eurofighter Typhoon pilots... can't really say this about anything IWC besides the Top Gun/Miramar branding)



-Laco Kiel (Laco is one of the original flieger manufacturers and actually a recent contender for my purchase if I expand my budget and want a 44mm watch)



- Stowa 1938. (Another original flieger manufacturer. This has to be one of the most beautiful chronographs for the price on the market today. Unfortunately, I'd want a something beyond a 30min register. But the dial process is quite remarkable being an integral piece embossed eight times)

[andyboy39]

I must admit, that Stowa looks gorgeous...

[wingku]

Yep I was gonna ask is Steinhart was ever on your radar. They don't have as much history but certainly looks like a quality watch and value for money.

I shall look at the other brands you just mentioned, thanks!!