Poor man's watch thread

[RogerP]



Thanks, it definitely looks better in person (or at least, real life photos).

The Ashford pics suck. If I hadn't seen some real world pics from the private seller I would not likely have been interested.

 

[Jazzmenco]

You're absolutely right Roger, the eBay pictures sold it for me.

 

[TheWraith]

On the 2 hour train trip to work last week:

And yesterday at work about to have my lunch:

 

[Burzan]

Still love my Bambino from Massdrop, easily the best $99 I have spent on a watch.

 

[Van Veen]

Is this my best option for a cheap B-Uhr flieger?

Are the major differences between that one and this one just the movement and crystal?

 

[mimo]

Yes. But for around the price of the latter, you could also get this. I am mildly biased as I am currently wearing it, but I don't think many would argue at Stowa's quality of case and finishing over Laco's.

To be fair to Laco, and if you do want a $250 mechanical watch, then they are the only one of the original "Flieger" makers to offer anything near that price. Stowa start around $900, IWC a lot more of course, and neither Lange nor Wempe make a modern version at all. But if you do go up towards the $1k mark, Stowa is it.

If the history of the name isn't important, I've heard a lot of good things about Archimede, another German company: they are one of several brands by German case makers Ickler, and have a good name for quality with accessible prices. They start around the $550 mark, and use ETA movements. They also do a cool bronze version if you want something original, though that is nearer the Stowa price.

Or, at the other end of the spectrum, you can find the Seiko 5 "Military" for well under $100, and buy a cool strap with the change. Not a bad idea at all - I bought the sand dial one for my son and was quite envious when I handed it over. Decent looking mechanical watch for peanuts.

 

[Van Veen]

So set on a B-Uhr flieger, just can't afford anything more than a few hundred right now. The Seiko might be a good way to tide me over until I can afford a Stowa. That might be better than settling for the low end Laco.

 

[Ebichuman]

I know little about the brand but saw some discussion in WUS on Tisell, which has Seagull movements, sapphire and makes fliegers, two types (plus some other models). Do you guys have any thoughts on this brand?

 

[Commodore Mark]

I am considering both of these for an everyday watch. I usually dress in business casual. I am interested in your preference. Which do you prefer?

Tissot PRC200 Automatic:
http://www.tissotwatches.com/en-US/products/tissot-prc-200-automatic-gent/T0554301601700.html

VSA Infantry Mechanical
http://www.swissarmy.com/us/en/Prod...-Mechanical/p/241646#accordion-prod-details-2

 

[TheWraith]

I would go the Tissot myself. You can never go wrong with a Tissot.

 

[mimo]

So set on a B-Uhr flieger, just can't afford anything more than a few hundred right now. The Seiko might be a good way to tide me over until I can afford a Stowa. That might be better than settling for the low end Laco.

Generally, I think it's worth holding out for the one you really want. If you really want the B-Uhr, which was a Stowa design originally, then hold out for it. Buying a "stepping stone" watch is a waste of money in my experience, but at the Seiko's usual price point of $80-$100, it's practically disposable. It's also pretty nice. I'd suggest maybe getting something that's visibly different from the classic pilots - that sand coloured one I mentioned, the olive green if that's your thing, white or navy blue are nice, and perhaps on a bracelet to be different again? That way once you do have the money for the Stowa, the Seiko is different enough that you will still have a place for it, rather than just being a cheaper substitute.

I know little about the brand but saw some discussion in WUS on Tisell, which has Seagull movements, sapphire and makes fliegers, two types (plus some other models). Do you guys have any thoughts on this brand?

I don't know anything about them, but as Seiko make a pilot so cheaply, I'm not sure I can see the value in taking a punt on something less established. Still, if they're cheap, it's a matter of what appeals aesthetically.

I am considering both of these for an everyday watch. I usually dress in business casual. I am interested in your preference. Which do you prefer?

Tissot PRC200 Automatic:
http://www.tissotwatches.com/en-US/products/tissot-prc-200-automatic-gent/T0554301601700.html


VSA Infantry Mechanical
http://www.swissarmy.com/us/en/Prod...-Mechanical/p/241646#accordion-prod-details-2

In general, I'd definitely take Tissot over Victorinox. But to be honest I don't especially like the style of the one you posted. My answer would be "neither"! What's your budget, and are there any elements that appeal to you in particular? SF is always happy to try to spend other people's money better - let us suggest some other options?

 

[Van Veen]

I may get the beige military or another beige dial watch. Maybe something a little dressier. This thread motivated me to finally purchase new spring bars, a tool, and a NATO strap to put my Mako back into service. (I caught the band on something and blew out a spring bar a while ago.)

 

[Ebichuman]

Good points from @Mimo, as usual. I have been thinking about Tisell because it does the plain traditional pilot in a small, 40mm, size which suits my wrist better. I looked at it again and it's got a Miyota movement, not Seagul as I thought. Not sure if it makes a difference?

 

[einstine]

Thoughts? Too modern?
Seiko automatic movement

 

[TtownMD]

Looks nice to me.