Opinions and Recommendations Appreciated

[Jabbah]

I currently have a Baume & Mercier Classima Executive XL which is a nice dress watch but I’d like something that’s more of a daily driver to compliment and contrast with it. My original thoughts were these:

Raymond Weil Freelancer
Chr. Ward C700
Tissot PRC 200 Automatic Black

Out of which I was leaning towards the Freelancer or possibly the C700. But, these are still a bit dressy and I do really like the pilot watch styles so my current short list has these:

Sinn 356 Pilot
Steinhart Nav B Chrono II DLC
Chr. Ward C1000

The C1000 has a ceramic case but I find the Typhoon theme a little gimmicky, so that’s bottom of the list.

The Steinhart I really like, but maybe a little large. The B&M is 42mm, this is 44mm and my wrists are ~18cm. An extra 2mm may not make much difference but depends on how it sits. I do like the black DLC finish and the movement view port.

I also really like the Sinn and it is difficult to choose between that and the Steinhart. The more vintage design is very attractive, it is water resistant to 100m and at 38.5mm may be a better size for my wrist. Sinn have used the SW 500 movement though which may not be as proven as the 7750 in the others, but there again Sinn have a good reputation of having accurate movements.

Any thoughts on these or recommendations of something else to consider?

ETA: I've just looked at the Sinn 358 which is the same size as my B&M and uses the 7750 so will replace the 356 with that in my short list.

Edited by Jabbah on Monday 27th July 16:12

[Variomatic]

Not going to comment on the aesthetics because that's personal subjectiveness and I won't have to live with your choice but don't let the Sellita movement in the Sinn put you off.

Regardless of any brand snobbery out there, Sellita movements are every bit as good as ETA in terms of design and quality. You also won't be held to ransom in future for any parts needed during servicing.

Bear in mind that ETA's reputation in the "Swiss mid-range" isn't really based on excellence anyway. It's based on them being the only player on the field for such a long time - put me on the pitch for a cup final after I've bought off all the other players and I guarantee I'll look good!

So, let the inveterate brand snobs pay the premium (and have all the problems with back-up that will entail) if they like but don't get sucked into it with them.

[Jabbah]

Yeah you're right about the movements. Had a good look into them and Sellita made movements for ETA for many years and essentially just started making their own. Apart from a small hicup with the SW200 initially they appear to be on a par.

I found a new contender for the top spot on my short list though. After seeing someone on the tube wearing one the other day I'm quite taken with the Speedmaster Reduced, especially with the Di-Modell Rallye strap as in a couple of pictures in this thread:

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f67/omega-speedmaster...

With pre-owned examples in good condition being relatively inexpensive it's very tempting.

[wseed]

One I've always loved the look of that has a similar style to some of those you list is the Stowa Flieger. The style is based on the 2nd WW Luftwaffe watches worn by the pilots and navigators. Stowa is one of the 6 or so original manufactures ( A. Lange & Söhne, Wempe, Stowa, IWC, Hanhart, Tutima and Laco) so has some history there too.

Chronograph


Classic

[mikeveal]

Speedmaster reduceds aren't the most reliable of watches. Not exactly plagued with problems, but I've heard of a few owners with issues. Resale isn't as good on this as a full size speedy because of this and because the full size is preferred by most.

If you're after a modern avaitor style, Sinn do take a lot of beating. Just my opinion.