First automatic for my 50th

[garreth64]

So, I'm coming up to the big 5-0 and my wife wants to buy me a watch. I've only really had quartz watches in the past, so I would like an automatic.

I'd rather have something a bit nicer and put some money towards it so have been looking around £500 but creeping up to £600+

I'd like a pilot style automatic, between 40-45mm, with an open back.

Having done several hours of online research, I'm keen on a Hamilton, which seems a favourable choice, and my current favourite is the Hamilton Khaki Pilot:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hamilton-Khaki-Pilot-Watch...

I've also found Steinheart, and really like the look of the Nav B-Chrono II Black DLC, even though I wasn't looking for a Chrono:

http://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/Nav-B-Chrono-II-...

Any other good suggestions I should be looking at?

[Paul Drawmer]

I'm a Christopher Ward fan so you must look here:
http://www.christopherward.co.uk/


And in the interests of balance these are well worth a look too:
http://www.archimede-watches.com/

[gbbird]

As said above, check out the CW aviation range.

http://www.christopherward.co.uk/men/aviation.html

[PJ S]

Just bear in mind that chronograph movements will cost more to service, even the venerable ETA Valjoux 7750.
If you don't need the chrono function (aesthetics are beside the point), then don't get one unless you're happy to pay the service cost, even at in independent.

[jimbop1]

That Steinhart is extremely nice!

[alanm_3]

But it's not water resistant. I looked at the black version, but it's lack water resistance put me off.

[Paul Drawmer]

alanm_3 said:

But it's not water resistant. I looked at the black version, but it's lack water resistance put me off.

Has the o/p specified water resistance?

[Hoofy]

I was about to suggest a Sinn 556 but their prices are rocketing for some reason.

[alanm_3]

Paul Drawmer said:

alanm_3 said:

But it's not water resistant. I looked at the black version, but it's lack water resistance put me off.

Has the o/p specified water resistance?

Not specifically, no, but it was something I had (wrongly) assumed, so thought it was worth pointing out, should he make the same assumption.

[garreth64]

Christopher Ward look interesting - seem to get very mixed reviews on here re their brand, pricing and sales. I've noticed several £50 vouchers for sale on eBay for only a few pounds, seems like a good deal if you want one anyway - where are these vouchers coming from. Are they genuine?

I'm not too bothered about waterproof as I dont really need it, more of a nice to have. Still like the Steinhart.

Servicing is a good point I hadn't thought of for a chrono. Is there much of a difference? As a novice what sort of costs would I be looking at?

Any more suggestions?

[AlexC1981]

Laco make a nice looking pilot with a display case back. This model has a Miyota (Citizen) movement and the price reflects this. Laco were one of the original watchmakers who made pilot watches for the Luftwaffe in the 1940s. This Laco also has one of the more historically accurate dials as pilot watches go.



They also make this model, which is also an authentic dial design (apart from the logo as the originals were unbranded).



If you want a Swiss movement from another of the original manufacturers have a look at Stowa, though you'll have to pay three times the price for it.

http://www.stowa.de/lshop,showdetail,1404772653140...

[page3]

garreth64 said:

Christopher Ward look interesting - seem to get very mixed reviews on here re their brand, pricing and sales. I've noticed several £50 vouchers for sale on eBay for only a few pounds, seems like a good deal if you want one anyway - where are these vouchers coming from. Are they genuine?

I'm not too bothered about waterproof as I dont really need it, more of a nice to have. Still like the Steinhart.

Servicing is a good point I hadn't thought of for a chrono. Is there much of a difference? As a novice what sort of costs would I be looking at?

Any more suggestions?

Vouchers are for previous purchasers. Pm me if you want mine for free!

I have a CW C8 vintage ed which I love, although it has had a few issues relating to a faulty crown. Their service has been exemplary.

[garreth64]

page3 said:

Vouchers are for previous purchasers. Pm me if you want mine for free!

I have a CW C8 vintage ed which I love, although it has had a few issues relating to a faulty crown. Their service has been exemplary.

Thanks for the kind offer, though I seem to have 'found' the voucher code on an internet.

Im quite taken with the CW C8 vintage U-2 PVD and the service with 60 days and 5 years is reassuring too.

[yeti]

garreth64 said:

Servicing is a good point I hadn't thought of for a chrono. Is there much of a difference? As a novice what sort of costs would I be looking at?

An extra hundred quid every 5+ years. I really wouldn't worry about it!

[garreth64]

yeti said:

An extra hundred quid every 5+ years. I really wouldn't worry about it!

Agreed. I won't!

[garreth64]

At the moment it's between the Steinhart at around £650:



or the CW for £450:



I can't separate them really but with the price difference, service, warranty the CW has the edge.

I like the cleaner looks of the CW, only thing slightly bugging me is the date being a different colour! But they do have the 60 day return policy.

[alanm_3]

Between the 2, I prefer the Steinhart, but in the end, only you can decide.

[page3]

I own that CW! Lovely watch.

As I said earlier unfortunately I had a problem where the crown came detached. I called CW who sent me a prepaid return package and I dropped it off at the post office. The next day I received an email confirming delivery. The next day I had a call from the engineer working on it, just to check a few things. The next day it was on its way back via next day DPD.

[garreth64]

Great service from CW page 3.

Page3 - Is the colour of the strap on the CW true to life?

I prefer the lighter color of the Steinhart but its not a show stopper.

[page3]

Yes, it is the darker colour but goes well with the watch I think. Thick and good quality strap although if you have small wrists you may want to ask for another hole to be punched.