Lunchtime Posted May 27, 2012 Report Share Posted May 27, 2012 My female friend is looking for a new genuine watch priced between maybe EUR 650-1300 as a morning gift for her soon to become husband. He has specifically said he likes the "WW2 pilot watch" style (and TAG-Heuer but I don't think those two combine but prove me wrong!). Please help, hive mind of RWG! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
japanic Posted May 27, 2012 Report Share Posted May 27, 2012 Try Steinhart's line of pilot watches. http://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/pilot-watch.html But for their prices you can get a rep IWC Big Pilot rep with the same movement (or an asian clone) and have money left over to buy a decent strap. Within the last month the rep factories have fixed the recessed datewheel, which was the biggest issue with the rep. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunchtime Posted May 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 I tried to suggest a good rep too but that was out of the question as neither of them know of this "fake business" and it may have been a let down to try and explain this to him after getting the nice watch. Steinhart is a great suggestion as far as I can tell, but even I have never heard of this brand before this week, so apart from "Swiss Made" it may not be that impressive a brand to them. But I'll suggest some models and send some links to her. Thanks. Are there any other relatively "cheap" brands with a good heritage/brand with pilot's watches? Preferably something related to WW2? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
japanic Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 Steinhart is a American/Swiss brand; many people on the other forums will sing their praises. But in the end they are an "homage" watch company. Look-a-likes with swiss movements are the bulk of their collections. More recently they have started making more original pieces and started passing the homages to their sister company Debaufre. Alas there really aren't any Swiss or even German "cheap" brands dating to the WWII era anymore. From what I've read the quartz revolution of the 1970s and 1980s really killed off dozens if not hundreds of small family owned brands and put thousands of watchmakers out of work. Sad really, a watchsmith after years of training ends up change batteries and sizing bracelets to stay in business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunchtime Posted May 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 Automatic Pilot's watches (modern looking as well) from somewhat wellknown brands then? Just to know what he might have been on about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomhorn Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 Hamilton has several in their Khaki Aviation Pilot series that would fit the bill. Could also look at Archimede, Laco, Sinn and Damasko. If you want to go vintage, look at Laco, and Longines. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlydog Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 How about an Oris Big Crown Swiss Hunter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 I humbly suggest a Schuhren. They offer nice, bespoke options allowing you to choose case, dial, crown, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlydog Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 I humbly suggest a Schuhren. They offer nice, bespoke options allowing you to choose case, dial, crown, etc. You're right Ubi. the Observer would be a great choice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panerai153 Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 Several come to mind. I would second the Schuren. If they are not to your liking, there are a few more I would suggest looking at Zeno Watch, Vintage Heurer, Fortis and Hanhart. Google the various brands you see suggested here, look on Ebay, and from that you can get a better idea of what you are looking for. One thing to keep in mind, some of the Pilot watches are pretty big. It would help to know what size the fellow is, and whether or not he prefers regular size (39-42mm or bigger sizes (44-48mm). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 Here's a build I did a few years back; I put this together as a gift to a friend... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miagi Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 what about a hamilton? they make good pilot watches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunchtime Posted May 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 Excellent! A lot of suggestions to look through here. And as I suspected no TAG-Heuers in sight (which I think is a clue that this guy doesn't have much of a watch clue). Thanks thus far. Off for googling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunchtime Posted May 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 Oh, and an exquisite gift watch you made there, Ubi! Wow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panerai153 Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 Excellent! A lot of suggestions to look through here. And as I suspected no TAG-Heuers in sight (which I think is a clue that this guy doesn't have much of a watch clue). Thanks thus far. Off for googling. There aren't any Tags, but some of the vintage Heuers are very, very nice. They are not new watches however. Some folks would never be happy with a "used" watch, so she (The bride to be) needs to make sure of that before she buys something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eunomians Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 Vintage Heuer 1550SG Bund. A real classic that is appreciating in value rapidly. It is a large 43mm diameter with a stunningly accurate Flyback Valjoux 230 mov't.I really dig mine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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