targetting an Aviator........

Discuss Christopher Ward watches
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Robin CB
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Re: targetting an Aviator........

Post by Robin CB »

I don't have one, but I quite fancy the look of this poljot -

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http://www.poljot1.com/big_automatic/aviator_04.htm

I gather they have a reasonable reputation - I'm sure someone will have an opinion :lol:
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Re: targetting an Aviator........

Post by Mortis »

A good point of reference would be 28800bph's post here:
http://www.christopherwardforum.com/vie ... f=5&t=4667
He compared a number of pilot's watches (shamelessly nicked):

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Top: IWC, Stowa, Fortis, Damasko, Laco
Bottom: Glashütte Original, Archimede, Aristo, Steinhart, Christopher Ward

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Top: Laco, Stowa, Aristo
Bottom: Glashütte Original, Steinhart

For what it's worth, I'll help to muddy the waters a little with my own thoughts!

If you want some history then Stowa are the only affordable brand which made the original pilot's watches.
IWC, A. Lange & Söhne and Laco are pricier than you want to spend, and Wempe are... well, I've not seen one and the modern company is not quite the same as the original, I fear...
Anyway, they have a few variations at 40mm (with/without date/logo) all for about your budget:
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They are very nice watches; available from http://www.stowa.de/

For size you might consider the Archimede at 45mm and 425 euros:
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Also available as a hand-wind:
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I don't own one but apparently the quality is comparable with Steinhart, which should mean it's excellent.
Their website is http://www.archimede-uhren.de.

Oh yes, Steinhart! Many a forummer here will recommend them and if you want a very different style in your collection then these come recommended and under budget at 445 euros:
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But if it's the full works you want then add a few pennies to your budget and go for the mega-huge 47mm all-singing-bells-and-whistles ETA 7750 version Nav-B Chrono for 775 euros:
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Available from http://www.steinhartwatches.de.

There are, of course, many other options and I personally think the C8 is a stunning watch, particularly the Mk I which is sufficiently different from all of these other offerings to keep variety in the collection.

Do let us know what you decide. :D
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Re: targetting an Aviator........

Post by andyg »

Good Lord! The passion on here is palpable! :)

now the waters are muddied well and truly! C600 on with Tube Tech etc!

Ok, what's the oopnion of Golana and then I'll shut up and probably go for a C8 (anyone want to part with a Black Hawk?)

the overwhelmed one
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Re: targetting an Aviator........

Post by highway61 »

Lipsy wrote:For reasons that I don't totally understand, I have a soft spot for these:

http://www.chronomaster.co.uk/Steinhart%20Pilot.htm

Now with added link-me-do – sorry about that.
cos' they are lovely pieces!! (though I might be biased... :lol: )
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Re: targetting an Aviator........

Post by highway61 »

just to be contrary Laco's are actually mostly cheaper than Stowas though they seem to have a hit & miss reputation for QC. Also I definitely prefer the Mk II C8, but then I bought a Sector so my tastes must be questionable! :crazy:
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Re: targetting an Aviator........

Post by andyfry »

highway61 wrote:. . . but then I bought a Sector so my tastes must be questionable! :crazy:
Or just have a coat of many colours with which to match . . . ;-)
Proud owner of a C8 - IPK "Black Hawk" (#90), a C5 - AKK (#747) - with black date wheel, a C40 - SKS (#281) and now a 2009 LE C20 (#62)
highway61

Re: targetting an Aviator........

Post by highway61 »

got a yellow BeeMer! 8)
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andyg
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Re: targetting an Aviator........

Post by andyg »

oh dear!
:(
Andy

Each of us will face this question at least once in a year.

"Why do you have so many watches? You can only wear one at a time!"
highway61

Re: targetting an Aviator........

Post by highway61 »

it's the colour the E46 M3 was designed to wear!!! (that's my argument anyway!! :lol: )
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Re: targetting an Aviator........

Post by Lipsy »

highway61 wrote:
Lipsy wrote:For reasons that I don't totally understand, I have a soft spot for these:

http://www.chronomaster.co.uk/Steinhart%20Pilot.htm

Now with added link-me-do – sorry about that.
cos' they are lovely pieces!! (though I might be biased... :lol: )
Now you are just trying to make me buy one… don't twist my arm! :D
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Re: targetting an Aviator........

Post by Loddonite »

... and back to Robin's question...

I have 2 Poljots, a 3133 cal manual chronograph and a "Signal", a manual alarm watch

Fit and finish :
Good on the Chrono, adequate on the Signal. Chrono made out of offcuts from armour plate, Signal feels cheaper/lighter.
Dial:
Chrono: Sharply printed. Black is black, not charcoal. Signal: pleasantly contoured, deep dark brown.
Movements:
Industrial - I've had the backs off, they look like movements, a display back would not help. They allegedly go on for ever without service, but if you have to, it's once every 5-year-plan, with a spanner and WD40.
Design:
Quirky. I love the Cyrillic characters. Russians seem to love commemorative watches, the chrono is for the International Space Station.

I wear the Chrono sometimes at the weekend, the Signal, almost never (but it looks nice).

1.Raketa 24h 2. Poljot ISS. 3. Poljot Signal 4. Vostok Amfibia 5. Raketa "Guards" motif.
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I really need to take some decent pictures of these.
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Re: targetting an Aviator........

Post by village »

Dom,
Любой шанс конца вверх 5 пожалуйста?
If you can read this you are too close to your computer screen....
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Re: targetting an Aviator........

Post by Loddonite »

village wrote:Dom,
Любой шанс конца вверх 5 пожалуйста?
I said I loved the Cyrillic characters not understood them...

...but...

... in a spirit of curiosity and forum brotherhood...

... I pasted your message into Babelfish and it seems you are asking...

"Any chance of end upward 5 if you please?"



Andy, I don't even do "end upward 5" with Mrs Loddonite, so you've got no chance mate.
Dom
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village
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Re: targetting an Aviator........

Post by village »

Loddonite wrote:
village wrote:Dom,
Любой шанс конца вверх 5 пожалуйста?
I said I loved the Cyrillic characters not understood them...

...but...

... in a spirit of curiosity and forum brotherhood...

... I pasted your message into Babelfish and it seems you are asking...

"Any chance of end upward 5 if you please?"



Andy, I don't even do "end upward 5" with Mrs Loddonite, so, you've got no chance mate.

Gotta love that Bablefish :lol:
If you can read this you are too close to your computer screen....
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Re: targetting an Aviator........

Post by Loddonite »

I could turn the picture upside down but it's a lot of effort for minimal comedic effect.
I had a quick look and I don't have any case-back shots of these.
If it was specifically #5 that you wanted it just has a three figure serial number.
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