Manly Watch Sighting: Seiko FlightMaster SNAB69

 

Too bad I sold my silver version of the FlightMaster, the SNAB67 (see below). I sold it during my oversized fashion era when I thought my 44mm FlightMaster was too small. It was very toolish with strong lume. I also like the black one featured here. These FlightMasters can be purchased for about $225.

The Amazon site says the FlightMaster has sapphire, but this is an error. It uses Hardlex crystal.

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Comments

[Angelo]

I love pilot style watches, which is one reason I have several Aeromatics. I do lean toward leather straps though (In this case, a really high quality black lambskin strap would set that Seiko off in my opinion.). I always think of those old planes from the 1930s, with pilots wearing leather skull caps with ear flaps, like the Red Baron.

[jonnybardo]

That's a nice looking watch. Possible re-purchase or might you go after the black version?

If I remember correctly, you bought that during te early phase of your Conversion, so maybe sold it when you weren't fully cleansed of your Invictavirus.

[herculodge]

Jonny, you're right. I was still beholden to bling forces. I regret selling the SNAB267. I dreamed last night that I purchased the black version.

What country is Aeromatic made, Angelo?

[herculodge]

I notice a lot of "German" marketed watches, such as Aeromatic watches, are made in China. Often they'll have a Japanese quartz inside, a good thing, but the seagull movements run slow and the lume tends to be subpar: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f2/aeromatic-1912-anyone-know-about-watch-2822.html

[herculodge]

"Lume is laughable": http://www.wristwatchreview.com/2006/04/10/review-tauchmeister-1937-diver/

[herculodge]

"Lume is mediocre": http://forums.watchuseek.com/f71/tauchmeister-t46-1000m-diving-watch-556381.html

[jonnybardo]

Poor lume is definitely a turn off, although maybe not a complete deal-breaker for me if the watch has other nice attributes.

I'm guessing you wouldn't find that watch so small now, although remember that black watches tend to appear a bit smaller.

I've been wearing my Revolvers a lot over the last few days and I remember them seeming very small when I was having an Invicta Fever this past summer, despite having 44mm bezels (which is perfect, in my book). For most they'd be considered large, but for me they are perfect size.

[Angelo]

Herc: Tauchmeister/Aeromatics claim to be made in Germany. Movements are Japanese/sometimes Swiss. I believe the truth is that the parts are sourced from different places (probably including China) and then they are assembled in Germany, hence "Made In Germany" even though content came from somewhere else. But I still consider that valid. I have "Made in USA" watches by Bel Air that are really Swiss Parts----but put together here----so technically, "final assembly" can mean "MADE" in the USA, or Germany, etc. My Saab has Japanese parts, German parts and I think American parts too----but assembled in Sweden so it's considered Swedish made. I actually find it far more misleading when a company is based in one country and implies that cars/products come from that country, when in fact, they don't. "American" nameplates are made in Mexico, Canada, etc., European nameplates are made in Mexico, the U.S. and elsewhere----Kias are made in Korea but two models are made in Georgia (U.S.). Mercedes has U.S. made cars, as does BMW, Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai----Volkswagens made in Mexico, and much, much more. Jonny: I'm wearing a black Tauchmeister today (I think it's 52 MM, a big boy). I have the white version of that same watch with a caramel band----and it looks much bigger on my wrist than this black on black version. Very true observation on your part. As for lume---I do get a sense of satisfaction when I see bright lume when I turn the lights off. But for the most part, it doesn't bother me if lume is subpar. I do have quartz watches with lighting if I really need to see the time in a dark atmosphere like a movie theater. My Casio G-Shock is waterproof (some would also say bulletproof!) and it has a nice bright display with the push of a button.

[jonnybardo]

Angelo, do you not believe in paragraphs? Ha ha.

Anyhow, "made in China" isn't inherently bad. My Tempest Viking is from Hong Kong and it is extremely high quality, with a Japanese Miyota movement and gorgeous build design.

But I agree with you, Angelo, that deception is what is irking.

[Gary]

If I buy a pilot watch it will be this one.

http://www.ablogtowatch.com/citizen-blue-angels-world-chronograph-a-t-review/

[Gary]

If I buy a pilot watch it will be the Citizen Eco-Drive Blue Angels World Chronograph A-T (AT8020-03L). I tried to post the link to the ABlogToWatch review, but I'm unable to post links on Herculodge any more. You can Google it if you're interested.

[Angelo]

Jonny: I need to work on separating paragraphs. Part of this is because of Facebook, where when you hit the enter key, you automatically post----so I end up with long posts without breaks (I know there is a way to skip a line, forgot what that is!).

Also---I have a hard time deciding when to start a new paragraph! But I think I nailed this one!