Flieger - who's best.....??

[Ranger 6]

I've always liked chronographs and the look, to the extent that I bought a Speedmaster a few years ago. I have recently taken more of an interest in 'Flieger' watches. Now, please be gentle as I don't have a vast amount of knowledge about these things, but I have some questions;

Brands - Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Tag etc. all appear to have a wide brand awareness. Fortis and IWC whilst well represented in the expensive jewellers don't have that exposure - is it just advertising spend? Why are these brands so good (or just expensive?), what is their heritage(yes, I know LMGTFY....)?

I'm looking at a used one as new prices are out of budget. Knowing that and from this selection, what would be your single choice?




or do I simply get one of these.....

[kenno78]

I'd go with the Sinn 356... but I'm a bit biased as a 656 owner.

They're still relatively unknown outside of horological circles and do have some quite cool technology built into their watches.

Early Bell and Ross's were made by Sinn.

Buy it from Jura Watches and they have an interest free option.
http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/pages/finance?product...

Edited by kenno78 on Tuesday 19th November 18:19

[JRewing]

The Parnis is great for the price, but if you buy it you'll end up buying one of the prior ones anyway.

I would go for the IWC, but the Sinn is very tempting too.

[ellroy]

Like both the Sinn and the IWC, but if push comes to shove I think I'd take the Sinn.

[M888SXY]

Sinn or IWC, then the Fortis. Forget the other.

imho

[tertius]

If I had to have one, of the ones you picture I'd go for the Sinn, as it is the only one where they managed to find a matching date wheel in the parts bin when they put it together.

Though given free choice I'd probably have an IWC 3717:

[huwp]

I've owned a Fortis Flieger (non chronograph) for the last 5 years. Never seen another and find it nicely understated for what it is. I bought from Neil at Chronomaster. Their prices are cheaper than Jura.

My other watches don't tend to get a look in.

[GC8]

[GC8]

Poljot certainly used to offer the best value.

[Hoofy]

GC8 said:

Wrong hands.

[GC8]

Have to apolgise for the terrible picture. Watch is completely original though.

[Hoofy]

Yeah, just with that font, you normally get cathedral hands. I love the combo. Add a coin edge dial and an onion crown... and it's the Blitz all over again.

[GC8]

Its attraction/saving grace for me, is that it has omitted those features.

[Hoofy]

GC8 said:

Its attraction/saving grace for me, is that it has omitted those features.

Bah. I dunno why but I like them.

[mrdemon]

IWC
Stowa
Archimede

in that order

[westberks]

IWC for me, totally biased having owned 5 over the years. my keeper is the big brother to the one you've picked.

the bracelet is also very comfy and non oysterish, which makes a change along with the non highly polished finish you find on lots of watches.

[PJ S]

http://www.watchtalkforums.info/forums/thread45603... – less than £2K on chrono24

[yeti]

As with Mr Westberks above, the ULTIMATE Flieger is the IWC Doppelchrono for me. I want one so much it hurts and yet again I have bought something else with the money it would have cost me. Stupid

Curiously though, for a brand I sadly know little about, after IWC comes Sinn for me in Flieger terms. Only a matter of time before I jump on one I think...

[dom9]

Outside budget but noticed Neil had this in stock: http://www.chronomaster.co.uk/iwc/watches/chronogr...

Seems a fairly keen price to me!

I bought a 42mm IWC Spitfire Chrono but never bonded with it... Should have bought the black face/ red hand pilot, I reckon!

I am tempted by a IWC Doppel or a Sinn... But I do like the Fortis Cosmonaught Ltd Ed in Titanium!

Sadly, my budget is blown for this year!

[tertius]

mrdemon said:

IWC
Stowa
Archimede

in that order

Not sure about Archimede as I've never owned or even seen one, but Stowa make some fabulous watches - their hand wind chrono looks fabulous.