That’s where the $5,700 Spitfire chronograph gets interesting. Retro timers come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. How does Spitfire compare to some of the other key players in this area, given the steel model’s ability to compete in size, functionality, and brand appeal?
For a steel timepiece with an aviation background, Speedmaster Professional is a perfect choice, and for good reason. This is the iconic moon watch. That said, it is also common, hand-wound, using hersarite crystals, and without the military proximity style that defines Spitfire. It’s an iconic timepiece from a truly amazing brand, but in my opinion, it’s also a slightly boring option (especially in standard specs). And while that may be so good, the curse of the cents doesn’t feel the need to mess with decades of formulas (or maybe not because they don’t want re-certify’s manned spaceflight the best replica watches). Cranky people just feel, to me, fresher, more interesting, and more fun.
Recently released from Fremont, the arrow is part of the brand’s new armed forces, designed for use in various branches of the British armed forces. The green arrow is a beautiful, automatic timepiece 42mm in diameter with a hardened steel case and a single guide, based on the Sellita SW510 MP. It’s $1, 000 cheaper than the Spitfire, and while Bremont is certainly a smaller, less well-known brand, Arrow is a strong contender to make the excellent, dynamic and fun pilot chronograph.
Similar to the Spitfire’s temperament, this retro-styled timepiece from the Zeno is made of steel and is based on the motion of the 5-hertz El Primero timepiece, which has a push-back function and looks very cool. But compared to the Spitfire’s advantages, The fake Rolex watch is 43mm wide and much more expensive (like the Spitfire, it is also made of bronze). It’s a great design with romantic military charm and impressive sport, but I’d rather wear spitfire. In many ways, the spitfire timer appeals to the masses as well as to a more distinctive taste — one might be looking for the specific value proposition of a high-frequency, upside-down timer movement.
Very similar in price, there is also a model that harks back to an ancient design language, the new Autavia is 42mm wide steel with more water resistance, and the 12-hour bezel offers Spitfire no match. While certainly different in design from the Spitfire, Autavia’s Calibre 02 is also a movement with cylindrical wheels, providing a stronger 75-hour power reserve. Although the spitfire would fit my wrist better, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone tried to choose between the two. In my opinion, it’s a matter of style and Spitfire wins easily.
This is an interesting example. The old military model, 41mm, and a pillar-wheel timing movement cost about $2,500 less than the Spitfire. The thickness is 14. 45 inches and a 50mm lug, the heat of this lovely Longines (I’m commenting here). While I don’t believe many shopping IWC Longines, the big eyes provide incredible value and charm while the blustery ones have more iconic designs, offer day/date displays, far better crystals, in my hands, feel better, and the price of the finished replica watches (should be).