46mm Fliegers - which movement would you choose and why ?

zero7404 · Dec 5, 2023

not sure if these models are considered 'microbrand' but i'm certain they do not house swiss-made movements (not a deal breaker for me). the manual winder has an exhibition case back, whereas the automatic is solid case back.

in a Type A dial style, what's your preference:

FLIEGER • AUTOMATIC

The Zanuti Flieger is a classic pilot’s watch with superb vintage style and a beautifully textured gradient dial, highly legible during day and night. A worthy descendant of the iconic aviation watches released in the 1940s, this high-performing mechanical timepiece contains hidden wonders of...

zanuti.com

FLIEGER • MECHANICAL

The Zanuti Flieger 46 is a bold and extremely robust timepiece that makes a statement in a mighty yet lightweight case. A worthy descendant of the iconic aviation watches released in the 1940s, this high-performing mechanical timepiece contains hidden wonders of military aesthetic design...

zanuti.com

mike70sk · Dec 5, 2023

the price seems to low to have a swiss movment

russ g · Dec 5, 2023

My eye is drawn to the one on top, it says they are based on Swiss movement design so clearly not Swiss movements but can't argue with the price if they keep decent time and can last

FullFlavorPike · Dec 5, 2023

Handwind model is a clone of the Unitas 6497. I just got a Unitas 6498 powered watch and it’s so fun. If you don’t have a watch with one of these movements in your collection, that’s reason enough alone. For a watch like this, I’d get the hand winder. Nothing exciting about a 2824 clone that’s uglier than a regular 2824, which isn’t a very pretty movement to begin with.

Nokie · Dec 5, 2023

FullFlavorPike said:
Handwind model is a clone of the Unitas 6497. I just got a Unitas 6498 powered watch and it’s so fun. If you don’t have a watch with one of these movements in your collection, that’s reason enough alone. For a watch like this, I’d get the hand winder. Nothing exciting about a 2824 clone that’s uglier than a regular 2824, which isn’t a very pretty movement to begin with.

Spot on.

zero7404 · Dec 5, 2023

mike70sk said:
the price seems to low to have a swiss movment

russ g said:
My eye is drawn to the one on top, it says they are based on Swiss movement design so clearly not Swiss movements but can't argue with the price if they keep decent time and can last

that one with reserve indicator is interesting, because i am not sure if it's some clone of an existing automatic architecture or if it is actually produced for Zanuti.

i like both of them, they are large and thick watches. i ordered one of each but will only keep one. can't decide really because i like the appearance of a manual movement through the back, but the hand wind model has a dial that looks more upscale than the automatic model.

i could live with either one but wanted to have them in-hand to compare and see how well they keep time next to each other.
this company claims compliance with ISO 3159. although nothing to have a party over, still something to check out and they also offer a 3 yr warranty.

i've seen more expensive models around the internet made by ebayers but comparatively speaking here i'd rather go with Zanuti as they are standing behind their watches as well as Swiss companies do with warranty.

zero7404 · Dec 5, 2023

FullFlavorPike said:
Handwind model is a clone of the Unitas 6497. I just got a Unitas 6498 powered watch and it’s so fun. If you don’t have a watch with one of these movements in your collection, that’s reason enough alone. For a watch like this, I’d get the hand winder. Nothing exciting about a 2824 clone that’s uglier than a regular 2824, which isn’t a very pretty movement to begin with.

do you mean you have one of these watches ?

the automatic model - Zanuti says the case back is solid, so nothing to worry about if the movement isn't exactly decorative.

Time Exposure · Dec 5, 2023

This or That without a poll? Have fun tallying votes.
Handwind Unitas knock-off would be my choice.

zero7404 · Dec 5, 2023

Time Exposure said:
This or That without a poll? Have fun tallying votes.
Handwind Unitas knock-off would be my choice.

was looking for the vote option when composing but not sure which icon it is ... composed the thread on a mobile phone browser.

zero7404 · Dec 5, 2023

only nit-pick i had when looking at Zanuti's offerings is they do not have a Flieger hand-wind with small seconds at 6. if they make one, it might have sold out.

here's a model made by an ebayer, had my eye on it for some time. the seller says he uses sea-gull manufacture movements, AAA grade:

Pardon Our Interruption...

www.ebay.com

i will post pics of the Zanuti watches when they arrive for everyone's entertainment

brandon\ · Dec 5, 2023

I've never heard of that brand. Those prices and specs are nice.

I came into this to say the 6497 clone. However, I think I prefer the dial and layout of 2824 cone. The layout is more symmetrical. And it has a sunburst pattern with applied markers. Furthermore, the 6497 clone isn't any thinner according to the their specs.

FullFlavorPike · Dec 5, 2023

zero7404 said:
do you mean you have one of these watches ?

the automatic model - Zanuti says the case back is solid, so nothing to worry about if the movement isn't exactly decorative.

no i have an epos that uses a Unitas 6498 movement. It is a joy to wind.

zero7404 · Dec 5, 2023

i think the automatic model can also be hand wound ... ?

i have an NH35 and i prefer hand winding it since i can verify how many crown turns i put in. i can kind of estimate how much power reserve i put into it that way.

and i have a preference towards hacking seconds over non-hacking. between my NH35 and 7S36 watches, its easier to set an accurate time with the NH35. sometimes the 7S36 is powered up to the point where i cannot back hack.

i guess best to have the watches on hand to decide what i like more.

is winding a mechanical that much more 'fun' than hand winding an automatic ?

Medusa · Dec 5, 2023

The Black dial Fliegers 46.

I don't think the movement matters much if the watch is based on other brands designs.

midshipman01 · Dec 5, 2023

6497 is always the right answer for a flieger.

zero7404 · Dec 5, 2023

how easy would it be to find a compatible exhibition case back for the watch that has a solid back ? the one is the automatic small seconds @ 6 ...

was wondering if there is some standard sizing for case backs

zero7404 · Dec 5, 2023

midshipman01 said:
6497 is always the right answer for a flieger.

the original, or the most desired type of movement for Fliegers ?

in terms of everyday durability ... both movements able to handle the same kind of vibration without much drama ? not to the vibration level of a jack hammer operator or fighter pilot ... just normal daily wear.

midshipman01 · Dec 5, 2023

zero7404 said:
the original, or the most desired type of movement for Fliegers ?

in terms of everyday durability ... both movements able to handle the same kind of vibration without much drama ? not to the vibration level of a jack hammer operator or fighter pilot ... just normal daily wear.

Bulletproof reliability, ease of service, faithfulness to the original design, size, aesthetics, so many reasons. Both movements available today would have shock protection on the balance so I can't imagine there's any tremendous difference there, but the auto of course adds more moving parts to go wrong.

zero7404 · Dec 5, 2023

midshipman01 said:
Bulletproof reliability, ease of service, faithfulness to the original design, size, aesthetics, so many reasons. Both movements available today would have shock protection on the balance so I can't imagine there's any tremendous difference there, but the auto of course adds more moving parts to go wrong.

if i were to look at an actual vintage flieger from the 40's, those were indeed mechanical watches. but the originals were also different from many fliegers on the market today.

for me, i am leaning towards the auto model, only because this will not be the last time i revist a flieger. i suppose the money i save today by not opting for an IWC, is some chunk that i can have downroad in order to get a true replica (55mm case verbitm copy).

FullFlavorPike · Dec 5, 2023

zero7404 said:
i think the automatic model can also be hand wound ... ?

i have an NH35 and i prefer hand winding it since i can verify how many crown turns i put in. i can kind of estimate how much power reserve i put into it that way.

and i have a preference towards hacking seconds over non-hacking. between my NH35 and 7S36 watches, its easier to set an accurate time with the NH35. sometimes the 7S36 is powered up to the point where i cannot back hack.

i guess best to have the watches on hand to decide what i like more.

is winding a mechanical that much more 'fun' than hand winding an automatic ?

handwinding an NH35 is pretty sweet because it feels smooth. But you don’t need to do it, ever. It gets perfectly wound just by wearing it. You can wind it if you want just for fun though. I won’t stop you lol.

handwinding a Unitas movement is just awesome. It clicks super loud and feels like a totally different experience. And with the gear train somewhat exposed you can watch it wind up. It’s a way different tactile experience.

Hand winding a 2824 clone totally sucks and some people assert (with justification) that it’s bad for the movement. Might be better with a big flieger style crown; but 2824 movements and their clones are not built to be hand wound and it’s kind of a pain. They feel gritty and difficult. They wind themselves perfectly. I NEVER handiwnd my 2824 and 2824 clone movements because it’s not fun and might be bad for them. They run just fine if I put them on and set the time, or keep them on a winder.

if you enjoy handwinding then you 100% want the Unitas clone. No contest in any way shape or form.

46mm Fliegers - which movement would you choose and why ?

FLIEGER • AUTOMATIC

FLIEGER • MECHANICAL

zero7404

FLIEGER • AUTOMATIC

FLIEGER • MECHANICAL

mike70sk

russ g

FullFlavorPike

Nokie

zero7404

zero7404

Time Exposure

zero7404

zero7404

Pardon Our Interruption...

brandon\

FullFlavorPike

zero7404

Medusa

midshipman01

zero7404

zero7404

midshipman01

zero7404

FullFlavorPike

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