[bwiedeman]

So I recently wrote that I wanted to buy my first automatic watch and I had narrowed it down to 3. I had pretty much settled on the Nomos Tangomat and then decided that maybe I should go with something a little more simple and everyday. The watch felt a little two dressy for right now and I think it might end up being purchased next year. I've again narrowed it down to two watches ones I've both seen on WRUW (I love that thread everyday!) and I need a little advice. Aesthetically I'm happy with both so I'm just looking for a little advice.

The Hamilton Khaki Field Officer

And the Fortis Spacematic

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jswing]

I'll vote for the Fortis. I'd wear either one, but that Fortis I find amazingly cool.

 

[Lemaniac40]

Fortis, no contest-IMO

 

[G00dband]

I like fortis watches but in this case I think the Hamy is mor versatile for an everyday watch.

 

[Donf]

Hamilton more interesting, kinda has a touch of vintage to it. Don't like the way the numeral are place on the fortis, that style always looks like the dial designer couldn't make up his mind, to me.

 

[ken_sturrock]

I want to like the Fortis more and it is eye catching.

In the end though, I think the Hamilton is a more versatile piece. I'm not crazy about all of the Hamilton watches that have the extra ring of 13-24 numbers but the Fortis just has too many jaring design elements for me (triangle at three, over-done 12 o'clock marker, day & date & "limited edition" & "Fortis" & "Spacematic" & "Swiss Made" & the crown logo). I guess I would also prefer if the minute numbers were either not there or smaller - the edge of the dial seems very crowded to me. On the other hand, I love the contrast of the Fortis and I'm a real sucker for brightly colored second hands.

These are totally personal design preferences though. I know the Fortis is a fine watch and is probably more interesting than the Hamilton.

 

[geoffbot]

Not sold on either though I'd prefer the Hamilton. Big old crown though!

 

[jilgiljongiljing]

Fortis looks cool and a bit more unique but I wouldn't buy something for that much money on a NATO, NATO is something you can buy and replace quite easily for hardly any money so you are not getting good value there IMO.

 

[HERSKO]

I think the Hamilton is straight up nicer looking. That's IMO

 

[GlennO]

I'd choose the Fortis since they have superbly effective double anti-reflective coatings and Hamilton typically have none.
But personally, I think there are nicer models with more balanced dials from both brands.

 

[RedBarchettayyz]

Between the two, definitely the Hamilton. I like the Fortis, but the design doesn't seem as coherent on it as on the Hammy.

 

[kylemacca01]

Ive got that hammy and i really like it. The vintage style lume looks great, its very casual though, would look off with a suit.

 

[archimedes]

Fortis, for sure ... always wanted that particular model, but especially the white dial version.

I do wish it lacked the "Limited Edition" text, but otherwise find it much more original and visually bold than the Hamilton.

I'm not a big fan of "overlapping" elements on dials, like the obscured parts of the Hamilton numbering....

 

[Kratsmoose]

I generally prefer Fortis, but I'm not a big fan of that model. The Hamilton looks much nicer.

 

[PanzerOrange]

Nomos Tangomat would be a much superior choice in your case.

If forced to pick between the two watches shown, I'd go with Hamilton.

 

[Sigfortunata]

Hamilton more interesting, kinda has a touch of vintage to it. Don't like the way the numeral are place on the fortis, that style always looks like the dial designer couldn't make up his mind, to me.

I like the Fortis but I kind of agree, for me there is too much unnecessary text on the Fortis , "Limited edition," etc, and its too obvious I prefer sterile faces of just the makers name and "automatic".

The Hamilton has a very vintage look

 

[mpalmer]

Don't care for either in this genre, probably prefer the Hamilton, although, I think I prefer the khaki automatic on a bracelet to this one (it's cheaper too). I'd prefer the Stowa Flieger to either one of these.

 

[watchmego3000]

For an every day watch, it greatly depends on your overall style. Are you a more classic, man's man dude (think REI), or a more modern, edgy dude (think Banana Republic)? If the former, get the Hammy. If the latter, get the Fortis. If you're not sure, get a Tissot PRC200 auto on leather, or something similarly versatile. Both of these are fine choices though. Good bang for the buck watches.

 

[LH2]

What's your wrist size, OP? Big size difference between these two, and the Hamilton is a pretty large watch L2L.

 

[kylemacca01]

The hamilton is a great casual piece, the other looks cheap imo fwiw.