Pokeguyjai
04-10-2013, 05:16 PM
I've read a lot of threads about work watches in the $0-$1k range and I thought I would post a small review of my Wilson Watch Works (W3) Pilot Watch and Flieger Chrono models.
I came across Wilson Watch Works when I was looking at Flieger style watches (google them). Wilson Watch Works is owned by Chris Pappas who is a custom watch maker out of Wilson, NC. He imports cases from Germany and installs mostly ETA Swiss movements in his watches. Chris' watches can vary depending on the build too, he might have a large crown or a small crown on some of his watches, and the position of the seconds subdial can vary.
This first watch is the Pilot line which Chris is known for. The dial is stylized almost exactly after the German Flieger watches from Laco, Stowa, etc. except he includes the seconds in it (to the 9). I also have an Archimedes Flieger that I got for $550 which is in the same price range as the Pilot and I have to say The W3 watch is vastly superior in all regards.
The movement is ETA 2804-2 IIRC which is not an automatic movement, it is a hand wound movement which is consistent with Flieger watches. It is just the style of watch and I don't really mind winding it at all.
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/16068_10151555461051201_232532645_n.jpg
This second watch is the Flieger Chrono. I don't think it has anything to do with a Flieger watch. I was looking for a dress watch and this was exactly the styling I was looking for. It uses a Valjoux ETA 7750 movement. My Archimedes Flieger also uses an ETA movement but it is apparent that the Flieger Chrono has been tuned. The rotor on the Archmedes rotor is sluggish and doesn't really like to move. While the rotor on the Flieger is lively. Not really sure if this has any play but I appreciate the difference as the owner.
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/17919_10151555461351201_660272583_n.jpg
All three compared with my Archimedes Flieger. IMO the difference in quality is apparent. Everything from the way it wears, the leather strap, and the fit and finish.
MSRP (aprox.) from left to right: $1100, $580, and $620
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/644460_10151555458936201_637540900_n.jpg
Rear view
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/559786_10151555516516201_760542202_n.jpg
All in all, I have been extremely happy with my purchase from W3. For those that are looking to look good on a budget, I think this would be the route to go. While the Marathons, G Shocks/Casio, Luminoxs are nice, I think that the attention to detail and experience really comes through here.
I came across Wilson Watch Works when I was looking at Flieger style watches (google them). Wilson Watch Works is owned by Chris Pappas who is a custom watch maker out of Wilson, NC. He imports cases from Germany and installs mostly ETA Swiss movements in his watches. Chris' watches can vary depending on the build too, he might have a large crown or a small crown on some of his watches, and the position of the seconds subdial can vary.
This first watch is the Pilot line which Chris is known for. The dial is stylized almost exactly after the German Flieger watches from Laco, Stowa, etc. except he includes the seconds in it (to the 9). I also have an Archimedes Flieger that I got for $550 which is in the same price range as the Pilot and I have to say The W3 watch is vastly superior in all regards.
The movement is ETA 2804-2 IIRC which is not an automatic movement, it is a hand wound movement which is consistent with Flieger watches. It is just the style of watch and I don't really mind winding it at all.
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/16068_10151555461051201_232532645_n.jpg
This second watch is the Flieger Chrono. I don't think it has anything to do with a Flieger watch. I was looking for a dress watch and this was exactly the styling I was looking for. It uses a Valjoux ETA 7750 movement. My Archimedes Flieger also uses an ETA movement but it is apparent that the Flieger Chrono has been tuned. The rotor on the Archmedes rotor is sluggish and doesn't really like to move. While the rotor on the Flieger is lively. Not really sure if this has any play but I appreciate the difference as the owner.
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/17919_10151555461351201_660272583_n.jpg
All three compared with my Archimedes Flieger. IMO the difference in quality is apparent. Everything from the way it wears, the leather strap, and the fit and finish.
MSRP (aprox.) from left to right: $1100, $580, and $620
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/644460_10151555458936201_637540900_n.jpg
Rear view
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/559786_10151555516516201_760542202_n.jpg
All in all, I have been extremely happy with my purchase from W3. For those that are looking to look good on a budget, I think this would be the route to go. While the Marathons, G Shocks/Casio, Luminoxs are nice, I think that the attention to detail and experience really comes through here.