Alt.Time Flieger Types A & B Automatic Watch: Seiko NH35 Movement, Sapphire Crystal - $168 Delivered @ Alternative Time Watches

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Alt.Time Flieger Types A & B Automatic Watch: Seiko NH35 Movement, Sapphire Crystal - $168 Delivered @ Alternative Time Watches
Go to Deal
AssociatedChazzozz on 18/12/2024 - 14:34 alttime.au (601 clicks)
Last edited 18/12/2024 - 16:21 by 1 other user
OZB60

Alternative Time Watches is a new micro (or, more accurately, pico) brand that has just launched in Australia. They offer a stripped-back purchase experience that is aimed squarely at the seasoned watch buyer who knows what they're looking for from a locally-owned brand who offers good value without all the fluff. However, for your money you're getting a solid set of specs:

  • Case Width: 39mm
  • Case material: Bead-blasted stainless steel
  • Thickness: 12mm
  • Lug-to-Lug: 48.8mm
  • Strap width: 20mm
  • Weight: 61g (watch head only)
  • Crystal: Flat sapphire with anti-reflective coating
  • Movement: Seiko NH35 automatic, with ghost date
  • Caseback: Solid engraved
  • Crown: RH onion, unsigned, screw-down
  • Strap: N/A but springbars are supplied
  • WR: 100m
  • Warranty: 2 years in Australia

As a launch special only for OzBargain they are offering $60 off the original purchase price + 2 random straps + express post delivery to most addresses in Australia. Quantities are limited so get in quick if you want one.

You may notice I've ticked the 'Associated' box for this deal. That's because I received an early production example in order to provide some feedback and quality assurance testing. I had hoped to be able to post a comprehensive review of it (similar to the one I did for the Boderry Landmaster) but my association prevents me from doing so here on OzBargain. Suffice to say I have now purchased the watch and by posting this deal it's my way of saying it's pretty darn good.

If you want to know anything more about the watch please ask questions in the comments and if I don't have the answer I'll find out for you.

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Comments

  • Joaby on 18/12/2024 - 14:49
    +6

    "These are the watches used to take photos for this page, and will include the strap for free picked at random. Please don’t complain if you didn’t get the strap you wanted; it’s a freebie and I’m giving you $50 off and express post. There are only 10 of each type available for this Instagram promo."

    Am… am I being negged into buy a watch

    "About the straps – most are ones I already owned. The main ones are a mustard Buttero leather strap on the Type-B, and a black Horween leather strap on the Type-A. I got them both on Amazon; I’m not gonna link them, just do a search. The rest are from eBay, AliExpress, and Temu and all cost under $15. Please don’t ask me where I got a particular strap because I honestly cannot remember. Thank you."

    nobody asked though why are you mad about giving an answer to a question nobody asked

    • inconspicuous on 18/12/2024 - 15:01
      +3

      There's honestly and simplicity, and then there's this website. To paraphrase, "Oh yeah I threw some shit together it might work or not, buy it if you want you (profanity). Oh and if you only pull the crown out at the first click you might break it good luck."

      I'll pass. You can be professional whilst being scrappy.

      • G-rig on 18/12/2024 - 16:48

        Most people who would be buying these watches know how to operate an automatic watch. I'd take it as a little disclaimer (similar to what would be written in any manual, eg. Set the date with all hands below 9).

        In reality you wouldn't have an issue the nh35 is a tried and tested workhorse. Maybe just stick to digital.

  • OZBB3186 on 18/12/2024 - 14:50

    Ordered one… Thanks

  • Fergy1987 on 18/12/2024 - 14:58
    +1

    I'm so confused what this actually is………..is it just bulk bought aliexpress watches with a rando selection of straps on it lol?

    • AssociatedChazzozz @ alternative time watches on 18/12/2024 - 15:04

      Nope, they are watches designed and made specifically for Alternative Time. The idea of supplying the watch head only without a strap is part of the stripped-back experience, and helps to keep design effort focused on the watch itself and to lower overall costs.

      The initial orders will be supplied with a random strap as a value-add offering, after those run out it will be the head by itself (unless there's other promos that include a strap).

  • MS Paint on 18/12/2024 - 15:16
    +1

    I've already taken delivery of the type A and decided to get the set so purchased the type B. Expecting delivery of the B tomorrow. These are great quality watches for the money.
    Even though the Flieger design, in general, is quite specific these have custom hands and crown that separate them from the generic usuals. The bead blasted case is really nice and comfortable and completely different to the rest of my polished/brushed collection.
    Feel free to hit me up with any specific questions.

  • MonkDog on 18/12/2024 - 15:22

    Interesting.

    Something about a smaller cased flieger always looks a bit off to me. Not completely sure what it is. But good to see bead blasted cases and onion crowns though, a lot of cheaper versions have neither. And the dials and handsets look pretty reasonable as well (not sure on the yellow second hand).

    Bit different going with the different variants of the crowns on the different dial variants I think, I thought the originals were consistent across types (within the same brand).

    Pretty good price for a cheaper smaller flieger I reckon.

    • AssociatedChazzozz @ alternative time watches on 18/12/2024 - 16:11

      …not sure on the yellow second hand…

      That's actually a fully lumed needle point with a blue counterbalance on the back that also features a lumed dot on it. The lume is excellent, too.

      Fun fact: the lollipop on the counterbalance neatly traces the inner circle and tip of the needle traces the minute track on the outside. Once you've seen it in action it really captures your eye.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 18/12/2024 - 16:02

    I've got the type A - honestly fliegers were never really on my radar - but now that I have most of my boxes have been ticked (dress watch, chrono, diver, beater , smart watch etc) - this was next on the list.

    I had always toyed with the idea of the San Martin type A before I found out about these - but money wise this was way better value imo - as @MonkDog correctly pointed out - theres definitely some attention to detail from this mob than the other ali express specials, like the bead blasted cases, and the onion crown. AUSTRALIAN warranty was also a nice bonus. Been burnt too many times dealing with chinese sellers (both at wholesale/importer and consumer level).

  • Jasonissm on 18/12/2024 - 16:03

    These look almost identical to the Escapement Time watches I got off Aliexpress for much less money about $100 from memory but I got it a long time ago, seems like they discontinued the NH35 model on Alie now though.

  • G-rig on 18/12/2024 - 16:39

    I've also bought and taken delivery of the Type B Flieger and really like it. They have stock in Australia not just drop-shipped, for the introductory offer. Much easier dealing with local warranty.

    Thoughts:
    The case is nice with the beadblasted finish and pretty similar to the Baltany case, screw down crown and case back is appreciated. 100m WR is great for a pilot's watch and the lume is fantastic (my Hamiltons don't have screw down and most are 50m WR).

    There are little to no reflections thanks to the AR coating, I like that the lug holes aren't positioned too far outboard making the lug to lug very wearable and 39mm fits me perfectly on 6.5" wrist. I feel it wears best on two-piece straps. The dial is a classic design done right with the proper proportions. The printing is sharp. I love the long second hand and the colour pops!
    The onion crown is true to form similar to Laco etc.

    It's obvious a lot of thought has gone into these Fliegers and so many microbrands get the basics wrong. NH35 is a bulletproof work horse, down the track a Miota 9000 series would be cool with a thinner case but obviously it would increase the price somewhat.

    I've bought plenty of Chinese made watches from AliExpress and this is easily on par or better, I don't mind the humour on the site, the specs are clearly laid out. There is really not much to really worry about at this price point, I don't see it worthwhile spending too much on AliExpress for more expensive brands with the same hardware.

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