So I took one for the team here, but If you want to revisit why the Original was so good: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IZXIAFOsm2A.html But again, it no longer has these specs.
Greetings, Shane. I had the same impression when I wanted to buy an A version of the "original" ET Flieger (I got the B version after watching your video about it.) and saw there were no more to be seen, or bought. However, there's the version made by Hruoudland with PT5000 and SW200 movements. The cases look more similar to the real deal but three to more than five times the cost of an Escapement Time though. It would be quite interesting having those by Escapement Time and the one by Hruoudland together being compared.
Switch to VH31 is an upgrade not a downgrade! Where the NH35 would degrade after a few months or mysteriously magnetize or come out of the box at 20secs a day, this new version won't. Snobs need not apply. 🤮
As someone who has had both the original and the 40mm PT5000 version. I'd say that if you wanted the original one, but didn't manage to get one, I'd go for the PT5000 version over this quartz one. It still has all the best bits from the original, such as the blued hands, deep black dial and that lovely onion style crown. I actually ended up selling the original one and just keeping the PT5000 version. For those interested in seeing them side by side, I actually have a comparison video I did a while back.
The change to the hand is a bummer. I can totally get the switch to quartz, especially if they're still offering the PT5000. That leaves a more premium automatic version and a very budget friendly, cool quartz option, but a lot less cool with the hand change.
I don't really mind the smaller crown since we won't be interacting with it much now that its a quartz. A VH31 is also fine for me personally. But the dial and hands...I loved the inky black dial and blued hands of the older model and the new one doesn't do it for me. Its a similar feeling with the updated chrono flieger that you also have in this video - the original model had an inky black dial while it has been changed to a matte black one that I don't think looks as good.
Hi Shane. I actually disagree on the movement. I’ve got a fairly small collection by many standard, about six or seven watches I wear regularly, including three automatics. I have a two watch winder because I don’t like having to reset watches each time I wear them but still have to juggle to keep all three autos running. I am quite a fan of the VH and VK movements, and I can live with the other changes. I will seriously consider getting one of these with the quartz movement now. To each his own. Thanks for the channel, love your work.
I recently purchased the VH31 version and love it. It's accurate and the lume is amazing. If I had the choice between the VH31 and NH35 models, I'd still buy the VH31, even though I prefer automatic watches.
Hmmm. I think this is nitpicking - this is a frigging cheapo watch! The VH31 is a great quartz movement for those of us who primarily love automatics, and 100m of water resistance is plenty for a non-diver. The smaller crown is a drawback, but as it's quartz you'll never need to wind it, so I can understand that. I think this is still a steal of a watch at the price.
That’s a shame, they should have offered the original and a cheaper quartz movement option. However I do like the Seiko Mecca quartz movement with 4 beats per second, better than 1 beat per second.
There's a killer version: the Hruodland 42mm Retro with a ,textured matte case' and faux patina, blued hands and a pt5000 movement for $210US .It tries to mimic some aspects of the Laco Erbstuck ($1950 Euros), which is an 'aged' copy of the original Flieger they made for the Luftwaffe during World War II. I'm getting one + an 'original' strap and will send it to a friend to age the case and dial and call it a day....
I see the movement as an upgrade. Especially over the PT5000. I have the 40mm version w/ it and it’s the only one I will ever own. I will admit I’m at the point where I’m done w/ automatics. It’s either Quartz or manual wind. I want to be able to grab it and go or have it as thin as possible. Automatics don’t offer either when you change watches a few times a week.
Thanks for this nice video, Shane! You are so right: The original Version can compete with entry level Lacos, especially because of the blued hands. And the crown on a pilots watch has to be big, that´s just based in history. Looking forward to your next one, see you 👍👍👍
I am so sad because Escapement Time Type-B Flieger H0292 not more available, I am talking about 40mm mechanical version! Wondering when come again perhaps, any news about that topic please ?
I got the original back in ( Spring...2021?) . Back when all the Hub Bub about it was all over the Internet. I truly believe it was one of the great steals in recent memory. I paid 120.00 with shipping. Still have it. The blued hands are pretty amazing. I love this watch. I don't think the recent version would have gotten the same response from the watch community as the original. The new version just falls into the pack of ...."meh" watches 🤷🏻for me.
Too bad. I do like my original B version and hoped for an identical automatic version in 40mm size. Guess I'll be happy to keep what I've got. It's enough flieger for me.
Glad I bought mine when I did a few years ago. It still looks and keeps time brilliantly although, it does have a new watchband. I went with a deep blue leather to go with the hands.
I could live with the dial and 100M WR is more than enough, and frankly the quartz movement is a plus in my book. But cheaping out on the hands and crown plus not offering it in the 40 mm size as well has me looking at Baltany and San Martin.
I always preferred the Steeldive or SanMartin 39mm of these flieger style watches, never found these escapement time that appealing, mainly because of their size. I know, flieger are meant to be big, but does not suit my taste
I never even heard of tis watch until now, sorry I missed it. With that said I am just about to pull the trigger on the Laco 39mm Heidelberg. I have had this watch on my radar for some time now. I had to see if I could wear a no date watch, I believe I can seeing that I can find the date pretty much anywhere I look. Always a great channel, keep up the good work !
Not really budget unless you factor in budget German fliegers, but likely pulling the trigger on a Dekla in the coming weeks myself. It's not cheap, but it is German and in terms of value blows Stowa and Laco out of the water given what both want for watches with swiss movements.
Thank you. Am considering buying this, and thought it was the original 👍 I did like the blued hands and big onion crown, though not bothered if its quartz or auto. Not sure now 🤔
This was in one of the first few watches I ended up with when I first got into this silly watch caper two and a half years ago. I didn't even really know how good it was at the time. It's now one of my "never sell" pieces. Wouldn't it be amusing if an Ali watch became rare and collectable? It cost me a little under $150 Aussie pesos including tax and delivery at the time. A surprising spec monster for sure. Sorry to see it go.
I got rid of my original because the lume was so poorly applied to the hands and was noticeably thin in patches, whether in the dark or light. But much more noticeable after seeing the flaws in the dark. Not the only time I've heard this said either. I'm a little disappointed in all the original reviews because I think it was completely overhyped. Gave it to my boss, at least he loves it. Next time I buy a flieger it'll be the real deal.
@@RelativeTime I bought mine in May 2022. At the time their store had been closed on AE for a while and as soon as the fliegers were back in stock I was all over it. So this wasn't that initial batch of fliegers that made the review rounds, and given that perhaps I was unfair to reviewers in my last comment. Still, my expectations were high and the patchy lume/paint on the hands was a major let down that I couldn't get past. Perfect watch otherwise...which amplified the disappointment. EDIT: At the time it was between this and an Islander, and I wish I'd gone with Marc.
Interesting development. I've been pondering these for a and 40mm is a better size so maybe you push me to buy. 42mm is probably the upper limit - I recently bought a 44mm Type A Steinhart in bronze, so that little bit too big I'm afraid I might never wear it. Maybe I can sell it and console myself with one of these 40mm
Hey Shane, I keep my original from Escapement Time. Although they make great watches, the new version of the Flieger is a miss. Just for the reasons you mentioned. Hope they will correct the crown and the hands because that were the main reasons for me to buy this watch...
There was an independent seller on Amazon UK a while back that had stock of Laco type A and type B non hacking versions in 42mm for half price. I picked up a type B for £150 before word got around and they all sold out. Was never a fan of fliegers before but now I love this design.
I like the VK31 here and think more should use it and more often. Crown is an improvement in my book (other than the lower WR rating) as you set it once every 6 months or so on a watch like this. Agree on the downgrade hands and dial, with the hands being more of a concern. The bigger deal killer to me is this should have been dropped to a 39 or 40mm instead of the now unfashionable 42 side.
I have to agree this looks like a step backward for ET but he still has some other nice watches. I got the Breguet homage...ooh la la. I'm gonna chalk this flieger misstep up as an anomaly for now.
Hello Shane, I did notice this changes because your review made me want to go and buy a few for my team, and I noticed it was no longer as you reviewed. However I noticed one from kivo, have you taken a look at that one?
Based on the original review on the mechanical version of the swatch, I purchased it. It remains in my collection and when I want to go, Pflueger, I find this to be a great watch! It’s a shame to see what they’ve turned it into. It also appears to be completely out of character for the brand to do this. You’re phenomenal camera work shows us clearly that they have cheap and the look of the watch. Thanks for the great review!
I'm with you on the quality of that first iteration Escapement Time Flieger. Mine's the type "B" version. I've had mine since they first became available and while it's not one of my daily rides, I do pull it from the watch box it sits in and bring it back to life for a day or two occasionally. Thought about selling it a few times when I get in the mood to thin the herd out a little, but knowing I'd probably never being able to find another one again, I just don't want to go through "seller's remorse" after letting it go. I'll pass on the newer version as in this case nothing beats the original but thanks for the review none the less.
@@RelativeTime I also own one of Escapement Time Longines Conquest Heritage 1954 homage models with the ETA 2824-2 PT5000 clone movement and its a solid watch. I don't have much faith in seeing either the Flieger or Longine homage model reissued anytime soon though. It seems like the originator of Escapement Time has opted to go with marketing models with less expensive quarts movements much to my dismay.
I love my Escapement Time Flieger. I wear it regularly, it would be my everyday, everything watch, but I need a date complication. Too bad they changed it. Thanks for the update Shane.
I think I might disagree that this is the watch that put them on the map, all the hype I heard around ET was for the 70s King Seiko homage, first in 40 then in 36. That always had the VH31 movement. I wonder if he figured that was so popular that he could get away with putting one in a flieger? I have to say he has always been chatty when I have reached out to him through messages and I wonder if anyone could just ask him if he intends to bring back the NH 35 version.
It could of been. I just remeber hearing about it from a ton of viewers after I looked at a Steel Dive. Although it's intersting he has been chatty. I haven't tried in years, but after I put out my first video I tried talking to him. I mentioned I put out a video that was doing well, that the watch was great, I'd love to know more about the brand and if there was anything new coming. I just got a short, "Ok thank you" message back. I figured he either didn't care, or someting was lost in translation.
More budget fliegers! I just enjoy watching reviews of them. I'd love to see some reviews of the ST3600 powered ones popping up on Ali, like the Watchery one. With great lume they could be winners as a handwinder
Another excellent review of the plus and minus changes of this Flieger. Let's hope at least someone at this company watches your review and takes this critique onboard. It seems cost has become the focus of the day with this watch. Cheaper is rarely better and cost cutting stand out features is definitely a negative. As always thanks for being balanced and fair
I'd get a(ny) VH31 movement watch, i think it's a great "marriage" of two worlds and way more practical than any auto. So for me, no big deal (then or even now), as i'm not a fan of this kind of flieger. 😏 Thanks though for letting anyone interested know what's going on. Cheers Shane, be well mate. PS Yes, i'm blasphemous, ikr... 😜Thus i already have a VH31 watch!
I am a bit confused. On the AliExpress listing it shows the watch as a an automatic watch not quartz and comes with a 8215 movement. Are they listing a totally different watch? Or are they misrepresenting the existing watch?
I'm not seeing that. Did you use the link in the description? With that one it seems like they are being a little more transparent. Actually saying it's a Quartz in the title.
As I am really new into collecting, I'm still learning about different types of watches, brands, etc. I enjoy watching your videos and just subscribed to your channel! Keep up the good work! I like the look of this watch as well as the original. Quartz movement is not too big of a drawback for me, but I do see your points concerning all of the changes that were made. I am probably more inclined to get the 40mm automatic version since I like the smaller size. Any thoughts on the 39mm bronze San Martin pilot watch? Being on a strict budget, the Laco is just too far out of reach!
Thanks and welcome! I haven't seen the newer versions but had a San Martin Flieger a while ago. In general San Martin is great. Occasionally you can get a good deal on a Laco, but you have to look. One way to get a Laco is to use Watchgang. Not their subscription service, but they also have this thing called the Wheel of Watches. They frequently have Lacos on it, and sometimes even have a special Laco Wheel. I made a video where I mention it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WGZCiXMwyAs.html And Dave did one where he actually used it on camera: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fMkSiRgVWy8.html Those videos could probably explain it better, but It's sort of a prize wheel you pay to spin, but you get to pick what goes on the wheel. Right now on the $285 wheel (+tax) they have a number of Lacos. Although that's still probably more than the San Martin.
I just received the 40mm PT5000 version of both the Type A & Type B versions of the Escapement Time Fliegers about 2 weeks ago. I'm very happy with them so far, but would love to hear your thoughts if you ever get to comparing the old vs new. This version certainly fits my thin wrists better I'm sure. The dome bezel is very nice, but I just wish it had AR coat.
Thanks for the heads up. I bought one of the originals soon after you recommended it and have been very happy with it. It did come with a very nice strap as you said and the only thing that I changed was to add a deployant to cut down on strap wear and tear. But accuracy wise and fit and finish most people have no idea its not the real McCoy. There are people who will be happy with the newer detuned version, but I bought mine with the hope that one day soon I would make the leap to a german made piece. Thanks for what you do and the insight that you offer.
But in a round about way this may validate some Aliexpress watches ... if there is no guarantee that they will be around forever then collecting the best of them can potentially make those excellent watches more valuable and desired.
Very true. For better or worse Ali brands have always been able to quickly change things up as needed. It's better now than it used to be, but in the past was a huge problem in reviewing them. Like back before Steeldive, in the Guanchin and Cadison days, it was maddening how quickly stuff was changed or swapped out. Back then there were a number of watches that I reviewed that weren't even the same by the time I got a video out. Where the crystal was swapped back to mineral, or the movement changed from Seiko to Miyota. You never quite knew what you were gonna get until it showed up. Heck, there were a couple times when the watch completely disappeared before I could a video out.
Just a word on the PT-5000......I own and wear an Octopus Kraken homage to the Omega Seamaster 300M and that is one great movement! It keeps good time and has never gone south on me! I have heard stories about problems with them,but they tend to involve movements that were not properly oiled. Btw,I own a Laco flieger watch and it's a great watch!
Most of the PT5000s I've had have been good, but I've had one that devloped a strange "click" noise when ever the crown is turned. I've never looked at an Octopus Kraken, I'm not sure I can get over the name.
@@RelativeTime I thought so too(I admit I would still like to have the real Seamaster of that type), but over time I've overlooked the branding and saw it as a very reliable watch.
They still have them with the upgraded PT5000 movement. Slightly more expensive, but more versatile at 40 mm and that movement runs COSC. Late edit: I see you have mentioned it, but wondered if it's any good. Yes, the 40 mm ET Flieger is the best watch you can find on AliExpress at that price.
