This $1,500 Automatic Chronograph from Korea is something special - Pitzmann 3 Review 

CORRECTION: The bracelet does feature half-links. Sorry about that.

Let's say if you buy basically this same movement in an actual Seiko, you'd pay about 2x more. So, this and the few others that also use this movement for mid$1k is pretty good. Whether you like the design it may be in is another matter. This one looks good.

Those macro shots are insane. This is a beautiful watch, and I personally am ok with the date at 6. I do agree with the black background with white numbers for the date window. Thanks for the great review!

If you put a Swiss name on this dial the watch would easily sell for 3x or more so you have to take your hat off to Pitzmann because this watch looks incredibly well made. Another great review as always Dave 👌

Wow...the close-ups look great. Love the use of the NE88 and the porcelain-like bright white dial with the red accents. I'm going to have to get one. Fortunately, a birthday is approaching.

I've had this model for a week and a half and I bam delighted with it. One thing I especially like is how well it wears. I have a 6.5" wrist and normally stay below 40mm but this wears very well. It also seems less high than 13.5 mm which is already better than average for a mechanical chronograph.

Movement inside has almost mythical status among Seiko diehards,variation of this movement deafeted the Zenith,Tag and Breitling. It’s the first ever auto chronograph,an Original “El Primero” and the first ever auto chrono with vertical clutch and column wheel!! This caliber is so expensive,I don’t understand how Pitzmann will earn the money with 1400€ retail price!!

Enjoyed this contents! Appreciate more of this type of brands being reviewed.

Excellent review as always. I would definitely go for the blue dial in this particular watch, because of its more upscale appearance. I'm very happy to hear you admit that a date function is a basic feature in watch, at least for you. I think that the only situations in which one doesn't miss a the date function is when using a tool watch as a tool, or in a dress watch during a fancy dinner or a cocktail. Keep up the fine work.

"When you get up close, they look like islands with sharp cliffs dropping down into a pool of enamel". That's poetry. And not the first time you've done it :) Maybe it's about time to nominate people for..., poetry? Nomenclature, I don't know. Artsy stuff. Maybe this is not the place for it and could be shortlived :/ but still, some people have a way with words and people need take notice. Anyway, this line (there are many others) shows your passion for this hobby and I love this channel for it.

A very thorough review! As a watch enthusiast who loves chronos, has small wrists, and lives in (and loves) Korea, this looks like a very good prospect! Thanks!

Great review Dave! Love the watch.

Great watch, great review! What an option for a panda chrono, it really sticks out from the bunch. You are right about the date, white on gray/ black would have been better than red on white, but it is fairly unique this way so no brownies deducted. The only thing that I would change is thickness in favor of 100m water resistance. With 100m and that Seiko in it for 1500$, it would be perfect candidate for one-and-done.

Thanks for the great review I just ordered one from the Pitzmann website.

Incredible design and stunning looks (agree with you Re date layout/color)

The chamfer and finishing on the hubs on the hour and minute hands is fantastic and not usually seen.

Even though this is beyond the price I can justify for me, I appreciate your review and Pitzman’s work. Nice watch.

Terrific review! I really loved the Seiko SRQ047 but that was out of my price range, a little large, and thick. This looks to be a terrific choice, thank you!

The date numbers are not centred! Yep, it's a seiko movement.

Completely agree on 24hr subdials, though i see little use for chronos at all.

Finishing on this one looks to be impeccable. Gorgeous piece and really impressive for just their 3rd watch. Like you I wish they had gone with white on black for the date wheel but it's not a deal breaker.

Comments stating this is a Daytona ripoff don’t see the difference in the details and case design. For me the dial is more interesting than a Daytona. A lot of differences and all good. This is a well made watch, especially for the price point. I do own Rolex and I did own the chronomaster in black and in white. They’re very nice watches but the Pitzmann is a bit smaller and easier to wear. Plus I still feel the dial is more interesting in the Pitzmann. Whether the movement will hold up like an El Primero, IDK. For $1299 USD, I wont be crying if something does happen.

Great review, terrific watch. If I didn't have the "OG" Seiko chronograph already in my possession (6139), I'd seriously consider this.

Thanks! Great watch and show!

It's amazing that Pitzmann can put out a product of this quality for under $1500, while Seiko continuously floods the market with overpriced limited releases.

Very nice looking watch. Quality seems excellent. I quite like the date location and nice to see a tri-compax without the 24hr dial. I'd buy one if I hadn't just bought a Christopher Ward chrono. Maybe next year? 😊

Nice, I like the splash of red, but looks a lot like multiple Seiko, Orient, and Citizen solar-powered chronos. Not for me, but very handsome piece indeed.

More companies need to use this movment. This company is making incredibly good watches and this seems to be another one.

Great review of this frankly fantastic release from Pitzmann. I remain very impressed with the Pitzmann II and this looks like it is at least equally impressive. I completely agree with your analysis of the design, its inspiration, but nonetheless emphasising its originality within that. For me, it is visually and for legibility a preferable watch to the high ticket comparables from Rolex and Zenith. That in itself should be a major selling point. While clearly producing a sporty chronograph (perhaps odd as the type is sporty by default, but see the anniversary TAG Heuer or Junghans for desirable much dressier chronographs) as emphasised by the elaborate bezel, I true Pitzmann style (I think) they really have the design so many dressy toucjes that make the watch so much more pleasurable to wear. The dimensions are great for an automatic chrono, too, so it is also easier to dress up with it. I won't repeat your findings, as I am in agreement. I'm not sure if the light blue also benefits from the cold enamel? The only thing I don't fully agree with is the red accents and the date. I see the concept of accentuating the chronograph sensitive functions in red, and then that the triangles and date do not quite follow that concept, but when one considers that concept slightly differently one can appreciate that actually all red touches help with general legibility. Along with the polished accents and borders, the red accents help to guide the eye, orientate and consume the needed information more quickly than if 'lost' among the usual black. I love the date implementation. It harms the usability of the lower subdial only in a minimal way, preserves symmetry, the white background and red type face provide a sense of levity, and the polished border continues the theme of smartening up, altogether leading to much greater calmness in the design. A black or, better still, matched grey background would likely have looked more 'heavy' and thus possibly distracting on this watch. The fact that it does cut into other elements also lends a playful touch, that's quite welcome among all the strong cues already there. I think that if I had really felt a need for a chronograph (along with avoiding battery powered movements) I'd have a much harder time resisting. As it stands, I feel I should stick to my principles and budgetary constraints and enjoy my Pitzmann II, but I would most certainly enjoy this 3. Where there is critique on its inspirational lineage I think the many clever touches and enhancements are simply overlooked. Final thing: I thought that I did see a half link in play on your bracelet. I'm pretty sure the Pitzmann II had half links and I believe the bracelet is identical.

I ordered the ice blue version yesterday. It has a well-respected Seiko automatic chronograph movement.

Nice job. I hadn't noticed the use of red accents on the subdial till you mentioned it, but it isn't something that bothers me one way or another. I also like the red date, so I guess each to his own. Cracking movement, quite off the beaten track but that seems to be one of this brand's hallmarks. I would also say their watches have a class look to them - they look expensive, whether or not you think that's a good or desirable thing. Enjoyed this! 👍

Mine just arrived and it's as gorgeous as I'd hoped! Took five minutes to size the bracelet and luckily it fits my wrist perfectly. Personally I find the 6 o'clock date window to be exactly right.

That is a tempting price! But as much as I like the idea of a mechanical chrono, I find I have little use for one. My Seiko solar-quartz "Seitona" more than fills my needs. But, I don't use the functionality there either...and it was "only" $500. ;) And agree on the red date. That's the only major miss to my eyes.

whaouh this is a very beautiful ans well made watch!! i just wish it came in 42-43mm

Well done review.

Thank you. Korean cars were laughed at when the first hyundai came to usa, but now people do not look down on Korean cars. I think same with watches, the Koreans are starting out, and in 10 years they will be giving Seiko a run for their money.

I own the Pitzmann II and like it a lot, I ordered the Pitzmann III last week and it's on its way in the mail. Looking forward to trying it on myself. Also UPDATE: PITZMANN has sold out of their first run of chronos, new orders won't be fulfilled for at least a couple months

The looks are ok & the enamel dial is a nice touch. However I feel you are going to have to really be into chrono's to want to buy this, unless the dollar ask is pocket change. Most people I talk to hardly use the actual chrono feature, preferring a digital or their phone for those things. They just like the look, hence the fashion watches with subdials that are just painted on! Since the movement is such a big part of the price it seems a real shame to not have an exhibition caseback. But for those few who delight in the feel of the pushers and have a use for them, this seems like a bargain.

Where did you get the Rally strap from, I love it 😊

Nice watch, that movement is amazing for the price

Wow, it looks incredibly good!

Could you please provide me with some details about the accuracy of this watch as worn over a 24 hour period. I enjoy your reviews and the knowledge you impart in them. Keep up the good work 👍

I’m impressed!😮

Incredible looking. Never heard of this maker, but everything about it says quality.

While the date placement is awkward, this isn't the first Chrono to do this. It's on the 12 hour totalizer, and you are likely to check the date way more often than you are to time something for exactly 5-7 hours. It's still awkward but likely doesn't inhibit practical use/ function

Personally, I have no issue with the date placement or color choice. You’re going to use the date far more than you’re going to use that sub dial so why not make it something visually interesting? Overall, this is a gorgeous watch and it seems like a great value proposition.

Very impressive chronograph, but I agree on the date window. I have to have this feature on my watches. The red makes it stand out too much in my opinion. White on a black background would integrate better with this dial. I don’t object to 4:30 placement for the date but 6 is more symmetrical. Too bad I don’t really have a need for another chronograph.

That's a Beautiful watch!!! Great Review, Thank You. 👍👍👍

waiting for the Pitzmann 4 with no date I guess

Thank you for your wonderful review. I'm going to buy.

What problems have you had with the seagull chronograph movement? That would be interesting to hear about. Most people don’t talk about the negatives of that movement.

Could you also give us the strap length from now on? Merci.

Great review!

Getting the watch in return for the review is a decent deal, and testament to the quality of your reviews and output. Enjoyed this one!

Great review. I just made two big watch purchases in the past few months. Well, big for me. Holding to pick one of these up down the line. Love almost everything about it. The little niggles don’t both let me enough. You did a great job of making that dial stand out!

Looks really good Dave unfortunately it has same issue as my Orient solar Neo it isn’t very legible but I like the design and finish is very nice

Beautiful watch! I've never heard of this movement. I wonder why it isn't used in more watches. The question is, would I rather have six $200 watches with ST19 movements or this one $1200 watch.

8R/NE88 is awesome.

Are the links attached by pins or screws? Thanks!

Is it just me or does the 'Chronograph' font look orange not red like the other details on the dial? This is an impressive watch. Attractive. Well priced. Solid specs.

Beautiful watch, but when I went to the website, the ice blue dial stole the show for me

Well well well, looks like i have found my next watch!

Think I would probably lean towards the Sugess with the SL-4801 auto chrono movement for ~$440. Nice lookin though

very high quality indeed.

The date position and color make it look like a bucktoothed panda. I prefer the way Seiko did it at the 4:30 position where it doesn't draw so much attention to itself. Although to be honest I would rather have no date at all on this dial.

You’ve just made me blow my nose more watches resolution I made after getting my grand seiko gmt, 😂

I prefer the styling of the Japanese brand Knot Watch, whose ATC-40 with NE88 can be had on bracelet for about $900. Plus a very unique custom 'Raden' dial option for a bit more. But this is nice too. It's design is just a bit too close to obvious homage for my tastes.

Sweet. Thanks Dave

Sugess chronograph is using an automatic chronograph movement at a more affordable price..

Stunner.

Man i love that watch. Only wart on it as far as i can tell, and this is personal taste, i wish they hadn't had framed the date window in that stainless steel border, or, made it much smaller in terms of thickness of the border. Edit: Hard disagree on the other red accents, i love them all, also hard disagree on the date placement, 430 is horrific and would destroy the dial of this watch. My preference would be no date, but with a date i think as i mentioned above, unframed would have been far smarter.

More than im willing to spend on a watch at the moment but another great review nonetheless

Bought a Longines moonphase as brand new all papers and box for about£1850 and love it.

Another superlative review, production and presentation. Honestly, I can't think of any automatic or manual wind chronograph under $4,000? I'm considering this in Ice Blue. Reminds me of a cross between the Zenith and Daytona. I own a Speedmaster Professional and really use and covet that 12-hour totaliser. The dial is stunning...as unique as my Bulova Lunar Pilot. I don't mind the date at 6:00, but your point is spot-on. I could do without "Seoul" on the dial. Not needed. But it's very difficult to fault anything on this watch. $1,299 for a 3-dial automatic chronograph with a 12- hour totaliser is unheard of...especially with such a robust, premium movement.

I really liked the overall design and the quality of this chronograph, but I couldn't ignore this misalignment of the stop watch hand in the rest position as well as off center date on some of the days like 27th which was pretty obvious. Maybe this problem is only with this watch, but still, I am judging it based on what I see, and for that price, I expect to not see those issues except for Seiko watches 😅

That's a handsome watch... Kind reminds me of the Pagni Panda automatic.

Would have bought this without a second thought IF it had micro adjust clasp(on the fly adjust pref). 😢

God is good baby!!!

nice!

Good grief.....runs on the Seiko 8R48!. Tge seiko speedtimer mechanical chrono using the same movement is priced at USD3K. I might get one 😂

I need that ……

I picked up a watch from Kickstarter by the brand Stunt, their Planetarium series, which use a SL-4612 Peacock automatic chronograph movement. There is a certain amount of wobble in the watch head when the rotor spins, so it might only wind in one direction, but the watch was about $400. Might be worth looking into.

You can get really nice automatic movements from China today. Todays Chinese Watches whether Automatic or Quartz some are even more high quality then the average swiss for `1/4 of the price. So to say that the Pitizmann is a good value I am sorry I have to disagree in fact it is over priced. I do like your show you're the man, just wanted you to have my opinion as I have been a avid watch collector for 40 years. God Bless!!

I really think it would be a good idea for Asian microbrands targetting western consumers to hire a western consultant regarding naming and logo design. Or go strictly Asian like some of San Martin's recent releases. (pitz is not an aspirational word)

The Pizza man watch people are good at marketing

All I could think this entire video. "Why does Dave have a pokeball on his shirt?"

The accent at 9’ is off :) for me, things like this are eliminatory contests so…… (also the date disc is off…) nice quality overall but for me is a huge no. Maybe at 600-700$ would consider it. At 1.500$ got many more alternatives without “offs”

Hallo, sir, I want to be a wacth maker as a beginner was asking if you can donate some your old tool kits to learn with as a beginner I will real appreciate help me be a wacth maker

Would’ve looked more elegant with a tapered bracelet

Interesting timepiece, the design is not really unique though. You could also have a look at Farer chronographs. They have various to choose from , use a Sellita SW510 auto and are (list) priced somewhere between Pitzmann and Seiko for the most part. Baltic auto chronos also use the Sellita SW510 and are priced about the same as the Pitzmann.

That 6 o clock date though😢

Better than a Swiss movement....I thought all Japanese movements were better than the Swiss ones.

Impression design.

There is no information about how a South Korean watchmaker ended up with a Germanic brand name. Could be just a bid to look a bit more Swiss and different to their Japanese competition?

Nice but should have a transparent case back to see the movement

Looks like a ceramic bezel (instead of an insert in a steel bezel). That's quite a fragile area when bumping the watch.

It's quite interesting! Excluding Japanese brands, I think it is a common problem with Asian brands. Either they Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V the Western brands or when want to have their personality sometimes they get out of control. This goes beyond watches, you can see such a thing in cars, smartphones, etc.

50m WR. Most reviewers say don’t submerge it. Should be 100M. My opinion.

The watch is spectacular... but the bracelet is a deal breaker, which is really frustrating. I don't understand why a watch brand puts so much thought in building a watch, the attention to detail, the refinement of the dial, and then blows everything up with a bracelet that does not micro-adjust. Microbrands please take note: bracelets should taper and have micro-adjust. I would order this watch after your review, if not for that bracelet, and I'm sure lots of people have the same opinion. Thank you for the review.

Who comes up with the watchmaker's names? LOL