FIYTA Yachtsman Automatic Watch Discussions | Drop

Jun 5, 2020

As I've mentioned before, I'm not a dress watch guy, and I can't begin to tell you how much money that has saved me over the years--I estimate several hundred million dollars but it could even be more than that--maybe a billion dollars--we'll never know for sure. I can't say I'm a FYTA fan either; I only know of them through MD and what I've read about them here. I will say I never understood their marketing/naming conventions--I'm a photographer and I never quite got the connection between that interest and FYTA's watch of the same name. I've even done a bit of sailing too, and I definitely don't see how this "Yachtsman" would have contributed in any way to my time on the water. So if I were you, I'd take anything I say past this point with a dose of caution... If I were any of these things (a dress watch guy and a FIYTA fan), I think I'd probably be considering a purchase. I know what you're thinking--most of these are pretty dull offerings to be sure, but there is pearl amongst the swine here; I like that Blue one--and I'm not even a blue watch guy! To me, the (GA852001.WLW) is kind of reminiscent of the very cool Oris Lake Baikal Limited Edition. Now mind you, I only said "reminiscent" not "looks like"--one's a real diver and the other just has bezel and a blue dial, but there is a hint of resemblance--in the same way that you might look like your Uncle, kind of way. Here, judge for yourself:

I'd be thrilled to wear the ORIS--as I mentioned, it's a real-deal diver--and it lists for $2,400-ish. Conversely, this not unattractive FIYTA is not a real diver (it has about the same water resistance as a box of crackers), but it's only $199. I'm not sure what movement the ORIS uses (I imagine it's a nice one), but it only has a 40hr reserve. This FIYTA has a 60hr reserve complements of its Miyota 8315.3 movement--one of those rare Miyotas that actually hacks by the way, so that's a nice plus in it's corner. So, when you think about it, you could buy an uglier watch with a worse movement (right here on MD, as a matter of fact), or you could buy this one, and get a watch that isn't terrible and looks pretty okay too. Doesn't seem like a bad deal to me...

(Edited)

Jun 5, 2020

Jun 5, 2020

RayFIt reminded me of the Muhle-Glashutte Pro Mare from a few weeks back, mainly the thin bezel with minimal markings and blank dial. All the same if I was after a decent looking dress watch I might consider it , almost a budget friendly alternative to a Powermatic 80!!

Jun 5, 2020

Jun 6, 2020

RayFRay, I am after your honest opinion on the Alpina Startimer Big Date chrono quartz AL372? If Marpabl, tbjs,Ed61 and other prominent members see this post also would be grateful of their opinion. I have done some research and read reviews. But their doesn't seem to be any really unbiased reviewers . Or maybe it's just a good thing. Thanks, hope you are all staying safe.

Jun 6, 2020

Jun 6, 2020

JAone Are we talking about this model?

Jun 6, 2020

Jun 6, 2020

RayFyes but green dial and tan strap. model no.Al-372GR4FBS6 to be exact, I know it seems hypocritical about the black PVD ,it's just at 44mm it may seem smaller.

(Edited)

Jun 6, 2020

Vote

Luxfare

Jun 6, 2020

RayFMost Oris use the SW200 movement. My 10 year old Oris has the same and while it’s not worn often it’s never been serviced and keeps about +9 seconds a day....can’t complain.

Jun 6, 2020

Jun 6, 2020

JAone Nice watch--if you can get it for the right price!

I see them from $995 on Amazon, $450-ish on eBay, and one at $281 on Chrono24. On the high end, it's a lot of money for a quartz watch, on the lower end it's a great watch for the price: it is an Alpina, has a very authentic look, and it should run forever with excellent accuracy. Price would be my guide on this one, especially if you think you might sell it down the line. Good luck!

Jun 6, 2020

Jun 6, 2020

Luxfare Thanks, I should have remembered that. An Oris of some sort is on my short list!

Jun 6, 2020

ED61

1650

Jun 6, 2020

JAoneI think it’s a nice looking watch the brand speaks for itself you wouldn’t be investing in some micro brand kickstarter fly by knight brand i think it’s a good looking watch i have both automatic and quartz chrono’s i like them both of course quartz has the advantages of accuracy and price if the price is right pull the trigger sometimes a deal can pass you by if you like it go for it good luck if you do buy it give us your opinion on the watch

Jun 6, 2020

Jun 6, 2020

RayFThanks Ray, the chrono watch works out at $310 usd. including shipping, I have until monday to take the offer. Although not a black PVD fan, it makes this 44mm look smaller, which I like along with the upgrade 48 month battery life. Okay with quartz as replace and seal for battery can be around $35usd. as opposed to forking out $250 usd . upwards for auto service: trying to keep number of autos down and better quality/brands to justify the servicing requirements and costs. Thanks for your opinion. By the way I too have Oris on my list; waiting for my 60th next April; shame not sooner as one of the models ( Aquis LE Great Barrier Reef III auto diver) I was after just came on market from an AD, Wallace Bishop at approx $1800usd. Rare to get such good price on a limited 2000 piece run. $2500usd to $3500usd seems to be the price elsewhere. Don't know if they ship to U.S. but courier could be arranged at reasonable cost. IMO a really great diver with just enough colour difference and complication to make it stand out.

Jun 6, 2020

Jun 6, 2020

ED61Many thanks; I'm up to my limit; or rather my "Boss's" imposed limit for the year; so if I am going to maybe become a couch flyer for a few nights!! I want to be sure about the purchase. Most of you more experienced guys in this community have really respected views which help a lot.

Jun 6, 2020

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Jun 8, 2020

RayFHi Ray, pretty sure the Oris uses Sellita SW200 , but probably "Oris worked!" I have looked closely at the LE Great Barrier Reef edition III, perfect size for me; felt like a compact 42mm, and thinner on wrist: yesterday in fact at that dealer I was talking about, the main difference between the Aquis standard model and that watch is colour, trim ,rotating date,and labelling including caseback; oh and around $250, I must say I really liked the aqua blue colour, still considering it as they said they had no room to negotiate!! Heard that before LOL.

Jun 8, 2020

Jun 8, 2020

JAone “I can resist anything but temptation!”

Jun 8, 2020

Jun 17, 2020

RayFHi Ray, I had ordered the green dial,wanted a bit of colour: cost extra $29 for shipping!! But still good price and better quality than expected. There is enough raised lume indices and applied numerals to make it more pleasing than a printed style dial. Happy with the size 44mm , in black PVD just about at the largest I would want to go. The 4 year battery life and UHF quartz chrono movement are an extra benefit. Would like to see an Alpina seastrong auto on Drop sometime; but at a good Drop price.

Jun 17, 2020

Jun 17, 2020

ED61Hi Ed, I bought the green dial Startimer chrono UHF quartz movement, and it's just arrived. (Posted some pics on reply to Ray on this discussion.)It's the first Alpina I have had, there are less than ten dealers with very little stock in this country, so I have only ever seen a couple locally, and some on duty free in middle east on display. I initially thought the dials looked like a print sort of style with very little depth, especially the camo versions a couple of years back. But on closer inspection to the naked eye I can see the indices and numerals are applied and give some depth to the face of the watch;the finish is just flawless, every hand lines up; lume application is perfect and every part of the dial is perfectly aligned, finish on case is perfect, and the size for me as a pilot watch is great. The strap very comfortable. For the price I paid $310 delivered I am quite happy. Will seriously consider Alpina again, I have usually been buying more autos than quartz recently so an auto Alpina Seastrong or Heritage would be of interest. But since I have purchased this one I have noticed the prices seem to have increased on the "Chrono24 Aus site"; the dealer only shipped international through Chrono24: and the prices on the site did differ from the dealers prices quite significantly. Their watch prices for domestic shipping are very good. (Certified Watch Store). Thanks.

Jun 17, 2020

Vote

ED61

1650

Jun 17, 2020

JAoneVery nice well executed watch looks great 👍 wear in good health and good luck with it

Jun 17, 2020