Flieger Vintage Chronograph 3H229VIN - Sapphire

When we think German, we think of precision engineering and quality. And this is precisely what we have here today from Aristo. Aristo Uhren was founded in 1907 by Julius Epple in Pforzheim, a jewelry and watch-making city in black forest, Germany. The company has been producing timepieces for the last three generations. Throughout its time, the case producer and watchmaker untiringly produce truly functional timepieces. No-nonsense with clean and robust designs typically sums up the Pforzheim mason. An example would be its Flieger Vintage Chrono Ref. 3H229VIN.

Aristo Flieger Vintage Chronograph 3H229VIN - Sapphire

To kick things off, the Aristo Flieger Vintage Chronograph 3H229VIN ticks a Swiss Made automatic caliber, Sellita SW500, operating at 28,800 BPH (4 Hertz) with hacking and hand winding capabilities. It has 25 jewels with a power reserve of 40 hours. We can see this workhorse Chronograph caliber through its open case-back made in 316L stainless steel.

Now, to the case. As the name implies, the watch measures a good size of 40mm, a lug-to-lug size of 48mm, a thickness of 14mm, and a lug width of 20mm. This is probably as thin a chronograph as it can get as the Sellita SW500 movement is already 7.9mm. Nevertheless, the overall proportion will wears oh-so-well on most wrists.

316L Stainless steel in matte finished with Sapphire crystal

The sand-blasted 316L stainless steel case comprises two parts: the combination of both mid-case and bezel in matte tone and the screw-down polished case back. Together, the Chronograph reflects a Teutonic aesthetic with functionality and ruggedness are primary elements. Oh, did we mention this watch is made specifically for Gnomon Watches with a domed sapphire crystal?

The Aristo Flieger Vintage Chronograph is inspired by instrument clusters found in fighter planes. And that means it is designed with legibility in mind. The dial is kept simple and sticks to the basics—bold Arabic numbers surrounded by a tachymeter on the edge of the dial. The hands associated with the chronograph are in a contrasting red color. This design philosophy is found in most chronographs in the 80s when functionality is all that matters. A good amount of SuperLuminova is applied to the dial and hands for operations in the dark. A day/date window at 3 o'clock is a good addition without cluttering up the dial.

SuperLuminova glows brightly

As with many other Aristo models, the Flieger Vintage Chronograph has a relatively huge dial opening. That means this watch is all dial. As a result, it elevates a more prominent visual appeal while aiding legibility - just like a proper military Flieger is supposed to.

The Aristo Flieger Vintage Chronograph comes on a vintage brown leather strap with whip stitching at the side, accentuating the vintage theme here.

In conclusion, if you are in the market for a chronograph and appreciate a classic German chronograph that does not come in the typical big size, this is the watch for you. At size 40mm with a big dial opening of 36.5mm, this is an excellent fit on the wrist while not looking small. Great movement, a great value in a utilitarian case. At this price, it is hard-pressed to find another chronograph from a well-established brand.

Video is not available