Oceanica OP-1 Flieger Watch Review - Best Pilot Watch Under $300! Live on Kickstarter!

Now Available for Purchase on Oceanica webshop - 100 piece limited run

www.oceanicawatches.com

Inspiration behind the OP-1

The OP-1 is heavily influenced by the traditional B type fliegers worn by pilots during World War II. The main five brands back then included IWC, WEMPE, LACO, and Stowa. However, the pilots watches of that era were noticeably larger at 45MM - 50MM for increased legibility and the ability to fit over a flight jacket. In todays modern times fliegers are still a very popular segment of luxury watches and mid tier timepieces. They are extremely legibile, sensible, and practical for everyday use.

Case

The OP-1 has a modern 40MM diameter case constructed of high grade brushed 316L solid stainless steel in a three piece design. The brushing is rather smooth and reminds me much of my Hamilton Khaki watch, it is that good. In terms of thickness, it is rather thin and comfy on wrist at 10MM or so. The lug width measures 20MM which keeps in tune nicely with the overall diameter and width. A nice atribute is the 47MM lug to lug distance - allowing this watch to truly wear like a real 40MM watch. Lastly, it is definitely faithful in styling to the original flieger watches with its smooth sides and large dial cutout, surrounded by a smooth brushed bezel.

Dial

Oceanica has gone ahead and offered two color dial options consisting of a beautiful sunburst blue, and matte black. Both of these dials utilize traditional flieger styling with large legible numerals, and a triangle with two dots at 12:00 for quick reference. A nice touch is the clean non date aesthetic, allowing for increased legibility and a perfectly synmetric dial. The best part is the lume - C3 SuperLuminova glows in green lighting up all of the sword hands, numerals, and fine hour and minute markings. If i were to choose one of them, I would have to go with the Blue Dial variant as no other affordable fliegers out there currently offer such a delightful
sunburst dial at this price.

Movement

I honestly do not know how Oceanica is offering a high beat Miyota 90S5 automatic movement for such a great pricepoint. They must not be making much profit, but it is great for us, the end consumer. This movement is equivalent to the Swiss Made ETA 2824 in specification was made by the Japanese to compete with the Swiss movements. It is also seen in lower versions from
brands such as Laco in their Achen model for an even steeper price of $475. The movement contains 24 jewels, beats at 28,800 BPH ( Super Smooth Hand Sweep ), and has a power reserve of 42 hours. What more can I say? The value is certainly there.

Genuine Leather Band

The 20MM black genuine leather bands are offered standard on the OP-1, but I have heard if they raise a certain ammount of money during their Kickstarter campaign a free luxury seatbelt nylon band will be provided at no cost to each backer. The strap is supple, soft, and super comfortable on my 6.75 inch wrist. The signed brushed buckle features an engraved “Oceanica” and is the perfect size.

Conclusion

Furthermore, All around this watch obviously offers an incredible value which is rare for a kickstarter campaign nowadays with all these ginmicky things going on. This watch contains a great movement, sapphire crystal on both sides, great finishing, and band. It is certainly a watch that can be sold at prices of around $400 USD and still sell. Thanks to Oceanica for allowing me to write this piece and share their great work. I wish them the best of luck in their campaign, because they deserve it.

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Wrist Shots/EXTRAS