When Steinhart released their silver and gold editions of the Nav B-Uhr, all 333pcs of each sold within about 5-10 minutes of their release.
While some were snapped up by die-hard fans of what is undoubtedly a unique interpretation of a historical A-type dial design, a good many snapped up the 420 Euro piece for speculative purposes.
Indeed, Steinhart limited runs typically enjoy substantial appreciation in value and are arguably smart buys for the savvy watch prospector; a Brand New In Box (BNIB) copy sold 2 months ago on eBay for more than double the original retail price at USD 1,000. For this used copy, I had to pay nearly double of the original 420 Euro, so copies out there are not far off the mark.
Investments aside, let’s look at what is a rather interesting timepiece.
With the 47mm case size, large onion crown and A-type historical flieger dial, horology fans will instantly draw the link between the Nav B-Uhr and the IWC Big Pilot. Homage watch alert!
However, unlike the standard Nav-B Uhr and to some extent the gold edition, the usage of the sunburst pattern on the polished silver dial and the usage of black Superluminova lume on the hands and small seconds wheel creates a drastically different look from the Big Pilot. The piece looks fresh, modern and yet tips a hat to the rich history of this classic pilot design.
The sandwich dial adds a nice visual depth to the military design which is typically flat and generally utilitarian in nature. Worn with a bomber jacket, the piece exudes a nostalgic whiff of propeller planes, rubber-lined goggles, and dogfights in the sky.
Physically, the watch wears rather large on the wrist due to the case being all dial. I typically prefer a dial diameter of around 40-42mm and personally I found this watch tends to look overly large on wrists 6.5” and smaller. However, this is no different from the IWC Big Pilot and your mileage may vary.
At the heart of the watch beats the tried and true Unitas 6497-1 manually wound movement beating at 18,000bph with 56 hours of power reserve. Incidentally, this is the same movement that you find in a lot of entry-level (<$10,000) manually-wound Panerais, so the movement is no slouch. However, at 18,000bph, the small seconds hand tends to stutter along in an agricultural manner, which is rather apparent due to the size of the complication.
Finishing is generally well applied but uninventive. Nothing has really been done to jazz up the movement beyond some basic Cote de Genève striping. However, at this price range, it’s fortunate to get any sort of decent finishing at all. Considering both the front and rear crystal are sapphire, this makes this watch carry a very strong value proposition that punches well above its price tag.
Engraved on the case back edges are the typical “Swiss-Made”, “Sapphire crystal” and “Handwound 17 Jewels” that aim to lend the piece credibility. In my opinion only brands that lack credibility feel the need to do this and I wish Steinhart would not.
However, what you also find engraved on the case back is “Steinhart Nav-B Uhr Limited Edition”. You also get the serial number of the watch engraved on the side of the case. Nice touch.
The movement and crown are unsigned, which I would have liked. Steinhart stamped gold rotors are not amazing to look at, but they are a nice touch. I wish they had some similar stamping on their hand-wound movements. With an exhibition case back, I would have liked more to look at.
The onion crown is also simple, but like the IWC Big Pilot which it draws inspiration from, is highly functional and winding the watch is a breeze. Big crowns like these make it easy to overwind the mainspring, thus overexcitement when winding is not prudent.
What you do get signed are the robust 5mm leather straps from Steinhart that while fairly high quality, are way too long for Asian wrists. I have a 6” wrist and needed to punch 3 extra holes in each strap. Thankfully the running keepers on the straps help to keep everything neat and tidy.
Standard in the box you get a dark brown strap with a tang buckle, and a black strap with a locking double deployant clasp. Both buckle and clasp are signed.
Now, the best part of purchasing a limited edition Steinhart is the presentation box. The box matches or exceeds the box quality of lower-end luxury brands like Omega, Breitling and Tag Heuer. The inner walnut box is decidedly well finished and a perfect container for a collection piece like this one.
Inside the box, items are roomily arranged. You get a space for the timepiece, flanked to the left and right by a strap tool and a holder for the spare strap. A polished stainless steel plate is embossed with the model name and serial number. Thumbs up for the premium feel. The box is only let down by the faux suede lining, which is sure to flake and peel in a humid climate given some time.
Last, but not least, in a back pocket you also get the manual (always read your owner’s manual) and Steinhart’s Limited Edition Certificate. This is of course meaningful for far more expensive watches, but your mileage may vary with this one.
Conclusion: The Steinhart Nav B-Uhr Silver edition was a bargain at its original price tag. Today, while substantially higher priced on the used market, the piece is still well in demand by collectors for its unique interpretation of the design made famous by IWC’s Big Pilot. If you can find one in good condition and like large watches, this is an interesting one for the collection.
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