Pesman 9,461 Posted April 7, 2021 So...2 days before my 55th Birthday and after much agonising over my choice, the Zero West has arrived.... Hand made in the UK and built to order https://zerowest.watch/product/s1-spitfire-watch-1936/ I don't think I have ever felt as nervous opening a watch. I had had a number of chats with the co-owners who were happy to talk watches until the cows came home, both passionate about their venture...the strap was bespoke and I was encouraged to feel no guilt about returning it if it didn't work for me... So...how is it in reality?... STUNNING!!! Plenty of pics below but, in short, I am very happy with my choice...it feels like I own something unique and very special...lovingly designed and built on near Portsmouth - over-looking the bay referenced in this model... The build is solid, the ETA 2824 is a super smooth wind...and the strap is supple, thick and smells wonderful - Bremont take note...the inner ring (rehault?) Has a subtle bronze tinge...it just all works and is finished off with the unique joystick crown... Anyway, it's a keeper...my rubbish snaps below... And a lovely personalised message as well... Andrew designs them, Graham builds them and makes the straps... I suspect I may be looking out for another at some point... Thanks all for the suggestions....I am glad I went left-field... Sent from my SM-G977B using Tapatalk 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rusky27 1,713 Posted April 7, 2021 (edited) I like it a lot, a quality peice throughout. Enjoy many years with it mate. Edited April 7, 2021 by rusky27 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CollieWobbles 236 Posted April 7, 2021 Quality handmade piece, enjoy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
australis 21 Posted April 7, 2021 Gotta luv those GPS location co-ords on Pilot watch! lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pesman 9,461 Posted April 7, 2021 Gotta luv those GPS location co-ords on Pilot watch! lolEvery model has an appropriate set of co-ordsDesign AttributesLatitude and Longitude reference the Woolston Spitfire factoryDate code references the maiden flight from Eastleigh AerodromeDial design based on a Smith cockpit clockCrown modelled on the joystick gun platform fire buttonWatch back disk insert engraved with Spitfire technical drawing surrounded by the graphics from a P8 compassSent from my SM-G977B using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deju 1,836 Posted April 7, 2021 1 minute ago, Pesman said: Every model has an appropriate set of co-ords Design Attributes Latitude and Longitude reference the Woolston Spitfire factory Date code references the maiden flight from Eastleigh Aerodrome Dial design based on a Smith cockpit clock Crown modelled on the joystick gun platform fire button Watch back disk insert engraved with Spitfire technical drawing surrounded by the graphics from a P8 compass Sent from my SM-G977B using Tapatalk That’s brilliant!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
inthemire 2 Posted April 7, 2021 Great choice , looks beautiful and oozes quality. Plus a personal purchase experience with the owners. Thanks for sharing. Happy Birthday Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GingerApple 7,224 Posted April 7, 2021 10 minutes ago, Pesman said: Sent from my SM-G977B using Tapatalk Not sure why you wanted a watch with the Portsmouth Lidl coordinates on. I'd have preferred Waitrose personally. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ibanez 2,713 Posted April 7, 2021 What a fab story, nice to know who they are and what they're all about Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glaude 1,615 Posted April 7, 2021 37 minutes ago, TheGingerFerret said: Not sure why you wanted a watch with the Portsmouth Lidl coordinates on. Was about to comment the same thing Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hasel5 4,780 Posted April 7, 2021 That's pretty close to me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tribefan 6,768 Posted April 7, 2021 Beautiful piece, the letter is a nice touch and gives it some sentimental value. Enjoy, and many happy returns. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FunnyStarSystem 7,537 Posted April 7, 2021 Always nice to own something designed and built with passion and thought, rather than just some guy squatting in the corner, slurping his noodles in the oppressive Guangzhou heat waiting to get back to his next 7 hour shift, scratching up a pube just as he screws down the rotor... I appreciate the inspiration as I've always wanted a Smith/JLC collaboration like below: Interestingly, on the satellite photo you can see where they have created an image of the Spitfire in the tarmac where the factory once stood in Woolston: And the housing estate (or whatever you Brits call it) is "Spitfire Court". Interesting stuff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pesman 9,461 Posted April 7, 2021 That's pretty close to me They are always keen to see visitors....I’ll see what we can set up when the madness eases I haven’t been to Havent! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flinnt 2,009 Posted April 8, 2021 A very special timepiece indeed. Good choice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Intresting 21,505 Posted April 8, 2021 Truly bespoke watch. Its unlikely these will be repped so its unique. Happy early birthday Wear it in good health and for many more years to come. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hasel5 4,780 Posted April 8, 2021 14 hours ago, Pesman said: They are always keen to see visitors....I’ll see what we can set up when the madness eases I haven’t been to Havent! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Woolston is all bee redeveloped over the last 30 years used to be a big ship building area Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BravoDelta 22,275 Posted April 8, 2021 What an elegant timepiece. Congratulations and happy birthday! Enjoy it and MHR. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cap'n 930 Posted April 8, 2021 What a nice touch and great story - one to treasure Happy Birthday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites