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AVI-8 Spitfire Type 300 AutomaticvsBaltic HMS 003

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

AVI-8 Spitfire Type 300 Automatic

Owners praise the AVI-8 Spitfire Type 300 Automatic for its compelling designs and striking color schemes, with one owner noting the brand consistently prompts purchases. The $450 price point is considered good value, and the watch features a comfortable brown leather strap. However, the included NATO strap feels cheap and is too long for a 7" wrist. One owner reported inaccurate seconds hand movement, and the 15mm thick bronze case is noted as slightly thicker than expected. Overall, owners rate the AVI-8 Spitfire Type 300 Automatic highly for its unique designs and value at the price point, despite some minor strap and case thickness observations.

Baltic HMS 003

The Baltic HMS 003 is widely praised for its vintage charm, featuring a three-dimensional sector dial with a deep blue and gilt color scheme, heat-treated blue hands, and varied textures. Owners and reviewers highlight its 36.5mm case size, high-dome crystal, and Beads of Rice bracelet as particularly appealing. The Miyota 8315 automatic movement provides a 60-hour power reserve and stop-seconds function. One owner notes the domed hesalite crystal is prone to scratching. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Baltic HMS 003 highly for its unbelievably gorgeous design and vintage aesthetic at its price point.

From video reviewers

The Baltic HMS 003's downsized case to 36.5mm is a significant strength, making it a genuinely vintage-sized watch. A notable trade-off is the relatively thin lume on the watch, which is 'not the brightest' but still functional. Reviewers disagree on the watch's overall build quality, with one reviewer stating it has "better finishing" than the previous model, while another reviewer notes that specific details about the watch's finishing, indexes, or overall build quality are not mentioned.

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Spitfire Type 300 Automatic42mm
HMS 00336mm
Power Reserve
Spitfire Type 300 Automatic
HMS 00360h
Water Resistance
Spitfire Type 300 Automatic50m
HMS 00350m
MSRP
Spitfire Type 300 Automatic$400
HMS 003$416

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Pilot
Sport
Diameter
42mm
36mm
Thickness
13mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
Lug Width
20mm
Material
316L Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Hesalite
Dial Color
Sky Gauge
Blue Gilt

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Miyota 8315
Power Reserve
0h
60h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$400
$416
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