Side by side

AVI-8 Spitfire Type 300 AutomaticvsSwatch Sistem Pilote

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

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.

Swatch Sistem Pilote

Owners widely report the Swatch Sistem Pilote is difficult to read in low light due to its black-on-black hands and lack of lume, though the hands do pop against the whitish indices. Some owners note the watch is thicker than expected and that the automatic movement is not serviceable, meaning it is essentially disposable if it fails. The Swatch Sistem51 construction is described as unrepairable, with some users reporting failures shortly after purchase or within a few years, leading to the entire mechanism needing replacement. Owners are split on its longevity, with some expecting it to last many years and others concerned about its limited lifespan and lack of investment value. Overall, owners view the Swatch Sistem Pilote as a fun, affordable automatic watch where the Swiss marketing is a primary factor in its perceived value.

At a glance

10 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Spitfire Type 300 Automatic42mm
Sistem Pilote42mm
Power Reserve
Spitfire Type 300 Automatic
Sistem Pilote
Water Resistance
Spitfire Type 300 Automatic50m
Sistem Pilote30m
MSRP
Spitfire Type 300 Automatic$400
Sistem Pilote$285

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Thickness
13.8mm
Lug-to-Lug
50.6mm
Material
316L Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Finish
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
50m
30m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Dial Color
Sky Gauge
Black

Movement

2 specs
Hacking
No
Yes
Hand-winding
No
Yes

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$400
$285
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