5 Years Later With My Favourite $200 Seiko - A History & Review Of The FlightMaster SNA411
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- In the early days of the Urban Gentry channel I took a look at the Seiko Flightmaster SNA411 and described it as one of the best chronograph beater watches under $200. Over 5 years have passed with this watch in my collection and my fondness for this watch has only grown.
Why is it such a compelling watch among the Gentry?
How did its design come to be?
How has my perception changed during this long love affair with the now legendary "Flighty"?
Is it still the best watch under $200?
Today I aim to answer all of these questions. I discuss this feature rich piece in depth, with a look at the history of the watch, and give it a long overdue re-review. Join me in celebrating this beloved watch and ultimately see if it is still worth buying after all this time.
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My dad works in the aeronautical industry and he gifted me his flightmaster when I turned 16 after he had it for over 10 years. Truly more than just a watch to me.
ChoonChunx cool
True heritage
I always go back and watch your older videos whenever I need to fall in love with my watches all over again.
I am a pilot and the flight master was my first flight watch that I used the E6-B when my electrical went out. I followed it with a Navi-timer, but you can count on quartz.
Cool
@Madeline Monahan Yeah, would not mind hearing the whole story!
Please post the story
I used to own a FlightMaster. Loved it and instantly regretted selling it. I brought a brand new one last week. Can't wait for it to arrive.
That's where I am right now. Cheers.
@@jameskeyser6243 and me 😄👍🏼
TGV...Just purchased a flighty from Marc at Long Island Watches. Can’t wait for it to come in after all the good things I’ve heard you say in multiple videos!
Your praise on this watch is fully appreciated. I am just buying it.
I was already about buying one !
this is how youtube should be
I really love the history you provide in each review ❤️
The style from the model on the right at 6:28 is my favourite among all flightmaster models. Pure class
What a coincidence I bought the Flighty for my youngest sons 16th in two days, I was introduced to the watch by you Tristano, I can not wait for him to open the gift....Keep on the great work and infectious enthusiasm, greatly appreciated. Panos
Wow. Way more history than I was expecting. Well researched. I've had my Citizen Nighthawk almost 5 years which I feel is similar in spirit.
Sounds like we've both had our Nighthawks for about 8-9 years now. The mineral crystal on mine is beat to hell but I still love that watch enough for it to get about half my wrist time. Hope yours is still serving you as well as mine is! Especially after I actually took the time to learn to use the slide rule bezel about 4 years ago 😅
As always, appreciate the obvious passion and reverence you bring to your videos, TGV. As much a rumination on this timepiece's place in horology as a discussion of its functionality. Stick with your formula; it works and is endlessly informative.
You are too kind Marc, I am humbled and honored. As for your latter point, I could not agree more!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
The thing I love about these videos is the effort that goes into explaining the history of these watches (inc. other related watches) while making the content engaging and enjoyable. Great work (as using).
Wow! Incredible video. Blown away by how comprehensive that was. Thank you mate! Seiko is a brand I'm really starting to appreciate more and more, largely thanks to you.
I'm the original owner of a 7A28 from 1984 that survived a house fire about 5 years ago. It was restored by a Seiko specialist and it keeps time to just a few seconds a year. Great history of this watch and well researched!
Just purchased one myself really fell in love with the watch from your review and now that I seen the history I appreciate it even more. 👍
This is going to make want a flightmaster....
I already want it 😀
You are so right about that. I have one and it's all his fault....lol.
And I love mine too.
I’m 1 minute in and yeah I’m pretty sure I know what I’m buying tonight haha
Im in the same page as you
Yeah I'm on the list of QUICK purchasers! Owned about 2 months.
Bought mine about a year ago after watching your video. Haven’t regretted it a bit. A great looking watch that has unbelievable features!
Cool video... bought one last year due to your recommendation....along with a Sinn, a Rolex, and another Seiko. I think my wife would like to have a word with you. 😂😅.
LOL, I think there is a few wives out there who want to do the same!
A Sinn, Seiko and Rolex eh!?! You classy devil! ;-) Enjoy them my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
You have done it again ! The Flighty is pure class & being an English man I love marmite! & the soggy countryside. This watch is now on my shopping list for birthday or Christmas! Much to my wife’s horror as my collection is now exceeding 15 watches now I have a lovely IWC pilots chronograph & a black ceramic Christopher Ward c1000 typhoon chrono , but mainly due to the Urban Grentry & a man called TGV I just can’t stop my addiction to
WOW you really did a super job on this video. The history of the FlightMasters is priceless. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into this show. BTW, I have the SNA411 and an earlier 7T34 Flighty with the register date and alarm. They are both running well and I think my 7T34 is just about 30 years old. Both fantastic and worthy of anyone’s Flighty collection and wrist. Again Thanks!
That strap is bang on. Not normally a fan of changing out the stock (call me a purist) but I reluctantly accept you've nailed it here
Lee thats really a nonsense, jubilee are one of the best on the market
I have purchased the seiko flight master based on you're glowing review years earlier. It is my first watch and I acquired it after working my first job over the summer. I couldn't be happier. I have taken this watch skiing, snorkeling, sailing, swimming, snow camping , hiking , and it looks as good as the first day I got it. This watch also can be combined with a lot of out fits. It looked just as good on my wrist while attending a formal wedding, as did camping in the Oregon outback. I originally was planing on getting several watches, a field watch, dive watch, tool watch, but now I only need one. Of coerce i'm still lusting after many other time pieces but this certainly checked all the boxes. Thank you for you're reviews. I find them entertaining and informative.
Now that's a beautiful tribute to an iconic piece! May I add that I love the close up shots - especially on this busy dial.
Thank you for this history lesson. Impressive to say the least. The history of what Seiko has developed over the years should never be ignored. Cheers
Dear Urban Gentry,
I just bought my very own SNA411, it was watching one of your videos that brought the first attraction to it. And I have to tip my hat to you for inspiring me. Since watching your videos, I've started collecting with starting of with Seiko's and hopefully soon to be delving within the Swiss offerings. But I digress as, must point out you were totally right about the SNA411. Its perfectly sized, usable in any situation weather formal or casual, its durable and brings so much positive attention to my wrist and myself among other watch collectors.
Cheers to you and many thanks again for inspiring me and for imparting your knowledge across.
Best watch content creator on UA-cam! I love watching and re-watching your videos TGV!
Terrific history! I wore my Flighty out this evening. It's a do anything watch. It goes with jeans and a rugby shirt. It goes with a suit. I wear mine on a Bond (black/olive/red) NATO. Seiko did not end production, they shifted production to China. New watches are available today.
Wow, you are delivering videos at an impressive pace after your return. Great to see you don´t compromise with the quality. I get the impression my humble Prospex SSC009P catches some if not all of the appeal of the SNA411, but being Solar that´s at least one worry less.
I had an SND253 and it was amazing but too manly looking for me so I sold it recently, might get another slide ruler bezel watch but in a light dial.
Right then. I have a variety of high end mid tier and affordable watches. Finally ordered this and got the recommended NDC strap. All came over the weekend and I have it on now and my god it’s good! Thanks.
Your original review was one of the first watch videos i have ever watched and kickstarted my love for them. The 411 has been a mini grail for me and i finally got one today, thanks TGV!
I got the 7T34-6A00 when they first came out. I saw it in a magazine, and almost immediately went and purchased one. I was about 16 at the time, and this was the first watch I purchased with my own hard earned money. I sold it a few years down the line, and only recently looked up the reference number so the I could get one back in my collection. I am happy as can be to have a "flighty" on my wrist again. What attracted me to it was the layout of the dial, with the four subdials. I also loved how they managed to put a sliderule on a watch bezel - my mind was boggled by that, at the time. I actually learned to use a lot of the functions of the sliderule bezel, but that has long since been forgotten. Thank you for the history lesson on the Flightmasters, it's always great to know the history of a watch one is wearing.
I just bought this watch in the wee hours! Thanks, TGV for your videos. You definitely got me into watches, especially the Flightmaster.
I’ve had my Flighty almost a year now, and I am still smitten by it. My favorite part is how utility and aesthetic are perfectly mixed, making it a beautiful watch to look at as well as use its computing functions. It gets compliments everywhere I go. I have mine on a dark red NATO right now. Been having trouble finding a yellow perlon. Having learned it’s history makes me appreciate it even more. It is my favorite Seiko as well! Thank you for such a wonderful video. BTW that Navitimer is one of my grail watches
Thank you Rudy, you obviously "get it".
So happy to hear you get compliments too and I love the NATO choice, I might have to try that!!!
As for the Navi, a very worthy grail, I hope you get it one day.
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry I’m going to have to put my grail plans on hold. I’ve recently inherited a vintage Omega that belonged to my grandfather, circa 1960. I am going to focus on bringing it back to its glory!
I am new in the watch market and I find your history and evolution of watch brands and models mesmerizing. Keep up the great videos. At this moment in time I am aspiring to get a Citizen Nighthawk Blue Angels but that's because my Dad took us to air shows a lot and it would be a nice memory when I check the time.
I love Seiko designs and build quality. The yellow adds a dash of energy. Enjoyed the review. Well done Sir!
Great video. Excellent history of this watch. I have the gold one pictured at 7:48 in the video. Bought it in the 90's when it first came out. Have had zero problems with it. Didn't know much about it other than I liked the look and the functions and I could afford it. That's pretty much how i bought all of my watches back in the 80's and 90's. And you're so right about the battery life. 3 year batteries last about 6 years in this watch. The jewelry store that changed the battery for me recently said they did the last one six years ago. As far as the alarm goes, my ears don't hear it as well they used to so, i now just use the alarm function as a second time zone.
I own a SSC008 solar powered flightmaster. It was the watch that go me into this hobby. To this day my Flighty was the only watch I bought from a dealer and that I've paid retail price for. It's been running for 4 years now without skipping a single beat. I just love it. I don't wear it much but I just cant sell it. It was my first watch and I still pick it up and test the chronograph before I choose the watch to wear that day. I love the busy dial, the size. It an amazing piece.
Noice! The distortion on the crystal really makes the watch work. Dial appears deeper, more layered, and the watch itself looks more like a precious object.
I just got a mental image of TGV taking this watch and saying "My precious !".
Aussie,
I picked an sna411 up after watching your videos. Instantly my favorite watch. Thank you!
Got myself an SNAB67 even before I got into collecting, and it will be a permanent fixture in my watch collection. Thanks for the video!
Your story review is always so damn relaxing I just fall a sleep listening to it. 😴😴 Thank you.
Great video on the Flighty!!! I just received mine today and paired with a 21mm vollmer mesh bracelet from Marc at Long Island Watch. I now see exactly why you love this watch! Thanks so much for all your reviews and especially the history of the Flighty! Your efforts convinced me to try it out and I know for sure I will never sell this one. It’s an absolute keeper and it certainly is the “Bees knees”!!! All the best to you and thank you for expanding my overall passion for watches!! I love this hobby!
Cheers!
Jack
I bought my flighty from your good friend Mark at lt Long Island Watch Co. My 1st and only online purchase. I did this after see you review the watch. Thanks sir! Cheers
Have been looking to buy 1 for over a year, racking the internet across the board at official sellers, unofficial sellers and few second hands. This video has clarified my decision that I am going to get a flightmaster as my starter to my collection. Simply looks amazing and love the utility nature of it.
I was thinking to get a Hamilton King Khaki as a starter to my collection but I think the SNA411 is just too amazing to miss out on. Cheers and thank you so much Governor!!!!
Coincidentally I'm wearing mine right now ⌚ Brilliant watch,not my absolute favorite in my modest collection, but certainly well up there 👍 Great recommendation TGV, love it. Excellent video as always. Cheers 👏
It's the love and passion for any interest that makes meeting people interesting-and then the open curiosity in exchanging perspectives that makes the conversation most appealing. TGV, you certainly are among the few who set the bar for those characteristics. Many thanks for being… Gentry. :)
Classic video, returning to this during a week of only watching videos on watches I already own
Just got mine today. NDC strap came in too.
Struggled a little to get the strap in, but it worked.
Looks great. Thank you!
Great video, sir! I already liked the Flightmaster. Now I want one even more. You’re a scholar and a gentleman. Love the watch! Love the rifle! Cheers from across the pond in the US!
I’ll say here what I’ve felt to be true about many of your best reviews, TGV-your passion for this piece makes want one in my own life. Absolutely compelling overview.
Analog G-Shock. I like that description.
Loved this episode! I had my gold tone Flighty out just for this occasion. What a great compilation of history and imagery. Thanks TGV!
Once again a great video, under a gray sky, which looks so much like my Sarthoise campaign in FRANCE. Really a beautiful story with this watch, and the more I see Tristano's videos and the more I feel like it. Small ancillary question, but what is this black jacket? a SOFTSHELL PATRIOT? I love it. Thanks TGV for the energy and time and real love of watches, the videos seems like an advice between two no much more friends.
Always wonderful watch history! Thank you sir.
i think i'm one of the few people out there who for whatever reason just can't fall in love with this watch. owned two versions of it, and just last night sold my most recent one on ebay. While i love the history, there's something that just doesn't do it for me. I guess it will always be the one who got away! Great video. splendid history on this amazing seiko creation.
So I am betting the kamikaze watches are hard to find on the used market?
Haaaaaaa, this guy!!!!
Not surprising considering they mostly share the fate of their wearers......
@@CtFshd1812 Congrats, you found the joke
@@Alex-1611 Did he, though?
@@CtFshd1812 love you Benny but you blew it bud
This was my first “real” watch, and I still love it to bits, and wear it regularly! I actually first stumbled across this channel in researching it, and I’m so glad I did! Love my Flightmaster, love the channel TGV! Keep up the good work!
What a perfect place to start and well, end too!
All you need in life is a good flighty! ;-)
Enjoy your flighty brother!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
I enjoy watching your videos, particularly your gushing over the 411, I am a pilot and I owned the previous version of this watch SEH030 with black face from about 93 to 04, then I bought the SNA411 like yours. I tried a yellow rubber Archer strap, but didnt like the way it fit my wrist, I have gone back to the factory bracelet. I recently inherited my pilot fathers 16710 Rolex GMT Master II Coke and I occasionally wear it but the SNA is my daily wear. The GMT is now up for sale. Cheers.
The flight master or the alpinist makes it to my wrist every Saturday for Seiko Saturday! I wear it once a week on average and it is one of my favorite watches… It wins rest time over many more expensive watches! I quite like the bracelet actually however I did recently switch it out for two different single pass paratrooper NATO straps just as you’ve done… Thanks for that by the way because it completely transformed the watch! And thanks for the wonderful review as always!
Had no idea Seiko was standard issue for the RAF in the 80's. Yet another interesting, military/historical tidbit from you. Thanks TGV!
I've just ordered my Seiko Flightmaster 411 and looking forward for it to arrive. Thanks TGV.
I have been wearing mine for 20 years and still love it. Before this model, I had the gold version, which was less robust than this model. This is a great video that highlights the coolness of this model but is honest about the irritants of the lug and band difficulties.
Seiko Flighty ~ This baby never gets old - Period!!
Great video & very well put together TGV.
Lots of love from Canada.
Urban Gentry I wanted to thank you for always talking about Seikos. I always chose other brands over Seiko, for whatever reason Japanese watches kinda always make me think less of them over Swiss. I recently purchased MY 1st SEIKO, I could not be more happy with it. I would not have given this watch a chance if it wasnt for your passion of them.
Amazing amazing video. The History behind the watch and the fact you didn't leave any stone unturned. I just ordered it to complete my Seiko trifecta. SKX007, Orange Monster Original version, and now this exact Flighty. Thanks for the awesome video.
finally got tired of listening to you go on and on about the FlightMaster... and broke down and bought one to see for myself what all the fuss was about.... oh my. It is all you said. Even bought the green para strap to go with it... but think I'll keep the bracelet for awhile. Thank you so much for the recommendations... just wish I hadn't waited so long.
My wife got me a SNA411 Flightmaster for Christmas.....love it. Now I've asked her to get me a Seiko 5 SNXS79k for my birthday next month 😄 I think they'll both be a nice start to my collection
This review is the reason you take a big Dump on every other watch channel reviewers! Your historical references an cinematography is exquisite!
After watching all your videos on the Flighty I decided to get myself one for graduation. It arrives tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited. Thank you so much for all your amazing content TGV. Keep it up!
May I ask you which country do you live in and where did you order this beautiful masterpiece? Because here in Europe I cannot find a way to get them.
@@charlielucky6918 I am in the US. Got it through Amazon!
Awesome production. I put it in my favorites and will *watch from time to time* (no pun intended).
I have been waiting a long time for you to give a really good review of the watch that I have cherished and owned for 12 years now. I wear it with pride and joy. Please continue to give us video's that we do appreciate and love to watch. BETTER THEN TV.
Everything about your videos scream passion! I love love love it!
I gotta say; your intros are like fine wine or whiskey, they get better and better the more time goes on! I love that elegant hip hop introductory song with the visuals! Masterpiece!! Thanks TGV!
Hey there TGV, I just wanted to say that I've also always been completely enamored by this watch too for many years since it first came out. I finally decided to pull the trigger on this one tonight on Jomashop with a $10 promo code I found online for the bargain price of $209. I can't wait to finally unbox it and will wear it with lots of love and great health. I will also have to admit, your videos really gave me that extra push to pull the trigger finally and I'm so very happy, so thank you very much my friend, you're indeed pure class!- Anthony U.
I absolutely love the look of this watch and matched up with the olive green strap with yellow strip you chose to pair it with is absolute Perfection. I’m itching to pull the trigger on this flight master after watching your video. Thanks for your uploads really enjoy your channel great job your doing TGV. All the best
Finally got my Flighty on one of those NDC straps. A match made in heaven ... and so comfy!!
I’ve researched this watch for weeks. And with the help of all your great videos. I finally ordered one before they disappear. I actually thought of getting two! Lol.
And now its at 400 euros.. still might buy one since i totally fell in Love with this watch, absolute time piece
Really liking this video, your passion and love for this piece clearly shows.
Thank you my friend, you are very kind for saying so,
Onwards and upwards!
Best regards,
TGV
The strap you paired with this watch is perfect.
It's videos like this one that makes you my favorite watch historian and horologist as well as a professor in combining horology and history. Spot on TGV, great content 👍. I enjoy my personal flighty. Love the yellow and busy dial. Until next time my friend, class dismissed. O/U..... 😉
With regard to the pursuit for perfection: as no human is perfect, why should our items be perfect? We just need to like them and the have to do the job(s) that matter to us.
Keep going with the great videos TGV!
Thanks
Your videos relax me after a hard days of work. Subscribed and keep doing these beautiful videos that are a work of art. thx
Honestly I never knew the flightmaster existed, but when I saw you wearing it, I instantly fell I love and and going to be purchasing one!
What a great video! Massive amount of information and history. I have a Casio G-SHOCK DW-5600BB-1 and a Garmin 245. Just for walking and HRM. Now I'm looking at this model. What an explanation and review! Thank you! Instant sub. Watching from Sydney, Australia.
Only just watching this today after getting properly into watches recently. I’ve learnt from this video that a Seiko I bought over 10 years ago has the 7T92 movement you mention in this video. And I bought it at the time because it was shiny! You’re videos really are another level in terms of information and back story. I’m loving learning more about watches. I’m now on EBay frowning at the 2021 flightmaster prices. 👍🏻
What bothers me about the Seiko flightmasters (owning two) is that the crystal is always in between the slide rule. Makes precise lining it up difficult. Breitling and Sinn have a better solution here, Citizen has the slide rule completely on the outside. The action and resistance of the slide rule is perfect though. I‘m in love with slide rule watches and actually use it almost daily.
Good job TGV on this video. Some solid info and really entertaining to watch!
Many thanks TGV for your perspectives on this model. Finally pulled the trigger after two years of deliberating. Purchased for £240 new. Very happy with it. Wears well at the weekend with my sbga285 taking the daily wear spot during the week. Continue wearing yours in good health.
Just a genuinely superb video. Very well researched and presented. My first watch was a 1982 Seiko which ran flawlessly and lasted 11 years before it gave out. In 1982, I paid $160.00 for it.
Great video as usual, TGV. It's amazing how infectious your enthusiasm really is. I thought about buying a different model of Flighty myself, but after watching this video and spending what could only be described as an unhealthy amount of time staring at screenshots, I think I might snag this particular model. Might have to put it on an NDC as well. :)
An other fantastic review. Thanks to you I bought last year the same watch for only 220 euro ! Greetings from Belgium 🇧🇪👍🏼
7T34-6A00 "Flight Computer" owner here, I had one for many years that I bought at Austin Kaye in London in 1993. Many years later it was damaged by a watchmaker and I replaced it with a NOS model from Japan after searching for a pristine example for a number of years - paid over $300 but totally worth it.
I watched your previous videos on this watch, and loved it so much I ordered one on impulse. I put it on a navy blue nato strap and it looks amazing! Now after this video I’m loving this watch even more! If my wallet could talk it would yell at me for watching your videos!
I also would like to add that I had trouble fitting a nato strap onto this piece, but I bought a pair of curved spring bars that helped the same strap slide in perfectly.
Thank you for the video mate. You're a legend
By telling the story of the watch, it all makes sense. Now I can fully appreciate it instead of just recognizing the specs. Good job
Ended up buying the flightmaster for my son. He should thank you, haha
Thank you, TGV, for propelling me into a Zen like state with this brilliant Flightmaster presentation. The genius and charm of Seiko. Talk about getting lost in the beauty of a dial. Best Regards, JPD
Today I bought a Casio f 91 w 😎
Ty buddy for everything
In four next month I will buy Casio g shock dw 5600
When all friends turn their backs and abandon one, gool ol flighty will always be there.
I got the snd253. Picked it up when I visited Japan last summer, my first watch after getting into watches (because of you).
Wearing it right now while watching and I love it.
Great video, love the mix of the “history time feeling” and the “watch review” part of the video.
What a great way to remember the trip.
I am honored by your comment btw, it inspires me greatly.
Thank you for taking the time to share that.
Onwards and upwards Jarl!
Best regards,
TGV
About the strap, ndc is not the only company that uses the marine militare straps. MN (Erika's original straps) also uses the same straps. She also has better color variety and customization. Also the MN straps are single pass so sit better on the wrist. Check them out. They are much better than the ndc straps in my opinion.
Great video as always.
I bought my SNA411 after watching your previous review on it. Such a lovely watch. Thank you, sir.