As an owner of the Bunker and the SWC Diver I’m partial to the brand, lume on mine are exceptional but my Helm Komodo takes the prize. My only negative is the spring bar spacing on their cases, I believe it’s just too close, but like their other watches this one looks to be a solid offering, Thanks Shane.
For the strap fitting issue, you have a few options: 1. buy a cheap tool for bending spring bars and put a slight bend on them yourself (the tool is cheap & it's easy to do) 2. buy pre-bent spring bars (quick-release are available pre-bent too) 3. buy a strap that comes with curved spring bars Seems like a nice watch and the price isn't out of line. Thanks!
Thanks for the review. As an owner of the IWC pilot watch, I cannot help but see this design as a homage. Even so, I appreciate what they are doing here and for the price it's a killer. While it is natural to compare these with the IWC, having owned a few other Fliegers before the IWC (Fortis, Sinn, etc) the real difference is in a lot of subtler aspects which can only be experienced as an owner. For example, the level of finishing, movement (Mark 18s had ETA2892/SW300 in top grade adjusted, regulated and built to IWC specs, which is considered a higher level movement than the SW200/ETA28XX), the execution of the dial (the lack of crispness in the numerals in the Hyper G), the winding action and actuation of the screw down crown, even to the finishing on the caseback, etc. One other subtler aspect that is personally important for me is the crystal has to be domed. Flat crystals just look somewhat cheap IMO (So no modern Rolex for me!). But for the price I can personally overlook all these and if I were in the market for a budget watch, this one is something I would seriously look at. Hats off to SWC for putting in some nice elements - data wheel at 6 (better dial balance), magnetic resistance (soft iron core), legibility, accuracy, clarity of the dial, etc.
I think the only reason why the numerals on the SWC may look a bit less crisp than on the IWC is because the IWC numerals are merely flat printed, with zero lume. That surprises me about such an expensive watch. The numerals on the SWC are crisp enough and I'd much rather have the lume. Also, about crystal shape, I guess different strokes for different folks. I dislike domed crystals because they have a worse problem with reflections than flat crystals. A small tilt can get rid of a reflection on a flat crystal easily; not so with domed ones.
@@brafman1 The numerals on the IWC don't have lume because of historical reasons; the Marks had lume only on the cardinals. Even so, the lume is plenty enough unless you expect your watch to function as a bedside reading lamp :) Agreed, crystals are a personal preference. Having said that the legibility on the IWC is superlative thanks to the use of multiple layers of AR coating. Personally not a fan of flat crystals as they are usually found on a lot of lower end watches and (Rolex :)) and dials usually lack the depth or dimensionality . In any case, as I said, the SWC is still a great value watch and I truly appreciate the designers.
Hi Shane, another awesome review! At (4:27) when you are discussing the finishing on the SWC titanium case you cut to the Citizen Promaster Tough BN0211-50E! While it is super cool to see it (!!!), the Citizen Promaster Tough BN0211-50E is a steel case and bracelet with a duratec super titanium coating and toned down finish, which is your point. As a Citizen Promaster Tough BN0211-50E owner who is wearing it now I can confirm it is a steel case and bracelet watch, not lightweight titanium. The Promaster Tough *titanium* model is the Promaster Tough Titanium *BN0118-55e* & 12L.
Thats right... you are absolutely correct. I was going through my archive footage looking for a a titanium watch with different finish and saw the citizen folder. I forgot it was a coating and not full titanium. Thanks for pointing it out.
Fine review Shane. For what it’s worth, some of us slower readers had to rewind a couple of times on the spec sheet. Maybe you could let it stay up on the screen for a wee bit longer. Thanks
Noted. I've always debated how long to keep it up for. In the past when i've kept it up for about 10s or so, there was always a drop in the audience retention chart. Meaning a good number of people were getting bored and skiping ahead. So I started shortening it figuring people could pause if they wanted. I guess I need to find a nice middle ground.
I had a bunker and came to realize the date wheel not color matched and too small, it's a very good watch getting close to great with that finishing. I would pay extra for a cosc regulated movement
SWC, aka So Well Created... Another (on another, on another...) home run. Enough said, kudos, thanks Shane for the review. PS Please take name OR logo away from dials (or both? Isn't "SWC" acronym enough?).
Wow, it's hard to believe that's titanium. When you mill titanium you create filings and powder, which are highly flammable, a lot like magnesium. I would be fascinated to know if they did their own finishing here, or who they used, and what safety measures they took. If it's a Chinese factory, I would expect to see more of this polished titanium on the market soon.
Nice as it is. The second hand needs an up grade. If they could incorporate their symbol into it and Illuminate the tip. Date is ridiculous. Scrap it and bring the price down. Spot on review as usual, thanks Shane
I agree. As an owner/infrequent wearer of several Vostoks¹ (that don't get as much wear due to being lower in the pecking order than other pieces), I can say with gusto: NO DATE WINDOW WOULD BE 💯 FINE. It's just an annoyance to set if you're not wearing the watch every day and it runs out of power. And on THIS watch, the window is so small as to be impractical. It just adds clutter to the dial. Wholly unnecessary. ¹ the Vostoks, due to comically low cost, have become a whole subset of the collection - practical beaters & neat history. Once you Vos, you can't stok 🤷🏼
Not only the name is a bit goofy, also the logo. Other than this this watch is nearly perfect! Using curved spring bars might take the edge off the strap-biting issue.
Though I'm not a fan of green watches the other colorways look good and the watch looks really welll made and with the finishing , titanium and SW200 movement worth the price. As usual, I think you nailed the drawbacks as the lug width of 22 is too big and the lug gap too narrow. I don't have a problem with the logo but the name on dial distracts. Should be just the logo.
My Zelos Mako has some polished Ti, and it also looks like stainless steel. I like that SWC watch you reviewed, but believe 38/39mm would have been better
Shane, nice review. I for one, never really liked the grayish look of Titanium. ( I have a couple older inexpensive Ti Watches) I do like the steel look of this one. Not a fan of Green dials. 🙂
Thanks for another great review. I'm curious as to how much you feel the color affects the lume performance. I just watched the last lume-o-ween and noticed you stated that black lume didn't last as long. Is the effect the color of the lume has only evident in drastically contrasting colors? Or would it be apparent with white numerals and let's say yellow numerals? I've noticed some numerals that appears to be a mint green look instead of white. I'm curious if this is meant to increase the lume performance or if it just a result of the lume. Sorry for the questions. I'm new to the watch world. 👍🏼 Thanks for any feedback.
Well when it comes to lume there are different formulations of it. Which have two different parts, one will be the color it looks before being charged, and the other is when it's all charged up. For example, C3 and BGW9 both look white when they aren't charged, but in the dark they are green and blue respectively. Beyond that though, each formulation is going to have different intensity (and longevity). There is a chart thats been floated around for a while for the Swiss Superluminova lume. Which shows you the relative intensity to each other. www.3watches.com/all-about-super-luminova/super-luminova-lume-color-chart/ I think most of that will be dependent on whatever formulation their Chemists come up with. Yet I do see a trend where the formulations that are white when not charged up seem to outperform. Which could be just because they lack other color pigements, so the phosphores (chemical that glows) is able to asorb more light.
Yeah, the branding is terrible, great watches tho. The other issue is coloured dials can, and in this case do, look cheap. Like a chockky wrapper. Polished titanium is a real point of difference and very difficult to do.
So many comments about the logo being a deal breaker, it's almost like the logo is..... bad. Great watches. Terrible logo. And a great review. Thanks. Though I don't know why I watch reviews of SWC watches. Until they change the logo/branding I'll never own one.
I think it's kind of like the old Christopher Ward branding. Great watches, but some people couldn't get over it. Although even CW eventually wised up.
Other than the name...that date window is a shame. Either don't put one in or do it right. Frame it and or color match it. I like that they at least put it at the 6 o'clock position but still
I like their design but the name of their brand doesn´t seem to work for me. And it´s not just the name, but logo and the font as well. Other than that the watch looks amazing but I wouldn´t buy it :- /
If the lume lasts whilst still giving a reference point to 12 or 6 o'clock then it's a lume winner, if you can't see which way around then it's a fail.
Why couldn't you have featured the red dial!.😆😀 Quite generic looking, but a good look to 'generise' - if such a word exists!. Seems better executed than most similarly styled, sub-luxury watches.🖖
This just happens to be the one they sent. I would of loved to see the red one too. Although from the pics I've seen, I think the gunmetal grey looks the best.
Their brand name and logo suck, to the point I believe it's actually holding the company back. I for one have never taken them seriously because of it.
Like many on these comments I'd buy one but that name & logo just kill any desire for it. Damn shame....such a little thing , but unfortunately a big thing holding them back. Cheers mate 👍👍
For a lot of people that was the same thing with Christopher Ward. We watch folks are fickle sometimes, but when you are paying that much for something, nothing wrong with that.
@@RelativeTime 🤣 yes, spot on. Hadn't thought of that. I'm a Christopher Ward owner, hated that logo at first too. Perhaps this will grow on me too ( or at least disappear into the background) & I'll see this brand for what they are. Thank you for your perspective 👍🏻👍🏻
Can't compare SWC to Christopher Ward. Everything possible is wrong with SWC branding. The name, the font used, and the logo is like a comic book alien character. I can't think of any brand to come even close to SWC.
Nothing wrong with the watch. But the ridiculousness of the brand name is unbelievable. Writing it on the dial and topping it with the strange logo..... Unfortunately they lose a lot of potential customers with those
Thanks for the review Shane, we went with Hyper-G being a pilots watch and G force. We appreciate the honest review and feedback as always! Thank you.
When will this be available?
As an owner of the Bunker and the SWC Diver I’m partial to the brand, lume on mine are exceptional but my Helm Komodo takes the prize. My only negative is the spring bar spacing on their cases, I believe it’s just too close, but like their other watches this one looks to be a solid offering, Thanks Shane.
For the strap fitting issue, you have a few options:
1. buy a cheap tool for bending spring bars and put a slight bend on them yourself (the tool is cheap & it's easy to do)
2. buy pre-bent spring bars (quick-release are available pre-bent too)
3. buy a strap that comes with curved spring bars
Seems like a nice watch and the price isn't out of line. Thanks!
Thanks for the review. As an owner of the IWC pilot watch, I cannot help but see this design as a homage. Even so, I appreciate what they are doing here and for the price it's a killer. While it is natural to compare these with the IWC, having owned a few other Fliegers before the IWC (Fortis, Sinn, etc) the real difference is in a lot of subtler aspects which can only be experienced as an owner. For example, the level of finishing, movement (Mark 18s had ETA2892/SW300 in top grade adjusted, regulated and built to IWC specs, which is considered a higher level movement than the SW200/ETA28XX), the execution of the dial (the lack of crispness in the numerals in the Hyper G), the winding action and actuation of the screw down crown, even to the finishing on the caseback, etc. One other subtler aspect that is personally important for me is the crystal has to be domed. Flat crystals just look somewhat cheap IMO (So no modern Rolex for me!). But for the price I can personally overlook all these and if I were in the market for a budget watch, this one is something I would seriously look at. Hats off to SWC for putting in some nice elements - data wheel at 6 (better dial balance), magnetic resistance (soft iron core), legibility, accuracy, clarity of the dial, etc.
I think the only reason why the numerals on the SWC may look a bit less crisp than on the IWC is because the IWC numerals are merely flat printed, with zero lume. That surprises me about such an expensive watch. The numerals on the SWC are crisp enough and I'd much rather have the lume. Also, about crystal shape, I guess different strokes for different folks. I dislike domed crystals because they have a worse problem with reflections than flat crystals. A small tilt can get rid of a reflection on a flat crystal easily; not so with domed ones.
@@brafman1 The numerals on the IWC don't have lume because of historical reasons; the Marks had lume only on the cardinals. Even so, the lume is plenty enough unless you expect your watch to function as a bedside reading lamp :) Agreed, crystals are a personal preference. Having said that the legibility on the IWC is superlative thanks to the use of multiple layers of AR coating. Personally not a fan of flat crystals as they are usually found on a lot of lower end watches and (Rolex :)) and dials usually lack the depth or dimensionality . In any case, as I said, the SWC is still a great value watch and I truly appreciate the designers.
You captured that green dial beautifully 👍
Thanks!
Yay. Titanium. You’re favorite
They may be great watches but the name on the dial is a deal breaker. Nice review.
I love my Bunker and waited patiently for the bracelet. I wish SWC would release the watch and bracelet together. Still love SWC.
Would of been nice if they waited. I wonder how much the grade 5 bracelet will cost for this one?
Hey Shane! I have the Hyper G on for review and that alternate strap did the same thing!
It's a nice strap, but yah they shouldn't include it with the hyper g
That's an impressive price to my ears and eyes
I really like SWC pieces. I just come from the school of thought that aviation watches should be larger.
Love your videos, keep them coming dude.
Hi Shane, another awesome review! At (4:27) when you are discussing the finishing on the SWC titanium case you cut to the Citizen Promaster Tough BN0211-50E! While it is super cool to see it (!!!), the Citizen Promaster Tough BN0211-50E is a steel case and bracelet with a duratec super titanium coating and toned down finish, which is your point. As a Citizen Promaster Tough BN0211-50E owner who is wearing it now I can confirm it is a steel case and bracelet watch, not lightweight titanium. The Promaster Tough *titanium* model is the Promaster Tough Titanium *BN0118-55e* & 12L.
Thats right... you are absolutely correct. I was going through my archive footage looking for a a titanium watch with different finish and saw the citizen folder. I forgot it was a coating and not full titanium. Thanks for pointing it out.
Fine review Shane. For what it’s worth, some of us slower readers had to rewind a couple of times on the spec sheet. Maybe you could let it stay up on the screen for a wee bit longer. Thanks
Noted. I've always debated how long to keep it up for. In the past when i've kept it up for about 10s or so, there was always a drop in the audience retention chart. Meaning a good number of people were getting bored and skiping ahead. So I started shortening it figuring people could pause if they wanted. I guess I need to find a nice middle ground.
These look pretty great.
I had a bunker and came to realize the date wheel not color matched and too small, it's a very good watch getting close to great with that finishing. I would pay extra for a cosc regulated movement
That's true. I wonder how much more it would cost for cosc certification?
I think it’s great .
SWC, aka So Well Created... Another (on another, on another...) home run. Enough said, kudos, thanks Shane for the review.
PS Please take name OR logo away from dials (or both? Isn't "SWC" acronym enough?).
So Well Created.... Or maybe Crafted? Either way, love that. Works perfectly with what they do.
Wow, it's hard to believe that's titanium. When you mill titanium you create filings and powder, which are highly flammable, a lot like magnesium. I would be fascinated to know if they did their own finishing here, or who they used, and what safety measures they took. If it's a Chinese factory, I would expect to see more of this polished titanium on the market soon.
I want the face of my Bunker in the case of the Hyper-G.
Nice as it is. The second hand needs an up grade. If they could incorporate their symbol into it and Illuminate the tip. Date is ridiculous. Scrap it and bring the price down. Spot on review as usual, thanks Shane
I agree. As an owner/infrequent wearer of several Vostoks¹ (that don't get as much wear due to being lower in the pecking order than other pieces), I can say with gusto: NO DATE WINDOW WOULD BE 💯 FINE.
It's just an annoyance to set if you're not wearing the watch every day and it runs out of power. And on THIS watch, the window is so small as to be impractical. It just adds clutter to the dial. Wholly unnecessary.
¹ the Vostoks, due to comically low cost, have become a whole subset of the collection - practical beaters & neat history. Once you Vos, you can't stok 🤷🏼
Different strokes for different folks. I much prefer having the date window.
Not only the name is a bit goofy, also the logo. Other than this this watch is nearly perfect! Using curved spring bars might take the edge off the strap-biting issue.
That is a very nice watch! Not sure if sunburst is strictly the right decision for this type of watch, but I don't care. I love it!!
True. I'm guessing they went full sunburst here to help diferentiate it from the bunker.
Though I'm not a fan of green watches the other colorways look good and the watch looks really welll made and with the finishing , titanium and SW200 movement worth the price. As usual, I think you nailed the drawbacks as the lug width of 22 is too big and the lug gap too narrow. I don't have a problem with the logo but the name on dial distracts. Should be just the logo.
Great review as usual
My Zelos Mako has some polished Ti, and it also looks like stainless steel. I like that SWC watch you reviewed, but believe 38/39mm would have been better
Shane, nice review. I for one, never really liked the grayish look of Titanium. ( I have a couple older inexpensive Ti Watches) I do like the steel look of this one. Not a fan of Green dials. 🙂
Please tell me what is the watch on the right side of the frame at 10:01 also I bought the hyper g because of your video
It's a Timex q falcon with a green dial.
www.timex.com/q-timex-reissue-falcon-eye-38mm-stainless-steel-bracelet-watch/TW2U95400ZV.html
Thanks for another great review.
I'm curious as to how much you feel the color affects the lume performance. I just watched the last lume-o-ween and noticed you stated that black lume didn't last as long. Is the effect the color of the lume has only evident in drastically contrasting colors? Or would it be apparent with white numerals and let's say yellow numerals? I've noticed some numerals that appears to be a mint green look instead of white. I'm curious if this is meant to increase the lume performance or if it just a result of the lume.
Sorry for the questions. I'm new to the watch world. 👍🏼
Thanks for any feedback.
Well when it comes to lume there are different formulations of it. Which have two different parts, one will be the color it looks before being charged, and the other is when it's all charged up.
For example, C3 and BGW9 both look white when they aren't charged, but in the dark they are green and blue respectively. Beyond that though, each formulation is going to have different intensity (and longevity). There is a chart thats been floated around for a while for the Swiss Superluminova lume. Which shows you the relative intensity to each other.
www.3watches.com/all-about-super-luminova/super-luminova-lume-color-chart/
I think most of that will be dependent on whatever formulation their Chemists come up with. Yet I do see a trend where the formulations that are white when not charged up seem to outperform. Which could be just because they lack other color pigements, so the phosphores (chemical that glows) is able to asorb more light.
When will this be available?
Yeah, the branding is terrible, great watches tho. The other issue is coloured dials can, and in this case do, look cheap. Like a chockky wrapper.
Polished titanium is a real point of difference and very difficult to do.
So many comments about the logo being a deal breaker, it's almost like the logo is..... bad. Great watches. Terrible logo. And a great review. Thanks. Though I don't know why I watch reviews of SWC watches. Until they change the logo/branding I'll never own one.
I think it's kind of like the old Christopher Ward branding. Great watches, but some people couldn't get over it. Although even CW eventually wised up.
Other than the name...that date window is a shame. Either don't put one in or do it right. Frame it and or color match it. I like that they at least put it at the 6 o'clock position but still
I like their design but the name of their brand doesn´t seem to work for me. And it´s not just the name, but logo and the font as well. Other than that the watch looks amazing but I wouldn´t buy it :- /
If the lume lasts whilst still giving a reference point to 12 or 6 o'clock then it's a lume winner, if you can't see which way around then it's a fail.
Why couldn't you have featured the red dial!.😆😀 Quite generic looking, but a good look to 'generise' - if such a word exists!. Seems better executed than most similarly styled, sub-luxury watches.🖖
This just happens to be the one they sent. I would of loved to see the red one too. Although from the pics I've seen, I think the gunmetal grey looks the best.
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
Their brand name and logo suck, to the point I believe it's actually holding the company back.
I for one have never taken them seriously because of it.
I could see that.
Orient. The name I dislike
I figure if you can't tell the time from just the glowing hands you probably shouldn't be out at night anyway.
No lume on the second hand, I'm out
Like many on these comments I'd buy one but that name & logo just kill any desire for it. Damn shame....such a little thing , but unfortunately a big thing holding them back.
Cheers mate 👍👍
For a lot of people that was the same thing with Christopher Ward. We watch folks are fickle sometimes, but when you are paying that much for something, nothing wrong with that.
@@RelativeTime 🤣 yes, spot on. Hadn't thought of that. I'm a Christopher Ward owner, hated that logo at first too. Perhaps this will grow on me too ( or at least disappear into the background) & I'll see this brand for what they are. Thank you for your perspective 👍🏻👍🏻
Can't compare SWC to Christopher Ward. Everything possible is wrong with SWC branding. The name, the font used, and the logo is like a comic book alien character. I can't think of any brand to come even close to SWC.
@@IRguyIR agree, it's as if they deliberately searched for the crappiest logo & most unimaginative name 🤦🏻♂️
Nothing wrong with the watch. But the ridiculousness of the brand name is unbelievable. Writing it on the dial and topping it with the strange logo..... Unfortunately they lose a lot of potential customers with those
As an IWC owner,i like both,the name and logo. 🤷♂️
IWC is woke, skreew woke
Great looking watch....well built and the two other watches I have of theirs keeps excellent time + 1 second a day