I debating buying myself a nice preowned watch for my birthday and I'm trying to decide between these two. The main thing about the watch for me is the dials are clear and legible. Otherwise I think both are equal in all aspects; case, movement, fit & finish, etc.

What does the forum think about these watches?

 

Really cool, the one that has a zero for 12

 

I like the second one better. The dial is a less busy.

 

Hey Paul, my vote is the military. The faux patina with blue hands look great.

 

Both look great. #2 can dress up more I think, so if you want one “go to” watch, I’d choose it. #1 would be my “weekend” watch.

And happy birthday!

 

Happy birthday Paul! The second Longines I have always loved, and agree wirh @amcclell - it’s easier to read due to being less busy.

Have you thought about the Timefactors watches? His Smiths watches are excellent for legibility...or are you on a Longines kick?

 

I'm no help. I like them both. The military is very cool but I'm a sucker for railroads.

 

I don't think you would go wrong with either of these watches! I am partial to the military; the patina gives it character.
Happy Birthday!

 

I like the military of those 2. I had one before and enjoyed it.

 

My vote would also be for the military.

 

Lots of great replies and thanks for the birthday wishes

I do favour the Military and the point about the dial being less busy is valid and something I hadn't considered.

Yeah, I do have a soft spot for Longines whether vintage or new. I'll have a look at the Timefactors site and see what looks interesting.

 

My only issue with Timefactors is how limited his runs are (one man show I believe) and how highly demanded they have become (sell out in minutes when his store goes live)- it’s difficult to get watches from them now. The Longines is probably easier.

 

It's only about 30 minutes away, so very easy to get.

 

Both are great representations of the Longines heritage. Tough deciding between the two. If it matters to you the R888 is a larger case at 40mm than 38.5 Military. The blue hands on the Military are quiet nice.

 

Actually that does matter. I do prefer watches 38mm or smaller so it looks like the Military is becoming the better option.

 

Found this thread yesterday and am curious what was the final decision, as I am considering Longines military myself. Any update/pictures/impressions to share, Paul @WhatYourWatchSay ? Thanks!

 

Sorry for not updating this @NikolShep.

I had to ask myself if I really wanted an automatic and honestly I don't like autos and I wasn't willing to spend this much money to see if I'd like it.

If either watch were a hand wind it would have been a tough decision but the Military is a beautiful looking watch.

Oddly enough, I ended up buying an automatic, but at a price point I'm more comfortable with.

 

how on earth does one pivot from the longines military to this seiko?

they don't seem to belong on the same horological journey at the same time.

it's almost like saying i like invicta divers and then turn around and buy a 1960's skin diver.

not saying it's wrong. it just seems weird.