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The ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph is part of the fourth generation of the Eurofighter pilot watch. In the latest edition, the popular traditional model now appears for the first time as a series. I present you all three models in detail. I’m especially excited about the Automatic Chronograph….
At twice the speed of sound to every mission
The Eurofighter is considered one of the most modern and important combat aircrafts in the world – the dream of every pilot. Its aerodynamic shape gives it speed and maneuverability – in any mission and under any conditions. At its maximum, the Eurofighter can reach twice the speed of sound. Within Germany, the stationed units thus need no more than 20 minutes to reach any point in the country. The pilots of the Eurofighter aircraft are required to have special skills. In addition to flying talent, they also need a high sense of responsibility, quick reactions, the ability to work in a team and technical understanding.
POINTtec relaunches the Eurofighter watch – now in series production
Just in time for the introduction of the new, fourth generation of Eurofighter combat aircraft (Tranche 4, Quadriga), the German watch manufacturer POINTtec recently also introduced the fourth edition of its eponymous pilot watch. The cooperation between POINTtec and the Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH already exists for 11 years. Until now, it was always a single automatic chronograph that was produced per generation. This is now changing with the introduction of a whole series developed around the newly launched top model. No wonder, given the successful predecessors, chances are that the new Pilot’s Watches will enjoy great popularity this time as well. Rightly so?
With the generation change comes another striking change. The Eurofighter watches appear for the first time under the name ZEPPELIN, a brand from POINTtec, which was known to me so far mainly through the ZEPPELIN Night Cruise Limited Edition ‘Alain Robert’. There’s no denying the visual affinity to this 2019 special edition model.
In addition to the centerpiece of the series, the ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph, POINTtec offers two other, more affordable models. While the automatic three-hand watch comes across much more reduced and minimalist, the Eurofighter Quartz Chronograph combines the versatile chronograph functions with a modern quartz movement. If you add up all the configuration options, you get a total of 10 different versions, of which I have listed the three tested at the end of this watch review.
Three models in the first comparison
Three new Eurofighter models are in front of me on the table. The quartz chronograph with the beige luminous dial and brown leather strap (Ref. 7298-5), the three-hand watch with blue sunburst dial and stainless steel bracelet (Ref. 7268M-3) and of course the automatic chronograph with beige luminous dial and the special pilot strap (Ref. 7218-5), which is the main subject of today’s review. In addition to the detailed instruction manual, the watches come with a bill that lovingly reminds of an old airship ticket from 1930 in the style of the Zeppelin brand. POINTtec uses the back to certify a 2-year warranty that applies to each watch.
I compare the watches with each other and consider which model I like best at first glance. Visually, they are all convincing in their own way. I like the certain retro charm that resonates when you look at the leather straps or the displays of the totalizers. Qualitatively, there is nothing to complain about. ZEPPELIN watches stand for the premium segment. This seems to apply to the new watch series as well. That these are the “official” Eurofighter pilot watches, you can tell at the latest when you look at the dial. The Eurofighter Typhoon logo is emblazoned here.
The ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph on the wrist
One after the other, I put on the three Eurofighter pilot models. The ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph makes quite a statement on the wrist. With a functional, sporty and noble design, it embodies exactly the values for which the great role model in the sky also stands. A timeless pilot’s watch that never fails to impress and cuts a fine figure in any situation. Sporty accents are set by the red color markers on the dial and the red upper pusher.
With a diameter of 43 millimeters, the ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph is a medium-sized men’s watch that will fit any wrist. Due to its height of 15 millimeters, it rests a little higher on the wrist. For comparison, the quartz chronograph comes to a slightly flatter 12 millimeters in height due to the omission of the automatic movement. The ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph weighs 135 grams. In everyday life, however, you hardly notice it.
The case of the ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph
The ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph consists of a case center construction, which curves into the lugs. It is made of stainless steel, which is particularly robust and high quality. Fully designed for functionality, the surfaces were exclusively satin-finished, which underscores the straightforward and sporty character of the watch. The caseback is screwed down six times and, at least on the Automatic Chronograph and the three-hand watch, has a round viewing window through which the respective automatic movement can be viewed. One of my personal highlights is the stylized, imprinted Eurofighter. Often, it’s these small details that make the design of a watch special.
POINTtec gives the ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph and the other two models sufficient water resistance, thanks to which the pilot watches need not fear water. While the two chronographs are water resistant up to 10 ATM, the three-hand watch even reaches 20 ATM. Some diving watches do not manage more!
The finely fluted, screw-down crown makes it easy to wind the movement. Praise goes to the two pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock, whose haptic feedback is fantastic and underlines the premium claim of the ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph.
In order to protect the dial of the ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph from pressure, shocks and sharp objects, the pilot’s watch receives a watch glass made of resistant sapphire during production, which also guarantees perfect readability. With its slight curvature, it recalls the look of classic pilot watches from the early 20th century. Buyers of the quartz chronograph receive their watch with K1 safety glass.
The bestseller among chronograph movements
You often don’t think about it and are always happy to read the familiar name in the specification table of a new watch. Inside the ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph, the bestseller among chronograph movements, the ETA Valjoux 7750, is at work. Under various names, it has been used in watches from the premium segment since the 1970s. The reason is obvious. In addition to its reliability, it stands out for its good accuracy. Enduring 48 hours of power reserve donate the Automatic Chronograph power and performance for everyday life.
A good quality Citizen/MIYOTA 9015 is used in the three-hand automatic watch. The quartz chronograph is driven by a quartz movement from ETA.
Dial and rotating bezel of the ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph
I’ve seen the implementation sporadically, but I’ve never been as impressed as I am with the Eurofighter pilot watches. That’s right, it’s all about the fully fluorescent dial, whose cream color turns into a bright light blue in the dark, making it easier for the pilot to read important data. The watches with dark blue sunburst dials in the series boast bright and easy-to-read luminous numerals.
The three models also succeed during the day. Here, the dials offer a high level of functionality. Let’s take a quick look at the chronograph functions of the ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph. With a 30 minute counter, a small seconds and a 12 hour sub-dial, the wearer gets all the important functions that are appreciated in everyday life. In addition, POINTtec has thought of two interesting markers. For the central stop second, there is an 8-second marker. It stands for the time the Eurofighter fighter needs to accelerate for takeoff on the runway. The minute counter has a time window of 2.5 minutes set off in red. It indicates the time after which the fighter jet has reached its optimum flight altitude of 10000 meters and has already accelerated to Mach 1.5.
The quartz model differs mainly in the arrangement of individual elements, for example, in that of the date window. Those who can do without most gadgets will go for the simpler three-hand watch.
Equipped with a useful Bezel
A second time measurement can be set up with the unidirectional rotating bezel. Times can then be stopped independently via the small and central seconds. The bezel of the quartz chronograph functions somewhat differently. Here, a tachymeter scale is printed on it. The quality of the cleanly engaging clicks is unprecedentedly good.
Bracelets for every taste
Lastly, let’s look at the different bracelets. I like the bracelet of the ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph the most, which is typical for a pilot’s watch. It is doubled around the clasp and does not have two loose ends. This makes it much easier to lash down when things need to be done quickly. The wearing comfort is first class, the leather soft and pleasant on the skin.
More conventional is the construction of the brown leather strap, which is attached to the quartz chronograph. If you opt for the three-hand watch tested here, you will receive the timepiece in a set – with a chic stainless steel band, silicone bracelet and replacement tool.
My conclusion about the ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph and the 4th generation of the Eurofighter series
POINTtec’s courage to expand its Eurofighter pilot watch to a series has paid off. Each of the three models, whether automatic chronograph, three-hand watch or quartz chronograph has its advantages, so that everyone will find his suitable model in this series, regardless of how much money he wants to spend or whether he favors chronograph or three-hand watch. This is also due to the fact that POINTtec offers enough configuration possibilities, leaving out almost no combination.
My personal favorite, because of the movement and the design, is the ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph, which is available as a limited edition of 500 pieces per dial color. If you are interested in any of the three watches tested here, you can find reference numbers as well as prices below.
Automatic Chronograph
Ref. 7218-5 | beige luminous dial, leather strap | 1.599,-€
Automatic three-hand watch
Ref. 7268M-3_Set | blue sunburst, set of metal and | 449,-€
silicone bracelet, with change tool
Quartz Chronograph
Ref. 7298-5 | beige luminous dial, leather strap | 349,-€
More about the ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph and the Eurofighter Series
ZEPPELIN Eurofighter Automatic Chronograph in the Shop
ZEPPELIN Night Cruise Limited Edition ‘Alain Robert’ Limited Edition Review
