Review of the Steinhart Nav-B 47mm

[3pointross]

My good friend and I are as I like to describe... "watchaholics," and in an effort to put our obsession to good use we have started doing video reviews of our favorite affordable watches. Turns out we both love Steinharts. We finally got around to reviewing my favorite piece in my collection, the Nav-B pilot.

The best detail is in the video review of the Steinhart Nav-B but I have also included some photos and details below. Thanks for looking!

Chances are, if you’ve heard of Steinhart before, you’re well aware that the brand has a near cult following among the horologically saavy. Founded by Gunther Steinhart and supplemented by a team of talented individuals, the brand stands behind it’s products and it’s Swiss Made designation. One of the popular models is the Nav-B 47mm pilot’s watch that not only encompasses the aviator style but also adds its own flair and great attention to detail. From the high contrast dial, to the beautifully brushed stainless-steel case, the C1 superluminova lume, to the hand-made and ultra-soft straps, this is one of the finest pilot watches that you will get (short of an IWC). Furthermore, out back is the beautifully decorated Unitas 6497 manually-wound movement , which allows the watch to do what it’s supposed to… keep excellent time (and look pretty doing it too).

Price Points

• Retail Price: $400
• Online Price: $400
• Used Price: $350-400

Pros & Cons

PROs

• High build quality
• Excellent dial legibility
• Good lume on the dial
• Accurate movement
• Massive, engraved buckle
• Thick, soft leather band
• Many strap/band options
• Large wrist presence
• Very comfortable on the wrist
• Sapphire crystal with AR coating
• Great customer service
• Excellent vintage design
• Excellent value

CONs

• Intimidating size
• Short on availability

CWR Rating

• Lume: 85/100 – lume is good
• Accuracy: 90/100 – Unitas is good out of the box
• Crown: 95/100 – good feel, very easy to wind due to large size
• Detail: 95/100 – excellent legibility and good finish
• Case & Manufacturing: 95/100 – very good feel
• Strap / Bracelet: 90/100 – machined buckle, very supple leather
• Comfort: 95/100 – light and comfortable
• Crystal: 95/100 – sapphire crystal with AR coating
• Design: 95/100 – big, vintage pilot style design
• The it factor: 95/100 – fun watch to wear, addicting

[roadie]

Thanks so much for your in depth review. That strap combo has to be the absolute nicest possible! I own the 44mm auto and love it.
Just for those that are unaware this hand-wind model also comes in a 44mm version. Quick Question- what is the "T" designation on the dial? And, have I been pronouncing "UNITAS" wrong all these years?

[Nolimits]

Nice video review, it's clear to see you guys are very passionate about it, the only thing I'd say is, I'm surprised that you were so surprised that a Fleiger has good lume, they're supposed to have good lume aren't they.

[3pointross]

Thanks for the feedback! Glad you both liked it.

@Roadie - Good point, we will add that to the post. I bet the 44mm one is beautiful as well. I am not sure about the "T" on the dial, I purchased mine used and from what I can tell it's an earlier run. Maybe it was phased out at some point? I am not sure about the pronunciation of UNITAS... we were just guessing.

@Nolimits - I think we were surprised because a lot of brands "claim" to have great lume but are only so/so, especially compared to some comparable compounds like LUMIBRITE.

Cheers!
-Ross

[SJL]

Nice, accurate review. Well done guys. Here's to Steinhart Nav Bs everywhere.



SJL

[Riker]

3pointross, great review.

Your Nav.B is the original model which used the slimline case & original dial. The case was made thicker in late 2007, early 2008 as a design enhancement & the dial slightly modified.

Officially the name UNITAS in no longer used as ETA replaced it, however it is still used by some. The designated movement number is added to ETA so in the case of the Nav.B, ETA6497-1. It isn't a big issue which is used.

[primerak]

Nice fun entertaining review - which actually prompted me to check out your other reviews....keep them coming.

[boeing767]

Thanks for sharing your opinion!
great review

[3pointross]

Thanks Riker, great information! We are going to update the post to include these details so I really appreciate the insight.

I had a feeling it was an older model based on a few design differences between mine and whats displayed on the Steinhart website. Oddly enough it gives an itch to pick up a modern one just so I can see the differences in person.

3pointross, great review.

Your Nav.B is the original model which used the slimline case & original dial. The case was made thicker in late 2007, early 2008 as a design enhancement & the dial slightly modified.

Officially the name UNITAS in no longer used as ETA replaced it, however it is still used by some. The designated movement number is added to ETA so in the case of the Nav.B, ETA6497-1. It isn't a big issue which is used.

[Tony A.H]

Great Review, Pictures & Video.
i don't find the Size Intimidating at all. it Fits your Wrist Very Well.

Thanks for sharing.