Latest Review
We’re really excited to have another Steinhart up for review on worn&wound. Back in March, Zach put together his review of the Steinhart Ocean Vintage Military (OVM), which has since become one of our most read, shared and discussed articles. This time around I’ll be bringing you my thoughts on the Nav B-Uhr II B-Type, Steinhart’s take on the vintage German military pilot watch first seen in the 1940’s.
The Nav B-Uhr II B-Type is a watch that I decided to purchase not too long ago. If you’ve checked out the w&w bios page, you know that I’m a sucker for pilot watches, especially those in the vintage style, so the B-Type is right in my wheelhouse. And as is the case with all Steinhart watches, the B-Type is a steal, coming in at approximately $400 shipped. For that price you get a beautifully styled watch true to its vintage roots, ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, signed crown in your choice of onion or diamond and superb build quality.
The Steinhart arrives in the same packaging we saw with Zach’s OVM. A white box with silver lettering surrounds a simple matte black leather box containing the B-Type. As Zach put it, “it’s packaging that serves a simple purpose, to get the product to you in good condition and then let the product speak for itself.” When my B-Type arrived I was surprised to find that it had come on a strap other than what was advertised. Rather than the double-studded brown leather strap pictured on Steinhart’s website, I received a non-studded chocolate leather strap which itself is quite nice. So I sent Steinhart a quick email explaining the mix up and they sent the correct strap immediately, free of charge (aside from customs). Both of the straps are quite nice and comfortable to wear, with some heft and rigidity.
The Nav B-Uhr II B-Type itself is a recreation of the original pilot watches produced during WWII. Back in the 1940’s, companies the likes of IWC, Laco and Stowa were charged with producing watches for the German military, many of which continue to produce this style of watch today. The Steinhart B-Type is specifically styled after the observer’s style pilot watch, which features a small inner hour ring on the dial, with minute/second indicators along the outer dial, and roman sword style, blue steel hands aligning with each. The Steinhart remains faithful to the original pieces even in its omission of any non-time related markings on the dial, including a logo. The result in my opinion is a very clean, utilitarian dial with a touch of luster in the polished steel hands.
The Nav B-Uhr II B-Type is a comfortable wear, measuring 44 mm in diameter with 22 mm lugs. I’ve found that I most frequently wear it with a nylon NATO in either green or brown, now that the heat of the summer is upon us. I’ve found that keeps wound quite well, and with its non-screw down crown, is very easy to throw on the in morning, wind and set the time.
All in all, thus far I am thoroughly enjoying my time with the Steinhart Nav B-Uhr II B-Type. Make sure to check back in a couple weeks when I’ll have my full review, complete with video and full photo gallery. In the meantime, please let me know if there is anything specific you’d like me to discuss in the review by leaving a comment below.
By Blake
