The focus on simplicity, theme, and practicality are what made me love this watch but also something which can leave the wearer less than excited by wearing it. Like most Wempe brand products, the Zeitmeister Aviator Ceramic Chronograph doesn’t really assert itself from an artistic standpoint. No design risks are attempted here and nothing new is created aside from a very satisfying assortment of existing themes and styles. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but my point is that even on days when I felt the Zeitmeister Aviator Ceramic Chronograph was artistically lacking, I still enjoyed wearing it because of its stylistic versatility, wearing comfort, and utility as a timepiece. This is probably the best conservative ceramic-cased chronograph pilot watch you can get in my opinion. It’s ideal for someone less interested in wearing a “statement piece,” and more interested in having a decidedly “nice” watch that they can easily wear for years without fuss or frustration.
The German Chronometer certified (done at the Wempe Observatory in Glashutte, Germany) Valjoux 7753 movement is otherwise unmodified and you can’t view the movement through the solid steel caseback. The movement is a classic and aside from one quirk doesn’t leave too much room for complaint. It operates at 4Hz (28,800 bph) with about two days of power reserve and includes the time, date, and 12-hour chronograph. My only complaint about this movement (and this complaint more or less applies to every watch that uses this movement) is that you need to use an inset pusher to adjust the date. Sure you can adjust the date by moving the time forward via the crown, but if you want to “quick set” the date you’ll need to use the pusher located at around 10 o’clock on the case. This isn’t an issue, but it does require finding a tool that will not scratch the case and that can be small enough to actually press in the pusher all the way. Unless you have the right plastic tool, you are best off using a sharp toothpick for this duty I’ve found.
Wempe doesn’t report on the watch’s water resistance other than saying it is “water resistant.” I will take that to mean this watch is anywhere from 30 – 50 meters water resistant. Wempe really only talks about the water resistance in their diving watches. Over the dial – following the graceful curvature of the case – is a domed AR-coated sapphire crystal. This is a nicely shaped part of the watch but I do feel that Wempe could have gone a lot heavier on the AR coating. For me, it would have just made this tool even better to have an almost invisible crystal (which is an effect you can get with enough AR coating) that would have promoted legibility even further.
Watch design snobs could probably find a few more things to take issue with in the Zeitmeister Aviator Ceramic Chronograph’s design, such as the multiple fonts on the dial to the choice of having a date window at all. With that said the word that comes to mind when summing up the Zeitmeister Aviator Ceramic Chronograph is “competent.” Wempe watches all feel rather competent and what adds to the competence of this particular watch is that it exists in a small niche taking into consideration the price, design, and case material. In addition to simply looking cool, ceramic is extremely scratch resistant, so compared to a metal watch this timepiece will look new for a lot longer. I can see some people opting to replace the well-fitted rubber strap with something else a bit more “traditional” for a pilot watch. Glossy black alligator or crocodile would easily look great in addition to the technical-looking stock rubber strap.
Being familiar while different in a package clearly suited for people who like well-made tool watches is the final way that I will describe Wempe’s Zeitmeister Aviator Ceramic Chronograph WM60 0003 timepiece. It also benefits from some exclusivity because it certainly isn’t available for sale everywhere. Price is $4,160 USD. wempe.com
Necessary Data
>Brand: Wempe
>Model: Zeitmeister Aviator Ceramic Chronograph (reference WM60 0003)
>Price: $4,160 USD
>Size: 44mm wide
>When reviewer would personally wear it: When wanting a good-looking and practical daily wear that has the spirit of a fine timepiece and versatility of a modern fashion item.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Lover of pilot watches and minimalism who just can’t seem to find the right product. Also, a big plus if they like the color black (a lot).
>Best characteristic of watch: Good value for the money in a comfortable, well-built package. Wempe origination means the movement is regulated to be quite accurate and the overall presence of the watch is an interesting combination between timeless, classic, and yet also contemporary.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Sapphire crystal could benefit from a bit more anti-reflective coating. The rubber strap is comfortable but doesn’t always visually match the aviator watch theme. 7753 caliber movement requires pusher to quick adjust the date.
