Which is cheaper, the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax or the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze?

At MSRP the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze is the cheaper of the two at $599, against $4,180 for the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax — a $3,581 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax or the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze?

The Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax wears larger at 43mm versus 35mm for the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze — a 8mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax or the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze?

The Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax is rated to 200m versus 100m for the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax or the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze?

The Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax carries a 58-hour power reserve against 41 hours on the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze.

What movement does the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax run compared to the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax uses the Sellita SW510 BH a and the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze uses the NH38.

Side by side

Fortis Flieger F-43 BicompaxvsKUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax

F-43 Bicompax

MSRP $4,180

KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze

os90002nd-bz-br

MSRP $599

At a glance

15 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Flieger F-43 Bicompax43mm

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze35mm

Power Reserve

Flieger F-43 Bicompax58h

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze41h

Water Resistance

Flieger F-43 Bicompax200m

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze100m

MSRP

Flieger F-43 Bicompax$4,180

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze$599

Full specifications

Case

7 specs

Crystal & Dial

4 specs

Crystal Shape

Flat

Dome

AR Coating

Inner

Yes

Dial Color

Original

Brown

Lume

None

Super-LumiNova

Movement

3 specs

Caliber

Sellita SW510 BH a

NH38

Power Reserve

58h

41h

Jewels

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$4,180

$599

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax

Owners widely praise the Fortis Original for its tool-watch aesthetic, legibility, and robust construction, with many noting excellent lume that lasts all night and precise day/date changes at midnight. The brushed stainless steel case is well-finished, and the 38mm size is considered comfortable and well-weighted despite being smaller than modern watches. Accuracy figures range from +2 seconds/day to +8 seconds/day, and some owners compare Fortis quality favorably to Omega. However, some users find the MSRP too high compared to brands like Sinn and Damasko, and one owner reported internal parts dislodging from a limited edition model. Concerns have also been raised about stripped lug screws on B-42 models and potential parts shortages due to past bankruptcy protection filings. Overall, owners rate the Fortis Original highly for its durable construction and tool-watch functionality at a competitive price point.

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KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze

Owners widely praise the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze for its vintage military aesthetic and comfortable 35mm wearability, noting the lug design allows it to fit well on wrists around 7 inches. The Seiko NH-35 movement is reported to be reliable, keeping time within +2 to +3 seconds per day. Some owners dislike the 18mm lug width and the PVD coating on the NATO strap hardware, which does not match the bronze case. Overall, owners rate the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze highly for its vintage appeal and comfortable wearability.

From video reviewers

The watch's bronze case finish is a notable strength, with reviewers highlighting its unique patina and subtle aging effect. A weakness is the lume brightness, which may be a drawback for those who prioritize nighttime readability. Reviewers agree on the watch's movement accuracy, citing the reliable and accurate Seiko NH38 caliber.

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