Today I review the Praesto Modern Fliegeruhr, a brand new take on the classic pilot's watch and the first product from newcomer Praesto.

Specifications to get us started:

• Automatic mechanical, based on the Miyota 8245, handwinding but non-hacking. 21,600vph, 21 jewels.
• Water resistant to 200m (660ft).
• 316L stainless steel case, bead-blasted to satin finish.
• Signed screw-down crown and caseback.
• Flat sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating.
• Functions: hours, minutes, and subseconds at 4:30.
• 44mm by 12.5mm, 105g.
• 24mm lugs, contrast-stitched leather strap which starts at a beefy 5.6mm and thins out to 4.2mm at the end.
• SuperLuminova lume on hands and dial.
• $360 for pre-order (still visible on their website -- soon to rise to $480).

Please read on for the full review.

There are a great many variations on the WWII-inspired aviator's watch; today it's my pleasure to introduce a new company, Praesto. The name is from Latin, meaning "To be outstanding; to excel." Praesto (the company) is actually a new project from the people at the Giovino Watch Company, who have for years been making watches for other brands. Praesto is their chance to make their own watches, using the design skills of Russ Schwenkler.

With all of that as prelude, let's meet their first model which due to ship this fall: the "Modern Fliegeruhr - Aviator":

• 316L stainless steel case, 44mm, bead-blasted finish, screw-down crown.
• Waterproof to an unusual 200m (660ft).
• Sapphire crystal.
• MDV super-bright lume from Lum-Tec.
• Decorated Miyota 8245 movement with offset subseconds.
• Three dial/case variations available (detailed below).
• Preorder now for $365/$395, or 25% more when they ship in December.

Please read on for more details and pictures.