Chotovelli & Figli is a watch brand that I was not aware of until recently. The company was started in the late 1920’s, and is based in Torino, Italy. The business was revived in 2005 by the third generation of the family and concentrates today on producing watches inspired by gauges (or instruments) and speedometers from the automotive and aviation industries. Their emphasis is primarily on design, quality and value.
Ernie Romers (founder of watchuseek) - "Yesterday I received this new model from Chotovelli & Figli for review purposes, and today I decided to shoot a video. Hope you'll like it "
Most of the watch collectors, which I consider close friends, tend to heavily concentrate on dive watches as far as their collections are concerned. However, some of those in the group enjoy having at least one pilot style watch in their collection just to provide that change of pace on any given day. Like myself, those that prefer having at least one pilot style watch in their collection look for models that have an appealing overall design and offer some quality specifications. Today I would like to discuss what I consider a relatively obscure watch brand, Chotovelli & Figli (sons)
Chotovelli provides quite a few modern style pilot style designs with their flagship Pilot Aviator leading the way. The model provides quality specifications such as the over-sized sturdy case design, sapphire crystal, screw down crown and a dependable Citizen quartz chronograph movement. If you are interested in modern pilot style watches and quartz movements are to your liking, definitely check out what Chotovelli has to offer.
In a thread a few days back, the question of Chotovelli and Figli watches came up. These watches are sold by Ernie Watchuseek. If you don't recognize the name or website, Ernie and WUS are a Authorized Welder dealer and a great horology forum.
There has been a great deal of chatter on the boards about the best watch under $1000 and under $500. The piece of choice under $500 seems to be the Nixon. The styling isn't really my cup of tea, so I thought the Chotovelli might be interesting to check out.
So I sent an email to my friend Ernie Romers and asked him about the quality of the pieces, as they are fairly inexpensive and realitively unknown.
Much to my surprise Ernie offered to ship me a sample for me to check out.
So I promised everyone a review of the watch, and here it is.
In review, I am very happy with this piece. While it isn't an AP, Panerai or IWC, I don't think anyone expected it to be. When comparing the piece to my Welder watches, I feel it is very close to being in the same league. While I think the design of the Welders stand far above the Chotovelli pieces, they are put together in much the same way and a great alternative for a daily wearer. I had an early U-Boat watch I sold earlier this year and I personally feel this has the same build quality.
