When examining timepieces, personal sentiment often influences our perception, especially when comparing updated versions to cherished originals. The author confesses a strong attachment to their initial Biatec Corsair CS, a watch they've considered selling numerous times but ultimately couldn't part with. This unique connection makes evaluating its successors, the new Biatec Corsair CS and Corsair Vintage models, a nuanced experience. While objectively superior in many aspects, the challenge lies in overcoming the inherent bias towards the original, a common dilemma among collectors facing improved iterations of beloved items. This phenomenon extends beyond Biatec, as evidenced by a similar experience with a Nodus Sector Sport watch, where even acknowledged flaws in the original were initially preferred over objective enhancements in the newer version.
A significant shift in the updated Corsair models is the case design. The original Corsair was characterized by its distinctive, somewhat bulky case and prominent lugs, which, though perhaps less refined, gave it a unique character. The new Corsair features a sleeker, more conventional silhouette with curved lugs, brushed sides, and a polished chamfer, reducing its thickness by two millimeters to a more wearable 11.5mm. This streamlined design, while undoubtedly more appealing to a broader audience, sacrifices some of the original's idiosyncratic charm. Furthermore, the crown, a beloved feature of the original for its jumbo pilot-style and easy grip, has been subtly modified. While retaining its classic aesthetic and smooth winding, it now pulls out rather than screws down, a design choice for 100m water resistance that differs from its predecessor.
The dials of the new Corsair models largely retain the legibility central to pilot watches. The Corsair CS, described as a 'dress pilot' watch, maintains a refined look with polished applied numerals and a sunray dial, distinguishing it from a purely utilitarian tool watch. In contrast, the Corsair Vintage offers a more traditional flieger aesthetic with a matte black dial and lumed minute hashes, reminiscent of classic Type A pilot watches. While the CS's lume on the numerals is noted as a weakness, the Vintage model significantly improves in this area, offering consistent illumination. Another notable improvement is the movement, transitioning from the finicky Eterna 3902A to the reliable Sellita SW200-1. This switch provides a robust, easily serviceable Swiss automatic movement, operating at 28,800 vph with a 41-hour power reserve and top-grade finishing, including blued screws and precise regulation. This upgrade addresses previous reliability concerns, though the article expresses hope for a future upgrade to the newer Sellita SW200-2+ version.
Ultimately, the enduring appeal of the original Biatec Corsair for the author stems from its distinctive case, effective crown, and dressy pilot dial. The updated Corsair models, while offering enhanced wearability and a more reliable movement, present a choice between unique character and modern refinement. The Corsair CS, priced at €1,490 EUR on leather, and the Corsair Vintage, at €1,590 EUR on leather, cater to different preferences within the pilot watch segment, demonstrating a brand's continuous effort to evolve while balancing tradition with innovation. The narrative highlights that true acceptance of progress often involves a willingness to embrace change, even when it means re-evaluating long-held affections for original designs. This journey of appreciation underscores the dynamic nature of watch collecting and the continuous pursuit of excellence in craftsmanship and design.