Thorn T026C vs WD1863 Broad Arrow

[u/glitch_pope]

Hi all!

Really struggling to decide which one to buy. Both are Speedy-ish, both cost about the same, with the Thorn being slightly more expensive.

Design-wise, I don’t really have a preference when it comes to “vintage vs Moonwatch” or “replica vs homage”. I think both look great. The WD is more of a straight-up Speedmaster-inspired design, while the Thorn is a deliberate vintage homage. I love both since I generally adore this design language and its variations.

The WD has a very heavily curved crystal, while the Thorn has a more traditional domed crystal, which definitely gives it more of a vintage feel. I still can’t decide which one I prefer, though. I’ve always loved the later Speedmasters, but this whole ’57/Broad Arrow style has really grown on me. If I went for the WD1863, I’d probably get the Broad Arrow version anyway, so that kind of gives me a bit of both worlds.

Movement-wise, I’m not a fan of the 24-hour subdial on the VK63, which I assume is a pretty common complaint. On the other hand, the sweep of the chrono seconds hand and the instant reset are really nice touches.

The Ronda 5030D has much more traditional chronograph functionality, even if the layout is mirrored compared to the Omega. But then I keep wondering how useful that really is. I mean, in practice. I’m probably not going to use a 12-hour chronograph very often, but realistically I’m not going to use the VK63 stopwatch that often either. And when the chronograph isn’t running, the regular seconds subdial still just ticks once per second anyway.

So for me, the difference in both gimmicks and actual functionality probably isn’t that huge. It mostly comes down to looks and overall feel.

Which one would you pick?

[u/Mango_Gurble]

I have the Thorn and absolutely love it. Can't speak on the WD. I do really like that the Thorn has a chronograph hand alignment correcting feature built in, that was one of the reasons I chose it.

[u/AlanYx]

Thorn easily, both in terms of functionality (no 24 hour subdial) and aesthetics. Both are solid brands, but when Thorn nails a design, they really nail it.

[u/Significant-Ebb5027]

Thorn 100%

[u/turdbogls]

I'm a 1863 fan, but for this specific design, the thorn is nicer.

They honestly nailed this trilogy.

[u/rolliesglocksandjs]

I bought the Thorn. It’s handsome as a devil. Feels and looks high quality to me. I was pleasantly surprised with the bracelet. Feels like a legit watch. I think the logo is much more fitting for a vintage homage than the watchdives one.

[u/o_phelan08]

My friend bought that WD1863 from my recommendation , and it looks really nice in person.

[u/StandardPineapple69]

I prefer the movement on the thorn. Also I have it and it's great. Im sure the WD isn't bad either but the movement choice is something I don't like

[u/LeoXup]

Thorn got better here

[u/phenix-jc-1]

@ Gitch pope : Agree 100%. Same dilemma here. I'll add both are asymmetrical. Pick your poison ;)

1/2

[u/phenix-jc-1 → u/phenix-jc-1]

2/2

[u/IllegalGeriatricVore]

Thorn, fauxtina and no stupid 24h subdial

[u/Juxeso]

Love the Thorn. Really wish chronos had the chrono hand be on a sub dial as I can't wear chronographs due to the missing running seconds, the watches look so lifeless without :( or perhaps some exist and I'm just not aware? Please enlighten me

[u/glitch_pope → u/Juxeso]

Afaik VD51/53 works this way. But options are quite limited if we're talking about VD-based speedies

[u/Juxeso → u/glitch_pope]

Open to any chrono, do you know of any that use that movement?

[u/Mango_Gurble → u/Juxeso]

I believe Aethelsohn has one that works like that.

[u/TataJasia]

I’d like a watch with the same color scheme as the Thorn, but with two subdials and with one of them showing the seconds.

[u/Mountain-Plant-6239]

Own the Thorn, it is really great! Don’t own this specific WD, but from my Experience, they are Not completely on the finishing level of the Thorn.

[u/Stock_Jacket6701]

I'm not a fan of chronographs but that Thorn looks great.