Victorinox Swiss Army Airboss Automatic
Among the latest models that the famous maker of expensive Swiss army knives is going to present at the upcoming Baselworld 2011 event, is the new Victorinox Swiss Army Airboss Automatic watch.
The first thing that you notice looking at this watch is its size.
While the Airboss Mach 4 was presented two years in a large 45 mm case, the new Airboss Automatic is presented in a smaller, more elegant 42 mm body.
The dial also looks more refined, although the brand’s military-inspired DNA is still here.
The applied Arabic numerals use the same typeface; the minute track is still placed on the inner bezel; and even the extra numerals in the military 24h format are still on the inner part of the dial.
The diamond-shaped hour and minute hands are still covered with generous amount of luminescent substance that greatly increases the timekeeper’s legibility.
My only complaint here is about the small lume-covered triangle at 6 o’clock. The idea was probably to draw some extra attention to the small date aperture, but traditionally the sign is placed at 12 o’clock, so some people may find the use of the symbol somewhat confusing.
The dial, which is available either in silver (pictured) or charcoal gray colors, is protected from the elements with a scratch-resistant, antireflective sapphire crystal.
The pilot’s watch is powered by an ordinary ETA 2824-2 blank caliber, which is seen through a transparent case back covered by a mineral glass.
As always with Victorinox, the price is more or less affordable.
A version on brown leather strap with contrast beige stitching will be offered at a price of CHF 832 and the version on a 5-link stainless steel bracelet will be priced at CHF 925.
Photos: Victorinox Swiss Army
Victorinox Swiss Army Airboss Automatic watch specification
Price: CHF 832 / CHF 925
Movement: Automatic, ETA 2824-2, 25 jewels, 28,800 vph, Swiss Made
Movement decoration: N/A
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case material: Stainless steel
Bezel material: Stainless steel
Case shape: Round
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 42.00 mm
Lug width: N/A
Case height: N/A
Dial: Silver or Charcoal grey
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Steel
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Steel bracelet or Brown leather
Crystal: Sapphire
Case back: Transparent, mineral
Evgueni Matoussevitch in Swiss WatchesTags: 42 mm, AirBoss, Automatic, Baselworld 2011, date, ETA 2824-2, pilot's watch, Swiss Army, Victorinox
