WorldTempus was in Zermatt with Hamilton this weekend for the launch of the Khaki Aviation X-Wind Auto Chrono Air Zermatt Limited Edition that will be available exclusively at the newly renovated Hamilton and Air Zermatt boutique in the centre of this mountain resort.
Hamilton and Air Zermatt have been partners since 2011. It is a partnership that makes perfect sense as Hamilton has a long history with aviation dating back to 1918 when the pioneering pilots of the day put their trust in the precision of the brand’s watches and navigational instruments.
Air Zermatt was founded in 1968 and is one of the most sophisticated aerial rescue operations in the world with a team of 75 pilots, paramedics, technicians and support staff, and a fleet of 11 helicopters and a training school.
This third timepiece in the collaboration between Hamilton and Air Zermatt is the Khaki Aviation X Wind Air Zermatt Limited Edition. It is housed in a 45 mm stainless steel timepiece case with a black PVD coating and includes a special case back with the Air Zermatt logo printed on the sapphire crystal.
The watch is powered by the Caliber H-21-Si, an automatic chronograph movement equipped with a silicon balance spring which is highly resistant to magnetism, oxidation, temperature and shocks, making it particularly durable for Air Zermatt’s active work.
In terms of the indications, there are hours, minutes and seconds in the center with the chronograph subdials at 12, 3 and 6 o’clock. There is also the day and the date aligned at 9 o’clock. But the magical function is the crosswind feature which helps the helicopter pilots compensate for cross winds when flying.
The watch comes on a black Velcro strap which features Air Zermatt’s slogan “READY FOR TAKE OFF” in orange to match the colour of the teams’ helmets. There is also an additional black leather strap for those who prefer something a little more classic.
