Partnership between Hamilton and Air Zermatt

At the beginning of January, in the fairytale setting of Zermatt, Hamilton invited the press to the launch of its new Khaki Takeoff AC Air Zermatt Limited Edition, a watch intended for helicopter pilots. Since 2011 the Bienne based brand has sponsored the Air Zermatt rescue base, with which it has close ties. It has built on this relationship to develop a special watch featuring functions indispensable to pilots. Serving both as a wristwatch and an in-flight instrument, Hamilton reintroduces an invaluable timepiece which amongst other things allows precise time management during rescue missions.

The Khaki Takeoff AC Air Zermatt Limited Edition includes numerous practical and dynamic functions, such as a personalised flight log capable of recording information on twenty flights and, for each one, up to 99 landings. At the helm of this project was a team of watchmakers and experienced Air Zermatt pilots, who helped with development of the timepiece. The personalised watch displays the logo of the Alpine rescue and transport company on the caseback and rubber strap. Black is the predominant colour of this new model, punctuated by crystal-clear red markings in homage to the colours of Air Zermatt and the canton of Valais, where the company has its offices. The hands are a reinterpreted version of those found traditionally on aviation watches. The red pointer of the chronograph seconds-hand, shaped like a plane, provides an extra stylistic signature. The crown situated at 12 o’clock ensures excellent usability for pilots, as well as perfect symmetry. The Takeoff AC Air Zermatt Limited Edition is equipped with the H-31 self-winding chronograph movement and offers a power-reserve of 60 hours. Bearing authentic echoes of the instruments of a helicopter cockpit, it has a bidirectional rotating flange which is activated by a bezel capable of recording a countdown. In the absence of propellers, the theme of rotation is also referenced by the system of opening the case, which allows the strap to be removed and the watch to be placed in its presentation case or in the cockpit of one of Air Zermatt’s eight aircraft. The characteristic dial features a very functional chronograph, complete with 30-minute and 12-hour counters. The Takeoff AC Air Zermatt Limited Edition includes a counter which displays hours rather than the date, thus making it possible to time the duration of flights lasting more than an hour.

Sold exclusively in Switzerland, this unique watch also pays homage to the 150th anniversary of the first ascent of the Matterhorn, which will be celebrated this summer in the Valais resort. Sixty Takeoff AC Air Zermatt Limited Edition watches have been produced and each case bears the name and the altitude of one of the famous peaks over 4,000 metres high visible from the Matterhorn. Mont Blanc for example is number 1, the Matterhorn - also called Z’Horu in the region - number 11, Dent Blanche 14, Castor 24, Breithorn 35 and Pollux 41. The list was established according to the altitudes of the summits.

In parallel with this personalised limited edition, Hamilton is launching the Khaki Takeoff AC Limited Edition (1,999 pieces) which makes no reference to Air Zermatt but includes the same functions. Details on this model are in yellow.

During the launch day, Air Zermatt treated the audience to a rescue demonstration during which the pilots’ precision and thoroughness astounded spectators.

Brand ambassador Nicolas Ivanoff was also present at this event. At the controls of his Hamilton aircraft, he soared across the majestic skyline in a demonstration of aerobatics that set the pulse racing even from the ground. This exceptional Corsican aviator - there are no more than fifteen like him in the world - has been flying in the Hamilton colours for more than ten years.

March 05, 2015