New York based watch brand Hemel expands its watch collection by presenting HFT20, a solid pilot’s chronograph watch with the option of buying up to two different versions of additional rotating bezels.
The 60 minute bezel is black ceramic while the 12 hour GMT and standard bezels are made of naval grade, 316L stainless steel. The HFT20 case is 316L stainless steel with sapphire crystal and a screw-down back. Its detailed lug design incorporates a subtle bevel and provides an undeniable touch of elegance to the watch.
The HFT20 is a true homage to the legendary timepieces issued to military pilots beginning at the dawn of the jet age in the1950s. With subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock, the dial provides an uncluttered reading interface bolstered by Superluminova C3 for low light conditions.
A diamond shaped crown and gridded traction pushers round off the case side. Getting the controls just right was worth the extra time and effort. The treads on the pushers are a practical detail that one doesn’t see often, and it gives the HFT20 the feel of a classic tool watch.
Engraved onto the solid steel screw down caseback is the watch’s designation and specs. The 42mm case is comfortable to wear and the action of the pushers is extremely satisfying. Other exterior features include the signed crown and the unidirectional 120-click bezel.
The autonomic model houses the Seiko NE88 automatic movement which is a triple hammer tipped, vertical clutch, column wheel engineering marvel that beats at 28,800 beats per hour (bph). Second version comes equipped with the VK64 mecha-quartz movement.
These timepieces can be purchased at a very competitive MSRP of $999 for the NE88 automatic model and $449 for the VK64 mecha-quartz version. Early birds who preorder will get the better deals at the Hemel Watches website starting July 12th, 2017.
After a rewarding collaboration earlier this year with Manhattan based Maison 10 where 10% of every purchase was donated to Toys For Tots, Hemel broadens its altruistic efforts by allowing consumers to choose to which charity Hemel donates. Choices are Toys For Tots, Wounded Warriors and the Bob Woodruff Foundation.
Technical details
Model: Hemel Flight Series HFT20
Case
Diameter: 42 mm
Material: 316L stainless steel
Finishing: Brushed
Caseback: Screw-down, Engraved
Lug width: 20 mm
Lug to lug: 49 mm
Crown: Signed, push / pull winding
Crystal: Flat sapphire
Water resistance: 100 meters
Bezel: 316L stainless steel, rotating, 120 click
Movement
– Seiko NE88, Mechanical Automatic & hand winding (Power reserve: 45 hours, Hacking second hand, 28,800 bph, 34 jewels)
– VK64 mecha-quartz movement
Dial
Shape: Flat
Color: Matte black
Paint: Superluminova c3
Strap
Leather: Vintage
Buckle: Signed
