Aviation watch. Mechanical aviation watch AChS-1

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Watchmaking is an art that combines superior craftsmanship and precision.

AChS-1 mechanical aviation watch combines a century-old history of craftsmanship and simple beauty. Well-known world brands use modern technologies and create more and more new models based on the design of these watches. For years, famous brands have looked up to aviation watches to get a semblance of perfection in their vision.

Swiss prototype quality

The famous aviation watch has an interesting past. Behind the Soviet brand is Swiss technology. Even before the outbreak of World War II, the Swiss production of J. Le Coultre produced watches for Soviet aviation. It was this model that served as the prototype for AChS-1, which later began to be made in the USSR.

The Chelyabinsk plant "Lightning", which made watches for aircraft, was organized according to Stalin's directive - this is a well-known fact. But the fact that the manufactory, on the basis of which it was launched, was bought from the Americans in 1930, few people know.

Initially, aviation clocks AChS-1m and AChS-1 were designed to measure flight time and determine small time intervals within an hour. They were in two places in the cockpit: on the dashboard panel and on the right pilot's console.

Main technical data of ASF-1

Initially, this watch model was produced in two versions, they differed from each other in appearance of the dial, but were functionally identical. This one is best known.

Basic stats:

• Maximum duration from one full winding of the spring is 3 days.
• Be sure to wind your watch every 2 days.
• The probability of deviation from the exact time during the day is ±20 seconds.
• The voltage of the electric heater of the AChS-1 clock is 27 V.
• The weight of the ASF-1 watch is 670 grams.

Design

What do aviation watches AChS-1 consist of? The instruction assumes the presence of the following components:

• engine;
• stopwatch to determine small periods of time;
• standard clock mechanism to control the time of day;
• flight time display mechanism;
• electric heater with temperature controller;
• controls.

The dial includes three ranges:

• Circle "SEC" - shows the time of the stopwatch in seconds and minutes.
• Circle "FLIGHT TIME" - reflects the flight time in minutes and hours.
• Main scale - shows the time for ASF-1 inseconds, minutes and hours; and for AChS-1M – stopwatch time.

Features of work

Aviation watch AChS-1 involves the simultaneous operation of several mechanisms. On a large scale, the time of day is counted, this mechanism functions continuously. The device works in such a way that the flight time indicator and the stopwatch function through the off and start adjustment using a special head.

The clock is controlled by two side moving heads. Start the clock by turning the left crown fully counterclockwise. The translation of the arrows is quite simple - the same red head is fully extended and rotated counterclockwise.

To start the flight time indicator, the left crown must be pressed until an audible click, which is accompanied by a flash on the dial. To stop it, you need to click on it a second time and see confirmation in the backlight. After that, the return to the initial position of the arrows is performed by the third press.

Rarity or subtlety of taste?

Aviation watches are a special subject category, which is primarily marked by precision and brevity of style.

When you wear an object of historical significance, realizing that such a watch could only belong to pilots of the last century, you must admit, it fills you with some special feeling of touching eternity. Therefore, this AChS-1 model, out of love for style, was also adapted into a stationary home clock.

Firm Tutima at the dawn of its activity producedwatches exclusively for sailors and pilots. This commitment is still reflected in many of her designs.

Significant dial, Swiss reliability and exclusivity are felt in every detail. The 1930s-style watches had serious requirements in terms of accuracy, so even seconds can be read well on them.

That says a lot. They perfectly combine beauty with functionality. It is a special pleasure to wear a time-tested brand. It satisfies the most stringent requirements of its adherents: maximum precision; convenience and ergonomics; instant readability of information on the dial.

Military Pilots Brand

Lovers of historical rarities and everyday wear also need to consider their safety. There are models that are literally unhe althy with their characteristics.

So real aviation military watches of World War II pilots (one of them - LACO-Durowe) are still one of the most radioactive accessories.

Exfoliated radioactive paint dust settles on the dial, making radiation harmful to the human body in the amount of about 9000 microroentgens. Therefore, in your choice, you should take into account all the parameters of the selected watch.

Another disadvantage of such historical models is the repair of aviation clocks. Due to the rarity of component parts and the decreasing number of specialists, quality work from suchkind of watch is also a rarity.

Best American Aviation Watch

Of course, the accuracy of mechanical watches is inferior to quartz ones. But there is an advantage in the specificity that makes a mechanical watch come alive. The embodiment of the developments of the famous masters of their time (Harrison, Voloskov, Becker), this watch reflects something more than just style.

In the top of well-known brands for which aviation men's watches have become a landmark model, the Hamilton collection occupies a leading position. The company has long been associated with international air shows and acts as their sponsor. French stunt pilot Nicolas Ivanoff is also known for his friendship and collaboration with the marque. The launch of United Air Lines' first transcontinental airline was timed by Hamilton.

Since 1920, Hamilton has been working with aviation. By the way, the first airmail flight in America was accompanied by the navigation watch Hamilton. This was the beginning of a strong relationship, in 1932 Hamilton watches became the official status brand, producing aviation watches for major private American airlines. United and Northwest continue their partnership to date.

Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono Limited Addition

This exclusive aviation watch was designed specifically for use by the rescue team. They were issued with a limit of 2000 units. They are multifunctional. They can be used as regular clocks, table clocks, they are also designed for pilots. Havegreat resemblance to aircraft cockpit instruments with a rotating reflector and the possibility of a countdown. Hamilton's close collaboration with Air Zermatt has taken the brand to new heights. The Swiss Helicopter Service was happy to take part in the development of the new model, resulting in the Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono.

Direct connection with the sky allows the brand to constantly maintain its high level, satisfying the most strict requirements of customers, and release aviation watches in different styles.

Main argument

Everyone who wears a watch has their own unique reason for doing so. For one, this is a status accessory, for another, an expensive accessory is a toy for the soul, someone needs to simply and quickly, without being distracted by unnecessary things, work with time, taking into account the functions of a stopwatch, chronometer.

One thing pleases: aviation watch brands are now represented by a huge number of different variations, a number of foreign and Russian brands. This allows anyone to find exactly what you need and your heart desires. The latest technological developments and materials allow modern watch brands to withstand even strong overloads: temperature and weather conditions.

Strict and concise style of aviation watches, which originated from famous Swiss watches, immediately attract attention. Those who like them will remain faithful to the aviation style in design for a long time.

But all explainable arguments always give in to one argument that they knowall watch owners. This is the most weighty argument that exhaustively justifies any choice. When you are madly in love with your watch, this argument alone is enough to be with them constantly.