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Nadim Elghary of Helgray is back on Kickstarter with the Hornet, a dual-crown watch named for the 1980's American fighter jet. I'll review the Hornet's specifications, design, and overall value, but I must warn you that when I see the words "1980's fighter jet" I compulsively quote from the cheezy 1986 action/romance Top Gun. Yes, I know Tom Cruise as Maverick flew an F14 Tomcat, not an F18 Hornet, but it's close enough. Hang on, you're about to enter the danger zone!
Maverick: I feel the need...
Goose ...the need for speed!
The Hornet has a large stainless steel case measuring 42mm wide and 47mm long with integrated lugs. It is not oversized, but I would expect the thick and slab-sided barrel shape will wear large. These aggressive dimensions are further enhanced by a double domed sapphire crystal that raises the overall height to 13mm. The surface is brushed north-to-south and broken by a polished, chamfered edge that runs its length. It is a smart, aggressive shape reminiscent of certain early 1970's sports watches, but perhaps one that has bulked up at the gym. Buyers may choose steel or PVD black.
Iceman: Every time you go up in the air, you're unsafe. I don't like you because you're dangerous.
Two crowns sprout from the case at 2 and 4 o'clock and just in case you didn't notice, the upper crown is red. I expect this will be a love-it-or-hate-it feature. Some will delight in the bold pop of color while others will undoubtedly cringe. I'm afraid it may be a bit much for my taste, but I'll reserve judgement until I see it in person. The crowns are gasketed for 100 meters water resistance.
Goose: The Defense Department regrets to inform you that your sons are dead because they were stupid.
The red crown operates a 12-hour, Arabic number, internal bezel that allows the user to track a second time zone by aligning it with the hour hand. The black dial is neat and uncluttered with a applied stick markers and an offset seconds dial at 7 o'clock. I particularly like the handset's white outline and fat arrow. The bezel, hour markers, and hands are all treated with BGW9 SuperLuminova.
Iceman: You can be my wingman, anytime.
The Hornet is supplied with a riveted strap that harkens back to World War Two pilot's watches. It is an appropriate choice for this watch and should complement the burly case. Inside, you will find a Miyota 1L45, a tiny, no-jewel quartz unit. This is the least interesting movement we've seen in a Helgray, but it is inexpensive and should do its job without fuss.
Maverick: Mustang, this is Maverick, requesting fly-by.
Air Boss Johnson: Negative, Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.
The Helgray Hornet will sell for $349 and early backers can still get one for as little as $249. This is not unreasonable, but puts the Hornet in a very crowded field, competing against a slew of other quartz aviation watches and even some affordable automatics. Its sharp looks and double-domed sapphire help to set it apart, but the relatively prosaic movement may hold it back.
For more information visit the Helgray Hornet Kickstarter page.
Continue reading...
Let us know your thoughts and impressions.
Nadim Elghary of Helgray is back on Kickstarter with the Hornet, a dual-crown watch named for the 1980's American fighter jet. I'll review the Hornet's specifications, design, and overall value, but I must warn you that when I see the words "1980's fighter jet" I compulsively quote from the cheezy 1986 action/romance Top Gun. Yes, I know Tom Cruise as Maverick flew an F14 Tomcat, not an F18 Hornet, but it's close enough. Hang on, you're about to enter the danger zone!
Maverick: I feel the need...
Goose ...the need for speed!
The Hornet has a large stainless steel case measuring 42mm wide and 47mm long with integrated lugs. It is not oversized, but I would expect the thick and slab-sided barrel shape will wear large. These aggressive dimensions are further enhanced by a double domed sapphire crystal that raises the overall height to 13mm. The surface is brushed north-to-south and broken by a polished, chamfered edge that runs its length. It is a smart, aggressive shape reminiscent of certain early 1970's sports watches, but perhaps one that has bulked up at the gym. Buyers may choose steel or PVD black.
Iceman: Every time you go up in the air, you're unsafe. I don't like you because you're dangerous.
Two crowns sprout from the case at 2 and 4 o'clock and just in case you didn't notice, the upper crown is red. I expect this will be a love-it-or-hate-it feature. Some will delight in the bold pop of color while others will undoubtedly cringe. I'm afraid it may be a bit much for my taste, but I'll reserve judgement until I see it in person. The crowns are gasketed for 100 meters water resistance.
Goose: The Defense Department regrets to inform you that your sons are dead because they were stupid.
The red crown operates a 12-hour, Arabic number, internal bezel that allows the user to track a second time zone by aligning it with the hour hand. The black dial is neat and uncluttered with a applied stick markers and an offset seconds dial at 7 o'clock. I particularly like the handset's white outline and fat arrow. The bezel, hour markers, and hands are all treated with BGW9 SuperLuminova.
Iceman: You can be my wingman, anytime.
The Hornet is supplied with a riveted strap that harkens back to World War Two pilot's watches. It is an appropriate choice for this watch and should complement the burly case. Inside, you will find a Miyota 1L45, a tiny, no-jewel quartz unit. This is the least interesting movement we've seen in a Helgray, but it is inexpensive and should do its job without fuss.
Maverick: Mustang, this is Maverick, requesting fly-by.
Air Boss Johnson: Negative, Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.
The Helgray Hornet will sell for $349 and early backers can still get one for as little as $249. This is not unreasonable, but puts the Hornet in a very crowded field, competing against a slew of other quartz aviation watches and even some affordable automatics. Its sharp looks and double-domed sapphire help to set it apart, but the relatively prosaic movement may hold it back.
For more information visit the Helgray Hornet Kickstarter page.
Continue reading...
Let us know your thoughts and impressions.