Mach 1
The debut watch from Britcher.
Starting with a blank sheet of paper, the mission objective was to create a watch with no compromises.
Everything that I liked about watches was in, anything that I disliked about watches was out.
The end result is a paradigm shift in crown placement, increased legibility, optimised comfort and a look like no other.
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Being the first in a series of three watches in the initial collection, the Mach 1 celebrates the incredible achievement of man breaking the sound barrier.
On the 14th of October 1947, USAF test pilot Chuck Yeager piloted the Bell X-1 through the sound barrier at an altitude of 45,000 feet, becoming the first human in history to do so.
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The Britcher Mach 1 captures this moment with a dial that emulates an aircraft instrument, highlighting the Mach 1 increment at the 1 o'clock position.
The Titanium bezel has been sculpted in the form a jet engine intake, further reinforcing the aeronautical theme.
The stepped elements bridging the space between the lugs not only replicate the 'Mach Cone' shockwave that envelops an aircraft as it passes through the sound barrier, but are also a nod toward the streamline design language of the Art Deco age.
The Aviation theme is finally complimented by an Artisan made aero style leather strap.
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Limited to 47 pieces.
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Be one of the first. Be one of the few....
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*Launch date TBC
Specifications
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Case- 316L Marine grade stainless steel. Black DLC coating
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Caseback- 316L Marine grade stainless steel. Black DLC coating. Screwdown type
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Bezel- 6Al/4V Grade 5 Titanium. Natural brushed finish
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Glass-1.5mm flat Sapphire crystal (face and exhibition case back) with anti-reflective coating
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Dial- Brass sandwich type with laser cut top dial. Britcher green and white superluminova coating
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Hands- Britcher design. Britcher green Superluminova elements
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Movement- Britcher custom self-winding SW220-2 6H Day/Date. Top version. Adjusted in 5 positions. +/- 4 s/d 65 Hour power reserve
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Strap- Aero style English made Artisan leather. Stainless steel deployment clasp buckle. (Union flag and plain black keeper supplied)
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Water resistance= 10 ATM
*Note- Prototype images shown
The 6 o'clock Crown position
What at first may look unusual, is a result of the no compromises approach to the overall design and user friendliness of the Watch.
I questioned why the crown is always situated in the same places.
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From the perspective of user comfort, having the crown presented before you in a central position allows for the most ergonomic and speedy of adjustments.
(just observe what happens to your opposite shoulder when you adjust a 3 o'clock or 12 o'clock crowned watch)
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With the crown at six, all settings can be adjusted with ease whilst the watch is still on the wrist, which is particularly useful for frequent travellers.
Never again will you experience the discomfort of pulling a wrist hair during adjustment or indeed having the crown dig into your wrist! (whether you are a right or left hooker)
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The other big benefit is damage prevention. Having the crown nestled safely in-between the lugs, vastly reduces the chances of impact damage from accidental knocks.
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Plus- it looks cool....right?
