Swiss engineer and inventor Ernst Benz announced the introduction of four new limited edition models in the Great Circle Chronoscope Instrument Series. Big and bold the new dial and set of hands has been designed to be reminiscent of the original precision aircraft instrumentation produced by Ernst Benz himself back in the 1960s and 70s. Although the original concept is over thirty years old, the end result is actually quite appealing.
Big And Beautiful
Ernst Benz is known for making big watches and this new release is no exception. Available only in their trademark 47mm size these watches have been designed to be easy to read, as you would expect from a purpose built aviation watch. You also have the choice of two different dials; matte black as featured in the original aircraft version and designed primarily for legibility or alternatively a carbon fibre mesh finish.
The numerals and hands are finished in either white or orange and are coated with luminescent for legibility. The latter color has special significance as or orange is used specifically in aviation for attention. The hands were designed to be exactly like the needles of the gauges of Benz’s original aircraft instruments, and for this release, custom black calendar disks were produced to complement the finish of the dial printed in corresponding colors to match either the white or orange numerals.
As is all the rage at the moment, especially with oversized pilots watches, the case has received the black PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) treatment to ensure it is non-reflective and to further resemble the finish of an aircraft cockpit panel.
Like all Ernst Benz watches this new line has been designed and manufactured in Switzerland. The pieces feature an exhibition back so that you can view the custom rotor for the movement. This new signature EB rotor has been cut out with the EB symbol flagged by wings so as to give the appearance that the rotor is almost flying as it spins. For this series, the rotor has been coated in black PVD to match the finish of the case.
I love the design of these new limited edition pieces from Ernst Benz but the oversized 47mm dial means they are simply impractical for every day wear, at least for most people. Having said that the simple and uncluttered dials of these stunning pieces will make them very appealing to professional pilots and other professionals who require a hard-wearing watch that is highly legible, even under the most stressful conditions.
We can only hope that Ernst Benz decides to release a reduced size model for us earthly bound mortals. 42mm would suit me just fine!
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