Since 2011, Hamilton has been a glorious partner of the internationally renowned mountain rescue company AirZermatt. Pilot expertise helps brands develop timepieces that meet the pilot’s needs in terms of design and functionality. In 2018, Hamilton produced two special watches to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the rescue team.

AirZermatt is a world-renowned air rescue company

   Zermatt has 65 employees and operates 9 helicopters, hovering around the three major bases in the beautiful Valais region of Switzerland. This area is known for towering peaks, including Matterhorn. The company has experienced a long road from the development of only one helicopter, one pilot and one mechanical equipment since its establishment in early 1968. In fact, due to the reputation of this rescue team, a streaming media series ‘The Horn’ was specially filmed and produced, which tracked the rescue team for emergency rescue operations for a whole season. The show has been screened around the world, giving a unique perspective on the daily work of the rescue team.

   Gerald Bona (CEO and pilot, Zermatt): ‘We usually refer to ‘golden time’: people who are trapped should be admitted to the hospital for treatment within this time frame. Time pressure is often high and time It’s also important to monitor our fuel consumption. The minute and second counters on our watches are important to us. ‘

   It is logical that Hamilton created a special limited edition watch for this team of professional aviation personnel. The khaki transcendence automatic chronograph Zermatt limited edition is equipped with Hamilton’s first chronograph movement equipped with a silicon hairspring, the H-21-Si movement. The silicon material is not affected by magnetic fields and is resistant to impact, making the movement more accurate and reliable. Since pilots are often exposed to high magnetic fields, such as airports, diamagnetism is of paramount importance to pilots. In addition, the accuracy of the movement has been certified by the COSC Swiss Official Observatory (Contrôle Officiel Suissedes Chronomètres, COSC) precision timer.

Details stand out

   Zermatt limited edition watches are limited to 100 pieces. Fifty of them have been donated to the Zermatt team, and the remaining 50 are for sale in Switzerland only. In addition to the limited number, each watch is engraved with the name and serial number of one of Zermatt’s helicopters or the company’s main landing point for the past 50 years, so each timepiece is unique.

   The metal studs on the watch’s leather strap and the second hand balance weight bear the Zermatt logo. The multi-layered black dial is embellished with Zermatt’s unique bright ice-blue tones. An ‘X’ shape can be seen between the button on the case and the crown, giving it a sporty appearance.

   The Khaki Pilot’s Dual Calendar is the second Zermatt special edition watch. The clear and easy-to-read black dial with contrasting blue Super-LumiNova® luminous numerals and hour markers can accurately read the time even at night. The watch is ready to take off.

   This is the fourth and fifth watch co-developed by Hamilton and Zermatt as pioneers of aviation innovation, following the khaki flight chronograph and two khaki sailing watches. These innovative masterpieces reflect the deep partnership between the two and Hamilton’s vow to serve the flying community.