ReviewA Modern-Day Classic: Presenting The New Titoni Airmaster Timepieces
Titoni’s new Airmaster watches are now armed with a more functional design, featuring aviation-inspired dials with Arabic numerals—a first for the collection
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Independent Swiss watchmaker Titoni are known for manufacturing elegant three-hand timekeepers that exude a distinct classical aesthetic. Established in 1919, the brand have been crafting high-quality mechanical watches that come at an affordable price—and combine traditional haute horlogerie practices along with technical innovation—suited for contemporary watch aficionados. Their Airmaster collection—created in the 1960s, has been one of their top-selling lines, thanks to the sophisticated design, versatile appeal, and extreme durability. However, these are not really ‘tool watches’ built specifically for pilots, even though one might get a bit confused due to the name of the collection, which may suggest otherwise. These three-hand timepieces offering day and date functions were developed for everyday wear, borrowing only design elements from aviation watches with dials often featuring Roman, dagger or stick indexes. Over the years, the brand have continuously revamped the timepieces in this collection, in sync with the times, while retaining the focus on an unmistakable classic style. And the four new models to join the Airmaster family are, perhaps, the best examples of aviation-inspired design when it comes to the watches in this collection. It’s the first time that the dials feature Arabic numerals—a more vintage pilot’s watch aesthetic, coupled with a more sober design with an emphasis on legibility. Let’s take a closer look.
Titoni Airmaster—Aviation-Inspired Dials With A Neo-Classic Aesthetic
The Grenchen-based watch company have always focused on three-hand mechanicals, executed in a classical style, where the dial is always the highlight. This has become their signature style as they offer clutter-free and neat watch faces, perfect for those who prefer understated elegance. Here, the latest versions combine classic and modern in different ways. While the silver and black references have a matte-finish dial; the green and blue versions showcase a sunray-brushed dial. However, in all four versions, the bezel is sunray-brushed, which gives the watch a subtle, shimmering touch, when the light hits at the right angles. Another interesting aspect about the angular bezel is the double-faceted design, which gives the watch a more streamlined form.
Crafted in a stainless-steel case measuring 40.5mm in diameter with a height of 9.30mm, the new Airmaster models are a slight departure from their predecessors, which exuded a more dress-watch aesthetic, as the new framework features more brushed surfaces for a sportier and more functional look.
The dials, now, definitely have a stronger persona as they showcase well-defined Arabic numerals, five-minute indexes—clearly arranged, and the shape of the hands is intentionally concise in order to offer a better view of the dial, as well as maintain a minimalistic aesthetic. Both the clear five-minute indexes, and the hour and minute hands are equipped with Super-LumiNova to offer better legibility in low-light areas.
On turning the watch over, one can see the inner workings of the automatic Sellita SW200-1 movement, thanks to the exhibition caseback. Beating at a frequency of 28,800vph, this calibre delivers a power reserve of 38 hours, and features a gold-plated oscillating weight, adorned with a diamond-cut pattern.
It is presented on a stainless-steel bracelet with five-links design, which lends greater flexibility and thus ensures a high wearing comfort. The mixture of brushed and polished links, playfully interacts with light, and the single-fold clasp guarantees optimum ease while opening and closing it, making the new Airmaster model a perfect fit for those who prefer a neo-classic aesthetic.
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Titoni Airmaster
83906 S-701
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Titoni Airmaster
83906 S-700
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Titoni Airmaster
83906 S-699
