So, remember the Hemel Air League Chronograph I told you about last May? Well, it was vintage pilot’s watch in the Dodane/Breuget Type 20 idiom and it was cool as hell. If you wanted to get one at the very low pre-order prices, you just had to join the League of Watch Microbrands Facebook Group.
It was pretty awesome, and I know because I bought one for myself with a lovely Seagull ST19 inside. It has a polished case, a domed and AR-coated sapphire crystal, a matte black dial treated with C3 SuperLuminova, and a glossy ceramic bezel insert. Water resistance is 100m. Could it be better? Well, maybe not better, but different.
Where my Air League has a 42mm case, the new model is 40mm with 20mm between the lugs. I have found the 42mm wears smaller than you might think (see my Hemel Airfoil review for a mention of how the Air League pulls this off), but the appearance of a size difference can’t really compare to an actual size difference. Y’know, physics and all that. It will be 47mm long and just 13.4mm thick.
The ceramic bezel insert returns on the new watch, but you can also opt for a steel bezel for a very different look. While buyers had a choice of three movements last time, Hemel has stuck with the ST19 for the 40mm. Not a surprise given that it was the most popular option.
You can preorder the new Air League for only $349.99 until March 31. After that, pricing bumps up to $499.99. Hemel is including one of their excellent sheepskin leather watch pouches with every order while supplies last, and an Altitude striped nylon strap with every order once they reach 100 orders.
Hemel does excellent work, and if the 42mm Air Leauge is any guide, the 40mm should be outstanding. Head over to HemelWatches.com for more.
