Vulcain Aviator GMT Pilot DLC

Aviator GMT Pilot DLC

WHEN A MOVEMENT TAKES TO THE AIR

Combining its famous Cricket alarm movement with a 24-hour worldtime display, Vulcain launches the Aviator GMT Pilot DLC model – an invitation to explore wide-open skies in the company of an exceptional wristworn mechanical instrument leaving an unmistakable trail of excellence and freedom.

The story begins in the 1950s, when two flagships of Swiss industry crossed paths as the Swissair airline company decided to equip all its pilots with a Cricket watch by Vulcain. The already legendary alarm calibre circled the globe in all directions as the loyal companions of aircraft captains, reminding them with its inimitable audible signal that it was time to perform certain gestures at critical moments, as well as showing them the local time in their destinations anywhere in the world thanks to the worldtimer function.

Since then, Vulcain has dedicated a full-fledged Aviator collection to these ‘knights of the sky’. Because high standards and performance go hand in hand for these professionals, the legendary Vulcain Cricket V-10 was a natural choice as the movement powering this wristworn flight instrument. This movement exclusive to the brand combines the famous alarm that has punctuated Vulcain’s finest hours since 1947 with a worldtimer function. The latter enables the user to read off on the rotating inner bezel ring the specific time in the cities representing all 24 time zones. This manually-wound twin-barrel movement, equipped with the Exactomatic system ensuring regular amplitude and thus optimal precision, is endowed with a 42-hour power reserve.

Sporty, assertive, powerful. Playing on contrasts, the large Arabic numerals enhanced with white Superluminova proclaim their distinctive nature while echoing the names of the cities appearing on the inner bezel ring. The signature characteristic of the iconic Cricket calibre, its alarm, is highlighted by a red-tipped hand lending the only touch of colour to this sophisticated composition. This eminently virile and contemporary model sets the stage for its indications with an anthracite black DLC-coated case in satin-brushed steel that appears to form an inseparable whole with the matt dial and the Louisiana alligator leather strap. Aviator GMT Pilot DLC Limited Edition is available in a 250-piece limited series.

DLC COATING

This highly durable, charcoal grey layer with a low friction coefficient consists of an atomic lattice composed of the two forms of carbon: diamond (sp3) and graphite (sp2). Diamondblack™DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) is applied using a coating process which faithfully mirrors the original surface finishes. Diamondblack™DLC consists solely of molecules of carbon and hydrogen arranged in a structure similar to that of diamond, producing a layer with excellent chemical stability and high corrosion resistance. Its proven biocompatibility enables prolonged contact with the skin without causing irritation. It has a very high level of hardness, around 5,000 Vickers (HV0.025), compared to stainless steel, approximately 200 HV. This high-tech coating is used in the aerospace industry and in any application in which wear-resistance and a low friction coefficient are essential.