Hemel is a brand we like around these parts. The guy behind the brand, Marvin Menke, is just quietly going about his business, creating watches, engaging with the community, and creating more cool watches. The latest – with influence from the League of Microbrands FB group is the Hemel Airfoil.
As far as the overall looks go, the Hemel Airfoil does look like a 70s-era military chronograph, in a very classic bi-compax layout. This is powered by the Seagull ST19 manually-wound movement, which definitely helps keep the costs under control while giving you decent timing capabilities.
There are three versions of the Hemel Airfoil available, but I find myself most drawn to the one with the cream-colored dial. While most folks would be tempted to call it a panda dial (two tone with dark subdials), I’m instead calling it a Koala dial. Will it catch on? Who knows! But it’s my own head canon now. Any which way, if you want to pick one up, you can get it direct from Hemel for $499. We’re also working on getting a loaner in, so we’ll give you hands-on impressions soon. hemelwatches.com
Tech Specs from Hemel
- Movement: ST19 w/Swan Neck Regulator. Hand winding mechanical caliber.
- Case: 316L Stainless Steel, polished
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Case Thickness: 13.8 mm
- Lug Width: 22 mm
- Lug to Lug: 49 mm
- Caseback: Screwdown, exhibition, engraved
- Dial: Matte black w/Superluminova C3
- Front Crystal: Double domed sapphire w/AR coating
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Crown: Signed, push / pull
- Bezel: 120 click rotating, C3 lume, ceramic.
- All watches come with a two year limited warranty.
