THE ACE PILOT RAISES THE BAR FOR MALM
A new pilot watch has landed in Linköping. Thursday 22th July we introduced the MALM ACE Pilot – a proper pilot chrono developed by and for fighter pilots and personnel of the Arctic Challenge Exercise (ACE). ACE is a multinational exercise taking place in the northern parts of Sweden, Norway and Finland every other year. MALM was asked by Swedish military aircraft divisions and pilots to develop a watch for the 2021 exercise taking place June 7th to 18th. Members of the Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish, German and American air force participated in the exercise.
– For quite some time now we’ve felt that we need to add a bigger watch to our collection, which has been received as feedback by pilots and non-pilots alike, says Marcus Malm. This request and project came just at the right time as we felt that the story and purpose of ACE is engaging and interesting. This year over 70 military aircraft participated and it really is a great experience for any aviation enthusiast, he continues.
The ACE watch introduces several new design details while combining expressions and looks from earlier MALM pilot watches. The watch uses a unique 4-piece case construction with a bezel with ceramic insert, middle case, aluminum middle barrel and a solid caseback, all in stainless steel. With the watch comes a premium bracelet that has a clasp with micro adjustment. The dial and hands have been filled with C1 Swiss Super LumiNova lume for best visibility in the dark.
– I think that we’ve found many interesting details in our different models since we started. The ACE watch continues this tradition but captures a unique and independent expression when you hold it in your hand, says Marcus. It was very important to us that it keeps the DNA from Swedish aviation, just like all our other pilot watches. But it also has a more international expression that we haven’t strived for when we’ve designed our previous watches. Out of a watch designers’ perspective it definitely raises the bar for us, he continues.
The discreet silver barrel around the case is also available in a bright orange contrast with the new Orange Panda pilot watch. The caseback comes with an oil pressed ACE-logo with 3D details with a polished surface that creates another contrast against the matte background.
The ACE Pilot Chronograph 44 will be available in three colors; black, vintage white and orange with black subdials. Powered with a Seiko VK-64 movement and it is water resistant to 100 m / 10 ATM. It’s available with a special pre order offer before it returns to its standard price, Є 649. Estimated delivery in october 2021.