Viribus Unitis Watches have some unique features that we've not seen elsewhere. In particular, the sandwich dial's cutouts for the indices are all meticulously edged with an applied border, making for a stunning design. Color choices are intriguing too. The chocolate dial color is based on the historical color of the WWI vintage aircraft, and the marine grade CuSn8 bronze has been carefully pre-aged to produce some rich red-hued colors. Even the unusual leather canteen-style watch box picks up on the WWI era theme, adding to the collectibility of this timepiece.
Limited Edition
This model is a 200 piece limited edition, with each watch individually numbered.
Almost all have already been sold, with just a few remaining. We were very excited to be able to procure a small quantity of just three per color, the first time that Viribus Unitas has ever partnered with a retailer. We have a promise of three more to follow, after which all stocks will be depleted and this model will no longer be available.
A24 was the identification number of a Hansa-Brandeburg CC seaplane from World War I, which you can see beautifully engraved on the back of the watch. This biplane was flown by Gottfried Freiherr von Banfield, one of Austria-Hungary's most successful fighter pilot aces of the war, and the most successful seaplane ace, with nine confirmed and eleven unconfirmed victories. A24 was based at the Santa Catarina seaplane station in Pola, (today's Pula in Croatia,) covering the northern Adriatic.
Hansa-Brandeburg CC biplanes were designed for the Austro-Hungarian navy as single seater, single engined flying boats, powered by a 119 kW (160 hp) Austro-Daimler or 130kW (180hp) Hiero engine, and armed with a single 8mm (.315 in) Schwarzlose machine gun. They were used to provide air defense for ports and naval bases along the Adriatic coast.
The dial color is based on the historic color that A24 was painted, and the two arrows at 9 o'clock are taken from the aircraft's altimeter. Here the top number is the service ceiling of A24, (just over 13,000 feet,) and the lower number shows the maximum water rating of this dive watch. The seaplane is honored by the second hand which features both an anchor on the counterweight and an aircraft pointer. The anchor is also the signature element on the crown.
The Story Behind The Brand
We especially love microbrand watches when we have an opportunity to help a talented watch designer bring his first creations to market. Thomas Hiden is the inspirational creator and driving force behind Viribus Unitis Watches. Situated deep in the Vienna Forest in Austria, his one man company has produced some truly inspirational designs based on the historical theme of Austro-Hungarian WWI flying aces. Handling his watches, you can feel his sense of pride shining in the meticulously designed details.
