Well, you’ve likely never seen something like this before. Tockr Watches, a Texas-based watch brand whose involvement with the Commemorative Air Force allowed a 98-year-old WWII veteran to fly in a C-47 again, has made use of a technology typically used in motorsport and industrial design to coat its watch cases in wild colors, and the results are pretty striking.
The Air Defender Chronograph line, which makes use of the Valjoux 7750, now feature cases wrapped in various designs that make use of hydrographic technology. First a stainless steel watch case in primed, then passed through a water-soluble film that’s suspended on a liquid water surface. The film dissolves into ink that’s then applied to the case via immersion printing, leaving a durable graphic application that coats the watch case. Afterwards, the case is coated in a scratch-resistant sealant finish.
Because of the hand-applied application process, no two watches will end up looking the same. Available finishes include Tie-Dye, Magma, black or blue carbon, and black or green Camo. Collectors can also commission a custom Hydro Dipped-case, which can be delivered in as soon as a month.
The Air Defender Chronograph takes its inspiration from NATO watches of the 1970s and features a 45mm cushion case with 100m of water resistance, a sapphire crystal and case back, rotating inner bezel and the Valjoux 7750 automatic movement with custom Tockr skeletonized rotor. Available straps include hand-stitched calfskin, alligator, toad (don’t ask us — we don’t know), and custom “Stealth” straps produced in partnership with HIX Design Studio of Oklahoma City.
Pricing for the Hydro Dipped Air Defender watches, which come with 2-year international warranties, begins at $2,850.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Casio G-Shock Men’s GD-120CM ($86)
Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono ($2,195)
Brellum DuoBox Classic ($2,410)
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