Astronic
ActiveOverview
Astronic Watches is a watch brand inspired by military aviation designs, particularly the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter and Apache-64 helicopter. It produces high-end mechanical watches featuring in-house tourbillon movements, skeleton dials, and aviation-themed aesthetics. The brand launched via crowdfunding on Indiegogo and sells directly through its website.
History
Astronic was founded by Kristopher (Kris), who has over 20 years of experience in the Swiss watchmaking industry, starting at a Swiss watch movement company. The brand debuted with a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, focusing on aviation-inspired tourbillon watches. It has since established an online presence at astronicwatches.com, producing models like the STL-117 Tourbillon.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| STL-117 Tourbillon | Stealth fighter-inspired flying tourbillon | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Nighthawk Tourbillon | F-117 Nighthawk aviation skeleton watch | $1,200 - $3,000 |
| Apache Tourbillon | Attack helicopter-themed mechanical watch | $1,000 - $2,800 |
Manufacturing
Watches are designed in Hong Kong with movements developed in-house, including a 3D co-axial flying tourbillon with 19 jewels operating at 21,600 vph and 42-hour power reserve. Production likely involves Swiss-influenced techniques given the founder's background, though specific assembly locations are not detailed. Cases use military-grade 316L stainless steel.
Notable Products
- STL-117 Tourbillon - Flying tourbillon watch inspired by F-117 Nighthawk with sharp edge design, sapphire crystal, and 10 ATM water resistance.
- Nighthawk Tourbillon - Skeleton dial tourbillon mimicking stealth fighter angles, in-house movement with 42-hour power reserve.
- Apache-64 Tourbillon - Aviation-themed watch with multilayered 3D engraving and up to 80-hour power reserve option.
Reputation
Astronic is viewed by enthusiasts as an accessible entry into tourbillon watches with unique aviation designs, praised for in-house movement efforts at competitive prices. Professionals note the founder's Swiss experience as a strength but question long-term reliability due to its new status and crowdfunding origins. It appeals to collectors seeking bold aesthetics over traditional luxury heritage.
Sources (7)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronics
- https://astronicwatches.com/pages/landing-page-a
- https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/astronic-watches-inspired-by-the-best-in-aviation
- https://mattiadistasi.com/astronic-watches-reward-unboxing/
- https://www.watches.com/collections/astronic-watches
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krMIDvt_oFs
- https://astronicwatches.com