Because I like “aviator” style watches I thought I’d introduce this one Techné Instruments – the Harrier Automatic Cockpit Watch Model 363.090. One of the nicer Aviation style models around these day and in Automatic form represents extremely good value too. This particular version attracts me as it has a “Shark” super mesh link stainless steel deployment bracelet/strap, that lifts it from utility to officer class.
Techné Harrier Automatic Cockpit Watch 363.090
I also like Techné as a Company as they are not averse to using what they consider appropriate for their needs. They are totally committed to good design, quality and value. The Harrier model is no exception as here they utilize the Miyota 9015, 24 jewel Automatic and as noted on the dial in small red script is the “Opus Manufactum” (Latin) expression, meaning “Hand Worked”.
This applies to the whole watch, including the movement which has been regulated by Techné to surpass it’s standard accuracy of -10/+30 seconds per day, to just -4/+6 seconds, which is to COSC standards. The Harrier also features a scratch resistant Sapphire Crystal with a single AR Anti-reflective inner surface coating .
The watch face itself is a nice matte color black and the large numerals at 12, 6 and 9 with the markers are coated with C1 Superluminova, as are the hour. minute and center sweep seconds hands. Note the identification aid to visibility dots either side of the 12, which is a throw back to earlier dials to aid clarity and orientation, when giving the dial a quick glance. Unobtrusive and highly effective. The dial is otherwise commendably uncluttered with only the addition of a decent size Date Window @3. The crystal is Sapphire scratch resistant.
The hatched area to the left of the window is of course purely cosmetic and another reflection of the Instrument dials of altimeters in older aircraft cockpit instrument displays. But the small arrow to the left of the hatched area is an indicator of the direction of turn when using the crown during date changing, a feature I really like as I’m for ever turning crowns the wrong way on many of my analogue models, especially annoying of course if they feature day and date.
The Miyota 9015 features hacking seconds of course so accurate “from the time signal” setting is easy and to the second.
The watch dimensions are 41mm diameter (44mm with crown) by 51mm lug to lug and 11.1mm height, so a good sized model for once and one that should fit most wrists. The case is brushed 316L stainless steel and the 6mm wide well defined fluted crown is a screw down type, which is in line with the Water Resistance rating of 50m (5ATM). The watch back is exhibition which shows the Miyota movement, signed Techné, though to me, without much in the way of decoration seems a wasted opportunity.
I like this model and with the mesh deployment bracelet gives it an elegance and sophistication not often associated with Aviator models, which is very pleasing and a consideration for my own collection. The Harrier 363.090 represents very good vale with features not often featured at this price point such as Sapphire crystal, AR coating and a COSC regulated Automatic movement and is available, depending on model variant, with either a high quality stainless mesh deployment bracelet or a tan oiled quality leather strap with buckle.
