German genius saves you $4995

Hugo Junkers was a man ahead of his time. While the earliest wooden and fabric airplanes were taking flight, he envisioned much sturdier machines fashioned of metal. And it wasn't long before the German genius transformed fantasy into reality. Junkers (pronounced "yoon-kers") airplanes were legendary for their durability, reliability and all-around toughness. Even more impressive was the fact that German engineer patented his first plane only 7 years after the first flight of the Wright Brothers.

When the watchmakers asked me to offer an official Junkers timepiece, I jumped at the chance. As long as the German-built, Swiss-movement watches were a fraction as tough as their airplane namesakes, it was a done deal. I can proudly say I was not disappointed. Even better, a similar watch built in Switzerland would have cost us 10 times as much!

The Junkers Horizon Chronograph sports a square black stainless steel body with the look of a vintage cockpit instrument. The case is PVD-coated to resist wear for a lifetime (the same process used to protect military hardware and Formula One racing parts). Its corrugated black iron dial pays homage to the corrugated finish of legendary Junkers planes such as the JU-52 (aka "Iron Annie"). Underneath a specially-hardened disc of mineral crystal, the black face features bold orange hands and luminous orange numerals. The handmade black leather strap is stylishly outlined with white stitching. The Horizon is water resistant to 5 ATMs. Celebrate an aviation legend and relive the thrilling early years of flight without ever leaving the ground! Fits 7-½" to 9".