F
Flight Time
A Pilot’s
Pilot
Watch
V
ostok-Europe brand ambassador Jurgis Kairys
has never let the sky be his limit. One of the
most respected and well-known aerobatic
pilots on the planet, the Lithuanian Kairys holds many
world records and is c onsidered a “pilot’s pilot.” As an
aeronautical engineer, Kairys designed many Sukhoi
aerobatic aircraft, including his own “Juka” model
and is also a multiple World Grand Prix of Aerobatics
Overall Champion. He even invented several signature aerobatic maneuvers, including the aptly named
“Kairys Wheel” and was the first pilot to ever perform
the “Cobra” maneuver wherein a fixed-wing aircraft
is made to hover like a helicopter. He also flew his
plane inverted under a seven-meter high (short) bridge
in Kaunas, Lithuania. It makes perfect sense for
Vostok-Europe to team up Kairys. After all, what better
ambassador could a Lithuanian-based watch company
have for its own pilot types?
The watch itself is a signature edition Almaz limited to 500 pieces in a livery of blue & yellow. Girded
by a a uni-directional bezel, the hardened K1 crystal
makes the most sense for an active pilot type. It’s is
very scratch resistant – but also flexible enough not to
shatter under most impacts. the 47mm x 17mm solid
titanium case is coated in black PVD and water resistant to a robust 20atm. The contrasting bi-compax
chronograph dial is easy to read and sports Kairys’
signature in skywriting on the dial. Inside is a Miyota
quartz movement and each of the series is supplied
with both Leather and NATO straps matching the color
combo on the dial. Retail price for this numbered edition is $789 at www.russia2all.com
50 FUNCTION | AboutTime Magazine