Hamilton and rescue team – Red Bull”>Air Zermatt: A High-Flying Partnership Takes Off
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Hamilton, the renowned watchmaker, and Air zermatt, the world-famous Swiss air rescue service, have forged a remarkable partnership, a testament to shared values and a commitment to excellence. this collaboration, spanning over a decade, has resulted in innovative timepieces and a unique retail experience, showcasing the synergy between precision engineering and daring rescue operations.
The partnership’s origins trace back to 2011,when Air Zermatt sought Hamilton’s support for a pilot training program in the challenging terrain of the himalayas. As hamilton CEO Vivian Stauffer explains, “In 2011, when Air Zermatt officials turned to Hamilton to ask for financial support for a special project in Nepal: training pilots in the Himalayas and sharing their incredible experience in the Alps. When they told us their story, we immediately knew we wanted to help them. We believe in this kind of transmission of know-how. So that’s how it all started 13 years ago.”
A Rescue Mission of a Different Kind: Watchmaking Collaboration
The collaboration extends beyond financial support. Air zermatt’s pilots play a crucial role in the advancement of Hamilton watches.Stauffer notes the intricate process: ”The first watch we developed with Air Zermatt was the Khaki Aviation Flight Timer,which recorded flight time. The pilots used the watch for six or eight months before we decided to produce it, as we had to be sure everything inside was working properly. They are therefore quite involved in the development of watches.”
This hands-on approach ensures the watches meet the rigorous demands of both professional pilots and everyday wearers. “We also like to work with people outside the watch industry, as they are unaware of the constraints. They do not approach a product with restrictions. Watchmakers always start by taking constraints into consideration,” Stauffer adds, highlighting the unique viewpoint Air Zermatt brings to the design process.
The partnership’s success extends beyond the workshop. Hamilton and Air Zermatt have opened a joint retail space in Zermatt, Switzerland. “It all started during COVID, when we had the possibility to take over a space from one of our retailers. We then suggested to Air Zermatt that we create something together. We started two years ago with a pop-up store which worked well: it gave Air Zermatt visibility in the city, which was not really the case. We were able to share the story of their accomplishments and we benefited from it too. It was a great location that allowed us to showcase our partnership together,” Stauffer explains.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Innovation
The future holds even more exciting prospects for this high-flying partnership. With the 15th anniversary of their collaboration approaching in 2026, Hamilton and air Zermatt are already planning a special commemorative watch. “We are already looking for a larger space, as we believe we can always do better. In 2026, it will be our 15th anniversary with Air Zermatt and we are already starting to think about it.So in 2026, we can expect a special Hamilton Air Zermatt product, which will not only be available in the Zermatt store – like the Khaki Aviation X-Wind Air Zermatt Limited Edition that we are launching today – but in the whole world, in order to make Air Zermatt known in Japan, the United States, Italy, France, Germany and beyond, which would be fantastic,” Stauffer reveals.
This enduring partnership between hamilton and Air Zermatt serves as an inspiring example of how collaboration can lead to innovation and mutual success, reaching new heights in both the watchmaking and rescue worlds.
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Hamilton, the respected Swiss watchmaker, and Air Zermatt, the world-renowned Swiss air rescue service, have joined forces to create a truly remarkable partnership built on shared values of precision, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. this collaboration, spanning over a decade, has resulted in groundbreaking timepieces designed for both professional pilots and everyday wearers, and a unique retail experience that showcases the synergy between high-altitude rescue and meticulous watchmaking.
A Lifeline in the Skies: The Birth of a Partnership
World-today-News Senior Editor: Joining me today is Beatrice Linden, an expert on luxury watchmaking and brand collaborations.Beatrice, thank you for being here. Can you shed some light on the origins of this unique partnership between Hamilton and Air Zermatt?
Beatrice Linden: It all began in 2011. Air Zermatt, renowned for their daring rescue operations in the Swiss Alps, approached Hamilton seeking financial support for a pilot training program in the challenging terrain of the Himalayas.They wanted to share their expertise with a new generation of pilots. Hamilton,a brand known for its adventurous spirit and association with aviation,was immediately drawn to the project,recognizing its potential for both humanitarian impact and inspiring innovation.
World-Today-News Senior Editor: it’s a compelling story of how a seemingly unlikely partnership blossomed.
From Rescue Missions to Cutting-Edge Designs: A Collaboration Takes flight
World-Today-news Senior Editor: The collaboration goes beyond financial backing.How do Air zermatt pilots directly contribute to the development of Hamilton watches?
Beatrice Linden: This is where the partnership truly shines. Air Zermatt pilots actively participate in the testing and refinement of Hamilton watches. For example, one of their early collaborations resulted in the Khaki Aviation Flight Timer, a watch designed to accurately record flight time. Pilots wore prototypes for months, putting them through rigorous real-world tests, providing invaluable feedback to ensure the watches met the highest standards of accuracy and durability.
World-Today-News Senior Editor: That real-world feedback must be invaluable to Hamilton’s design process.
World-Today-News Senior Editor: This partnership extends beyond the design studios. Hamilton and Air Zermatt have opened a joint retail space in Zermatt. Can you tell us more about that?
Beatrice Linden: Absolutely.During the pandemic, Hamilton saw an opportunity to collaborate further with Air Zermatt. They took over a space from one of their retailers and established a pop-up store, which proved to be a resounding success.The store not only provides a platform to showcase the latest Hamilton Air Zermatt timepieces but also serves as a hub to share the inspiring stories behind both brands. It’s a destination that draws watch enthusiasts and admirers of Air Zermatt’s courageous work alike.
Looking to the Future: A Continued Legacy of Innovation
World-Today-News Senior Editor: Looking ahead, what does the future hold for this remarkable partnership?
Beatrice Linden: The future looks incredibly shining. As the 15th anniversary of their collaboration approaches in 2026, Hamilton and Air Zermatt are already planning a special commemorative watch. It will be a timepiece that reflects the enduring strength of this partnership and will be available globally. Their shared commitment to pushing boundaries and achieving excellence makes this partnership a true testament to what can be accomplished when innovation and compassion come together.
