Aristo ME-KR201-BA – Infinity

Watches inspired by sports car speedometers

Messerschmitt watches primarily include models of aviation watches, or watches inspired by the designs of the legendary constructor Willy Messerschmitt. Since Messerschmitt is a registered trademark of ARISTO VOLLMER GmbH, the watches are manufactured in the Aristo factory, thus meeting all quality and detail requirements.

However, this case is a specialty. This particular piece is based on the Messerschmitt KR201 model, which is inspired by the design of racing car speedometers. We were very impressed by the watch itself, but we felt that some details could be tweaked a bit to allow the watch to stand out more. Especially the dial, which we believe is well-executed. Therefore, we had new dials manufactured at Aristo - in the same design, but we removed the Messerschmitt inscriptions and logos (from 12 and 6 o'clock), replaced the Messerschmitt inscription with the old Aristo logo, and simultaneously removed the date window. This resulted in a cleaner dial design that is more faithful to its original.

We had the watch case surface-treated - by sandblasting. And we fitted the case with a Swiss Sellita SW200 mechanical movement (instead of the original quartz movement).

This is a unique edition manufactured and available only at Infinity Watches.

Technical details:

Inspiration

After World War II, the Messerschmitt company was forced to reorient from aircraft production to the production of small, affordable vehicles for a certain period. The first such car, designated KR175, rolled out of the company's workshops in 1952. It was essentially a kind of scooter with a cabin. Through successive innovation of the KR175 model, the KR200 model was developed in 1955. This became a legend. From the design itself, it was evident that aeronautical engineers had worked on the designs. The lines of the cabin clearly referred to the lines of aircraft. The doors, through which one entered the vehicle, had the same opening mechanism as was common in aircraft of that time. Similarly, the driver's seat, which was placed in the middle of the car, clearly referred to the pilot's seating in the cockpit. The vehicles were available in several different color variants.

The KR201 model was inspired by the design of the speedometer of Messerschmitt sports cars.

KR201 Watches - Unique and Affordable Watches

The KR201 watches are affordable timepieces with a universal 38mm satin-finished case. If you are looking for a beautiful and affordable watch, then this model is undoubtedly the right choice. An ideal choice not only for slender men's wrists but also for any women's wrist.

Made in Germany

The range of Messerschmitt watches is truly diverse. From very affordable models to limited editions often made using historical parts - whether, for example, historical cases or movements. All watches are assembled in the company's workshops in Pforzheim, Germany. The quality of workmanship is first-class. Despite this, the price remains at a very favorable level.

Brand History

The history of the Aristo brand dates back to 1907 when watchmaker Julius Epple I (born 1865) founded Julius Epple KG in Pforzheim, one of the cradles of German watchmaking. At that time, the company focused on the production of watches and watch cases. In 1934, Julius Epple took over the movement factory Maurer & Reiling, and from then on, the company also began producing its own hand-wound movement known as JE Urofa 56. The "Aristo" brand began to be used from the mid-1920s and was registered on January 31, 1936, at the former "Imperial Patent Office."

Present Day

Vandaag, Arsito is in the hands of Mr. Hansjörg Vollmer (since 1998, when the Epple family sold it to him), grandson of the founder of the Vollmer factory for steel watch bracelets (Vollmer, Evvo, New Line), which was established in 1922 and maintained business relations with Aristo since 1927.

Innovation

Under Hansjörg's leadership, the brand, in addition to producing typical Aristo models, also focuses on innovation. For example, in 2004, Aristo introduced the first watches with carbon cases and carbon dials, making the brand a pioneer in working with carbon as a material in the watchmaking industry.

Willy Messerschmitt

Willy Messerschmitt (1898-1978) was a German aircraft designer and aviation pioneer.

He was born in Frankfurt am Main in 1898 as the son of Ferdinand Messerschmitt, a baptist, and his second wife Anna Marie, née Schaller. From 1906, he grew up in Bamberg, where his parents ran a large wine shop with a wine bar. At 10 years old, he was already building model airplanes, and later, as a student, real gliders that he tested himself with friends. At 13, he met the gliding pioneer and government architect Friedrich Harth, who would have a decisive influence on his life. Immediately after graduating from high school, Messerschmitt was called up for military service in World War I in 1917.

In 1934, in addition to the Bf 108 (M 37), which set new standards in lightweight construction and is considered a model for modern aircraft construction, he designed the Bf 109 fighter used by the German Air Force in World War II. In 1937, Messerschmitt was appointed professor. Under the Nazi regime, he was tasked with the development and production of combat and fighter aircraft; among others, he developed the record-breaking Me 209 and the Me 262, the first mass-produced aircraft with a turbojet engine.

Factory Visit

In July 2019, we had the opportunity to visit the Aristo factory in person. Although we suspected it would be an interesting visit, the reality far exceeded our expectations. It was truly an amazing experience. So many treasures in one place are really rare to see. The history of the brand and the passion for watches emanated from every corner of the building. You can read about the factory visit, including behind-the-scenes photos, in the report written by Bhanu and published on the FliegerFriday website here: https://fliegerfriday.com/flieger-friday-the-aristo-vollmer-treasure-hunt/