Aristo Messerschmitt ME-KR202-TL – Turquoise

Watches inspired by the work of Willy Messerschmitt

Messerschmitt brand watches mainly include aviator watch models, or watches inspired by the designs of the legendary designer 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.

The range of watches is diverse. We have selected watches for you that have something extra. Something that makes these watches worthy of your attention.

Technical details:

Inspiration

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

Due to high demand for these vehicles, a German company began to produce replicas of these legendary vehicles. And it is to them that the KR202 watch models refer.

KR202 Watches - affordable watches

The KR202 watches represent affordable timepieces with a universal polished case size of 38 mm. The dial color is harmonized with a comfortable leather strap. 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, or any women's wrists.

Made in Germany

The Messerschmitt watch collection is truly diverse. From very affordable models to limited editions often made using historical parts - be it historical cases or movements, for example. All watches are assembled in the company's workshops in Pforzheim, Germany. The quality of craftsmanship 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 the watchmaker Julius Epple I (born 1865) founded the company Julius Epple KG in Pforzheim, Germany, one of the cradles of German watchmaking. At that time, the company focused on manufacturing watches and watch cases. In 1934, Julius Epple took over the movement factory Maurer & Reiling, and from then on, the company also began to produce 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 steel bracelet factory (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, positioning the brand among the pioneers working with carbon as a material in the watch industry.

Willy Messerschmitt

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

Born in Frankfurt am Main in 1898, he was the son of the Baptist Ferdinand Messerschmitt 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, he was already building model airplanes, and later, while still a student, real gliders, which he tested himself with friends. As a 13-year-old student, 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 conscripted into 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 entrusted with the development and production of combat and fighter aircraft; he developed, among others, the record-breaking Me 209 and the Me 262, the first mass-produced aircraft with a turbine jet engine.

A visit to the manufactory

In July 2019, we had the opportunity to personally visit the Aristo factory. While we had an inkling 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 a rare sight. 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 FliegerFriday here: https://fliegerfriday.com/flieger-friday-the-aristo-vollmer-treasure-hunt/