Terra Cielo Mare is a family-run Italian company, and not surprisingly their pilot’s watches are inspired by episodes from the history of Italian aviation. The new Avio Tipo F has a design that recalls the early aviator models with stylized numerals and hands with faceted areas of SuperLuminova. The dial is a dark blue instead of the classic black, and the seconds hand has a tip with a dot of lume.
Caseback engraving
The 44mm case in 316L stainless steel contains the ETA 2824 movement, automatic with a 38-40 hour power reserve. The screwed caseback guarantees a water resistance of 5 atm, and it also gives the watch a technical appearance seen from the back. At the centre of the caseback is an engraving of the MC-72 seaplane.
The MC-72 was built by Macchi Castoldi, initially intended for competing in what proved to be the last Schneider Trophy race in 1931, but engine problems prevented Italy from taking part. However, development of the MC-72 continued, and in 1933, pilot Francesco Agello flew it to a new world speed record for aircraft, reaching 682 km/h. He bettered the record in October 1934, achieving 709 km/h. This has remained the fastest speed ever attained by a piston-engined seaplane to this day. Ater that, the MC-72 never flew again – perhaps because of its ominous record. Two test pilots died in world record attempts flying this plane.
Price and reference
Back to the watch… It has a lovely strap in rolled leather, made by artisans in Italy. The “F” in the name of the timepiece comes from the Fontana family, co-owners of the TCM brand. The watch is a limited edition of 20 pieces, price €1,390.