Fergus Nash
The aviation industry has a long history when it comes to timekeeping and watches, but that doesn’t mean you need decades of tradition to make an impact. MALM first launched its brand in 2019 and has grown quickly with an impressive catalogue of releases while partnering with the Swedish Air Force and Swedish Navy. Based in Linköping, MALM is surrounded by military and aerospace businesses, most notably Saab AB, which has been building Swedish fighter and jet aircraft since the late 1930s. The new MALM Air Wolf Viggen pays homage to the Saab 37 Viggen, a pioneering jet aircraft used by the Swedish Air Force for 40 years.
Incident
A collaboration with the Swedish Air Force’s 31st Aircraft Maintenance Division, the MALM Air Wolf Viggen places emphasis on practicality and industrial style. Its most noticeable features are the knurled crown and coin-edge bezel, which recall the grips and details of the equipment and tools we use every day. The case is made of stainless steel, primarily with a vertical brushed finish and a black DLC coating for a scratch-resistant and stealthy look. It also recalls the look of anodized aluminum, a material very common in aerospace engineering.
The size is very reasonable, considering that pilot watches tend to be on the larger side. The 40mm diameter pairs well with the 49mm lug-to-lug length to ensure it will wear comfortably on most wrists, and the 11.9mm thickness means it won’t bump too much when worn at work. However, with sapphire on both the front and back crystals, you won’t have to worry about scratches either way. It’s water resistant to 100m, so you’re free to take the watch for a swim if you want to.
Dial
Looking at this virtual recreation of the cockpit of a Saab AJS-37 Viggen, you might notice something very familiar just above the backup instruments. It’s clear that this jet watch was the primary inspiration for the dial of the MALM Airwolf Viggen. The design is a departure from the typical pilot dials found on German watches, but it retains the sharp contrast and legibility that we love. The bold broadsword hands, as well as the yellow color of the seconds hand and Viggen lettering, give the watch some personality.
The inward rotating bezel is easy to use thanks to the notched seconds hand, and easy to read with elapsed time markers at five-minute intervals. Printing the logo and other text in grey is a nice touch, ensuring the MALM brand’s presence without sacrificing the legibility of the black-and-white contrast by crowding the dial with too much text. While the black dial version is the main release, there are also two references limited to 37 pieces with either a grey or white dial.
bracelet
Paired with the MALM Air Wolf Viggen is an Oyster-style DLC-coated steel bracelet with polished center links and brushed outer links. Typically, this bracelet would add a dressier vibe to a watch, but the added sheen of the black coating makes it look a bit more polished on your wrist. The clasp is standard but nicely finished and features six micro-adjustment holes. If the bracelet isn’t your thing, the 20mm lug width means your aftermarket strap options are nearly endless.
motion
The MALM Air Wolf Viggen comes in three options with two similar but different movements. The base option is the Sellita SW200-1, available in either standard finish or yellow gold DLC. The Sellita has become the default option for budget Swiss movements in recent years due to its reliable performance, great specs, and very attractive finish for the price. It runs at 4Hz, sweeps smoothly, and has a power reserve of around 38 hours. The more expensive alternative is the Manufacture La Joux-Perret G100, which is a comparable replacement for the SW200/ETA 2824 architecture, but with multiple improvements. The biggest upgrade is the power reserve jumped up to 68 hours, along with a noticeably smoother finish and a basic accuracy of +/- 12 seconds per day.
MALM Air Wolf Viggen price and availability:
The MALM Air Wolf Viggen is available now on their website. hereOnly the grey and white dial version is available in a limited edition of 37 pieces. Price: $839 (SW200) / $1,029 (MLJP G100)
Brand MALM Model Air Wolf Viggen Case Size 40mm x 49mm x 11.9mm Case Material Stainless steel with black DLC coating Water Resistance 100m Crystal Sapphire with anti-reflective coating Dial Black, grey, white Lug Width 20mm Strap Steel bracelet Movement Sellita SW200 / MLJP G100 Power Reserve 38 hours / 68 hours Availability Available now, grey and white versions are limited to 37 pieces each Price US$839 (SW200) / US$1,029 (MLJP G100)
