The Aviator comes with a large oversized crown measuring 8mm in diameter, which is truly perfectly proportionate to the overall case size and design. One feature of the crown that was quite surprising is that it is a screw down type crown which is not a feature found on Aviator style watches at least based on my past personal experiences. The crown is quite firm with no play or wiggle when engaged in either setting position. Of course, this is a chronograph so 5mm function pushers are located on either side of the crown, which perform the typical functions with the top starting and stopping the chronograph while the bottom resets.
As I mentioned in the video, the one upgrade MSTR could and should opt to use in future productions would be sapphire crystals. The Aviator is fitted with a large mineral crystal measuring approximately 40mm in overall diameter. I’m not certain if the crystal has anti-reflective (AR) coating or not as that information is not provided in the specifications, but as you will see in the photographs and video, any glare is quite minimal. Such a large crystal will lend to the illusion of a slightly larger than the advertised 45mm watch as well. Beneath the mineral crystal is a sharp silver sunray type dial. The dial is obviously quite large but MSTR keeps the branding to a minimum so the dial is extremely clean and uncluttered. The Arabic numerals painted on the dial have the perfect font size for such a large dial. I prefer applied markers over painted markers but understand applied markers would most likely increase the overall cost of this model. The markers appear to have some lume as well, but it is very minimal and a bit uneven. Of course this is an Aviator, so any lume is just a bonus, but I have to wonder slightly about quality control based on how the markers charge up as the 8, 9 and 10 are absent in the lume photograph.
Roman sword style hands are utilized as the primary hour and minute handset, as well as, the chronograph sub-dial hands. The hands are lumed rather nicely and provide some decent afterglow for a few hours. My guess is C1 Superluminova is the lume compound used on the hands. The central second hand on this model is the continual running second hand for the time. The chronograph second hand is located at the 6 o’clock position and the minute accumulator is positioned at the 9 o’clock position. One of the interesting features of this particular chronograph is that there is no hour accumulator. Instead, the sub-dial located at the 3 o’clock where one might expect to find an hour accumulator is instead, a 24-hour time or military time indicator. I have to admit I am a huge fan of the standard chronograph design, but find it refreshing to see the complications setup a bit different from time to time.
Moving on to the case back, the Aviator comes with a screw down case back along with the screw down crown aid in the 100 meters of water resistance provided by this model. The case back has the typical specification and model information etched on it. In the center portion of the case back is a really cool looking, almost military inspired logo and the model name. Beneath the case back is a movement that I am not overly familiar with in a Sekio VD53 Quartz Chronograph Movement. As expect for a quartz movement the timing spot on accurate plus you get a slightly different complication setup as previously mentioned.
One of the first things I inspect about any watch is the strap, as I always start out by taking brief videos on the wrist. Don’t forget to view my brief video on this model by the way. So many times watch companies either provide straps of low quality or just far too short. As you will see in the video, this is definitely not an issue with the Aviator. The strap has a great overall length and will fit wrists over 8 inches with ease.
The strap lists as a croc strap, but I believe it is just croc styled leather. The leather is extremely soft and pliable, even at 4mm at the thickest point, providing quite a comfortable feel on the wrist. The strap measures 22mm at the lug and tapers to 20mm at the buckle. I expect the strap should hold up well over time based on all of the various custom straps I have seen over the years. Finishing off the strap is a high polished signed buckle that has a substantial feel to it.
If you are looking for a solid low budget Aviator style watch, then check out the Aviator models from MSTR Watches. If you are looking for an Aviator that you can dress up for a night out on the town or wear to the executive boardroom, then this model Aviator with the croco style strap would most certainly fit the bill. I know MSTR is working on some new models so I hope to see some slight upgrades or at a minimum some models with sapphire crystals and quality automatic movements, such as the Miyota 9015. I would like to thank MSTR Watches on working with WatchReport.com arranging the review. I would also like to thank each of you for reading and look forward to your thoughts and comments. Definitely check out what MSTR Watches has to offer especially if you are in the market for a well-built budget friendly timepiece.
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Naim leon
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