Up for review today is the other watch from newcomer Abingdon, the Amelia model. Let’s dive right in with some specifications:
- 40mm stainless steel case, 12mm thick, 65g.
- Color-matched leather strap, thorn buckle.
- Water resistant to 50m (165ft).
- Miyota 6M17 quartz movement with GMT, sweep second and date functions.
- Inner E6B bezel for flight calculations.
- Etched screwdown caseback.
- Mineral crystal.
- Brass dial.
- Luminous hands and markers.
Please read on for the full review.
As discussed on the Jackie review, Abingdon was started by a woman pilot who couldn’t find watches she liked. Abingdon Watches is the result of that frustration, and the Amelia is one of the two introductory models from the new company. In terms of style and function, it’s simpler and less like jewelry than the Jackie, with a flat dial, no bezel jewels, GMT instead of a chronograph, and a leather strap instead of a bracelet. It’s price is lower, too, with a retail of $250 versus $400. However, the aviation functionality is there, with E6B bezel and super-useful GMT/UTC hand in addition to night-visible luminous hands and date.
The Amelia (both models are named for women’s names) is to my eye reminiscent of the classic models from Breitling, though the dial seems a bit less cluttered. Attention to detail is good throughout, with a nice etched caseback and logo. Both crowns are signed; another nice touch to appreciate.
The movement is a reliable and accurate Miyota that should provide many years of service. Accuracy is typical at 15 seconds per month.
Dial and strap are available in white or black.
If you’ve got a pilot in your life, the Amelia is a no-brainer gift this Christmas. It would also be good for non-pilots who do a lot of travelling; the 24-hour hand is an easy way to keep track of a second timezone and the lume makes it readable when you wake at odd hours with a bad case of jetlag.
Our thanks to Abingdon for the loan for review. Good luck with the new brand!
By Paul Hubbard
Correction: I had stated that the watches were named for aviators; my error. Post corrected.
