Many watches can be described as having a ?military? look ? the Panerai Luminor, IWC Big Pilot?s Watch, and Breitling Avenger Hurricane are a few that leap immediately to mind ? but the Graham Chronofighter takes the look to a new level. With its distinctive and ever-so-cool side-mounted chronograph trigger mechanism, it?s not just military but militaristic. This is a watch that?s spoiling for a war ? or at least an airstrike. It?s got ?Fighter? in its name, for crying out loud. And yet, now that I?ve finally had the opportunity to wear one ? namely the new Chronofighter Vintage Aircraft Ltd., one of a limited series of four timepieces directly inspired by classic military planes ? I?ve found that it delivers its own style of ?stealth luxury? as well.
What differentiates these limited editions from the standard Chronofighter series are several factors, all of which contribute nicely to their period-influenced vintage look. The 44-mm case ? including the stepped bezel and the start-stop chronograph trigger is constructed in what Graham calls ?aged steel? and treated with a gray PVD finish for a sleek, dusky, gunmetal look. Other historical flourishes include the onion-style crown tucked under the lever mechanism, a hallmark of early pilots? watches; the thin, beige-colored hour indices that impart a patina of age; and the riveted pattern on the dial that calls to mind the bodywork of a fighter jet from the dawning age of military aviation.

Four color schemes are availabl...