Crosswind calculator, crossword dial
By Rafael Ortiz, Mexico City ·
If you've never had to land in a gusty crosswind, the drift angle calculator on the X-Wind is going to look like decoration. If you have, it'll make you smile. The inner bezel and scales let you work out the crosswind component, which is a clever bit of aviation geekery I haven't seen anyone else put on a watch at this price.
The problem is everything else that's crammed onto the dial. Chronograph subdials, a day-date window, the drift scales, a tachymeter-ish ring. It's 45 mm wide and 15.3 mm thick, and even with that much space it feels crowded. I like a chronograph I can read at a glance, and this one needs two glances and a coffee.
The H-21 movement gives you 60 hours, which is good. The leather strap is comfortable. At 2,045 to 2,195 dollars, it's fair value for something this specialized. But it's a watch for the aviation nerd who'll actually use the scales, not for the person who just wants a pilot look. That person should buy the Converter.