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Call Sign Unveils "Wrights of Passage" Watch Collection, Honoring Aviation Pioneers
Journey Through Time: The Wrights of Passage Collection
Call Sign's Brand Evolution and Vision
Recently undergoing a transformation from Bravo Golf to Call Sign, this independent watchmaker, dedicated to aviation, is introducing a new range that bridges historical narratives with contemporary design. The "Wrights of Passage" collection, though conceived under the original Bravo Golf name, is released as Call Sign, reflecting a brand ethos centered on identity and community within the flying world. Founder Beau Garrett, a pilot himself, emphasizes that these timepieces are crafted "by pilots for pilots," encapsulating stories rather than just specifications.
Collaboration with the Wright Brothers Family Foundation
The storytelling philosophy of the brand captured the attention of the Wright Brothers Family Foundation. Following an exhibition at the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo, the Foundation extended an invitation for a partnership to create a series celebrating the Wright family's profound legacy. This collaboration resulted in the "Wrights of Passage" collection, a testament to the family's enduring impact on aviation, while subtly acknowledging the brand's origins by retaining the Bravo Golf name on each dial.
Shared Design Principles Across the Collection
All three models within the "Wrights of Passage" series share a consistent structural foundation: a 39mm stainless steel case (316L grade), measuring 46mm from lug-to-lug and 10.8mm in thickness. Each variant is distinguished by a unique PVD coating, aligning with its specific theme. A signature feature across the dials is Call Sign's distinctive crescent-shaped GMT window, designed to allow aviators to effortlessly monitor both local and Zulu time, reinforcing the collection's aviation heritage. Powering these timepieces is the Swiss-made Sellita SW331-2 automatic movement, which boasts a 56-hour power reserve, a 4 Hz beat rate, and functionalities including hours, minutes, central seconds, a rotating GMT disk, and a date display. The intricate movement is visible through a sapphire crystal caseback, protected by a hinged solid cover. For optimal visibility in low-light conditions, X1-grade Super-LumiNova is applied to the hands, date, and second time zone indicators.
The Brothers Edition: A Tribute to Wilbur and Orville Wright
Limited to 200 units, "The Brothers" edition honors Wilbur and Orville Wright, pioneers of powered flight. This model features a dark gray PVD-coated stainless steel case complemented by a matching gray dial and a brown leather strap, evoking the industrial atmosphere of their Dayton workshop. The caseback is adorned with an engraved replica of the Wrights' original wing-warping diagram, commemorating the pivotal moment when aerodynamic control was mastered, enabling sustained flight.
The Katharine Model: Celebrating a Key Supporter
The "Katharine" model, a limited run of 100 pieces, is dedicated to Katharine Wright, whose unwavering support and strategic advocacy as the family's "social manager" were indispensable to her brothers' achievements. This watch presents a refined aesthetic with a rose gold-toned titanium nitride PVD case, a white dial, and a white strap, making it the most elegant and formal offering in the collection. Its caseback features an engraving of the 1905 Wright Flyer III, recognized as the world's first practical aircraft, symbolizing Katharine's crucial role in gaining global recognition for the Wright brothers' groundbreaking work, which earned her, alongside Wilbur and Orville, the French Legion of Honor.
The Bishop Variant: Honoring Parental Influence
The "Bishop" variant, with only 50 pieces available, pays homage to Milton Wright, the family patriarch. His early encouragement fostered his sons' fascination with aviation. This watch showcases a gold-toned titanium nitride PVD case paired with a cream dial and a black strap, offering the most classic color scheme of the three. The caseback displays an engraving of the Penaud helicopter, a simple toy given by Milton to Wilbur and Orville in their youth, which is frequently cited as the initial spark for their lifelong journey into aeronautical innovation.
Exclusivity and Presentation
Each "Wrights of Passage" watch is individually numbered, emphasizing the collection's limited availability. The series is designed to captivate aviation history enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate narrative-driven design. To further connect the collection to its origins, each timepiece is presented in a custom-made Gerstner & Sons wooden chest, handcrafted in Ohio, complete with a Wright Brothers USA authenticity token. Notably, Orville Wright himself favored Gerstner & Sons toolboxes for his own workshop. These watches make a thoughtful holiday gift, especially for pilots or aviation aficionados. "The Brothers" edition is priced at $2,100 USD, "The Katharine" at $2,300 USD, and "The Bishop" at $2,500 USD. For more details on these limited-edition timepieces, visit the Call Sign website.