ABU DHABI— A UAE-based watchmaker named AIM has launched a limited series of timepieces built using physical parts taken from a retired Airbus A380 once operated by Etihad Airways (EY). The collection links the country’s aviation history with Swiss watchmaking.
The series, called the “ALPHA (A380) AUH Edition,” is capped at 380 units and uses material from Etihad’s first A380, registered A6-APA. Each watch is designed in the United Arab Emirates, built in Switzerland, and priced at $3,250, with the first deliveries linked to Abu Dhabi (AUH).
Photo: By Mitchul Hope – Etihad Airways | A6-APB | Airbus A380-861 | London Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL), CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=129305775
Etihad Airbus A380 Parts Turned Into Watches
AIM has created the Alpha Series as a tribute to the aviation legacy of the United Arab Emirates. The watches use parts sourced from Etihad Airways’ first Airbus A380, an aircraft that holds a notable place in the wider A380 program.
That aircraft carries the registration A6-APA and the manufacturer serial number MSN 166. It was the airline’s first A380 and also the 150th Airbus A380 ever delivered worldwide. Using components from this specific airframe gives each watch a direct connection to a documented aircraft rather than a generic aviation theme.
The collection is strictly limited to 380 units, matching the aircraft type number. Each piece carries individual numbering, which gives buyers a defined position within the run and supports long-term collectibility, Hava Sosyal Medya reported.
Photo: AIM
Design And Construction Details
The Alpha Series is designed in the UAE and manufactured in Switzerland. The case measures 40mm with a 20mm lug width and is built from 316L stainless steel using precision construction.
The dial is jet black and treated with Super-LumiNova coating for low-light readability. The seconds hand uses a barber’s pole style, and the crown is shaped to reflect the design of an Airbus A380 engine fan.
The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on the front and a sapphire display rear, both anti-reflective and scratch resistant. A premium leather strap with a quick-release fitting completes the build.
Photo: By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia – Etihad Airways, A6-APG, Airbus A380-861, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78120484
Movement Specifications
The watch runs on a Sellita Swiss SW200-1 automatic movement made in Switzerland. The calibre uses 26 jewels and drives a smooth, sweeping seconds hand.
It offers a power reserve of 38 to 41 hours and supports both automatic and manual winding. Stated accuracy is approximately plus or minus 4 seconds per day, with the maker noting that real-world performance is usually better.
Aircraft Source
Every watch in this edition draws its aviation link from a single aircraft flown by Etihad Airways. The relevant details are listed below.
Operator: Etihad Airways
Registration: A6-APA
Manufacturer serial number: MSN 166
Status: Etihad Airways’ first Airbus A380
Program milestone: the 150th Airbus A380 ever delivered
Photo: By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia – Etihad Airways, A6-API, Airbus A380-861, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67096356
Build, Delivery, And Warranty
AIM expects the first 10 Etihad pieces to be ready by the end of June 2026. The company notes that delivery timelines may shift slightly because of hand assembly and final quality control steps.
Each watch is individually inspected in La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland, before release. The Alpha Series is covered by a two-year limited warranty.
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