The History of the Swedish Air Force, Aviation Engineering, and Pilot Watches
When the Swedish Air Force was established as an independent military branch in the summer of 1926, it merged the existing aviation units of the Army and the Navy. At the time, the fleet consisted primarily of aircraft made of wood and painted canvas, and the Air Force’s role was viewed chiefly as a tool for reconnaissance. No one could have predicted that over the coming century, Sweden would evolve into a global aviation powerhouse, capable of independently developing and manufacturing some of the world's most advanced fighter jets.
The Strategic Choice: Why Sweden Built Its Own Fighter Jets
During the 1930s, Swedish leadership recognized that the changing geopolitical landscape required a formidable air defense. However, as World War II erupted, it quickly became evident that relying on international aircraft purchases was virtually impossible; the major aircraft-producing nations required every machine for their own fleets. To secure its sovereignty and maintain its strict policy of neutrality, Sweden made the bold decision to become entirely self-sufficient in military aviation.
Through a tight, long-term partnership between the state and the newly founded defense company Saab in Linköping, a unique industrial era was born. During the Cold War, this strategy yielded exceptional results. The threat from the East required an air force capable of operating out of the Swedish road base system (Bas 60 / Bas 90). Under this doctrine, fighter jets needed to be able to take off and land on standard public highways and be serviced rapidly in the field by conscripted mechanics.
This highly specific operational requirement resulted in a lineage of legendary aircraft designs:
- Saab 29 Tunnan ("The Flying Barrel"): Sweden's first purpose-built jet fighter, which set an international airspeed record in 1955.
- Saab 32 Lansen ("The Lance"): A robust and versatile attack, fighter, and reconnaissance platform.
- Saab 35 Draken ("The Kite/Dragon"): Featuring a groundbreaking double-delta wing design, built to intercept Cold War nuclear bombers at high altitudes.
- Saab 37 Viggen ("The Thunderbolt"): A technological marvel with unique STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) capabilities, tailored precisely for hidden road bases.
- JAS 39 Gripen ("The Griffin"): The modern multirole fighter jet combining fighter, attack, and reconnaissance capabilities into a single, highly adaptable system.
Thanks to this massive national commitment, Sweden boasted the world's fourth-largest air force during the 1950s, with over 1,000 frontline combat aircraft in active service.
Precision on the Wrist: Pilot Watches Through the Eras
For a fighter pilot, timekeeping has historically been a critical operational tool for navigation and tactical synchronization. The timepieces procured by the Swedish Armed Forces have always had to meet incredibly strict military requirements for shock resistance, precision, and legibility.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Swiss mechanical chronographs dominated the cockpits. The most famous of all is the iconic Lemania "Viggen" (Reference 817), a hand-wound flyback chronograph issued to pilots flying the Saab 37 Viggen. Marked with the Swedish Air Force's "Three Crowns" (Tre Kronor) and a military "M-number" on the caseback, these watches are among the most highly sought-after military collector's items in the world today.
As the 1980s arrived, digital quartz technology took over, offering unprecedented precision at a lower cost. During this period, the Air Force procured the retro-futuristic Citizen Ana-Digi (Reference 8950). Affectionately known in Sweden as the "Citizen Viggen," it featured a distinct, blocky brushed-steel case combining traditional analog hands with a digital LCD display at the bottom. This layout allowed pilots to read the local time instantly while utilizing digital stopwatch functions. The model was even marketed civilly in Sweden with the famous slogan: "The Air Force chose Citizen."
In parallel and throughout the subsequent decade, Seiko also found its way into Swedish military service. Initially, simpler quartz watches like the Seiko Sports 100 (Ref. 7123) were used by fighter pilots. However, around 1999, the more advanced Seiko 7T27-7A20 chronograph was procured. This analog quartz chronograph with three subdials was frequently issued to helicopter crews and Viggen pilots during the system's final active years.
In modern times, the mantle has been passed back to Swedish brands. In 2011, Stockholm-based Sjöö Sandström launched the UTC Skydiver, developed in direct collaboration with the Air Force to meet 35 rigorous military specifications. To celebrate the grand 100th anniversary in 2026, they also released their Annual Edition 2026 Sjöö Sandström Royal Steel Worldtimer in a limited run.
Concurrently, Linköping-based MALM Watches has built a close relationship with various Air Force fighter squadrons, creating the MALM Watches Dalton Chronograph. Alongside the Dalton, they turned heads in the watch community with their dedicated tribute model, the MALM Viggen. This watch draws direct design inspiration from the classic analog cockpit instruments of the Saab 37 Viggen, carrying a rugged, tactical aesthetic deeply rooted in Swedish aviation history.
A Unique Tribute to the Centenary: Introducing the REM Straps Anniversary Strap
To mark this historic century in the skies, we at REM Straps are incredibly proud to present an exclusive, Swedish-made anniversary strap crafted from premium organically tanned leather form Tärnsjö.
True to our philosophy at REM Straps, we design our straps to tell a story, transforming a functional accessory into a wearable piece of narrative art REM Straps Storytelling. This unique centenary strap features artwork laser-engraved directly into the leather, providing unmatched detail, depth, and contrast REM Straps Laser Engraved.
The motif honors the three greatest milestones of Swedish aviation engineering, depicting the sharp silhouettes of the Draken, Viggen, and JAS 39 Gripen. The aircraft are flanked by the historic commemorative years, 1926–2026. This strap is the ultimate collector's piece for watch and aviation enthusiasts alike, allowing you to carry the Swedish Air Force's 100-year legacy of style, craftsmanship, and absolute precision on your wrist every day.
