Chronoswiss Gives its Flying Grand Regulator a Splash of Colour

Regulators have been a Chronoswiss trademark since the brand presented its first regulator wristwatch in 1987. With its 44mm case, the Grand Regulator has been one of the flagship models of the Chronoswiss collections for years. In 2017, the model got a facelift with the Flying Grand Regulator and a skeleton version – which we reviewed here. The addition of a 3D dial adds a sense of depth to the model and the impression that the regulator complication is floating above the dial. This year, the Lucerne-based brand adds a splash of colour to the model with two limited editions packaged in DLC-coated steel cases.

The first thing to catch the eye with these limited edition watches is their colourful 3D dial constructed on several layers and contrasting with the dark case. The lower part of the dial is guilloché and lacquered. The first version has an almost full-black colour scheme, with its dark case, its black guilloché dial and raised elements on the dial. However, it features multiple hints of yellow providing a great contrast and a bold style – on the hands and for the minutes/hours indices and, of course, for the strap.

The red version is striking with its deep translucent colour and the dial is particularly lively when seen under natural light conditions. A very playful dial, no doubt about it. It is paired with a second shade of red – coral – for the hands and numerals. The limited edition number is painted on a plate applied at 3 o’clock.

The Flying Regulator round, cylinder-like case is 44mm in diameter. It features the brand’s characteristic oversized onion-shaped crown, side knurling and straight lugs. It comes in anthracite or black DLC-coated stainless steel. The strap bars are screwed. While the case is rather large, it sits nicely on the wrist as it is pretty thin in comparison to its diameter.

Turn the watch over and, visible through the exhibition caseback, you will discover the hand-wound calibre C.678. If the movement is based on the Unitas, it is extensively modified by Chronoswiss. The regulator mechanism is fully developed and designed in-house. The balance wheel features screws. The cock incorporates a swan-neck regulator. Chronoswiss also incorporated a stop-seconds mechanism, which is a functional and practical addition.

The design of the bridges and the movement finish have also been upgraded. The movement is decorated with circular Geneva stripes and perlage. The bridges come with a black finish contrasting with the rhodium-plated main plate.

Both editions of the Chronoswiss Flying Grand Regulator are worn on a straight cut Hornback alligator strap secured with a steel-DLC folding buckle. Price is set a CHF 8,900 for the yellow version and CHF 9,400 for the red version – both are available in the webshop. For more information, please visit www.chronoswiss.com.