Chronoswiss Open Gear ReSec Chocolate (Live Pics & Price)

We got our first look at the Chronoswiss Open Gear ReSec at Baselworld 2019 and were impressed with its bold styling and integration of retrograde seconds to the regulator set-up. The guilloché dial stood out with a three-dimensional “solar” pattern that really caught the light and added to the busy look (certainly not in a bad way). The latest variant, the Open Gear ReSec Chocolate, eschews much of that visual complexity for a more laid-back, casual aesthetic that’s tailor-made for a t-shirt and jeans. 

The original Open Gear ReSec came in a handful of colours, such as Electric Blue with DLC (diamond-like carbon) coated steel cases and matching straps, but the general ingredients were all the same. The latest model replaces guilloché with an abraded, chilli-red varnished dial, although the dial itself is actually the mainplate of the movement. Artisanal dark chocolate served as inspiration for the colour palette, a speciality in the watchmaker’s hometown of Lucerne, Switzerland. To be precise, the dial colour is chilli and cranberry red (called Regulator Red), enhanced by a contrasting black “flying” sub-dial and outer chapter ring, along with exposed train wheel bridges, gears and the retrograde seconds. 

Light grey, lacquered Trigono-style hands with Super-LumiNova add a third layer of contrast with cylindrical Super-LumiNova inserts on the chapter ring and flat blocks on the hour sub-dial. This deceptively complex dial is comprised of 42 parts with hours at the top, central minutes and retrograde bottom seconds, which jump every 30 seconds.

The stainless steel case of the Chronoswiss Open Gear ReSec Chocolate has a brownish-black PVD coating and the same 44mm diameter as the earlier models (and a height of 13.35mm). Signature Chronoswiss features are present, such as the oversized onion crown and side knurling on both ends of the case. The long, arching lugs are attached to the strap via exposed screws with the brand’s patented Autobloc system. The bezel has a matte, sandblasted finish, while the sides and case back are satin. The front sapphire crystal has a double anti-reflective coating and the sapphire exhibition caseback displays the same modified automatic from prior models. The 17-piece case is water-resistant to 100 metres. 

Under the hood is the Chronoswiss Calibre C. 301, based on the ETA 2895. However, there’s both an in-house regulator module and retrograde seconds mechanism, making this one of the brand’s most complex movements. It has 33 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) with a 42-hour power reserve, and is decorated with perlage and Côtes de Genève. The custom openworked rotor is black this time with the centred Chronoswiss logo. 

The 22mm strap is hand-sewn, dark brown calf leather to finish the “chocolate” theme and includes a deployment clasp. As a bonus, all buyers that register for the extended three-year warranty will receive a one-year quarterly chocolate subscription from Max Chocolatier – an exclusive selection of seasonally flavoured, handmade chocolates.

Price and availability

The Chronoswiss Open Gear ReSec Chocolate will be limited to 50 pieces with a price of CHF 9,900 or EUR 10,000. For more information or to place an order, visit the Chronoswiss website.