Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Chronoswiss Open Gear Tourbillon
Chronoswiss’ modern regulator watch receives a complex beating heart.
Chronoswiss is the brand that made the regulator its trademark complication. Founded in the early 1980s, the brand was the first to produce a regulator wristwatch in series, back in 1988. Since then, the Lucerne-based manufacturer has created a slew of regulator timepieces, included a Tourbillon regulator in 2000. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of that creation, Maik Panziera, Head of Design at Chronoswiss, created the Open Gear Tourbillon, a modern take on the model featuring a distinctive regulator set-up and a very bold electric blue case paired with a hand-guilloché dial.
The new Open Gear Tourbillon takes its cues from the brand’s recent Open Gear regulators. Specifically, the indications are showcased in an original way that Chronoswiss calls “flying regulator” as these seem to be floating above the dial. The raised rings for the hours and seconds create a striking sense of depth. The dial is an elaborate 42-part construction on two levels. The bottom level is hand-guilloché (which is produced in-house) whereas the upper level features skeletonized train wheel bridges and a funnel-like construction for the hour display. At 6 o’clock, and this is the main novelty for the model, a flying tourbillon brings a perfect and captivating pulsating counterpoint to this distinctive regulator layout.
Regulators
In the past, watch workshops or observatories were equipped with precision master clocks known as regulators. Their characteristic display with separate time indications (the minute hand usually taking centre stage) was designed for precision time readings. With reference to their display, the term ‘regulator’ refers to dials with separate time registers; in general, a central minutes hand with hours and seconds arranged in subsidiary registers.
The Chronoswiss Open Gear Tourbillon is powered by the exclusive hand-wound calibre C.303. The one-minute flying tourbillon ticks at 28,800 vibrations per hour (or 4Hz) and the power reserve of the movement is of 60 hours. Besides the ballet of the regulating organ, it can be admired via the exhibition caseback with blued bridges matching the colour of the case.
In characteristic Chronoswiss style, the watch comes with a cylinder-like case featuring the brand’s signature onion crown, side knurling and straight lugs. Measuring 44mm in diameter, it is made of stainless steel with an electric blue CVD coating – similar to that of the Open Gear ReSec Electric Blue. The blue hornback crocodile strap is held in place with the brand’s Autobloc system.
A limited edition of 15 pieces, the Chronoswiss Open Gear Tourbillon retails for CHF 39,000 or EUR 39,000. For more information, please visit www.chronoswiss.com.
