Graham Chronofighter 1695

Distinctive… that word is very applicable for the Graham Chronofighter. Together with the Panerai Luminor Marina – with its recognizable crown guard – it is perhaps one of the most recognizable watches of the last decennia. Graham just released a new, more discrete, version of the bold Chronofighter. 

It’s mainly because of the prominent chronograph pusher, that it stands so much apart from other watches. The first time I saw one ‘in the metal’ I just had to try it (check my old wrist shot here) and I was positively surprised by it’s looks and even discretion. At least, as long as the chronograph pusher is hidden under your sleeve. Here’s the new Graham Chronofighter 1695.

The dial shows 12 numerals, a date aperture at the 3 o’clock position and a 30-minute chronograph counter at the 6 o’clock position. Nothing spectacular and that’s why this is probably the most discreet Chronofighter to date. The 42 mm case is available in stainless steel and comes on either a black or brown leather strap, while the 18K pink gold version comes on a brown alligator strap.

The stainless steel version comes with either a black dial and white numerals/indices or a silver/white dial with black numerals and indices. The pink gold version has a champagne colour dial with gold applied numerals at 12, 3 and 9 o’clock and applied gold stick markers at the other hours.

The domed sapphire crystal with has anti-reflective coating on both the inside and the outside of the crystal. Adding up it gives superb visibility and no glare, however anti-reflective coating on the outside of the crystal might get scratched and can get ugly over the years.

The Chronofighter 1695’s caseback is closed, with just a small sapphire aperture above the balance wheel and escapement. The stainless steel case back depicts an engraving of the Greenwich Royal Observatory and the case back of the pink gold version shows the same Observatory however that one is hand-engraved!

The engraving of the Greenwich Royal Observatory is a tribute to the early life of George Graham, the official watchmaker of this important British Institution and the aperture is a homage to “Honest George”, the father of the chronograph and creator of simplified escapements which are the ancestor of the Swiss modern escapement. Maybe a long and technical read, but also a good reference, is the Wikipedia page about the history of escapements and the role George Graham (Honest George) played.

Altogether a typical Graham Chronofighter with pure Graham DNA. The Graham Chronofighter 1695 is available for CHF 5,500 Swiss Francs (stainless steel) or CHF 19,950 for the pink gold version.

Check out the Graham website for more information about the watch and availability.

This article is written by Frank Geelen, executive editor for Monochrome Watches.