Graham Chronofighter Steel Target – A Bold, Aviation-Inspired Chronograph

If you’ve been searching for a bold, aviation-inspired chronograph that will make an unmistakable impression on the wrist, we might just have the watch for you. The Graham Chronofighter Target is larger than life and has a number of nice touches that really catch the eye. Masculine, modern and still featuring the signature elements of the brand, but without the vintage feel of other collections. We recently spent some time getting hands-on with the Chronofighter Steel Target. Here are our thoughts.

There’s no question that a return to smaller case sizes seems to be the prevailing trend these days, something we are quite pleased about at MONOCHROME. That being said, Graham has always been known for its larger watch cases, which along with the distinctive start/stop trigger, are a signature of the brand. Certainly, they’re not for everybody but Graham knows its clients well and it knows what they like. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, why fix it?

The Chronofighter Steel Target very much follows this same formula, with some subtle tweaks, to create a watch that is both interesting to look at and also quite practical to use. Presented in a 47mm steel case, it features a black carbon fast-action start/stop trigger on the left of the case and a steel reset pusher topped with black rubber for extra grip. The rubber is finished with a “Clous de Paris” pattern to give that extra bit of personality.

As with all Graham Chronofighter models, the crown and chronograph pusher/trigger are placed on the left side of the case. This is unusual for a watch intended to be worn on the left wrist but in practice, it feels much more natural and easier to actuate the trigger with the thumb of the right hand. I imagine this would be particularly useful for fighter pilots wearing bulky gloves, although I can’t say I’ve tested out that theory. From an everyday point of view, it’s nice not to have to worry about the crown or the pushers digging into you every time you bend your wrist.

What really catches the eye though is the grey-tinted smoked dial, which is framed by a black ceramic bezel and adorned with contrasting white Super-LumiNova numerals. Despite being able to see through the dial, the time display still remains highly legible, which is not always as easy as it sounds. Hours and minutes are displayed centrally by large hands filled with white Super-LumiNova, and there is also a central chronograph seconds hand with a red tip. Running seconds are shown on the sub-dial at 3 o’clock, whilst elapsed minutes are counted at 6 o’clock. Completing the dial is a day and date display at 9 o’clock.

Turning the watch over reveals the G1747 calibre, partially visible through the smoked sapphire crystal caseback. This automatic chronograph, based on the Valjoux 7750, is equipped with an Incabloc shock absorber and beats at 4Hz, offering a max. power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound. The case is rated water-resistant to 330 feet and is fitted to a black calf quilted leather strap with a steel pin buckle.

Two other versions of the Chronofighter Steel Pilot are also available, both in black PVD-coated steel. Pricing is set at CHF 5,900. More details on graham1695.com.