Hands-On with the new Anonimo Militare Chrono Vintage “Panda” and “Newman”

Anonimo celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2017. To mark the occasion, the brand unveils new versions of the rugged Militare Chrono Vintage, a watch we already looked at (in a different style) here. The same functions, the same robust feel and its distinctive style – this tasteful facelift keeps the characteristic elements of the design enhanced with worthy upgrades and a cool hint of modernity.

Anonimo was created in 1997 by enthusiasts keen to maintain the Florence watchmaking tradition – specifically in relation to the combat divers of the Marina Militare. Presented the following year, the Millemetri (designed to military standards, water resistant to 1,000m and fitted with an automatic movement) was the blueprint for timepieces to come.

Today, Anonimo is headquartered in Switzerland, combining Italian sporty chic and Swiss precision. It now has two product lines, the Nautilo and Militare. The Militare collection was created in 2001: the distinctive positioning of its crown at 12 o’clock of this rugged tool watch was inspired by military pocket watches.

The distinctive cushion shape steel case of the Militare Chrono Vintage stands out with its crown positioned at 12 o’clock and protected by mobile hinges. The round polished bezel features a coin edge profile and it is fitted with rectangular chronograph pushers with non-slip grip. At 43.4 mm in diameter, it is not too big and wears very well thanks to its short tapered lugs.

The highly readable dial is presented under a slightly domed AR sapphire crystal and comes either in black or eggshell white with contrasting subdials (two versions that the brand calls respectively Newman or Panda). The minute railtrack is printed on the flange framing the dial. The clean 2 subdial layout features large Arabic numerals (12, 4 and 8 o’clock triangle) and baton style hour markers. The hands are luminescent to ensure perfect legibility in all circumstances. The central second hand’s counter-weight comes in red in the shape of the brand’s logo. Its tip, as well as the chronograph minute hands, is rendered in red.

The Militare Chrono Vintage is powered by an automatic chronograph movement based on a SW300 calibre, with an exclusive chronograph module developed by Dubois-Depraz for Anonimo. The SW300 is a reliable, tried and tested workhorse, being Sellita’s alternative to the ubiquitous ETA 2892. It runs at 28,800vph with a power reserve of 42 hours. The Dubois-Depraz expertise in crafting chronograph mechanisms needs little to no introduction.

The movement is now visible through the sapphire case back that is secured with 6 screws – This is a worthy upgrade although the very first Militare Vintage watches were already fitted with exhibition casebacks. The decoration of the movement includes snailing and Geneva stripes on the rotor.

The Anonimo Millitare Chrono Vintage is paired with cool aged calf leather straps and a pin buckle engraved with the brand’s logo. Price for these Militare Chrono Vintage “Panda” and “Newman” are CHF 3,890. More info on www.anonimo.com.

Technical specifications – Anonimo Militare Chrono Vintage “Panda” and “Newman”

• Case: 43.4 mm steel case – sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating – sapphire caseback – 120 m water resistant
• Movement: mechanical with automatic winding (base Sellita SW300 with exclusive Dubois Depraz module 2035M) – 42h power reserve – 28’800 vibrations/h – 49 jewels – hours, minutes, seconds and chronograph.
• Strap: calf leather strap, aged by hand in Italy, with pin buckle
• Price: CHF 3,890