The Chronoswiss SkelTec and Opus Chronograph

Chronoswiss is best known for its regulator watches, such as the Classic Regulator Manufacture or radical Flying Grand Regulator Open Gear ReSec, but the brand is also well-known for skeletonisation. In the mid-1990s, the Opus became the first skeletonised automatic chronograph produced in series and watches like the Flying Grand Regulator Skeleton Limited Edition continue to push the aesthetic into the future. Chronoswiss is now introducing two new skeletonised limited editions, the SkelTec and Opus Chronograph, and both demonstrate an ongoing evolution of the brand’s aesthetic. 

The Chronoswiss SkelTec

Although regulators have really come to differentiate Chronoswiss – no other watch brand has shown such a commitment to the style – they aren’t the only trick up the brand’s sleeve. Sophisticated chronographs and three-hand models are also part of its portfolio and these new models add to an already impressive collection. The SkelTec is a time-only model with a minimalistic skeletonised design that’s positively futuristic. The new hand-wound C.304 calibre is on display with contrasting matte black bridges and silver gears and plates. It has 21 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) with a 48-hour power reserve and functions are limited to central hours and minutes. The balance wheel and escapement are positioned at 6 o’clock, in full display. The visible mainspring sits at 12 o’clock and doubles as a surrogate power reserve indicator. 

The SkelTec has a 316L stainless steel case with openworked lugs and a black DLC-coated bezel, crown and caseback, while a second variant comes with a black DLC-coated case and 18k red gold bezel, caseback, crown and screws for the strap. Dimensions are 45mm in diameter and 15.15mm in height, and water-resistance is rated at 50 metres. The brand’s signature knurled bezel and onion crown are also present. There are sapphire crystals front and back, offering an unfettered view of the skeletonised movement, and a narrow black minute track circles the perimeter, held in place by a series of two steel plates at the top and bottom. The red-lacquered (silver and black model) or gold-plated (black and gold model) hour and minute hands are openworked with Super-LumiNova tips. The strap is a calfskin and textile combination with a pin buckle, and the stitching is black on the gold model and white on the steel. 

The Chronoswiss SkelTec models are limited to 50 pieces and will be priced at EUR 17,700 in steel and EUR 20,900 for the black/gold model.

Quick facts: 45mm diameter x 15.15mm height – stainless steel case with or without DLC coating, 18k red gold elements on one edition – 50m water-resistance – hand-wound calibre C.304 – 4Hz, 48h power reserve – calfskin and textile strap on pin buckle – EUR 17,700 in steel, EUR 20,900 in black/gold

The Chronoswiss Opus Chronograph

The Opus Chronograph isn’t a radical departure from previous models, but still offers a sleeker design with a 41mm diameter and height of 12.7mm. Dual sapphire crystals showcase the skeletonised movement and again, there are two flavours, although the cases are identical this time with a water-resistance of 100 metres. The oversized onion crown, side knurling at the top and bottom, and large arching lugs are classic Chronoswiss, and the 316L stainless steel case is both polished and brushed. The Breguet Losange hour and minute hands are either thermally blued (silver dial) or lacquered (coloured dial), and sub-dials include a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock, analogue date at 3 o’clock, 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock and small seconds at 9 o’clock. Both dials are sterling silver in either a traditional silver or more eye-catching blue and orange. Strap options are Louisiana alligator leather in black on the silver model and matching blue with orange stitching on the blue and orange model. 

Powering the new Opus Chronograph is the automatic C.301 calibre, a movement most recently seen on the Open Gear ReSec and based on the proven ETA 2895. It has 25 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) with a 46-hour power reserve. The rhodium-plated, openworked rotor has Côtes de Genève, while plates on the front have perlage. Although this movement wasn’t developed in-house, the brand still demonstrates mechanical expertise with in-house modifications that transform it into regulators or chronographs. 

The Chronoswiss Opus Chronograph models will be priced at EUR 11,500 for the silver model and EUR 11,900 for the blue and orange (this one being limited to 50 pieces). 

Quick facts: 41mm diameter x 12.7mm height – stainless steel case – 100m water-resistance – automatic chronograph and calendar calibre C.301 – 4Hz, 46h power reserve – Louisiana alligator strap – EUR 11,500 (silver) and EUR 11,900 (blue/orange)

For more information and to place an order, visit the Chronoswiss website here.