The Graham Fortress Monopusher Limited Edition

Created back in the 1990s, Graham (named after the illustrious English clockmaker Georges Graham) has made a name for itself with its oversized, bold and vintage-inspired pilot’s chronographs, most of them equipped with the left-sided start/stop trigger, a signature element of design for the brand. Today, Graham launches a new collection that still relies on some of the brand’s design cues, but also offers something slightly less aggressive. Meet the new Graham Fortress Monopusher Limited Edition, still vintagey, still military-inspired, still left-sided, but without the trigger.

When you think Graham, you probably have in mind this watch, the Chronofighter, a model born in the early 2000s and inspired by military chronographs. Radical, bold, making a statement, this watch has been the base for an entire collection of chronographs, equipped with the so-called trigger, whether in a retro-styled attire or in a modern, racing-oriented package. Today, with this new Fortress, the brand shows its intention to break its conventions, by removing one of the most emblematic elements of its design, that very trigger.

Already with its name, a moniker that might recall the Flying Fortress of the 1930s, the brand makes it clear that this new watch is bold and tough. This new model is indeed housed in an unmistakable stainless steel case measuring no less than 47mm in diameter, for a height of about 15mm. Partially brushed and partially polished, it comes with strong lugs and sapphire crystals on both sides, and is water-resistant to 100m (not bad for a pilot’s chrono). The most distinctive element of the design is, without doubt, the onion crown positioned on the left side of the case, with its lone pusher chronograph positioned at the top of the crown. As such, even if the look is far from conventional, it makes the Graham Fortress Monopusher slightly less radical than the Chronofighter models. And if you wonder, a leftfield design can also be logical once on the wrist, making it more comfortable (especially with such a large diameter) and practical when it comes to actuate the chronograph, by using your thumb.

The dial of this new Graham Fortress Monopusher is typical of the brand’s production, with oversized, applied Arabic numerals that recall antique dashboard instruments. Available either in grained black or in gradient blue, all elements are largely dimensioned for optimal contrast, and filled with beige Super-LumiNova for a vintage touch during the day and legibility at night. Due to the left-handed architecture, the display is original with small seconds at 3 o’clock, 30-minute counter at 6 o’clock and a date at 9 o’clock.

Under the sapphire caseback is the calibre G1750, a modified Valjoux 7750 base. Now with monopusher architecture, this tried-and-tested cam-operated automatic chronograph beats at 4Hz and boasts 48 hours of power reserve. The decoration is classic, with perlage, Geneva stripes and a customized rotor.

Worn on a black calf leather strap with beige stitches, the Graham Fortress Monopusher Limited Edition will be produced in 100 pieces per colour and priced at EUR 6,450. For more details and orders, please visit graham1695.com.