Very rare (at least in the US) is an interesting little watch brand called Chronographe Suisse. With a name like that, you imagine that all their watches need to be chronograph’s right? Actually, I think they all are. The brand releases pretty well design stuff, but suffers (in my opinion), from an interesting flaw. The designer(s) there have some fetish for short, stubby hands. Look at all of their watches, and you may agree, the dials are to big for the hands, or the hands are too small for the dial. Though given the loveliness of the designs, I might have to live with that flaw once in order to enjoy these watches.

Here is one of their interesting watches with a rather long, Italian-sounding name (though this is a Swiss brand). This is the Chronographe Suisse Mangusta Super Meccanica Stupenda watch. And it is ‘stupendous!’ Yea, the dial is a bit of a mixture between Chanel and Omega, but that is OK. Others have even copied this design. The thin hour markers and hands combined with the high contrast back and while dial make for a compelling modern look. The style is even available with various dial colors and bezel treatments. It is actually a variation on the Mangusta Supermeccanica, which is another watch in the brand’s collection.

At almost 51mm wide in a retro styled steel (also available in gold) case, the watch has a very demanding presence. Not sure how I feel about the super large crown and pushers guard, but it does give the watch a more durable look. The combo of mirror polish and brushed finishing is refined. Not sure about the exact movement – but I think it is a base ETA. Chronograph Suisse calls it thier “Calibre 26 automatic.” My money is on it being an ETA 2894.

Chrongraphe Suisse did a good job making the design feel retro, but at the same time contemporary. As you can see the various variations play with the look, and each is attractive. As for lume on the dial, there is a bit. Thin strips in the hands, and small dots of it around the periphery of the dial. Not idea for night viewing, but I have a feeling Chronograph Suisse is a bit more focuses on fashion that hardcore functionality. The case is water resistant to 200 meters, and the the crystal of course is sapphire. Also, you’ll notice that depending on the version, some of the pieces have screw down pushers for the chronograph.

The Suisse Mangusta Super Meccanica Stupenda comes on a nice thick strap, that extends to the ends of the case for a more chunky look. Prices for this rare brands aren’t horribly high. Most of their watches are in the $5,000 – $8,000 range. See an available Chronograph Suisse Suisse Mangusta Super Meccanica Stupenda on James List right here.