Aside from the Balance Chronograph, this was the coolest Chronoswiss watch that I saw at Baselworld 2011. No official details yet, so I will have to infer a bit of the specs. One of the things you may notice is that not too many watches have this exact big day and power reserve layout. For a moment I thought that Chronoswiss was modifying a base ETA movement, but then I realized that they were using something more standard.
A few years ago ETA released the 2896 automatic movement. Based on the 2892, the 2896 has a jumping big date and power reserve indicator (of 42 hours). These are still rare to find in watches, but it is a cool movement. Chronoswiss wasn’t the only brand I noticed using this movement this year, Bell & Ross also has a new BR01 with the 2896 automatic.
More and more I am becoming a big fan of the Chronoswiss Timemaster collection. The bold aviator looks are classic and masculine. Very retro, but in a good way. Many guys can pull this look off in my opinion. The standard Timemaster case is 44mm wide, and here in two finishes. First is polished and brushed steel, but there is also (I am pretty sure) a DLC black coated version. If not DLC then PVD. While the case is 44mm, the large onion style crown sticks out a few more millimeters.
One of the best design features on the dial is the design of the power reserve indicator. These often look like half circles or are fa-shaped. This look never seems to look good on a dial. What Chronoswiss did is give it an almost circular look by extending it as much as possible and adding text around the edges. This gives it a more balance look that doesn’t leave odd shapes on the dial.
There is really a ton of lume on this watch. SuperLumiNova is thickly coated, and actually even shaped. Very good darkness viewing in this watch. Plus, all the hands are very thick and properly sized allowing for fantastic legibility. The case also features a rotating diver’s style bezel. Owners of this watch will appreciate the features adding both functionality and convenience.
Through the rear of the watch is a sapphire caseback with a view into the decorated movement with custom Chronoswiss automatic rotor. The case is water resistant to 100 meters. Chronoswiss matches this watch with a rubber strap, but it would also look good with leather or alligator. I am calling the watch the Timemaster Big Date Power Reserve as I don’t know the official name at this time – so that might change. Overall a nice piece coming in two attractive versions. Expect a release later this year.
