I knew this watch existed for a while but seeing in the flesh solidified the feeling that yes, this is of the most (if not the most) steampunk timepieces in existence – and here I get to put it on. I believe it came out in 2008. Plus, unlike stuff from Cabestan and Vianney Halter, this Chronoswiss is not going to cost in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars for a cool timepiece.

The watch is the Wristmaster CH 2703. It is two timepieces placed next to each other, and mimics the look of dashboard instruments from classic cars and planes. The CH 2703 is the full set, while the individual pieces are the CH 2803 for the watch, and CH 7503 for the stopwatch. The steel watches are on a steel plate attached to the double strap system. The watch is a full 84mm wide by 42mm tall, and 20mm thick. Yea, it is wearable – but on your forearm more than your wrist. Quality is good and typical of German Chronoswiss. I did strap it on, and it looks neat – not everyday wear neat, but certain neat. It is also totally absurd. With double straps and a top heavy design, it will fit best on large wrists made like straight tree trunks.

Inside the watch is a decorated based Swiss ETA 2892-A2 automatic movement while the stopwatch has a modified Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement. Logically speaking the separation of the time and chronograph works in favor of legibility – now each is even easier to read. See how nicely that works out? Design of the dials and case is based on the Timemaster collection – which is classic aviator complete with the hands, easy to read dials, and coined bezel. Chronoswiss is doing very well in the US market with their designs. Pieces such as this prove they know how to have fun and are willing to experiment. One of these rare Chronoswiss Wristmaster watches is available on James List here for just under $10,000.