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July 23, 2024
Supreme Craftsmanship Shining in the Era of Quiet Luxury | CHRONOSWISS
CHRONOSWISS | Chronos Swiss
The World of "Modern Mechanical" Woven by Tradition and Innovation, Led by Chronos Swiss
The latest collection from Chronos Swiss, an independent Swiss luxury watch brand, reinterprets the charm of traditional mechanical watches for the modern era, skillfully incorporating the trend of quiet luxury that pursues understated opulence. Particularly noteworthy is the hand-guilloché decoration on spherical surfaces, a technique unmatched by any other current luxury watch brand.
Text by Takashi Tsuchida
Showcasing Dials with Solitary Craftsmanship. Appreciated by Those Who Understand.
Through its concept of "Modern Mechanical," Chronos Swiss respects the exquisite techniques of mechanical watchmaking honed over centuries, while skillfully blending them with 21st-century sensibilities and technological innovation. A prime example is the guilloché decoration on spherical surfaces, featured in its latest models.
It may be difficult to discern in photographs, but the fan-shaped upper section and the sub-dial at the 6 o'clock position are spherical, adorned with guilloché decoration.
The guilloché decoration on the three-dimensional retrograde fan-shaped dial and the three-dimensional sub-dials is exceptionally eye-catching. This decoration, applied to a spherical surface rather than a flat one, is technically extremely challenging and represents a unique skill that only Chronos Swiss can achieve in today's luxury watch industry.
To engrave guilloché patterns onto a spherical surface, the angle of the engraving tool must be adjusted to match the curvature of the sphere, changing incrementally. Achieving uniform and precise patterns on a curved surface requires constant micro-adjustments to the tool's angle and pressure; a single moment of misjudgment can ruin the entire piece.
This spherical guilloché decoration reveals various expressions depending on the angle of light, creating a three-dimensional beauty unattainable with flat guilloché patterns. It transcends mere ornamentation, breathing life into the watch itself.
Mr. Oliver Ebstein
Chronos Swiss also insists on using traditional enamel glazes, reportedly utilizing deadstock from bygone eras. Owner Oliver Ebstein himself visits old workshops to acquire these vintage materials. Modern enamel glazes, being machine-made, differ in color from those of the handmade era. This uncompromising commitment is steadily enhancing Chronos Swiss's reputation. Furthermore, only one in-house artisan at Chronos Swiss is capable of applying enamel to spherical surfaces...
Chronos Swiss is a small, independent brand. While distinct from major maisons with strong brand recognition, its high level of dedication and unique artisanal skills are undeniable. The dials eloquently speak to this fact.
The new "Delphis Dracula" is a 2024 model inspired by the iconic "Delphis" from the 90s. It features the in-house developed C.6004 movement, inheriting the jumping hour and retrograde minutes functions. Its most distinctive feature is the 18K red gold dial, adorned with spherical hand-guilloché and red Grand Feu enamel, finished using traditional techniques and inspired by the tale of Count Dracula.
Furthermore, the new "Delphis Dune" is a model inspired by the mystery and beauty of the desert. It also features spherical hand-guilloché decoration, with seven layers of Grand Feu enamel. Equipped with the in-house developed C.6004 movement, it offers jumping hour and retrograde minutes functions. The 42mm Grade 5 titanium case embodies lightness and durability.
Additionally, the new "Delphis Horizon" expresses the serene beauty of a horizon. It features a 42mm Grade 5 titanium case and an 18K white gold dial. It also boasts spherical hand-guilloché decoration, overlaid with seven layers of sky-blue Grand Feu enamel.
The combination of supreme decorative techniques with modern case materials like titanium asserts Chronos Swiss's exceptional craftsmanship and sophisticated design philosophy. It perfectly embodies the essence of quiet luxury: expressing true value not through ostentation, but through quality and attention to detail. This elegant trend, sweeping through the watch world, is likely to gain further momentum.
Inquiries
Eiko Tokei (Chronos Swiss)
Tel. +81-3-3837-0783
https://chronoswiss.com/ja/JP