Aesthetics play an important part in timepieces and certainly one factor that all brands focus on when creating designs. The regulator dial is one of those unique styles that is not new, but Chronoswiss, a boutique brand that was founded by German watchmaker Gerd-Rudiger Lang, and now owned by Oliver and Eva Ebstein, Swiss entrepreneurs embraced the design and crafted it with their own twist. The Chronoswiss Flying Grand Regulator Skeleton Watch like other regulator designs is an acquired taste. But for someone who prefers specialty treats, this timepiece is perfect. Regulators, if you are not familiar, derives their name and design from 19
th century clocks designed with all three time indications, hours, minutes and seconds. The separation of the time indices, and the emphasis on the minute hand are what is used to create these timepieces.
Dial To Perfection
The dial on this timepiece is quite eye catching. The hour sub-dial sitting at 12 o’clock is a striking color. This sub-dial allows the red lacquered hands to pop against it and you can see the gear train peeking at you. The minute hand is the only hand mounted upon the central axis and certainly commands the stage. The seconds sub-dial sitting at 6 o’clock is genius in the visual balance it provides. The dial itself is magnificent with multiple levels, sitting on a base that is a galvanic blue, weaved with the most intricate guilloche pattern. As the pattern radiates from the center it creates a vision of ripples in a lake. The hands are rhodium plated and diamond-cut on the Flying Grand Regulator Skeleton with the exception of the tiny seconds sub-dial hand. The balance mentioned above is created by the strip of galvanic blue accented with the Chronoswiss logo and ‘Atelier Lucerne’ bisecting the dial, crafting that symmetry. The Roman hour numerals are larger than the seconds, and the minute numerals are subdivided by Arabic tick marks. Completing the dial are four screwed-in pedal shaped markers that sit at 2, 4, 8 and 10 o’clock.
A Complicated Case
The Chronoswiss Flying Grand Regulator Skeleton Watch case is 44mm, and according to the brand is comprised of 21 separate pieces. The exquisite and elegant stainless steel case is thin, rounded and polished to brilliance. The subtle coin edge pattern is just a bit wider, and repeats around the edge of the screw down caseback, but sits with a brushed case middle separating them. The watch has alternating finishes that just give such distinction to the piece and blending the high polished and satinated surfaces takes this timepiece from traditional to a work of art. Defining Chronoswiss is the large fluted onion crown, allowing ease of grasp and just a perfect fit for this beauty.
Magnificent Movement
The movement of the Flying Grand Regulator Skeleton is titled the C. 677S. The manual wound movement has 17 jewels, a 2.5Hz speed, and 46 hours of power reserve. The brand constructed a swan-neck regulator, and skeletonized many components including the gear train wheels and bridges. Chronoswiss provided a skeletonized baseplate allowing view of the screw balance wheel.
A Finishing Touch
The Chronoswiss Flying Grand Regulator Skeleton Watch is only being produced with 30 limited edition pieces. The unique timepiece will set you apart and certainly be a conversation starter at any event. The rear of the timepiece features a wide sapphire caseback that displays the spectacular movement. The matching dark blue strap is the ultimate finish to this masterpiece. Maybe the watch is not for everyone, but it would be exactly what one needs to be unlike everyone.
