Hidden Gems BaselWorld 2013: The Classic Chronoswiss Regulator 30 LE with Digital Hour Display

For BaselWorld2013, Chronoswiss has released the all new, limited-edition Régulateur 30 watch in rose-gold and stainless steel cases. This release marks the 30th anniversary of the brand’s founding.

The Chronoswiss Régulateur 30 has a regulator-dial arrangement, with a window at the 12 o’clock position in which the hours, in digital format are displayed. The largest subdial is the minutes display while the smaller subdial is for the second display. The movement used is Chronoswiss’ automatic C.283 caliber.

When I first laid my eyes on this beauty, the first thing that came to mind was the obvious confusion this watch can do to those not familiar with this setup. Generally, this is a big no-no to me as a purpose of any timepiece is to tell time, not to confuse people. However, in this instance, the unique way it displays the time by using traditional dials, hands and a date window by setting it up unconventionally is very refreshing. The commonly used date window becoming the hour indicator while the commonly used hour hand becoming the minute hand makes this piece a very good conversational piece.  The beauty of it all is this distinctiveness can be done without the need to incorporate anything weird or peculiar in the design. For me, this is another hidden gem coming out of BaselWorld2013. 

Technical characteristics:

Movement: Caliber C.283, automatic; diameter 30 mm; thickness 5.2 mm; 27 jewels; frequency  28,800 vph; three-legged Glucydur balance; Nivarox I balance spring; Incabloc shock protection; 42-hour power reserve;

Case and strap 18k gold or stainless steel case with polished, flat, screw-down bezel, fully threaded; diameter 40 mm; thickness 9.65 mm; screw-down polished caseback; onion-style crown in case material; screw-in lugs with patented Autobloc system; water-resistant to 30 meters; sapphire crystal front and back, with non-reflective coating; on Louisiana crocodile leather strap with pin buckle or folding clasp; Dial and hands solid sterling silver dial with guilloche; hand-finished, blued, feuille-shaped hands.

Limited editions of 130 pieces (rose gold case) and 300 pieces (stainless steel case)

 

Written by Meor Amri Meor Ayob