By Jovan Krstevski
The new Chronofighter Grand Vintage is now even made better with a meaty 47 mm case. It is large and I like the tough stance of the watch. The military aviation history way back in the 1940s has reached new heights in just a quartet of contemporary watches, it is lovely to see how this unfolds and here we have a really nice Graham Chronofighter Grand Vintage, a symbol perhaps of this amazing history.
The watch itself is a bridge of modernity and contemporary fashion and this sophisticated ideology is achieved by a unique design that touches both time frames. We see the large trigger on the left hand side of the case symbolizing the connection between nostalgia and modernity. Yes basically it feels like half of the watch is from another time, I love this approach to be honest. Its location is supposed to ease the operation of the watch while in the cockpit so this idea is of course preserved because even now, you can not dispute its effectivity. While it facilitates a tremendous operation of the chronograph on the ground or at stationary, high up above the clouds, it makes a dazzling performance where precision and effectivity matter a lot.
Moreover, the Graham Chronofighter Grand Vintage models feature a domed sapphire glass that integrates a magnifier for the date at nine o’clock. The magnifier is not fully round but a combination of both rectangle and circle. It makes sense because it creates a nice holistic approach to the total design of the watch which is edgy. The large aperture of teh case also serves to enhance the legibility of the chronograph dial together with the addition of active signature. At stationary, I will admit, it is a bit of an overkill, and maybe you really need to retrain your eye if at a split second you are having difficulty with the watch’s legibility. Legibility-wise, the Graham Chronofighter Grand Vintage is simply superb. After all, this watch is designed to be used for aviation purposes.
Additionally, for good visibility, regardless of weather conditions, the case back features an exhibition sapphire crystal, offering at the same time a good glimpse of what powers the watch. It is a complete package of a mechanical watch to say the least. And speaking of its engine, here we have a Swiss G1747 automatic chronograph movement with an Incabloc shock absorber and a power reserve of 48 hours. This is a reliable movement and the tech is tested for what the watch is designed for.
Finally, there are four models of the established Graham Chronofighter collection with dials in blue, brown, silver or black. The refreshed sporty rubber strap also comes in many choices, in black or green, with a distinctive Milanese-style mesh pattern. I like the calf leather variant in blue which is geared to those with strong attachment to the classics. The good thing is, the watch bridges both worlds so nothing trivial here.
The new Chronofighter Grand Vintage retails for CHF 5,950. For more info, visit Graham Watches online.
