By Jovan Krstevski
Chronoswiss has always been a known brand when it comes to regulator watches and they have released quite a few good ones like the Sirius Flying Regulator watch in 2016 and the Sirius Flying Grand Regulator Skeleton in 2017. For a bit of literature, regulator watches feature independent dials or sub-dials for the hours, minutes, and seconds. Unlike traditional watches, regulator watches emphasize the minutes reading. Long time ago, most watchmakers rely on accurate minutes reading in order to regulate the watches they’re building. These days though, what is more appealing is the classical and unique design of a regulator watch.
This year, the brand releases the Chronoswiss Flying Regulator Open Gear watch in four models. First is an 18k red gold model with a silver dial and the rest are steel models with black, blue, and silver dials. The 41 mm case looks good on any versions but honestly, the steel models are punchier than the gold model. The prominent straight lugs with multiple finishes look amazing and blend with the knurled bezel and large onion crown.
As expected, the Chronoswiss Flying Regulator Open Gear watch gives emphasis on the minutes while the hours and seconds are displayed using subsidiary dials at 12 and 6 o’clock. Since this is a flying regulator, the sub-dials for the hours and seconds are floated above the main dial. This particular display gives an allusion to a certain depth that looks very cool in a wearable mechanical watch.
Moreover, the watch also features exposed gears and train wheel bridges that somehow make it partly-skeletonized. This can be observed through the sub-dials for the hours and seconds. The rhodium-plated and heat-treated leaf-shaped hands look neat and practical too since they feature Super-LumiNova for legibility in the dark.
Powering the Flying Regulator Open Gear watch is the self-winding Chronoswiss Caliber C.299. This is likely based on the ETA 2892 or equivalent movements but heavily modified as per the watchmaker. The sapphire caseback also allows for a nice view of the several components that govern the regulator watch. Furthermore, the movement is capable of providing 42 hours of power reserve at 4 Hz frequency. The extensively modified Chronoswiss Caliber C.299 also features a skeletonized rotor and perlage on the bridges and plates. It also has a good water resistance rating of 100 m.
No doubt, Chronoswiss has provided as once again with a timely release that is not only handsome but also quirky in nature. This is a well-made regulator-style watch and even though it won’t appeal to most buyers, it showcases fantastic strengths in its category. Also, if you’re not in a hurry and if you really support the brand, Chronoswiss will launch a special model later in the year to celebrate its 35th anniversary.
Finally, the Chronoswiss Flying Regulator Open Gear watch wears on a nice leather strap and its starting price is 6,490 CHF. For more info, visit Chronoswiss online.
