Chronoswiss Q-Repeater Scream
Watches and Wonders
Watches and Wonders: The Chronoswiss Cult of Color and Sound
Today, independent watch brand Chronoswiss continues to surprise with two multi-sensory riffs on its classic regulator form and two intriguing off-kilter small seconds models.
By Mike Espindle
Executive Editor
With names like Q-Repeater Scream, Q-Repeater Blue Note, Blue Orbit, and Desert, we knew to expect the unexpected with the Lucerne-based brand Chronoswiss and its latest releases, debuting today. That turned out to be good gameplan.
Many watch fans will be familiar with the Chronoswiss figure-8 regulator format – a classic complication and dial arrangement that has taken the brand far over the years. As the names indicate, however, two new Q-Repeater regulator models fold in something for the ears, and the pair’s color approach also provides additional delight for eyes.
Sound…
The Q-Repeater’s 42mm Grade 5 titanium case with prominent lugs, signature oversized onion crown, and knurled case edge might seem every bit of an almost vintage-referenced design. However, the eye is instantly drawn to the large, two-stage, elegant pusher at 10 o’clock. This is an on-demand trigger for the watch’s sonically soothing quarter repeater function, inspired by an archival Chronoswiss reference from the 1990s.
What’s also notable is that despite the addition of the hammer and gongs to chime the hour and quarter hour, the brand has still kept the case size to a reasonable heft. A regulator with an audible quarter repeater? Rare? You bet – but that’s not all.
….And Sight
The sober case design hides the repeater function in plain sight and frames some fairly snappy skeletonization and color work on the dials. In the Q-Repeater Scream, we see an uncannily polychromatic rainbow of Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)-coated curved bridges, subdial registers, flanges, and other components in vibrant orange, violet, green, blue, and other bright hues. It’s as if Roy G. Biv designed a repeater-regulator.
The Scream’s more reserved sibling, the Q-Repeater Blue Note, takes that same curvilinear bridging and skeletonized visibility and casts a cool blue tone over the whole shebang. Sophisticated as a sax riff.
Both models are powered by the legacy in-house C. 126 automatic calibre, with a 35-hour power reserve. The Q-Repeater Scream is presented on a toned-down nubuck grey leather strap whereas the Q-Repeater Blue Note comes on an elegant blue calfskin strap.
Small Seconds, Slightly Askew
Two Small Seconds models, also introduced today, signal the beginning of a new family from Chronoswiss while embodying the overarching zeitgeist of the brand. Here, we see how seemingly small innovations can spark big change.
A small seconds mechanism is one of those underrated but always well-used dial functions. However, if I ask you to picture a small seconds subdial in your mind, it’s at 6 o’clock, right? After looking long and hard at the 9 o’clock small seconds on the new Blue Orbit and Desert timepieces, I see not only disruption and fun but also functionality and practicality.
Both models are framed by a 40mm stainless steel case with a more streamlined crown – a big departure from Chronoswiss’ nearly ubiquitous onion crown approach. In addition, both are classically inspired, featuring a vintage, pocketwatch-y index font and lumed blade hands.
Two Flavors
In the Desert execution, we see a lush, multi-layered, curved dial reproduction of an arid landscape that offers a distinct 3D effect through laser-engraving and 10 layers of nano-printing. The more sober sibling, Blue Orbit, is a testament to timeless craftsmanship. Here, a rich, hand-guilloche dial points at the brand’s artisanal expertise.
Now, here’s where the 9 o’clock small seconds fits into the overall design picture. By moving the subdial off the typical 6 o’clock position, the eye is almost tricked into seeing “more” real estate for the elegant dial surfaces than if it was in its expected position. Maybe it’s a bit of ocular sleight-of-hand, but it worked on me.
Pricing & Availability
Each of these four new models from Chronoswiss is available today. Both Q Repeaters – the Scream and the Blue Note – are limited editions with small production runs of just 25 pieces each. Alternatively, no production limitations were given for the two new Chronoswiss Small Seconds timepieces.
You can find out more information, including pricing, at the Chronoswiss website.
