Chronoswiss, what are you doing?
Posted by Robert-Jan in BaselWorld, Watchnews, tags: Audi, Chronoswiss, Gerd Lang, Grasshopper, Manufacture, Sauterelle, TachoScopeAlthough I own a Chronoswiss watch (a R?ɬgulateur Automatique), I don’t have much going on for the brand. This is mainly because I don’t find Gerd. R. Lang (CEO Chronoswiss) to be a very sympathetic person, based on my own experience (and their threats a few years ago when I used to run a Chronoswiss forum) and from others who worked with him more closely.
Anyway, fact is (imho), that he does make nice wrist watches. You will instantaneously recognize a Chronoswiss watch for being one. Also, the level of finish on their case, buckle (pin or fold), straps and movements are very impressive. During BaselWorld, Chronoswiss had this German looking green (the Chronoswiss color) wooden ‘house’ with all Chronoswiss models displayed. I didn’t have an appointment, but didn’t try either, to have a look inside. Mainly because of what I wrote a few lines above.
However, I did notice that Chronoswiss introduced a new?ǬTachoscope model without the famous tuna can design. It bears the name of Audi on the dial to celebrate the 100 years of?Ǭ Audi. Also, their new model Sauterelle (with inhouse movement caliber C.70/C.71) which means as much as ‘Grasshopper’ in English. It is nice to see Chronoswiss go manufacture, but they always put a lot of attention into their sourced movements.
But why did Chronoswiss dropped the tuna can design? And second, why?Ǭdecided Chronoswiss for a 44mm case for their Sauterelle? Chronoswiss?Ǭhad this magnificent 38mm size, which fits everybody and?Ǭcould be considered the perfect size?Ǭfor a non-sports wristwatch.
So please, Chronoswiss, stick to your ‘roots’ and keep 38mm and the tuna can design in place!
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One name immidiately comes to mind when seeing these two new Chronoswiss-models; Union. This sub-brand of Glashutte Original, with nice, Geman made movements for a very decent price, looks quite similair in styling in my opinion. There it suits the overall minimalistic design of the brand, but Chronoswiss is definately more flamboyant in my opinion.
Like RJ already pointed out, Chronoswiss has a good thing going. The 38mm case is close to perfection because of it’s appealing tuna can design. 44mm is in line with current trends, but to me it also never made sense for a dress watch. So I follow RJ”s lead; Chronoswiss go back to your roots, you have a good thing going!
@Martin Green:
I did not see the link with Union before I read your comment. The case of the Sauterelle looks a bit like this other German brand indeed. Except for the crown.
RJ
I like the look of the AUDI version, but I doubt it will sell. The colourful Timemasters I saw at this years Basel World were quite spectacular as well. I am not the biggest Chronoswiss fan, but some of the models are distinct, and Gerd R. seem to have created a few signature models that deserve a certain status in the horological world.
It looks like they now adopted the watch case from Christiaan van der Klaauw… Although Christiaan’s are 40 mm as far as I know.
I don’t care if Gerd R. Lange is a nice person or not. I think his watches are WAY overprized and overrated.
Only thing I like about Chronoswiss watches is the tuna can case. The rest is not special at all. They have to go manufacture to make the brand interesting imho.
Thanks for your comments all.
@Frank: Why overprized? Easy to write, but what are your arguments for that?