It Doesn’t Get Any Better: Hands-On With The Albishorn Type X-Graph

It was April 2024 when I saw some of the Albishorn models — prototypes at that stage — for the first time. At Watches and Wonders, it’s easy to get watch overload already on the first day. I remember sitting at the table between two meetings, holding the Type X and thinking, “Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this.” Fast-forward to Geneva Watch Days a few weeks back, and I’m holding the latest iteration of the Type X-Graph, with the same thoughts going through my mind.

The new Albishorn Type X-Graph, according to the brand, is the final iteration of the Type X. I’m extremely happy to have the watch for a hands-on review.

Albishorn

For vintage fans and contemporary-indie-brand aficionados alike, this atelier needs no introduction. For everyone else, Albishorn came to the market a few years back with a clever twist. The brand produces so-called Imaginary Vintage watches, meaning “re-editions” of vintage timepieces that never existed. One such model was the original Type X, which I first reviewed in November 2024. As a vintage-chronograph guy, it is no surprise that this model spoke to me the loudest when I first saw it among its siblings at that table during Watches and Wonders. It had all the elements of a great vintage chronograph, along with some fun twists. The sub-dials at 4:30 and 7:30, the crown at 10:30, and the large red chrono pusher were all quirky details that made sense. I never expected to see another version I liked better than the original — but then I laid eyes on the Type X-Graph.

Type X-Graph

Picture this: it’s 1948, and the French Army is looking for its official chronograph. The folks at Albishorn, a small Swiss watch manufacturer from the Jura Mountains, feel they have what the army needs, so they create a demonstration prototype of the Type X chronograph. This watch, thanks to its textured translucent anthracite polycarbonate dial, allows the spectator a peek into its inner workings. It lets the French Army official see the intricate manual-wind, chronometer-certified chronograph movement that would save so many lives. Calculating flight durations, synchronizing maneuvers, or planning navigation would all be possible with this watch. And thanks to the Type X-Graph, the contract could be sealed. To a vintage guy like me, the Type X-Graph offers the perfect blend of vintage and modern.

On the wrist

Let’s start with the dimensions. This watch has a 39mm diameter, 47.7mm lug-to-lug length, 12mm thickness with the sapphire crystal (11.1mm without), and 20mm lug spacing. These numbers hit the sweet spot for vintage lovers, but they’ll surely get a pass from fans of modern timepieces too. Most of the design features of other Albishorn models are also present here, such as the crown at 10:30 and the red anodized chronograph pusher at 9:30. You need to operate the monopusher with your right thumb, which makes it feel more fun and natural than it sounds. The 41.5mm gunmetal-PVD-treated bidirectional bezel optically enlarges the watch. Even with that, though, the Type X-Graph looks and feels brilliant on my 7.5″ (19mm) wrist. It comes with black and taupe leather straps included, but Albishorn also offers the Type X-Graph with a new three-row bracelet.

The dial we all need

Clearly, the standout feature compared to the Type X is the translucent fumé polycarbonate dial, which mimics metal while revealing the skeletonized movement. It’s the single most important feature that makes the Type X-Graph distinct. While the dial layout is the same as pretty much every Albishorn watch, let’s run through the basics. We find sub-dials at 4:30 (running seconds) and 7:30 (30-minute counter), plus a patented chronograph function indicator at 12, under the lollipop elapsed-seconds hand. You could call this a dashboard layout, with inspiration clearly drawn from aircraft clocks. The Arabic numerals, indexes, and hands all have Super-LumiNova, and this time, there’s no faux patina. In my opinion, this white, green-glowing lume perfectly complements the translucent dial. While the watch looks amazing on the wrist, it was even more stunning in the early-September Geneva sunshine.

Caliber ALB04 M

A see-through dial is a great touch on a demonstration prototype but only if a worthy caliber lies beneath it. I can assure you that the Albishorn Type X-Graph does indeed exhibit that kind of movement. The beating heart of this chrono is the manual-wind monopusher ALB04 M. We are talking about a COSC-certified, patented, proprietary chronograph caliber, not your run-of-the-mill ETA clone. Sadly, we don’t have a display case back here, just a plain-Jane steel one. If you want to see the movement, you must look through the dial, but that’s more fun if you ask me. This 21-jewel caliber beats at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and packs a 65-hour power reserve. Aside from the awesome looks, you are also getting a truly special movement with this watch.

Closing arguments

The Albishorn Type X-Graph is limited to only 99 pieces. This isn’t a watch you’ll likely see on someone else’s wrist at your local watch get-together. And if you do, be proud and order that other guy a drink. The brand charges CHF 4,250 for this watch with two straps, plus CHF 450 for the optional bracelet (both prices excluding tax). For that money, you get an exceptional timepiece with a unique story, a well-designed look, and an incomparable movement, especially at this price point.

As I observed the Type X back at Palexpo in early 2024, I thought, “This is the best of the bunch; it cannot get any better.” I was so wrong. The real winner in the Albishorn model line is the Type X-Graph.