Chronoswiss Delphis
- an original display
- a magnificent finishing of the dial
- the engravings on the movement et between the lugs
- an increasing price
| Brand | Chronoswiss |
| Model name |
Delphis
|
| Reference |
CH 1423
|
| Case material |
Steel
|
| Case diameter (without crown) |
38 mm
|
| Case diameter (crown included) |
41 mm
|
| Movement type |
Automatic
|
| Caliber |
C124
|
| Base Caliber |
Enicar 165
|
| Functions |
Jumping hour
Retrograding minute
|
| Crystal |
Sapphire glass
|
| Power reserve |
35h
|
| Transparent back |
Yes
|
| Lug width |
20 mm
|
| Length from lug to lug |
46 mm
|
| Case thickness |
11 mm
|
| Clasp type |
Pin buckle
|
| Clasp material |
Steel
|
| Total weight |
70 grammes
|
| Retail price USA at May 13th, 2010 |
5,800.00 $
|
| Comfort (/15) | 14 |
| Movement (/20) | 6.5 |
| Movement Optimisation / Garnishment (/5) | 2.5 |
| Ease of handling and adjustment (/5) | 2.5 |
| Movement control proceeded by the Manufacture / horlogical awards (/3) | 0 |
| Power reserve (/2) | 0 |
| Complications (/5) | 1.5 |
| Finishing (/20) | 13 |
| Dial finishing (/6) | 4.5 |
| Case finishing (/6) | 4.5 |
| Quality of garnishment / caseback engraving quality (/2) | 1 |
| Crystal quality (/4) | 2 |
| Clasp finishing (inner and extern) (/2) | 1 |
| Functionality (/20) | 9.5 |
| Diurnal legibility (/5) | 3 |
| Night legibility (/4) | 0 |
| Water resistance (/3) | 0 |
| Strap : ease of size adjustment + ease of substitution (/4) | 3.5 |
| Clasp : quality and safety (/4) | 3 |
| Additional items (/10) | 4 |
| Limited edition (/3) | 0 |
| Watch delivered with several straps (/2) | 0 |
| Quality of the watch box (/1) | 1 |
| Portability with shirtsleeves buttoned (/2) | 2 |
| Goodies included (/1) | 0 |
| Understandability of the brochure (/1) | 1 |
| Value for money (/15) | 11 |
|
|
|
An orginal display of the hour
The display offers a double complication: a jumping hour and retrograde minutes.
In this watch, which is anything but retrograde, the combination grants a dial that stands out without being attention-grabbing.
The little second hand at six o’clock balances everything out.
The name and brand are discreet.
The jumping hours are over 24 hours, with the Chronoswiss logo replacing the number 24.
The size of the numbers could be criticised, and a 12 hour display might have been better.
But that would be in a perfect world where anything is possible.
The retrograde minute hand is a magnificent shade of blue
The retrograde minute hand is a magnificent shade of blue. And being slightly rounded off, the light reflected underneath makes the deep black edges shade off into an ultramarine blue – a beautiful sight.
It’s shape is original yet very classic.
Come to 60, in a fraction of a second, the hand moves to zero, whilst the hour changes.
It is interesting to note that the return of the minute hand is accompanied by a small and discreet “tick”. Without even having to look, you know when a new hour is starting.
A wonderfull guillochage of the dial
In the meantime the dial is a true marvel.
The guillochage on the dial available in silver or gold is worthy of the best.
The anti-reflective treatment on the sapphire glass, as well as the minimal height between the dial and the glass give the impression that you can touch the dial.
A characteristic Chronoswiss case
The characteristic Chronoswiss case is well proportioned with thebarrel and screwed on straps.
The edge of the case is straight and slightly brushed.
Nevertheless there is one criticism: the movement serial number engraving and another serial number engraved between the lugs. These engravings (mainly the one between the lugs at 6 o’clock) draw attention and contrast unpleasantly with the rest of the watch.
The case is available in steel or gold.
The movement
The movement, visible through the transparent base, is quite well finished, with a harmonious mixture of perlage and cotes de Genève.
The screws aren’t blued but the hollows of the rubies are golden.
What to remember
With this simple watch, Rudiger Lang has produced something beautiful.
A watch people notice, without being pretentious.
The price, which was reasonable a few years ago, has unfortunately increased significantly – a real shame for a watch of such originality.
The price of fame some might say…
