Reviewing the Chronoswiss Open Gear Resec Chameleon Watch
Friday - 13 January 2023
Limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, the Open Gear Resec Chameleon watch from Chronoswiss has a retrograde second feature, a 42-part hand-executed guilloche display and exposed mechanics that can be viewed through the dial’s infinitely changing colours.
Taking its name from the Greek word for “chronos” and paying tribute to “Swiss” watchmaking, Chronoswiss is still considered a relatively young brand and was founded by Gerd-Rudiger in Munich in the year 1983. In the same year that Lang developed a mechanical chronograph watch with a moon phase indicator and a transparent caseback, Chronoswiss began reigniting the allure and mystique of the mechanical watch during a time when much of the industry had been taken over by the quartz crisis. This was a brave and daring move for Chronoswiss but one that fully paid off, as the company is now renowned for developing some of the most complex-looking and intricately crafted timepieces in the world.
Watches from Chronoswiss have a subtle industrial-inspired look. One that nods to the meticulous mechanics of a finely tuned engine devoted to accuracy and reliability. Just two years after its founding, Chronoswiss launched its first serially produced regulator-style watch with minutes separated from hours and hours separated from seconds. The Regulateur watch had a coin-edged bezel that gave the timepiece a distinct look, along with an unmissable onion-shaped crown and a screw-bar lug design. The Open Gear Resec watches are, of course, a descendant of this famed Regulator watch. One watch to have turned a few heads last year was the Chronoswiss Open Gear Resec Chameleon watch, which we’re going to take a look at today…
Let’s not beat around the bush - the Chronoswiss Open Gear Resec Chameleon watch is a hefty wearing watch so if you’ve got the type of wrist that can take on a model of this size, you’re going to want to read on, as I’m going to touch on all the watch’s finest attributes. As bold and beautiful as the case of the watch is, its size plays an important role in its design. It’s what enables the dial to fully open up. Where the Chameleon watch is concerned, the display certainly steals the show in this design. A rich Chameleon green colour picks up the light, infinitely changing colour as it hits the surface at different angles. These unique pockets of light are courtesy of a 42-part hand guilloche dial with a retrograde second feature and exposed mechanics that can be admired through these layers of rich entrancing green shades. Adding to its desirability further is the fact that the watch has only been produced in a limited supply of just 50 pieces. These changing colour nuances certainly set standards across the board both in design and mechanics. Let’s take a look at what the Chronoswiss Open Gear Resec Chameleon watch offers.
All you need to know about the Chronoswiss Open Gear Resec Chameleon watch
Released last year, the Chronoswiss Open Gear Resec Chameleon watch is developed in the same way as other models from this same range. Its three-part case construction has been crafted from stainless steel and comprises a total of 17 parts. A satin finish has been applied to the surface of the caseback and sealed with a sapphire crystal glass lens, affording a view of the mechanical movement that resides within. With partly polished finished elements and a vertical satin effect, the case of the Chronoswiss Chameleon watch is equipped with an onion-shaped crown that not only assists with an easy grip but adds to the overall character of the watch. Its bezel is also screwed down and polished with full thread and slide knurling to enhance its curved shape. The top of the case is also equipped with a strong sapphire crystal glass that has been double-coated with anti-reflective treatment.
The 100-meter water-resistant Chronoswiss Open Gear Resec Chameleon watch is powered by the Calibre C.301. It performs at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers a power reserve of 42 hours once fully wound. It also comprises 33 jewels and features a polished pallet lever, an escape wheel and screws, and bridges and plates with perlage decoration. The movement’s rotor is skeletonised and boasts a CVD-coating in turquoise with beautiful Cotes de Geneve decoration.
Moving onto the exquisite dial of the Chronoswiss Open Gear Resec Chameleon watch, its 42-part construction is comprised of two levels – a bottom hand guilloche level and a top level featuring screwed-on skeletonised train wheel bridges. The hours display boasts a funnel-like construction whilst the retrograde seconds display is a nice match for the Super-LumiNova coated cylindrical indexes. The off-centre hours display is located at 12 o’clock and features the open gear design here. The seconds feature balances the display nicely at 6 o’clock and the trigano-style hands are also lacquered for enhanced readability.
To complete the stylish look of the bold and confident Chronoswiss Open Gear Resec Chameleon watch, a textile Cordura strap secures comfortably to the wrist. An optional hand-sewn alligator leather strap is also supplied with the purchase, providing you with the added option of transforming the look of this model to suit any occasion.
More information on the Chronoswiss Open Gear Resec Chameleon watch can be provided when calling and speaking to a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453 today.
