If you for some reason loved the appearance of the 2011 limited-edition WRC X-Treme Pilot III chronograph, but hated it for its cheap quartz movement, the new Edox X-treme Pilot II Limited Edition (ref. 30001 TIN NIN) may be the answer to your woes.
Limited to only 200 pieces and presented in a huge black PVD titanium case 45 millimeters in diameter, the new product from the Swiss watchmaker bears an easy-to-notice family resemblance with the already mentioned WRC X-Treme Pilot III model.
The automatic watch, too, features an oversized electric-red chronograph push-piece. Conveniently placed at 2 o’clock, it not only starts and stops the chronograph but also serves as a (very loud) visual accent.
The black structured rubber strap that has a tire-tread motive embossed on its outer surface also seems identical (or, at least, very similar) to the rubber band used on the quartz-powered watch.
The same goes for the three-dimensional dial. Partially decorated with carbon fiber and sporting a set of six white-colored hands hovering over the matte black background of the main portion of the face, it not only looks great but is also easy to read.
To make it easier for an inexperienced owner to read the chronograph, Edox even decided to mark the totalizers with “MIN” and “HOUR” inscriptions.
Of course, there is also an inescapable tachymeter scale, which -in this particular case- is painted on the bezel flange.
As you may have already gathered, the only significant difference between the two timekeepers (besides the color scheme, of course) is the type of movement that was chosen to power each version.
While the more affordable X-treme Pilot III is animated by an inexpensive quartz movement, the new Edox X-treme Pilot II Limited Edition (ref. 30001 TIN NIN) has a more advanced Edox 30 caliber ticking inside its generously-proportioned case.
Based on ETA 2892-A2 self-winding ebauche with a Dubois-Depraz chronograph module sitting atop it, the movement is reliable enough and is also accurate.
However, for a watch that costs CHF 3990 (around USD $4400 at the current exchange rate,) one would rightfully expect the piece to be powered by a natural-born chronograph movement. Like, say, the legendary ETA Valjoux 7750. But no such luck.
Well, it seems like now, when the Eurozone is falling apart and the US is getting itself ready to make another step towards defaulting on its enormous debt, this attempt at cost-cutting seems to be completely justified.
See also: Edox WRC Chronorally quartz chronograph (ref. 36001 3 NIN)
WWR Verdict
Originality 3.5/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Overall Legibility: 4.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Photos: Edox
Edox X-treme Pilot II Limited Edition 30001 TIN NIN specification
Price: CHF 3990 (MSRP)
Movement: Caliber Edox 30, automatic, based on ETA 2892-2 with Dubois-Depraz complication module, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 21
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case material: Titanium, black PVD treated
Shape: Round
Size: 45.00 mm
Case height: 15.00 mm
Dial: Black, carbon-fiber inserts
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: White, luminous
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Black structured rubber strap with stainless steel clasp, black PVD coating
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Transparent