Among all Cimier models, their 1961 collection consists of several true masterpieces. The 2009 Petite Seconde Venom (Ref. 6102-BP021) is one of the most interesting models in this series. Created together with Jorg Stiel who played as a goalkeeper for the Swiss national soccer team, this eclectic watch combines constrained elegance of the dial with the screaming luxury of the yellow python strap.
The funny thing here is that, while the new collection is menacingly called “Venom,” python is a non-venomous snake. Okay, never mind.
The contrast is further enhanced with the yellow-painted hour, minute and small-second hands with the latter positioned unusually at 10 o’clock like it is the case with the rest of the Petite Seconde family.
The winding crown is located at 4 o’clock, not only visually balancing the small-seconds indicator (I must admit that I am impressed of how nicely the visual line between the crown and the sub-dial is drawn through the geometric center of the dial with the imaginary line supported by the thin hour markers on the chapter ring and indices on the small-seconds ring,) but also making the Venom more comfortable to wear and to operate when needed without taking it off your wrist.
Regrettably, the yellow substance that covers the hand seems to be just normal paint: it doesn’t glow in darkness and reading the time at night or, say, in an IMAX theater may be a problem.
Like many recently introduced timekeepers with a small seconds display, the new Cimier Petite Seconde Venom is powered not with an ETA abauche, but rather by the good old Unitas 6497 hand-wound pocket-watch caliber. Known for its robustness, the mechanism is often installed in instruments designed for pilots, drivers, officers, and all sorts of law enforcement agents. It is also massive measuring almost 37 millimeters in size, so Cimier’s designers were forced to make the case larger than most customers would probably care for.
According to official specs, the round case measures 43 mm in diameter.
Still, there is a small caveat here. Although the black glossy surface of the case looks like a scratch-resistant DLC coating -a finishing technique that creates over a treated surface a layer of carbon that is almost as hard as a diamond-, the body is covered with black PVD, which is more prone to occasional scratches. On the other hand, the choice of finish allowed the Swiss-based brand to slightly reduce the recommended street price.
However, the movement is nicely decorated featuring blackened bridges with Geneva stripes, as well as polished and blued screw heads making it a real pleasure to look at. The sapphire crystal that covers the case-back cover is decorated with Jorg Stiel’s facsimile.
Waste the original “genuine python” leather strap in favor of a black alligator or maybe even black rubber and you will have yourself a gorgeous piece of luxury at an affordable price of €1560.
The series is limited to only 200 units, so you should probably act quickly if you want to get one of those beauties.
See also: Cimier Retrograde Automatic with power reserve
WWR Verdict
Originality 4/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 4.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Photos: Cimier
Cimier Petite Seconde Venom specification
Price range: €1560 (MSRP)
Movement: Caliber Unitas 6497, hand-wound, Swiss Made
Jewels: 17
Cadence of balance: 21,600 vph
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
Power reserve: 56 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Size: 43.00 mm
Dial: Black with yellow hands
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Yellow python leather on a steel folding clasp
Strap width: 21.00 mm
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Sapphire