German watches
While I do not really like Chronoswiss’ vintage-styled models, there is one collection in the German watchmaker’s product range that makes my heart beat faster. It is the relatively new Chronoswiss Pacific collection (Ref. CH 2883 BR) of watches that offers a sporty and energetic, yet discreet and elegant design in a compact, well-executed body.
Both models were delivered in the same stainless steel case 43 mm in diameter, but were powered by different movements: the chrono was animated by the robust ETA Valjoux 7750, and the three-hander sported a simpler (but even more reliable) ETA 2892-A2 movement.
It looks like this year Chronoswiss decided to split the collection in two by introducing a smaller, dressier, only 40 mm in diameter version of the three-hand model, with the larger 43 mm models now transferred into the Grand Pacific collection.
An interesting move, that.
Like the older, bigger model, the new Chronoswiss Pacific Ref. CH 2883 BR is, too, powered by the same ETA 2892-A2 automatic movement and seems to feature the same dial layout that, let’s be honest here, still looks somewhat secondary to other similarly styled models.
Its slightly revised minute track somehow reminds me the gorgeous Omega Hour Vision watch and the skeletonized hands with faceted hour markers brings in associations with the recently updated technocratic IWC Ingenieur series.
If that doesn’t disturb you, then this beautiful timepiece really deserves to be added to your short-list of Dress Watches with a Sporty Character.
The refreshed model also brings new colors: the new Ref. CH 2883 BR features a chocolate brown dial with sunburst finish that nicely corresponds with a leather strap of almost the same color.
While many watchmakers that use third-party movements often install the calibers “as is,” this particular model has the standard black-on-white calendar wheel replaced for a white-on-brown color scheme that, to my taste, makes it look more thoroughbred, more expensive, if you wish.
I am not sure about the price of the refreshed timekeeper (for some reason Chronoswiss ignored my request for comments, shame on them,) but can make an educated guess that it will cost around $3800 staying on par with the last year’s model of the same functionality.
WWR Verdict
Originality 4/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 4.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
See also: 2011 Archimede Outdoor Automatic
UPDATE June 10th, 2011: I have just been informed that the watch is priced at €2490 and will go on sale by the end of the month. Considering the timekeeper’s technical specs and not terribly original styling, the watch seems a bit overpriced, although it is always for the customer to decide.
Photos: Chronoswiss
Chronoswiss Pacific (Ref. CH 2883 BR) automatic wrist watch specification
Price: €2490
Movement: Automatic, caliber ETA 2892-A2, Swiss Made
Jewels: 21
Cadence of balance: 28,800 vph
Movement decoration: Standard finish, branded oscillating weight
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case material: Stainless steel
Bezel material: Matching case
Crown material: Stainless steel
Case shape: Round
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 40.00 mm
Lug width: No data
Case height: No data
Dial: Brown, sun-burst pattern
Numerals: None, faceted and applied hour markers
Hands: Stainless steel, open-worked, luminous
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Brown leather
Crystal: Sapphire, domed, antireflective
Case back: Sapphire