Tag: Retrograde Minutes

Chronoswiss continues to expand its portfolio of unconventional timepieces with the launch of two striking new creations: the Delphis Art Deco and the Neo Digiteur Chronos. Both models showcase the independent Swiss brand’s signature approach to mechanical creativity, combining distinctive display complications with elaborate case and dial craftsmanship.

From the architectural inspiration of the 1920s to artisanal engraving rooted in Greek mythology, these two limited editions underline Chronoswiss’s ability to merge traditional watchmaking with highly expressive design.

Chronoswiss Delphis Art Deco

The new Delphis Art Deco offers a fresh interpretation of one of Chronoswiss’s most recognizable complications. First introduced in 1996, the Delphis collection has long been associated with its signature jumping hour display combined with a retrograde minute indication.

For this latest edition, Chronoswiss draws inspiration from the bold geometric language of the Art Deco era.

The watch is housed in a 42 mm Grade 5 titanium case with a thickness of 14.40 mm. Its construction consists of 17 individual components, all finished with a refined matte texture that reinforces the contemporary character of the piece. Despite the use of modern materials, the watch retains classic Chronoswiss design codes, including the brand’s signature coin-edge caseband, straight lugs, and onion-shaped crown.

Practicality is equally important, with the Delphis Art Deco offering 100 meters of water resistance and a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, making it suitable for daily wear.

The dial is where the watch truly captures attention. The large display area allows the different layers, finishes, and colors to stand out beautifully. The central section features a nickel-plated textured surface, framed by a red-gold plated chapter ring that houses the minute track. Time is indicated through a single blued retrograde minute hand, while the jumping hour aperture at 12 o’clock provides an instantaneous hour display.

At 6 o’clock, Chronoswiss adds an elegant small seconds subdial, finished in azure blue lacquer over a hand-guilloché base, adding visual depth and a refined contrast to the rest of the dial.

Powering the watch is the Chronoswiss Manufacture Calibre C.6004, developed in collaboration with La Joux-Perret. This automatic movement combines the jumping hour complication with retrograde minutes and small seconds, while delivering a 55-hour power reserve. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement also features Incabloc shock protection and a Nivarox 2 balance spring, ensuring reliable daily performance.

Through the sapphire exhibition caseback, the movement reveals a high level of finishing, including a skeletonized tungsten rotor, ruthenium-plated bridges decorated with Geneva stripes, and polished screws that enhance the mechanical presentation.

The Delphis Art Deco is paired with a black nubuck leather strap secured by a classic pin buckle.

This edition is limited to 150 pieces and is priced at CHF 14,500.

Chronoswiss, Delphis Art Deco. Nickel-plated dial, Grade 5 titanium case, 42 mm diameter, 14.40 mm thickness, sapphire crystal, 100 meters water resistance. Black nubuck strap. Calibre C.6004, automatic movement, jumping hours, retrograde minutes, small seconds, 28,800 Vph, 37 jewels, 55h power reerve. Price: CHF 14,500 limited to 150 pieces.

Chronoswiss Neo Digiteur Chronos

The second release takes Chronoswiss’s unconventional design philosophy even further.

The Neo Digiteur Chronos revives the brand’s distinctive rectangular digital-style time display concept, originally explored in the early 2000s, now elevated with extensive artisanal craftsmanship.

The watch features a solid 5N gold rectangular case measuring 48 mm in length, 30 mm in width, and just 9 mm thick. Weighing approximately 65 grams, the proportions remain elegant and wearable despite its bold design language.

Case finishing plays a central role in this release, combining satin matte brushing, polished bevels, and fine sandblasted surfaces.

What makes this piece especially remarkable is the extensive hand engraving work, which reportedly requires around two weeks of manual craftsmanship. The case is decorated with an elaborate depiction of Chronos, the mythological guardian of time, holding an hourglass.

This artistic concept is seamlessly integrated into the time display itself. The upper part of the hourglass visually corresponds to the minutes display, while the lower section relates to the running seconds, creating a poetic representation of time flowing from future to past.

Adding further classical influence, the case and strap extension incorporate a Greek meander motif, a geometric ornamental pattern composed of continuous right-angled lines.

Inside, the watch is powered by the Chronoswiss Caliber C.85757, a hand-wound movement whose name references the postal code of the brand’s original workshop founded in 1983.

The movement incorporates an in-house developed Jumping Hour Digiteur module and delivers a 48-hour power reserve while operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour.

Its finishing is equally refined, featuring Côtes de Genève decoration, a hand-guilloché wheel bridge, and rhodium-plated components that reinforce the premium character of the piece.

The Neo Digiteur Chronos is completed with a black nubuck leather strap and a matching 5N gold pin buckle.

This highly exclusive model is limited to just 33 pieces and carries a price of CHF 58,000.

Chronoswiss, Neo Digiteur Chronos. White dial (on the three asymmetrical apertures), 18k red gold case, 30 mm width, 48 mm lenght, 9 mm thickness, sapphire crystal, 30 meters water resistance. Black nubuck leather strap. Calibre C.85757, hand-wound movement, jumping hours, scrolling minutes, scrolling seconds, 21,600 Vph, 19 jewels, 48h power reerve. Price: CHF 58,000 limited to 33 pieces.

Final Thoughts

With these two new limited editions, Chronoswiss once again demonstrates its ability to create timepieces that stand apart from conventional Swiss watchmaking.

The Delphis Art Deco highlights the brand’s technical creativity through its signature jumping hour and retrograde minute display, while the Neo Digiteur Chronos places greater emphasis on decorative artistry and storytelling through craftsmanship.

Together, they reinforce Chronoswiss’s identity as one of the most distinctive independent names in contemporary horology.

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