Chronoswiss stands as a significant name in the world of mechanical watchmaking, born from a passion for traditional horology during a time dominated by quartz technology. Founded in Munich in 1983 by Gerd R. Lang, the company emerged with a distinct vision: to craft high-quality mechanical timepieces that celebrated the intricate beauty of gears, springs, and levers. Lang's commitment was underscored by the brand's early innovations; Chronoswiss was the first to serially produce wristwatches featuring a regulator dial – separating hours, minutes, and seconds onto individual axes for enhanced clarity, a layout previously common in large observatory clocks. Furthermore, the brand pioneered the use of sapphire crystal display case backs as a standard feature, allowing enthusiasts to admire the decorated movements within. This dedication to transparency and mechanical artistry is complemented by recognizable design elements that define the brand's aesthetic, including the characteristic fluted bezel, an oversized onion-shaped crown, and patented screw-in lugs for secure strap attachment. Now based in Lucerne, Switzerland, and led by Oliver Ebstein, Chronoswiss proudly maintains its independence and continues to champion its philosophy of "Modern Mechanical," skillfully blending age-old artisanal techniques like hand-guilloché and enameling, often executed in their public-facing atelier, with contemporary design sensibilities and materials.
The Flying collection is a vibrant and emblematic representation of Chronoswiss's unique approach to watchmaking, specifically highlighting its expertise in regulator displays through a modern, three-dimensional lens. This line takes the foundational concept of the regulator, which Chronoswiss first brought to the wrist in serial production, and elevates it with innovative architectural dial constructions. The defining characteristic of the Flying series is its captivating multi-level dial design. Sub-dials for hours and seconds are often elevated on bridge-like structures or designed with funnel shapes, creating a distinct floating effect above the main dial plane where the central minute hand resides. This layered construction not only adds visual depth but also serves as a canvas to showcase the brand's commitment to traditional craft, frequently featuring intricate hand-guilloché patterns on the base dial layer. Notable models within the line include the Flying Grand Regulator, which emphasizes this complex dial architecture often paired with a manual wind movement, and the Flying Regulator Open Gear, which pushes the design further by exposing parts of the gear train on the dial side, making the mechanics an integral part of the visual experience. Available in various case sizes, materials, and often bold color combinations, the Flying watches retain classic Chronoswiss features like the knurled bezel and onion crown, perfectly encapsulating the "Modern Mechanical" spirit by merging historical horological substance with avant-garde aesthetics.