The Chronoswiss Open Gear collection represents a bold and contemporary evolution of the brand's historical dedication to the regulator complication. First pioneered for wristwatches by Chronoswiss founder Gerd R. Lang, the regulator display separates time indications, traditionally placing the minute hand centrally while relegating hours and seconds to sub-dials. The Open Gear series takes this concept into the modern era with a distinctive three-dimensional and skeletonized approach. Characterized by its "open-worked" design, the line prominently showcases parts of the intricate mechanical movement, particularly the gear train driving the regulator module, through elaborate dial constructions. Often featuring multi-level dials with skeletonized and screwed train wheel bridges and funnel-like constructions for the hour and second displays, these timepieces offer a captivating view into their mechanical heart. Models like the "Flying Regulator Open Gear" and the "Open Gear ReSec" (Retrograde Second) exemplify this design philosophy, frequently incorporating hand-guilloché base dials, vibrant CVD coatings, and innovative displays like the 30-second retrograde jump. This line is a testament to Chronoswiss's ability to fuse traditional watchmaking codes, such as the regulator layout, with avant-garde aesthetics and mechanical transparency, resulting in visually dynamic and horologically engaging wristwatches.
Chronoswiss itself holds a unique position in the watchmaking world, established in Munich in 1983 by the visionary watchmaker Gerd-Rüdiger Lang. At a time when the industry was dominated by the quartz crisis, Lang resolutely committed his brand to the art of traditional mechanical watchmaking, infused with distinctive design elements. Chronoswiss quickly became renowned for popularizing the regulator display in wristwatch format, launching the first serially produced "Régulateur" wristwatch in 1988. Beyond the regulator, the brand established several enduring aesthetic signatures that make its watches instantly recognizable: the prominent onion-shaped crown, the knurled or fluted bezel, and robust, often screwed-in strap lugs. While initially modifying high-quality Swiss movements, Chronoswiss has increasingly developed its own modules and even manufacture calibers, particularly for its regulator models. Now headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland, under the ownership of Oliver Ebstein since 2012, the company maintains its independent spirit and commitment to "Modern Mechanical." It operates a transparent atelier where artisanal crafts like hand-guilloché and enamelling are practiced alongside modern techniques, continuing Lang's legacy of blending horological tradition with forward-thinking design and exceptional Swiss craftsmanship.