Chronoswiss, a brand synonymous with pushing the boundaries of watchmaking, was founded in 1983. For over 40 years, this family-owned company has been crafting timepieces that blend traditional Swiss techniques with modern designs and materials. Their watches are known for their strong character, breaking classic conventions while still honoring the rich history of horology. Each model is a tribute to the 21st century, meticulously crafted in their Lucerne atelier.
The Delphis Firestarter showcases several unique features. Its most striking element is the curved, hand-guilloché dial, made from 18k white gold and adorned with fiery red enamel. This vibrant dial radiates energy and precision. The watch face features a digital hour display at the 12 o'clock position, a retrograde minute hand that sweeps across the center, and an analog seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The upper level of the dial houses the digital hour display, while the lower level, finished in galvanic black, provides a stark contrast to the red enamel, enhancing the watch's dynamic appearance. The subdial for the seconds features an outer ring, also hand-guilloched in galvanic black, and an aluminum center with red print.
Courtesy of Chronoswiss
The case of the Delphis Firestarter is a marvel of engineering. It's made from the world's first Titanium Core Nano Shell, a revolutionary material that combines the strength of a titanium core with the versatility of a high-end composite shell. This material is permanently bonded at a nano level, making it incredibly lightweight, durable, and visually stunning. The 17-piece case is hand-polished, with a fluted decorative ring on the side and a polished bezel. It also features a cambered, double anti-reflective sapphire crystal on the front and a screwed, satin-finished case back with another sapphire crystal, allowing a view of the intricate movement within. The onion crown and screw-down straps with a patented autobloc system add to the watch's robust and functional design.
At the heart of the Delphis Firestarter lies the Chronoswiss manufacture caliber C.6004, an automatic movement. This movement, first introduced in 2023, boasts ruthenium plating, a tungsten rotor, and Côtes de Genève finishing that radiates from the center, echoing the brand's signature ray guilloché. Developed in collaboration with La Joux-Perret, the C.6004 offers a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. It operates at a frequency of 4 Hz, with 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour, and features 37 jewels. The movement is equipped with a Glucydur three-legged balance, a Nivarox 1 balance spring, Incabloc shock protection, and an excenter fine adjustment mechanism. The skeletonized rotor, armature, escape wheel, and polished screws add to the movement's technical and aesthetic appeal.
The hands of the Delphis Firestarter are equally impressive. The "Viking" pointer-shaped hands are made from aluminum and are skeletonized. The feuille-shaped minute hand is curved, rhodium-plated, and diamond-cut, adding to the watch's refined look. These hands, combined with the complex dial construction, create a harmonious and visually captivating display.
Courtesy of Chronoswiss
Completing the Delphis Firestarter is a durable rubber strap, providing both comfort and a modern aesthetic. The strap complements the watch's innovative design and ensures it sits comfortably on the wrist. The rubber material is a practical choice for a watch that's designed to be both stylish and functional.
The Delphis Firestarter is part of Chronoswiss's Area 51 collection, a line reserved for the most innovative, daring, and advanced timepieces. Inspired by the secretive and intriguing nature of Area 51, this collection pushes the boundaries of watchmaking, combining groundbreaking materials, rare complications, and unparalleled craftsmanship. These creations embody the spirit of exploration and mystery, delivering designs that have never been seen before. The Delphis Firestarter is a perfect example of this philosophy, showcasing a fusion of high-tech materials and traditional artisanal techniques.
One of the standout features of the Delphis Firestarter is its hand-guilloché dial. Guilloché is a traditional technique that involves engraving detailed, interwoven lines on surfaces, creating unique light patterns. Chronoswiss excels in this art, using two main machines—the straight-line and rose engine—to produce dials with precise, radiating designs. Despite the absence of manuals for over two centuries, Master-Guillocheurs have maintained their expertise through a deep understanding of these machines. Creating one of these complex dials takes several hours, making each piece a true labor of love. The guilloché dials of Chronoswiss watches stand as a tribute to this enduring craft, showcasing its timeless appeal with a modern twist.
Courtesy of Chronoswiss
Enameling is another artisanal technique mastered by Chronoswiss. This process involves melting glass dust into radiant dials at high temperatures, preserving a now-scarce skill. The enamel pigments are finely ground, applied to the guilloché surface, and fired in an 850°C oven to create a perfect, glassy finish. The layers are built up through multiple firings to achieve the desired richness in color and depth, imbuing the watches with eternal brilliance. The fiery red enamel of the Delphis Firestarter is a testament to this intricate and demanding process.
The Titanium Core Nano Shell case is another highlight of the Delphis Firestarter. This revolutionary material unites the resilience of a titanium core with the versatility of a high-end composite shell, permanently bonded on a nano level. Unlike a coating, the composite seamlessly merges with the titanium core, resulting in a case that is lightweight, durable, and visually striking. This innovation pushes the boundaries of modern mechanical design, offering a unique combination of strength and aesthetics.
In terms of dimensions, the Delphis Firestarter measures 42.6 mm in diameter and 14.5 mm in height. These proportions make it a substantial watch on the wrist, yet the lightweight titanium construction ensures it remains comfortable to wear. The watch is water-resistant up to 10 bar, making it suitable for everyday wear and various activities.
Courtesy of Chronoswiss
Visually, the Delphis Firestarter is a masterpiece. The vibrant red enamel dial, with its hand-guilloché pattern, immediately draws the eye. The digital hour display at 12 o'clock, combined with the retrograde minute hand and analog seconds subdial, creates a dynamic and engaging display. The contrast between the red enamel and the galvanic black lower level of the dial enhances the watch's visual appeal. The skeletonized aluminum hands and the polished, rhodium-plated minute hand add to the overall elegance of the design.
The Titanium Core Nano Shell case, with its polished and fluted details, provides a modern and sophisticated frame for the dial. The onion crown and the screw-down straps with the patented autobloc system contribute to the watch's robust and functional design. The sapphire crystal on both the front and back of the case allows for a clear view of the intricate movement and the beautifully finished dial.
From a collector's perspective, the Delphis Firestarter is a highly desirable timepiece. Its limited edition status, unique materials, and intricate craftsmanship make it a standout piece in any collection. The combination of the hand-guilloché dial, the fire enamel, and the Titanium Core Nano Shell case creates a watch that is both visually stunning and technically impressive. The C.6004 movement, with its ruthenium plating and tungsten rotor, adds to the watch's appeal, showcasing Chronoswiss's commitment to engineering excellence.
Courtesy of Chronoswiss
For watch enthusiasts, the Delphis Firestarter offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. The traditional techniques of guilloché and enameling are combined with the modern materials and design elements, creating a watch that is both timeless and contemporary. The Area 51 collection, to which the Delphis Firestarter belongs, is known for its daring and advanced timepieces, making this watch a must-have for those who seek the extraordinary.
The Delphis Firestarter is priced at $41,800 and is available in a limited edition of just 50 pieces. This exclusivity adds to its desirability, making it a prized possession for any watch collector. The price reflects the watch's innovative materials, intricate craftsmanship, and limited availability. For those who can acquire one, the Delphis Firestarter is not just a timepiece but a piece of horological art that embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence. This watch is currently available from Chronoswiss and select retailers worldwide. It is a symbol of the brand's dedication to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking and creating timepieces that are both beautiful and functional.
Case: Solid 17-piece Titanium Core Nano Shell, hand-polished, side fluted decorative ring, polished bezel. Cambered, double anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Screwed and satin-finished case back with sapphire crystal. Onion crown. Water-resistant to 10 bar. Screw-down straps with patented autobloc system. Diameter: 42.6 mm, Height: 14.5 mm.
Movement: Chronoswiss manufacture caliber C. 6004, automatic. Diameter: 33 mm. 37 Jewels. Glucydur, three-legged balance. Nivarox 1 balance spring. Fine adjustment via excenter. Incabloc shock protection. Frequency: 4 Hz, 28,800 A/h (semi-oscillations). Power reserve approximately 55 hours. Skeletonized tungsten rotor, ball bearing. Armature, escape wheel, and screws polished. Ruthenium plated bridges with Geneva cut.
Dial: 3-dimensional construction. Hand-guilloché with red fire enamel on 18ct white gold. Upper level with digital hour display. Central retrograde minute. Analog second at 6 o'clock with outer ring hand-guilloched in galvanic black and aluminum center with red print. "Viking" pointer shape hands, aluminum, skeletonized. Feuille shape minute hand; curved, rhodium-plated, and diamond-cut.
Strap: Rubber
Price: $41,800 USD
Notes: Limited edition of 50 pieces. Features the world's first Titanium Core Nano Shell case. Curved, hand-guilloché dial with fire enamel. Part of the innovative Area 51 collection.