Chronoswiss, a brand with a rich history in horological innovation, introduces the Pulse One, a duo of timepieces that signifies a notable shift in the brand's design and technical approach. These watches represent a melding of traditional watchmaking elements with a decidedly modern aesthetic and construction.
The Pulse One watches are available in two distinct variations: the Pulse One Sand and the Pulse One Blue. Both models share a common foundation, utilizing a Grade 5 titanium case and an integrated bracelet, a first for Chronoswiss. This design choice creates a unified, streamlined look, where the case and bracelet appear as a single, continuous form. The use of Grade 5 titanium, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, ensures that these watches are both lightweight and robust, suitable for daily wear while maintaining a high level of durability. This is a material commonly found in the demanding field of aerospace, highlighting its resilient nature, it's hypoallergenic properties make it suitable for sensitive skin, making it friendly for anyone to wear.
Courtesy of Chronoswiss
The case itself is a complex construction, comprised of 26 individual pieces. It features a combination of satin-finished and sandblasted surfaces, with a partially knurled, polished bezel adding a touch of textural contrast. The sapphire crystal is curved and double-coated with an anti-reflective treatment, optimizing visibility of the dial from various angles. The case back, also secured with screws, incorporates a sapphire crystal, allowing a view of the intricate movement within. An onion-shaped crown, a nod to classic watch design, adds a vintage touch, while the 10-bar water resistance ensures practicality for everyday use. The dimensions of the case are 41mm in diameter and 12.75mm in height, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 46.27mm and a lug width of 23mm. These proportions suggest a watch that has a substantial presence on the wrist without being overly bulky.
The dial design is where the two Pulse One models truly diverge. The Pulse One Sand features a sandblasted galvanic 4N dial, which gives it a warm, earthy tone. The Pulse One Blue, on the other hand, utilizes a CVD-coated blue dial, offering a deep, vibrant hue. Both dials share a three-dimensional construction, with an upper level that houses the decentralized hour display at the 12 o'clock position. This off-center arrangement is a signature element of
Chronoswiss design, adding a unique visual characteristic. The central minute hand provides a conventional indication of the minutes, while the retrograde seconds display at 6 o'clock adds a dynamic and engaging complication.
Courtesy of Chronoswiss
The retrograde seconds function is a particularly noteworthy feature. This complication, a less common sight in contemporary watchmaking, involves a hand that sweeps across an arc, typically for 30 seconds, before instantly snapping back to its starting point to begin the cycle anew. This creates a lively, animated display that contrasts with the more gradual movement of the hour and minute hands. The indexes on the Pulse One Sand are CVD coated, while those on the Pulse One Blue are rhodium-plated. Both models feature "Pyramid"-shaped hands, crafted from polished and blued steel, further enhancing the visual complexity of the dial.
At the heart of the Pulse One watches beats the Chronoswiss Manufacture Caliber C.6001, an automatic movement that represents a significant step forward for the brand. Developed in collaboration with La Joux-Perret, a renowned movement manufacturer, the C.6001 showcases a number of technical and aesthetic refinements. The movement is distinguished by its ruthenium plating, which provides a dark, sophisticated finish. The rotor, crafted from tungsten, a dense and heavy metal, ensures efficient winding. A ball bearing system further enhances the rotor's smooth operation.
The C.6001 also features a Côtes de Genève finishing on the bridges, a classic decorative technique that adds a touch of traditional craftsmanship. Other notable details include a Glucydur balance wheel, a Nivarox 1 balance spring, an Incabloc shock protection system, and an excenter for fine adjustment. The movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and boasts a power reserve of 55 hours. The skeletonized rotor, polished armature, escape wheel, and screws all contribute to the overall visual appeal of the movement, visible through the sapphire crystal case back.
Courtesy of Chronoswiss
The integrated titanium bracelet is a defining feature of the Pulse One, marking a departure from Chronoswiss's previous designs. The bracelet is constructed from Grade 5 titanium, matching the case material, and is engineered to provide a seamless transition from the case. This integration creates a cohesive and fluid aesthetic, enhancing the overall wearing experience. The design of the bracelet is described as the "sleekest, most fluid design ever crafted by the Atelier Lucerne," emphasizing its ergonomic qualities and modern appeal. The bracelet is designed for comfort, strength, and precision, reflecting the brand's commitment to both form and function.
The decision to move towards an integrated bracelet design represents a significant shift for Chronoswiss. Traditionally, the brand has been known for its use of separate straps, often made from leather or other materials. The integrated bracelet of the Pulse One signifies a move towards a more contemporary, sport-oriented aesthetic, aligning with current trends in the luxury watch market.
The vision behind the Pulse One, as stated by Chronoswiss, is to initiate a "revolution" for the brand, marking the beginning of a new era. This ambition is reflected in the watch's bold design choices, the use of advanced materials, and the incorporation of a new manufacture movement. The retrograde seconds complication, a signature feature of Chronoswiss, is retained, but presented in a fresh, modern context. The three-dimensional dial, while a hallmark of the brand, is reinterpreted with a more streamlined and contemporary aesthetic.
The overall design language of the Pulse One can be described as "Modern Mechanical," a term that encapsulates the brand's intention to blend traditional watchmaking principles with cutting-edge design and technology. The watch is a statement piece, intended to appeal to collectors who appreciate both the heritage of mechanical watchmaking and the forward-looking approach of contemporary design.
Courtesy of Chronoswiss
The Pulse One Sand, with its warm, sand-colored dial, evokes a sense of understated. The natural brown hue, achieved through a sandblasting process, gives the watch a tactile and organic quality. This model is described as radiating "warmth," suggesting a more subtle and refined aesthetic.
The Pulse One Blue, with its
Deep Blue CVD-coated dial, projects a more vibrant and assertive presence. The blue color, achieved through a Chemical Vapor Deposition process, is intense and eye-catching. This model is described as exuding "depth and power," indicating a bolder and more dramatic visual impact.
The choice between the two models ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Pulse One Sand offers a more subdued and versatile option, while the Pulse One Blue provides a more striking and attention-grabbing alternative. Both watches, however, share the same underlying technical specifications and design principles, ensuring that they both represent the core values of the Pulse One collection.
Courtesy of Chronoswiss
Chronoswiss, founded in 1983, has a history of challenging conventions and reinterpreting traditional Swiss watchmaking. The brand has been known for its distinctive regulator-style dials, often featuring separate displays for the hours, minutes, and seconds. This design element, present in the Pulse One, connects the new collection to the brand's heritage while simultaneously pushing it in a new direction.
The Pulse One, with its integrated bracelet, titanium construction, and modern aesthetic, represents a significant evolution for Chronoswiss. It is a watch that embraces contemporary design trends while maintaining a connection to the brand's core values of craftsmanship, innovation, and mechanical ingenuity. The pricing for both the Pulse One Sand and the Pulse One Blue is set at $13,300. Both models are limited editions of 100 pieces each, adding to their exclusivity and collectibility.
Case: Solid 26-piece, Titanium Grade 5, satin finish & sandblasted, partly polished bezel with partial knurling. Curved, double-coated anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Screw-down case back with satin finish and sapphire crystal. Onion crown. Water resistance up to 10 bar. Ø 41 mm, Height 12.75 mm, Lug to Lug: 46.27mm, Lug Width: 23mm.
Movement: Chronoswiss Manufacture Caliber C. 6001, Automatic. Ø 33.4 mm. 31 Jewels. Glucydur balance wheel, three-legged. Nivarox 1 Balance spring. Incabloc shock protection. Frequency 4 Hz., 28,800 A/h (semi-oscillations). 55 hours power reserve. Skeletonized tungsten rotor, ball bearing; armature, escape wheel and screws polished; bridge with Geneva cut, ruthenium plated.
Dial: 3-dimensional construction. Sandblasted galvanic 4N (Sand) or CVD coated Blue (Blue). Upper level with decentralized hour display at 12 o'clock. Central minute, retrograde second at 6 o'clock. CVD coated indexes (Sand), Rhodium plated indexes (Blue). Steel polished & blued, "Pyramid” hand shape.
Strap: Integrated Titanium Grade 5.
Price: $13,300
Reference Number: CH-6823T-BRSI (PULSE One Sand) / CH-6823T-BLSI (PULSE One Blue)
Notes: First Chronoswiss with an integrated bracelet. Retrograde seconds complication. Limited edition of 100 pieces each.