Gorilla Chronograph Thunderbolt Skeleton 44mm

While Gorilla Watches was established in 2016, the brand benefits from founder Octavio Garcia's considerable background in the watchmaking industry. With over two decades of experience, including a significant tenure as the artistic director at Audemars Piguet, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a distinct design perspective to Gorilla. The brand's philosophy centers around bold aesthetics, inspired heavily by automotive culture and a desire to offer high-quality watchmaking at a more accessible price point. The brand's origin isn't about revolutionizing watchmaking entirely, but rather about offering a fresh, energetic take on it. Gorilla is the passion project to make great watches accessible.

The Thunderbolt Chronograph, a collaboration with the renowned movement manufacturer Dubois Dépraz, is a prime example of this philosophy in action. This isn't Gorilla's first foray into chronographs, but it is arguably their most ambitious. The design takes cues from the world of racing, specifically drawing parallels to the 1969 Ford Mustang and the Le Mans-winning GT40. These automotive references are not merely superficial; they are woven into the very fabric of the watch.



The watch's case, a substantial 44mm in diameter, is constructed from Grade 5 titanium. This material choice is strategic, offering an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Titanium is significantly lighter than steel, contributing to the overall comfort of wearing a larger watch, and it possesses a unique, slightly darker hue that lends the watch a technical, almost industrial feel. The titanium case is further enhanced with a black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating. This coating not only adds to the watch's stealthy aesthetic but also provides an extra layer of scratch resistance, crucial for a timepiece designed with active use in mind.

The bezel and pushers of the Thunderbolt are crafted from matte black ceramic. Ceramic is another high-tech material prized in watchmaking for its extreme hardness and resistance to scratching and fading. The matte finish of the ceramic complements the DLC-coated titanium, creating a cohesive and visually appealing combination of materials. The choice of ceramic for the pushers is a thoughtful detail; it's a high-touch area of the watch, and the material's durability will ensure that they remain looking pristine even after years of use.



The dial of the Thunderbolt is where the watch's motorsport inspiration truly shines. The skeletonized design offers a view into the intricate workings of the movement, a visual treat for any watch enthusiast. The color scheme is a vibrant mix of blues, oranges, and whites, reminiscent of the classic Gulf racing livery, a direct reference to the iconic GT40. This combination isn't subtle, but it's not meant to be. It's a bold statement, reflecting the overall design language of the watch.

Legibility, a crucial factor for any chronograph, is addressed through the generous application of X1 Super-LumiNova on all chronograph-related indications. This luminous material ensures that the hands and markers glow brightly in low-light conditions, making it easy to read the time and chronograph functions even in darkness.



Turning the watch over reveals the exhibition case back, providing another view of the customized Dubois Dépraz DD268 movement. The DD268 module is built upon the reliable ETA 2892 base, a workhorse movement known for its accuracy and robustness. Dubois Dépraz's contribution is the skeletonized chronograph module, which adds both functionality and visual intrigue. The Stem Transmission System (STS) is a key feature of the DD268, designed to enhance the movement's reliability, particularly under stressful conditions, an important consideration for a sports-oriented watch.

The three-spoke design element, a signature of Gorilla watches, is present on the crown. This design choice subtly echoes the steering wheels found in classic sports cars, further reinforcing the connection to the automotive world. The crown is also screw-down, contributing to the watch's 100-meter water resistance. While not a dive watch, the Thunderbolt is certainly robust enough to handle everyday splashes and even a swim.

The Thunderbolt's strap maintains the emphasis on performance materials, crafted from durable, water-resistant blue rubber that complements the watch's dial accents. The strap is covered with a alcantara like fabric which is another nod to motorsports.



The movement, visible through both the skeletonized dial and the exhibition caseback, is a key element of the Thunderbolt's appeal. The Dubois Dépraz DD268 isn't just a standard chronograph module; it's a customized and skeletonized version, showcasing the intricate mechanics of the watch. The bridges and plates have been carefully cut away to reveal the inner workings, creating a dynamic and visually captivating display. The rotor, often a decorative element on automatic watches, is likely also customized to match the overall aesthetic of the Thunderbolt.

The fact that the Thunderbolt is limited to just 99 pieces worldwide adds to its desirability. This limited production run ensures a degree of exclusivity, making it a coveted item for collectors. Each watch is individually numbered, further emphasizing its unique status. The engraving on the caseback includes the signatures of both Gorilla and Dubois Dépraz, a testament to the collaborative nature of this project.



The engineering of the Thunderbolt is as much about performance as it is about aesthetics. The combination of lightweight titanium, scratch-resistant ceramic, and a robust, reliable movement ensures that this is a watch that can withstand the rigors of daily wear. It's a tool watch at its core, designed to be used and enjoyed, not just admired from afar.

The pricing of the Gorilla Chronograph Thunderbolt Skeleton 44mm is set at $8,500. Given the materials, the customized movement, the limited production run, and the overall design, the price represents a fair value proposition for those seeking a unique luxury timepiece. Availability is, of course, limited due to the 99-piece production run, making it a watch that requires a proactive approach to acquire. Potential buyers will likely need to contact Gorilla directly or work through authorized dealers to secure one.

Case: 44mm Diameter. Grade 5 titanium with black DLC coating. Matte black ceramic bezel and pushers. Screw-down crown. 100-meter water resistance.

Movement: Dubois Dépraz DD268 skeletonized chronograph module, based on ETA 2892 automatic caliber. Stem Transmission System (STS).

Dial: Skeletonized. Multi-color accents (blues, oranges, whites). X1 Super-LumiNova on dial markers.

Strap: Blue Rubber strap with alcantra like insert.

Price: $8,500.00 USD

Notes: Limited edition of 99 pieces. Collaboration between Gorilla and Dubois Dépraz. Design inspired by 1969 Omega Speedmaster Alaska Prototype and motorsport aesthetics, specifically the 1969 Ford Mustang and Le Mans-winning GT40.