CHRONOSWISS - Testimony


CHRONOSWISS

TESTIMONY

What do people say and think about CHRONOSWISS ?  Here are some posts I took from various source (mainly the TimeZone Watch Forum).

- My Delphis makes me smile  (Posted By: Steve, Austin Texas on 4/26/99)

My favorite is usually my newest watch, so it varies.
Lately it's my Chronoswiss Delphis, a most satisfying, most unusual, most wonderfully designed timepiece. My only reservation (and it's a small one) would be the attention it draws on my wrist. It's truly unusual, and produced in sufficiently limited quantities to make it pretty exclusive. Watch of the Year in 1997, it is rather large in height and diameter, and of course has a truly unique face, with three different methods of time display on a single dial: analog seconds at 6, digital jumping hour at 12, and analog retrograde minutes on the dial's single center hand, spanning from 9 to 3. In a beautifully fitted and finished 18K gold and stainless steel case, with a gorgeous crocodile deployant buckle strap (attached with screws, not pins), it makes me smile when I look at it, in part because it was my promotion present to myself, and in part because it's so damn cool.

- Re : rate the Top five watch companies in the world  (Posted by Chronopassion on April 06, 1999)

Essentially impossible because it is very dependent on what an individual considers most important in a watch.
For example, for a young triathelete, the list might go Casio, Timex, Seiko, Citizen, etc.
For someone who puts a high premium on finishing of movements, the list could go Lange, Patek, JLC, RGM, and Audemars.
For someone who wants the best watch for the dollar, the list could be Minerva, JLC, Chronoswiss, IWC, and Sinn.
For someone who wants the most visually recognized watch, it might go Rolex, Tag, Breitling, Omega, and Movado.
Or for someone who wants the best movements, maybe it could go Patek, JLC, Rolex, Audemars, & Zenith.
Maybe, someone wants the best casework in watches. Their list could go JLC, Chronoswiss, Patek, Franc Muller, & Lange.
As you can see, there are just way, way too many permutations to say which are the best five watch companies around.

- I'd associate Chronoswiss with Lingenfelter before IWC...  (Posted by Ryan on March 29, 1999)

I haven't seen better finished ETA movements than the ETAs modified by Chronoswiss. I'm sure some will disagree with me, but they are the most nicely finished ETA movements I've ever seen.

- Editorial which appeared on the first hr:magazine , by Urich

[...] This first issue is unique, with Chronoswiss on the cover. There are many skeletonized watches to choose from. Chronoswiss is a fine watch and has been available for about ten years.
Mr. Lang knows the watch industry. He is a real watchmaker and a man of integrity. (You can tell by his family, friends, how they all interact and the products he puts out). He indisputably knows the watch industry. Mr. Lang worked as a watchmaker with famous manufacturers before deciding to create his own watch company. The name "Chronoswiss" is as genius as his watches are.
The reason Chronoswiss is on the cover is because, UHRENMAGAZIN (the number one watch magazine in Europe) had Chronoswiss on the first cover of its magazine ten years ago, and UHRENMAGAZIN sets a standard in Europe that others are only lucky to copy. [...]

- Re: JLC MGT vs. Chronoswiss Kairos, which one you like better?  (Posted by MK on March 22, 1999)

Faced with a similar question a while back, I chose the Kairos and I am still very happy with the decision. Usually my watches' allure fades very quickly for me, but the Kairos has kept my interest and is still very much at the top of my list. I actually like it more now than when I got it which is quite unusual for me.
The movement is not (perhaps) quite up to the standard of the JLC, but the dial and case work is superb and I tend to look at the dial far more often than I do the movement :) Although I might mention that at least the Kairos has an exhibition back that allows me to look at the movement when I choose.
As long as the movement is reasonably good (and the Chronoswiss/ETA movement in the Kairos is at least that) then my focus is on the aesthetics of a watch and I much prefer the look of the Kairos to the JLC MGT. Of course, this is a matter of personal taste and preference and only you can determine which will satisfy you the best.

- Re: JLC MGT vs. Chronoswiss Kairos, which one you like better ? (Posted by A.Crewe on March 22, 1999)

I think I would have to agree with the posts below.  I own a ChronoSwiss, and would like to have a JLC, but the two seem at opposite ends, and only you will know what you are looking for. The ChronoSwiss is an "outside" watch, and the JLC is an "inside" watch. You would buy a ChronoSwiss if you find more pleasure in the external features and it appeals to your design sense. The JLC is very traditional in exterior design and the interior is where a good portion of its beauty lies.
It is kind of a watchmakers watch vs. a casemakers watch.

- Re: JLC !!! (Posted by Leehu Z. on March 22, 1999)

JLC is more of a watch!
With all due respect to chronoswiss - they are just a bit more than designers - beautiful designs though...
If you like watches and care for the watchmaking aspects of them - JLC is your choice!

- Kevin, this is a tuff one ! (Posted by Mike Ferber on March 22, 1999)

You are talking about two of my personal favorites, although I have neither. To me the JLC MGT is the ultimate conservative dress watch. It reminds me of the best from the 50's. It is perfect in every way and it has a wonderful JLC factory movement. On the other hand, the Kairos is just knock-down dead stunning. It is a slightly bigger watch than the MGT and can be a little more comfortable in a casual setting. I especially like the coin edged cases and heavy leather straps on the Chronoswiss line. Also, the Kairos is an excellent buy given the retail price and available discounts. Either one is a winner.

- Muller v. chronoswiss - need help (Posted by reid on March 21, 1999)

I hate these sort of posts, but am paralyzed by a watch buying decision. part of me is drawn to the aesthetics of the franck muller casablanca model which i consider to be striking yet refined. however, i was also struck by the chronoswiss lunar chronograph. for the same price i get an attractive watch with the complications of moonphase and chronograph (same is true of the jlc master moon). i don't need the complications but they would be nice. would appreciate some feedback if anyone thinks one is a much better choice. thanks.

- Chronoswiss, does it strike others...  (Posted by Rodin on March 21, 1999)

... that this is a poor man's Breguet? If I had the big bucks I'd buy a Breguet. But instead I'm looking to get a Kairos - a beautiful watch, and what a price. I also strongly considered the lunar chrono. For me it's an easy choice here, based both on packetbook and preference, but then again you have different preferences than me. If you want more flair & can afford it I suppose then that the Muller is the way to go.

- Re: muller v. chronoswiss - need help (Posted by Phil Baker on March 21, 1999)

Just my opinion, but one company makes average watches that sell at very high prices and the other makes extraordinary watches that sell at very reasonable prices.

- Re: muller v. chronoswiss - need help (Posted by Charles on March 21, 1999)

That's a tough choice. To me, Frank Muller watches are immediately recognizable and exudes exclusivity. I especially like the big complicated pieces. Chronoswiss are extremely beautiful but the bottom line is if I won the lottery I buy the Frank Muller

- Re: muller v. chronoswiss - need help (Posted by tom margulies on March 21, 1999)

You can't make a bad choice. To my taste,the Muller is classic, more unusual,and generally regarded as a notch above ChronoSwiss (am I going to get clobbered for this?). The ChronoSwiss will likely engender more comments and is a little flashier to the casual observer.

- Re: muller v. chronoswiss - need help (Posted by js on March 21, 1999)

I know, people will probably tell you that you are comparing apples to oranges, but I like both of these watches. I'm a Chronoswiss fan. I own one of the Chronoswiss watches and can tell you that it's a beautifully made watch. So is the Muller. I've been looking at the Muller too much lately (don't tell my wife). If you are looking for the "Best Bang For The Buck" in terms of the features, then go for the Chronoswiss. If you don't care that much about that aspect (how often will you use a chronograph?), then flip a coin. You will not lose - "heads" or "tails".

OK - Chronoswiss: To be or not to be? (Posted by  DRB on March 21, 1999)

I am looking for a watch to aim for, and I am intrigued by the Chronoswiss range. They appear to be fine watches, but I heard they have only been around since the mid-80's. Happily I prefer more simple designs, so that would probably lead me to their less expensive models.

Does anyone have a recommendation or complaint to register about Chronoswiss, have a model they prefer, or a good place to shop for the range? Any clue on their older models? Whose movements do they usually use?
I saw a used one at Pasadena and it looked good, but I knew so little about them, I kept my hand in my pocket. . . .

- Re: Chronoswiss: To be or not to be ? (Posted by js on March 21, 1999)

I'm a big fan of Chronoswiss. I recently bought their "probably too flashy for many tastes, but not mine" Opus in S/S with strap. They did a real nice job. I also fell in love with their "Lunar" model, but did not buy it. Yet. For classier-looking watches, take a look at Orea, Kairos and Chronometer. If you look at TZ BB messages (#20, 89, 404), you will find more info on what movements (modified and in-house) they use in their watches. Gerd Lang has a long history in watchmaking, even though Chronoswiss, as it is today, has not been around for too long.

- Some of the finest contemporary watches available (Posted by Mike Ferber on March 21, 1999)

Chronoswiss watches are beautiful and reasonable in price. I'm partial to the Regulator since it look's a lot like the Seth Thomas clock hanging on the wall next to my computer. The Kairos and the Chronometer are very nice as well and would make a perfect mate for your elegant vintage Omega. Andrew's scan shows you the beauty and detail of the Chronometer dial. The Chronoswiss wooden box is also worth the price of admission. You can get a copy of their catalog over the Net. The current catalog is a real treat to the eye.

- Re: Chronoswiss: To be or not to be? (Posted by Steve Kling on March 21, 1999)

Don't let the fact that Chronoswiss has only been around since the early 80's discourage you. They have already made a name for themselves among watch experts and enthusiasts. They designs are classic and the movements are excellent. Besides that, Chronoswiss is a relatively small company that puts out small numbers every year so you'd be getting a pretty exclusive watch. The Delphis and the Lunar get some attention here on the forum and deservedly so. If you live in Southern California, Feldmar Watch in LA and the Watch Connection in Costa Mesa have some great deals and great selection on Chronoswiss, among others. At any rate, they're superb watches and they deserve serious consideration.

OK - Have I ever mentioned... (Posted by A.Crewe on March 21, 1999)

I may have mentioned it before, but I am a ChronoSwiss fan. Although they have only been around for a few years, the company was started by Gerd Lang, who used to be with Heuer (I believe).
The scan is of my ChronoSwiss Chronometer which is on a black alligator deployant strap. The dial and hands are my favorite part,and through the exhibition back I can see that they have done a lot of work on the 2892-2 movement. It has a gold rotor and blued screws and whatever else.
The longer you own one, the more you like it.

OK - That is SOME dial . . . .  (Posted by DRB on March 21, 1999)

A little research at Silver Magic has pointed me in the direction of the Orea model, which is apparently available (or was) as either a manual-wind or automatic.
I love the dials and hands of these watches, as they look so refined, but on the Kairos, as pretty as it is, I am not wild about the date at 6:00.