Remember when the value of jewellery and watches was comparable to their weight? Nowadays, heavy no longer means quality and the weight/strength ratio has changed forever. With watchmaking this means that new space-age ingredients have been added to the mix, and exciting materials are emerging from the laboratory. Companies who are willing to invest enough time and money to invest in research and development can even get the ultimate pay back – a high-tech alloy which they can name and forever call their own.
George Graham, the acclaimed English Watchmaking Master whose name was given posthumously to “Graham Watches” was an industry trailblazer, even so, I wonder what would he have made of the Graham Chronofighter Oversize Superlight Carbon. In his era it would not have been possible to conceive that such a construction would ever be possible – in fact, the techniques used to create this model are so complex that even a decade ago a model such as this would not have been a feasible undertaking.
An Abundance of High-Tech Material
You can tell by the “woven” appearance that there is carbon fibre almost everywhere you look on the Graham Chronofighter Oversize Superlight Carbon and at a massive 47mm across, an abundance of the techy stuff was required. Such a hefty wristwatch will not be to everyone’s taste, but before you renounce it, perhaps I should draw your attention to its saving grace – despite its portliness, this model weighs just under 100g, not the lightest “big” watch, I know but even so it is a meritorious achievement.
Graham Chronofighter Oversize Superlight Carbon
Graham Chronofighter Oversize Superlight Carbon – A Complex Construction
Watchmaking complexities are not always found within the case, for this watch the complication is the case. The dial, case and the bezel are all made from carbon fibre, but it is the creation of the start/stop lever which is made from plain carbon multi layers, for which a specialised machining technique was employed. This means that the lever – which is also fondly known as the “trigger” by Graham enthusiasts – is a unique piece of carbon, providing the watch with increased stiffness and enhanced usability.
Graham Chronofighter Oversize Superlight Carbon – Readable, Useable and Functional
On the carbon fibre dial the two counters have been given a snailed decoration adding contrast and interest, and the broad hands and robust numerals have been generously coated with lime green Super-LumiNova. At the 8 o’clock location the date indication is a diminutive feature. This is a no-nonsense chronograph dial, on which everything readable at a glance, functional characteristics which are complemented by the high-tech aesthetics gained from the use of carbon fibre. Inside the piece, the Swiss automatic chronograph calibre G1747 keeps time at 28,000 vph and offers a power reserve of 48 hours. Water resistance is to 100m and the smoked sapphire caseback offers a view through to the mechanics.
Graham Chronofighter Oversize Superlight Carbon
The Graham Chronofighter Oversize Superlight Carbon comes presented on a vivid red rubber strap, priced at 9,900 Swiss Francs.
