Clerc Hydroscaph Central Chronograph Limited Edition

Clerc is a brand we haven’t covered on Monochrome before. Their newest model, the Hydroscaph Central Chronograph is however a perfect moment to introduce Clerc here on Monochrome.

The idea of a large central minute hand, that keeps track of the elapsed time, is one that really makes sense. Reading the elapsed minutes from a large central hand is so much easier than from a small minute hand in a sub dial register.  The two sub dial registers display the small seconds (at 3 o’clock) and a 24-hour day/night hand (at 9 o’clock).

Inside ticks the Clerc C608 automatic movement with central chronograph, that only indicates short-time measurements; 60 seconds and 60 minutes via the central seconds and minutes hands. At the 6 o’clock position is a date window. The movement beats at a frequency of 4 Hertz (28,800 vibrations per hour).

One of the things I really like about Clerc is they managed to create a collection with a recognizable own design. The large case, that measures 44.6 mm in diameter, is an extremely complex case that comprises of no less that 103 parts. No run of the mill case, that has a strong own identity. Besides that it  is water resistant up to 500 meters, which is also far from the ordinary for a chronograph. That is because the chronograph pushers usually are the ‘weak spot’ when it comes to water resistance.

The Hydroscaph Central Chronograph (pictured below), is the Limited Edition Clockwork Orange Central Chronograph, that was introduced at Baselworld 2012 earlier this year. Some more orange elements, but for the rest it’s the same watch.

What is cool, is that you have a choice of a rubber strap or or rubber-treated hornback crocodile strap! The latter is can be seen on the first photo and looks absolutely cool. The Hydroscaph Central Chronograph is available in three finishes: high-density steel, black DLC (diamond-like carbon), and 18K rose gold/black DLC steel. Each of the three versions is issued in limited series of 500.

Clerc watches are manufactured in Switzerland and come with a  three year international warranty. The price starts just below $ 10,000 USD for the steel version. More info through the Clerc Watches website, although I couldn’t find any specifications of the Hydroscaph Central Chronograph.

This article is written by Frank Geelen, executive editor of Monochrome Watches.