Hands-On – Graham Chronofighter Vintage Aircraft Ltd. (Baselworld 2017, Specs & Price)

As part of their Baselworld 2017 Collection, Graham unveils 4 limited editions of their emblematic Chronofighter, deriving their edgy-nostalgic identity from aged-steel case, riveted dials and cool cotton/denim straps. Meet the Graham Chronofighter Vintage Aircraft Ltd.

Bold, potentially intimidating, the Chronofighter is inspired by historical military stopwatches. Its lever allows to start/stop the chronograph without fail and with the thumb – the fastest of all fingers – even when wearing thick aviator gloves. Last year, Graham introduced tuned-down versions of the model on the occasion of its 15^th anniversary. The diameter was sized-down to 44mm – the start/stop trigger, the onion crown and the mushroom reset pusher were tastefully redesigned to reconnect the watch with more traditional pilot attributes.

This year, Graham presents 4 limited editions whose design feels both modern and vintage (somehow nostalgic of the 1940s aircrafts) at the same time. Their 44mm cases are crafted from steel whose gunmetal finish provides a cool aged look. All four watches are worn on canvass straps, including one on blue denim. The “riveted” dials, reminiscent of 1930s / 1940s aircraft fuselage, feature radial gradient colors underlying the character and inspiration of the collection.

The Chronofighter Vintage is powered by the caliber G1747, an automatic chronograph with day-date indication. Based on the Valjoux 7750, it is operating at 4Hz with about 2 days of power reserve. It is visible through the sapphire case back except for the “green” version (reference 2CVAV.B17A) whose case back is stamped with a RAF Halifax aircraft.

The Graham Chronofighter Vintage Aircraft Ltd will be produced in 4 limited editions of 250 pieces each. For more information, visit www.graham1695.com.

Technical specifications – Graham Chronofighter Vintage Aircraft Ltd.

• Case: 44 mm – aged steel with gunmetal grey PVD – domed sapphire crystal with antireflective coating – see-through sapphire case back (steel case back with RAF Halifax aircraft for reference B17A) – water resistant to 100m
• Movement: calibre G1747 (modified Valjoux 7750) – mechanical with automatic winding – 48h power reserve – 28,800 vibrations/h – 25 jewels – hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, day – date indication.
• Strap:  aged green or beige cotton canvas/ anthracite and blue denim with titanium pin buckle
• Limited edition: 250 pieces each
• Retail price: CHF 5,450