SpotlightLight Embrace: Chronoswiss Opus Titanium In Blue And Green

Watch brands often launch tribute pieces or update an iconic iteration with modern-day technology to appeal to friends of the brand and horological enthusiasts. The new Chronoswiss Opus Titanium is one such example. The iteration harks to the iconic first-issue timepiece launched in 1995 that became the world’s first serially produced self-winding skeletonised chronograph. Now in 2023, as part of their 40th anniversary celebrations, Chronoswiss extend their Sirius line of chronographs with the commemoratory Opus Titanium in two hues—prussian blue and bottle green. Blue as a hue produces visions of the sea, sky, sapphire, and rejuvenation, while the green palette evokes lush forests, eco-conscious vibes, emerald and wanderlust. “Once again, we are set to wow the world, just as our brand did back in the 90s,” Oliver Ebstein, CEO of Chronoswiss, commented at the recent launch.

Chunky Yet Light In Weight: The Opus Titanium

The USP of the 2023 Opus Titanium is, according to the brand, ‘featherweight’. This implies that the 41mm case constructed from grade-5 titanium is light and does not weigh down your wrist like bulky complication watches are known to do, even with the large onion-shaped crown and two pushers. Moreover, the case appears satin-polished with a metallic sheen due to the evenly applied CVD coating, while the curved bezel in partial knurling is the subtle decorative element.

The case of Chronoswiss Opus Titanium appears satin polished with a metallic sheen due to the evenly applied CVD coating, while the curved bezel in partial knurling is the subtle decorative element

The busy dial features four sub-dials; sweep chronograph seconds at nine o’clock, 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock, 12-hour counter at six o’clock and retrograde calendar at three o’clock

Matching the timekeeping markings are the rhodium-plated Breguet Losange shaped hour and minute hands

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The Face Of The Opus Titanium

The dial, on the other hand, is extremely busy with four sub-dials; sweep chronograph seconds at nine o’clock, 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock, 12-hour counter at six o’clock and retrograde calendar at three o’clock. The Chronoswiss logo is wedged between the outer minute track at 60 (12 o’clock) and the 30-minute sub-dial. Matching the timekeeping markings are the rhodium-plated Breguet-style hour and minute hands.

The Chronoswiss Opus Titanium in Bottle green exudes jungle vibes via its camouflage print Cordura textile strap with contrast stitching and folding clasps inbuilt using the brand’s patented Autobloc system

Next, seen through the twice-coated sapphire crystal glass, the exposed framework showcases the workings of the in-house skeleton calibre C.741S; a Valjoux-based integrated chronograph movement. Measuring 30mm by 7.9mm, the automatic movement sits snug within the 41mm case. Fitted with 25 jewels, the movement features other stylish parts such as CVD-plated rotor with côtes de Genève finish, galvanic black skeletonised bridges, a base plate with perlage finish, and polished pallet lever. The open-worked dial exposes the three-legged Balance Glucydur, Navarro I balance spring, escape wheel and ball bearings. Overall, the movement beats at 28,800vph, offering upto 46 hours of power reserve, and shock protection via the in-built Incabloc mechanism.

The openworked dial exposes the three-legged Balance Glucydur, Navarro I balance spring, escape wheel and ball bearings

Fitted with 25 jewels, the movement features other stylish parts such as CVD-plated rotor with Côtes de Genève finish, galvanic black skeletonised bridges, base plate with perlage finish, and polished pallet lever

The iterations provide impressive water resistance up to 100m, due to the combined impact of features such as the screw-down caseback with satin finish, and secured crown. Both iterations are secured to Cordura textile straps with contrast stitching and folding clasps in-built using the brand’s patented ‘autobloc’ system. The blue model features a matching coloured strap, while the green exudes jungle vibes via its camouflage print.