Chronoswiss Strikes Gold with the New Dakar Edition of the Opus Chronograph

Founded by maestro watchmaker Gerd R. Lang in 1983, Chronoswiss has since led the resurgence of mechanical watchmaking. Known for its superior craftsmanship and regulator displays, the brand first unveiled its Opus chronograph in 1995. This masterpiece instantly grabbed headlines as the world’s first serially produced skeletonised automatic watch, its bare mechanics visible directly on the dial. The baton has since passed to Oliver Ebstein who continues to champion Lang’s unique design aesthetics, while also presenting surprising utilizations of vibrant colours and modern materials.

Apart from the distinctive design, the new Opus comes decked in a light yet durable Grade 5 titanium case, 41mm in diameter and a thickness of 14.8mm. This model’s case is perfected with sapphire crystal viewing panes on both sides, allowing an unobstructed view of its skeletonised movement. Despite the display, the case retains a water resistance rating of 100 meters. One can also admire the sleek polished top surfaces and the vertically brushed flanks when viewed laterally.

The Dakar edition gets its name from the warm brown CVD-coated tone chosen for the peripheral track and its four sub-dials. The seconds ring is found at 9 o’clock, the 30-minute chronograph totaliser at noon, the 12-hour chronograph at 6 o’clock, and there’s a pointer date at 3 o’clock. Its gear and bridge details are visible along with the calibre C.741S movement, a product of heavy reworking of the officious ETA Valjoux 7750.

Offsetting the desert tones of the case and strap, the hands and numerals are a crisp white, which accentuates the watch’s overall aesthetic. This chromatic combination is a subtle nod to the color balance found in the desert — warm, sandy tones against the cold white of the desert night. The Chronoswiss Opus Chronograph Dakar edition retails at CHF 13,900 and continues the legacy of daring design and secret complexities.