Chronoswiss announces the new Limited Edition SkelTec Azure

Bound to just 50-pieces worldwide – the new Chronoswiss SkelTec Azure watch features a sleek black DLC-coated steel case enrobing a skeletonised hand-wound movement whose front side is showcased through a royal blue accented dial.

Lucerne-based watchmaker, Chronoswiss is highly revered within the industry for creating exceptional regulator watches. These include the likes of the Flying Grand Regulator Open Gear ReSec as well as the classic Regulator Manufacture watches and a plethora of limited edition models. This week the brand unveiled a stunning Open Gear ReSec model inspired by the mesmerizing colours of the Paraiba tourmaline gemstone with a meticulously engineered dial executed from a unique hand-guilloched turquoise CVD treatment. Accompanying this model in the new line-up for 2021 is the Chronoswiss SkelTec Azur. The SkelTec watch collection is prized for the simplicity of its hand-wound movement – reduced to fit organically into a beautifully shaped case. The 166-part hand-wound C. 304 movement that powers this new limited edition Chronoswiss watch is a spectacle to admire. Its X-shaped monobloc construction features an open balance wheel surrounded by rich magnificent shades of royal blue.

Blue – the colour of strength and reliability…

It seems no coincidence that Chronoswiss chooses blue as the colour to represent its new limited edition SkelTec watch. The colour is believed to symbolise strength, wisdom, trust and loyalty.  Artisans at the company’s Lucerne-based ateliers have worked closely together to reinvent the intense blue colour of Cleopatra’s eyeshadow, which in the past, was achieved by pulverising the mineral azurite with oil. Chronoswiss uses chemical vapour disposition to bring the minimalist design of the SkelTec Azure’s dial to life. A perimeter triangle placed at 11, 1, 5 and 7 is achieved by four bridges in a matt-coated chrome finish, creating a black “X” that contrasts starkly against white lacquered hour and minute hands. These hands have also been inlaid with Super-LumiNova, growing green in dark conditions.

When the brand first unveiled the SkelTec watch back in 2020 it was powered by a proprietary movement – the Calibre C.304, which now features in the new SkelTec Azure too. At the time, Maik Panziera talked us through its advancements:

"I would say that the name SkelTec is kind of self-explanatory. Its exclusive 166-part manufacture movement with a power reserve of 48 hours, combines Opus' mechanical spirit with space-age technologies. SkelTec takes artisanal, traditional skeletonising to warp speed."

The C.304 is classically decorated and the stretched-out spring takes on a three-legged-splits position with its polished angles and chamfered finishes. The hand-wound movement comprises 166 components and performs at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Its impressive 48-hour power reserve will come in handy during those occasions off the wrist. Other beautiful features that can be admired through the sapphire topped-and-bottomed case are elements like the skeletonised spring barrel and some 21 jewels. 

The case – “An organic free-flowing form”

Designed to reflect the free-flowing passage of time itself, the case of the new limited edition Chronoswiss SkelTec Azure is beautifully sculpted with fluid curves and seamless crown guards. The colour schemes and material choice for the new SkelTec also bear personal significance to Panziera’s life. Drawing inspiration from his childhood to create the ergonomic shape of the case and referring to himself as a “nerdy mineral hunter” even from an early age, Panziera explains more…

“On weekends I always went out with a hammer and chisel, and my cupboard was – to my mother’s horror – full of stones,” he laughs before examining the SkelTec Azur, using the loupe to look closer. “I was always fascinated by Azurit. It is such a spell-binding blue used for the coats of arms of countless royal dynasties. By using modern nano-technology Chronoswiss can create the same kind of intensity in the blue details of SkelTec Azur. This is our way of honouring history in a modern mechanical way.”

The lugs on both the new and previous SkelTec watches are hollowed out and the case, instead of the traditional two-part construction, was adapted to an eight-part design made possible by Chronoswiss’ five-axis CNC machine. There are a total of 51 individual smaller parts involved in the manufacture of the new SkelTec case, however. Its construction is built from a middle part crafted from DLC-coated stainless steel, executed with a sand-blasted matte finish. The screws and the bezel are blue CVD-coated and the bezel has been polished. Protecting the dial of the new Chronoswiss SkelTec watch is a sapphire crystal glass front that has been treated twice with anti-reflective technology. The same sapphire crystal glass is also repeated on the back of the case, enabling a clear glance into the complexities of the Calibre C.304. The caseback is also screwed down and completed with a satin finish. The case takes up residence on the wrist with a domineering 45mm diameter and is equipped with 50-meter water resistance. Lastly, the onion-shaped crown is as prominent as ever at 3 o’clock, executed in true Chronoswiss style.

Technical specifications of the new Chronoswiss SkelTec Azure watch:

• Case: Diameter: 45mm – height: 15.15mm – black DLC-coated stainless steel – 51-parts – sand-blasted with matte finish – blue CVD-coated bezel and screws – 50-meter water resistance – double-treated anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass front and back – screw-down satin-finished caseback – onion crown – hollowed lugs – patented Autobloc system
• Dial: Skeletonised display – blue CVD coated accents - skeletonized and lacquered hands – Azure blue minute ring – Super-LumiNova inlays on hands
• Movement: Cal.304 – hand-wound – skeletonised – 28,800 v.h.p – 48-hour power reserve – open balance wheel – 166 components – 21 jewels – screw balance at 6H – skeletonised spring barrel
• Strap: Black calfskin and textile strap - black DLC-coated stainless steel fastening
• Availability: Limited to 50-pieces worldwide
• Price: £18,000

For information on the new Chronoswiss SkelTec Azure watch and to secure yourself one of the 50 pieces, call our sales team today on 01335 453453