Chronoswiss Introduces The New Stainless Steel Delphis Venture To The Lineup
I have always enjoyed the classic Chronoswiss watches. When I got seriously into watches in the early 2000s, I was quickly drawn to the unique style of the Kairos, Régulateur, and Delphis. The Chronoswiss Delphis has always been a personal favorite from those days. Over time, Chronoswiss changed a lot. The brand currently creates watches that fuse the classic Chronoswiss style with new materials, vibrant colors, and remarkable movements. The latest addition to the brand’s extensive lineup is the Delphis Venture. This watch combines the classic Delphis style I love so much with a spectacular dial. It’s a great follow-up to the 18K red gold Delphis Oracle that was released during Watches and Wonders this year.
When I first checked out the current Chronoswiss collection on the brand’s website, I was quite surprised. The sheer number of available models is nothing short of impressive. On top of that, it’s quite a colorful collection too. A great reminder is the Open Gear ReSec Electric Blue that we had in the office last year. If you love blue, it’s worth checking out Dave’s full review. While I am not scared of a bit of color, I generally like my timepieces to be a bit quieter on the eyes. But Chronoswiss has you covered on that too. The brand’s new Delphis Venture is the perfect example with its black and blue dial colors. But don’t be fooled because it doesn’t mean this is a boring watch. Not at all.
The Chronoswiss Delphis Venture at first glance
I was immediately excited when I first saw the new Delphis Venture. It takes the marvelous Delphis platform and combines it with a modern dial that I absolutely adore. While this dial is not colorful, it does have a ton of character thanks to some spectacular and intricate details. The Venture is the third model in the Delphis lineup after the 18K red gold Oracle and the stainless steel Paraiba. Compared to the Paraiba, though, the new Venture presents an overall aesthetic that is a lot less flamboyant. I would say that it has a stylistic chic to it that many watch fans will appreciate.
But let’s start with some basics. The watch features a 42mm stainless steel case that is 14.5mm thick. Its shape is a modern version of the characteristic Chronoswiss cases from the past. It’s great to see the round case with the knurled bezel edge, straight lugs, and the onion-style crown. The case features a combination of polished and brushed finishes, though the main parts visible while on the wrist are polished. This case is the perfect canvas for the spectacular dial, the result of a collaboration with the skilled guillocheurs at Atelier Lucerne.
The spectacular dial of the Delphis Venture
The upper portion of the dial features a half-moon shape with a retrograde minute display. You will find the jumping-hour window at what would usually be 12 o’clock, which is actually the 30-minute position for this watch. After every 60 minutes, the large skeletonized hand jumps back to “0” to start the new hour.
Below the 60-minute display and surrounding the hour aperture, you will find a spectacular 3D guilloché pattern. The flowing dial curvature combined with these almost-mountainlike lines looks spectacular. As mentioned, Chronoswiss worked with the skilled craftspeople at Atelier Lucerne to bring this to life.
On the lower part of the dial, the small seconds display at 6 o’clock is suspended above the dial, so it seems like it is floating. It is a hand-guilloché pattern in a CVD-coated blue color that contrasts nicely with the black background. The bridges on which the central retrograde minute hand and the small seconds hand sit add graciously curving lines to the dial.
The wall of the upper bridge features a unique limited-edition number (xx/50) in white. The base dial underneath displays a grained texture that adds even more depth and variation to the overall aesthetic. I especially appreciate the large white-gold-plated and skeletonized minute hand. Not only does it add modernity, but it also keeps a certain “openness” that I love. With all the details on this dial, I must say that it looks like an absolute winner.
The in-house Chronoswiss C.6004 movement
Turning the watch around will give you a good view of the new in-house caliber C.6004. This automatic movement operates at 28,800vph, has 37 jewels, and delivers 55 hours of power reserve. It features a skeletonized tungsten rotor in the same shape as the two bridges on the front of the watch. It’s a nice visual link that I greatly appreciate. The movement also has radial Côtes de Genève-like decoration and a dark gray ruthenium plating that looks fantastic. Furthermore, this caliber comes equipped with a three-legged Glucydur balance, a Nivarox balance spring, and Incabloc shock protection.
A timepiece of understated brilliance
On the wrist, this new Delphis Venture is a fantastic and stylish statement. In comparison to many of the brand’s other watches, it’s quite understated, which I greatly prefer. I feel that it makes this new Delphis a watch for the true fans. Now, I know that Chronoswiss is already a brand for specific fans, but what I am getting at is that the black and blue color setting with its intricate details requires some time to explore. Only by taking that time will you be able to thoroughly enjoy the brilliant, curvaceous pattern on the upper portion, the great overall depth, and the beautiful complexity of the small seconds display.
The watch comes fitted with a black rubber strap with a folding clasp. I like the choice of rubber as it is yet another nice element contributing to the combination of modern and classic elements. This new Chronoswiss Delphis is limited to 50 pieces with a price of €17,400. That’s some serious cash, but what you get is special. For this money, you will get a great testament to the brand’s past and present. On top of that, the hand-guilloché dial is simply breathtaking.
Last but not least, the in-house movement is really nice and beautifully finished. I would love to take this new Chronoswiss Delphis Venture for a spin to see if I can find the old spirit of the brand that I love so much and a great appreciation for the modern style. Judging from these pictures, I would say that Chronoswiss has managed to create exactly that with the new Delphis Venture.
The new Chronoswiss Delphis is available now. For more information, visit the official Chronoswiss website, and share your thoughts on this new release in the comments.
