Introducing: The Chronoswiss ReSec Manufacture Series

Just two months ago, Chronoswiss announced a new, modern design direction at Watches and Wonders 2024. Don’t worry, hallmark characteristics such as reeded bezels and onion crowns still exist. However, the watches look more contemporary. Today’s three new ReSec Manufacture models continue the theme and bring bold dials for good measure.

In late March, Chronoswiss debuted the Strike Two Golden Gear and H2O models. These pieces ushered in a new era of design for the brand. Still, one look at these watches leaves no doubt about the maker. The onion crown is there in an updated form, and the case design also looks more modern. However, the beautiful, often bold dials remain. Now we have a trio of new ReSec Manufacture (Retrograde Seconds) models.

The Chronoswiss ReSec Manufacture

The Chronoswiss ReSec Manufacture is available in three different options. All watches feature 42mm by 14.2mm Grade 5 titanium cases. One model blends an 18K red gold bezel and crown. The Helium model is paired with a bright orange handcrafted guilloché dial with blue accents. The case is unique from the other models with its matte finish. The Vertical Red edition uses Côtes de Genève striping with a CVD (chemical vapor deposition) coating. Here, the case uses polished elements. Finally, the Obsidian variant contains a black guilloché dial with red gold accents. The mid-case is coated with black CVD, while the bezel and ring around the case back are red gold. All watches are fitted with a dial-matching rubber strap.

A new proprietary movement

The ReSec Manufacture uses the new C.6005 movement developed by Chronoswiss and produced by La Joux-Perret. It has 55 hours of power reserve and runs at 28,800vph. Functionally speaking, the watch shows an hour display at 12 o’clock while the central hand depicts the minutes. Both of these hands use Super-LumiNova, which matches the ceramic hour indexes. The star of the show, however, is the retrograde seconds display at 6 o’clock. This is a typical complication for Chronoswiss, and while I don’t always love this look, it’s beautifully done here.

Other specifications

All ReSec Manufacture models claim water resistance to 100 meters, so it’s possible to put the rubber straps to use in the pool or at the beach. Additionally, both the front and rear displays are made from sapphire. The front crystal has an antireflective coating. Note the small label on the left side of the dial. This denotes each watch’s unique number as there are 100 of each variant.

Thoughts and pricing on the new ReSec Manufacture

I always mention my soft spot for Chronoswiss because it’s one of the earliest nice watch brands I remember seeing in stores. I like how the brand has stuck with its aesthetic over the years, but I’m an even bigger fan of the current modernization efforts. These watches look lovely, and the three-dimensional qualities of the dials are captivating. I like each of these three, but am particularly drawn to the Vertical Red edition. Then again, I don’t own a guilloché-dial watch. Of course, all of this detail comes at a price. The orange Helium retails for €15,300, the Vertical Red is slightly less at €14,800, and the Obsidian sells for €23,400 due to its gold content. That’s certainly not inexpensive, but these make for highly distinctive choices within the price range.

For more information on the ReSec Manufacture, visit the official Chronoswiss website.