The Code41 NB24 Chronograph Edition 3 — Now Available With The Brand’s Stratom Case

Options. Who doesn’t like to have options? That’s exactly what Code41 offers you with its new NB24 Chronograph Edition 3. You now get the choice of two different case designs. The first is the trusted NativeDNA case that the brand used for the previous two iterations of the watch. New this time around, however, is the brand’s Stratom case, which brings a completely new look to the successful chronograph. The new NB24 Stratom Chronograph Edition 3 will be a limited edition of 200 pieces. The brand also introduced a new orange color option for the watch. Time to find out more.

The NB24 Chronograph has been a great success for Code41. With its technical look, the watch is a favorite among the brand’s devout community. The “Creator Edition” of this NB24 chronograph, which debuted in January 2021, saw the brand sell an impressive 1,380 pieces. This triggered a second edition that was launched at the end of 2021 and continued the success. Now we have the third edition that offers the trusted NB24 chronograph in the Stratom case. You can also now choose a bright orange option that immediately stands out and has become my favorite.

The NB24 Chronograph explained

So, how did this project start? As you might know, Code41 has an active community that’s involved every step of the way when developing new timepieces. Naturally, then, the brand asked its community for help. The outcome is presented with the NB24 Chronograph Edition 3. For those who don’t know, the “NB” in the name stands for Nigel Bailly, a Belgian Code41 ambassador and race car driver. The addition of the “24” comes from Bailly’s partaking in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The NB24 Chronograph is built around a specially developed movement. This caliber is based on the iconic Valjoux 7750 architecture and manufactured for Code41 by Concepto. All of the components, except for the barrel spring and jewels, are produced in Concepto’s facilities as well. For the new movement, the bridges were redesigned, and a peripheral rotor was added to the dial side. This is something we hardly ever see in watchmaking. It is fantastic to see it in action, and it serves as a smart way to visually connect the wearer to the movement. The automatic chronograph caliber consists of 326 parts, operates at 28,800vph, has 35 jewels, and provides 48 hours of power reserve. It is also rated accurate to ±5 seconds per day.

Code41 offers the choice of two cases

The fascinating movement was also the starting point for this third version of the NB24 Chronograph. A logical continuation is the use of the brand’s NativeDNA case, which was also used for the T360 Tourbillon and the previous two editions of the NB24 Chronograph. The case measures 42mm in diameter and is 14.5mm thick in Grade 5 titanium or 13.7mm thick in AeroCarbon. The titanium watch head is water resistant to 10 ATM and weighs 78 grams by itself or 108 grams with a leather strap. On the other hand, the AeroCarbon version is water resistant to 5 ATM and weighs only 64 grams on its own or 94 grams with a leather strap. The design of the modern and technical NativeDNA case is characterized by its chambered construction and distinctive lugs.

The other option that is available for pre-order now is the 200-piece limited edition of the watch with the brand’s Stratom case. This case is only available in Grade 5 titanium. It measures 42.7mm in diameter and 14.5mm thick and is water resistant to 5 ATM. In this case, the watch head weighs 90 grams on its own and 120 grams on a leather strap. Overall, the look of the Stratom case is tougher and sturdier. The rectangular shape with four distinctive screws on the front makes for a more industrial and bold-looking chronograph.

A wide array of dial colors and strap options

Remember how I started this article with the question, “Who doesn’t like to have options?” Well, when it comes to dial variants and straps, even more fun awaits. Let’s start with the Stratom version of the NB24 Chronograph for pre-sale from September 20th to October 18th, 2023. Potential buyers have roughly four weeks to decide whether they want blue, orange, black, or red dial accents. Additionally, they have the choice of a titanium bracelet, six rubber straps, eight leather straps, and two linen straps. The price of the watch on the bracelet is €8,035, and on a rubber strap, it is €8,020. On a linen or leather strap, the NB24 Stratom comes in at €8,010 or €7,903, respectively.

If you choose the NativeDNA case, you can have your watch within seven days. You will have to choose between the titanium and AeroCarbon versions first. The titanium version has the same blue-gray, black, red, and orange dial options as previously mentioned. The AeroCarbon version, however, has those as well as a green variant that looks quite different and suits the carbon material nicely. For all these variations, you also have the choice of a bracelet in titanium or a selection of rubber and leather straps. The prices for the AeroCarbon version go from €7,338 on a leather strap to €7,390 on a rubber strap and €7,500 on a bracelet. In titanium, you’re looking at €6,738 on a leather strap, €6,790 on a rubber strap, and €6,870 on a bracelet.

Final thoughts on the new Code41 NB24 Chronograph Edition 3

There is no doubt that Code41 has made a name for itself by offering modern, even futuristic-looking watches that offer incredible value for money. With the NB24 Chronograph Edition 3, I feel that tradition continues. Looking at the retail prices, yes, they are serious money. But what you get in return is uniquely designed and offers a great deal in terms of lightweight materials, a specially developed movement, and instantly recognizable, modern aesthetics. You do have to be a fan of Code41’s design language to appreciate what Code41 has built, but I know that there are plenty of fans out there.

And Code41 has built something special with its brand. With an active community that is passionate and involved every step of the way, its customers and fans can have a direct hand in developing new models. Code41 is also very open about where the different parts of the watches are made. As a result, there is total transparency regarding the production side of its watches. And those are just two of the many things that Code41 does to create a greater environment for developing new timepieces. Seeing the third edition of the NB24 Chronograph, I do not doubt that it will once again become a great success with Code41’s devotees.

As mentioned, the NB24 Chronograph versions with the NativeDNA case are available within seven days. The limited-edition Stratom versions will be on pre-order until October 18th. For more information, visit the Code41 NB24 Chronograph page.