Graham Chronofighter Vintage review

At Baselworld 2016, Graham celebrated the 15th anniversary of its Chronofighter model with the release of four ‘vintage’ models. On my return to the UK I was offered the opportunity to ‘get hands-on’ with a version of my choosing. I immediately gravitated to a model featuring a captivating blue dial, with coordinating leather strap, and very soon the timepiece was temporarily mine. Graham Chronofighter Vintage

This ‘Vintage’ timepiece was inspired by the stopwatches once used by RAF flying officers during World War II. These watches, effectively pocket watches strapped to the sleeve of a bomber jacket, were vital when carrying out flying sorties, especially at night. Graham Chronofighter Vintage reivew

While operating at high altitudes, in non-pressurised cockpits, the pilots and their timepieces were exposed to freezing temperatures and their watches had to be tough to survive this hostile working environment. Therefore, both precision and reliability are two prerequisites for aviators’ watches. Graham Chronofighter Vintage replica

As well as wearing the now iconic leather Irvin flying jackets, lined with sheepskin, the flying officers also wore thick gloves, keen to stave off biting temperatures. However, in the confines of the cockpit, the gloves inhibited free movement of fingers, hence a thumb operated trigger proved the optimal ergonomic solution.

Eric Loth, the founder of Graham, an engineer and physicist by trade, spoke to medical professionals and learned that the thumb is the fastest acting finger. Moreover, the thumb can move independently of other fingers. With this in mind and inspired by military aviation of yesteryear, he conceived the unusual trigger device which adorns the left hand flank of the Chronofighter’s case.
In order to accurately measure elapsed time, it is critical that the time taken from observing an event to the moment the chronograph is actuated is kept to an absolute minimum. Equally, the same applies when the elapsed interval has passed and the wearer needs to stop the chronograph. The trigger design of the Graham Chronofighter Vintage mitigates this ‘human factor’, proving intuitive to use, courtesy of its ergonomic interface with the right thumb.
Surprisingly, despite this watch being referred to as ‘Vintage’, the blue hue of its dial is very en vogue and I adore it. Blue is an incredibly versatile colour, matching a myriad of clothes and augmenting the appearance of many sartorial ensembles. The dial is adorned with a tasteful sunray motif, emanating from the fulcrum of the dial that sparkles exquisitely in light.
The ‘modern’ hour and minute hands are framed with polished metal and lined with white luminescent fill. White, slender indexes, together with the Arabic numerals at noon, evince a contemporary character. Both the hands and hour markers bestow a green emission in dim light.

A small seconds display is presented on a snailed subdial at 3 o’clock. A 30-minute chronograph register, featuring snailed detail, is located at 6 o’clock and assumes greater significance courtesy of its larger diameter. Graham has wonderfully played with depths, recessing the subdials and, as a result, heightening the aesthetic appeal of the dial.

Two apertures, located at 9 o’clock, present the date and day on two separate discs. The typeface is white, neoteric in nature and highly legible. The date disc sits slightly lower than the day disc but does not mar readability.

The white central chronograph hand features a supremely slender red tip which collaborates with the crisp white markings gracing the perimeter of the dial.

As a shortsighted forty-something, I sometimes struggle to read the dials of some watches without the aid of spectacles. However, the Graham Chronofighter Vintage proved simple to read even without my bifocals.

Some of the dial elements of the Graham Chronofighter Vintage are quite contemporary. Indeed, the blue hue of the dial, the style of the baton-like indexes, the Arabic numerals at noon and the font used for the day-date display all brim with modernity. However, despite the seemingly disparate nature of these details, the design language is harmonious and all elements coalesce wonderfully.
The highly polished steel case measures 44mm in diameter but, somehow, it appears much smaller when worn. Graham has made subtle changes to the case of the Chronofighter and, as a result, improved its appearance.
The sapphire crystal is mildly domed and forms a flush union with the bezel. The bezel is concave, creating interesting shadows and delightfully toying with light. Interestingly, the case band is convex, according an agreeable contradistinction with the bezel above. The lugs sharply taper downwards and draw the strap close to the case, reinforcing the perception of neatness.
The brand’s decision to equip the Graham Chronofighter Vintage with its unique trigger system is likely to polarise opinion. Indeed, I accept that to some eyes the trigger may appear cumbersome. However, the Swiss watch company has modified the styling of this device for 2016, locating it closer to the case band and thereby conferring a tidier aspect. Personally, I found my thumb instinctively connected with the trigger system and I applaud its functionality. Furthermore, by locating the trigger on the left hand flank of the case, it does not impose its presence on the arm, allowing free motion of the wrist.

Positioned above the trigger, at 10 o’clock, is a push-piece which resets the chronograph registers.
The sumptuous blue leather strap encircled my wrist perfectly and accorded a sublime level of wearer comfort.
The Calibre G1747 self-winding movement is visible through the exhibition caseback. The oscillating mass is decorated with Côtes de Genève motif. Beneath the rotor some of the bridges are, once again, adorned with Geneva Waves while others feature perlage.
The balance has a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz) and includes an Incabloc shock absorber. The Swiss movement contains 25 jewels and has a power reserve of 48 hours.
Graham has not plagiarised the designs of other horological marques but conceived its own very distinctive and, in my opinion, handsome timepiece.

The dial lucidly converses with the wearer and the trigger is user-friendly, bestowing a superb tactile interface with the watch. Moreover, the trigger mitigates the time the wearer spends thinking about actuating the chronograph, or conversely, halting the stopwatch function.

The high quality construction of the Graham Chronofighter Vintage means its asking price of £3450 (RRP as at 22.6.2016) represents superb value for money.

The timepiece proved to be a stylish horological companion during its time in my possession. Its prepossessing blue colour-scheme proved ideal for pairing with jeans and casual shirts. Moreover, the watch evoked optimistic thoughts of blue skies on a summer’s day, a fitting notion for a pilot’s watch. The trigger, Graham’s ingenious idea, shows a notable dose of blue-sky thinking. Indeed, perhaps we should rename Eric Loth, ‘Mr Blue Sky’.

graham chronofighter vintage aircraftl td replica watch

Love it or hate it, the trend of the vintage-inspired watch seems to show no signs of slowing down. For sure, such watches might lack originality by definition; but at the same time, it has also given rise to some truly great new watches like Tag Heuer’s Autavia and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Geographic. In any case, there are loads more of these watches being released, but one of the most interesting new pieces is the limited edition Graham Chronofighter Vintage Aircraft Ltd. Let’s take a look at why this collection of vintage-inspired watches is worthy of attention.’There are four new models in the collection and each one is limited to 250 pieces. Let’s go through the basics first and then talk about the differences between the four models. First up, these new Chronofighter Vintage Aircraft Ltd. watches have Graham’s distinctive case design with the start/stop trigger for the chronograph function. Case size is 44mm, but because of the large start/stop trigger and onion crown as well as the muscular design of the lugs, these watches will likely wear a lot larger.
One aspect of the Graham Chronofighter Vintage Aircraft Ltd. watches that makes them stand out from other vintage-inspired watches is their case. Apart from having Graham’s signature design, they are made from aged steel with a gray PVD. From the press photos, it seems that this unique combination has given them an old, used, and worn in look.
To complete the vintage looks, the four Graham Chronofighter Vintage Aircraft Ltd. watches will also have riveted dials that are meant to mimic the look of old aircraft from the ’30s and ’40s. All models will come with matching canvas and denim straps. Water resistance is 100m.
The ref. 2CVAV.B17A has a black dial and a radial finish that gets darker around the edges. It also has beige Super-LumiNova hands and hour markers. Green is used for the chronograph hands, chronograph register, and the subsidiary seconds dial. But most notably, this reference has a solid caseback stamped with the British Royal Air Force’s Halifax aircraft.
The ref. 2CVAV.B19A is arguably the most modern-looking of the collection. It has a black radial finish dial, but in place of beige Super-LumiNova, it has white Super-LumiNova hands and markers. Along with the red hands for the chronograph’s 30-minute register, this gives this particular reference a more modern vibe.
The final two models are the ref. 2CVAV.B18A and ref. 2CVAV.U03A. The former features a black radial finish dial, while the latter has a funky deep blue radial finish dial. Both models have beige Super-LumiNova hour and minute hands, and hour markers. The chronograph 30-minute registers have red hands for better legibility. The ref. 2CVAV.U03A is particularly nice because it comes with a blue denim strap that I think nicely complements the dial.
All four watches are powered by the caliber G1747, which is based on the Valjoux 7750. It beats at 4Hz and offers a power reserve of around 48 hours (2 days). It features a day-date complication, which is displayed at 9 o’clock on the dial. The chronograph complication is operated using the specially designed trigger-style pusher that is also at 9 o’clock on the case. The pusher at 10 o’clock resets the chronograph.
Bold and brash are two adjectives often used to describe Graham’s Chronofighter watches and these four new models are no different. Most vintage-inspired watches stop short at having vintage dial elements like beige Super-LumiNova or designs based on watches from the archives, but these are refreshing in the sense that their cases do look remarkably worn in and used. Along with the riveted dials, this gives the Graham Chronofighter Vintage Aircraft Ltd. watches a very strong vintage and used look that I think is quite different from other vintage-inspired watches from other brands and they deserve a closer look.

Graham Chronofighter Vintage Special Series

From the 75th anniversary of D-Day to the Brexit or the colourful Mexican Calavera skull, Graham propose a series of limited edition pieces where creativity is expressed in the inventive combination of topical issues, fun and the duty of memory.
Experience the world of Chronofighter in which most exciting adventures can happen. Eye-catching and inventive, the renowned lever of the left side represents the essence of the collection. Developed for modern time’s men, the chronograph features an automatic movement and a clever combination of materials such as steel, ceramic, carbon …
The Graham Chronofighter Vintage Limited Stingray is the latest creation from the Swiss brand celebrating its 25th anniversary. The dial, inspired by the past, features eye-popping hues. Its design may be considered contentious but it is courageous, thought-provoking and will inevitably evoke different thoughts in different minds.
The Graham Chronofighter Vintage GMT is a distinctive, stylish stopwatch. Naturally, its unconventional design may not be to everyone’s taste. I have always been a fan of the model and I believe the toned-down ‘Vintage’ versions are a smart evolution.
Two Graham Chronofighter Vintage timepieces commemorate D-Day Graham has created two special timepieces which honour the fallen heroes of the D-Day landings. The Chronofighter Vintage Overlord is presented in a satin-brushed bronze case. The appearance of the case emulates the ‘metal used in naval construction’.
The back of this Graham Chronofighter Vintage 25th Anniversary is engraved with the limited edition number and the 25th-anniversary logo. The sapphire crystal reveals the automatic G1722 chronograph, a reliable workhorse based on the Valjoux 7750. It runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and it boasts 48 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
Some of the dial elements of the Graham Chronofighter Vintage are quite contemporary. Indeed, the blue hue of the dial, the style of the baton-like indexes, the Arabic numerals at noon and the font used for the day-date display all brim with modernity.
Graham continues the Animals series with a new piece – Graham Chronofighter Vintage Ltd – Dragon. After the Bear and the Tiger, the Dragon continues the series of exceptional and mythical creatures. ChronofighterVintage timepiece featuring a dragon
One aspect of the Graham Chronofighter Vintage Aircraft Ltd. watches that makes them stand out from other vintage-inspired watches is their case. Apart from having Graham’s signature design, they are made from aged steel with a gray PVD. From the press photos, it seems that this unique combination has given them an old, used, and worn in look.

Graham Chronofighter Grand Vintage Special Series

The Grand Vintage Chronofighter Special Series are far from being shy. A 47 mm steel case, with an increased aperture, and an iconic stop-start trigger contribute to making them confident contemporary timepieces. Whether celebrating the Swiss ancestral tradition of cow herd’s ascent and the art of cutting paper or bearing the provocative expression of graffitis laser engraved on the sapphire crystal; they are always elegant and where we do not expect them!
Graham Chronofighter Vintage Special Tiger Wild care: vintage timepiece featuring the young tiger’s energy -mashing up the numerals, Graham and Chronofighterlogos – under the protective gaze of the big Bengal tiger. Acting with care does not prevent from having a daring attitude; there are two values going hand in hand
Graham Chronofighter Vintage Special Series ”Animals” Publicerat av eriksonurhandel on 29 juli, 2020 29 juli, 2020 Graham 1695 fortsätter att gå sin egen väg, och lanserar nu 3 st klockor ur serien Chronofighter Vintage med temat på kraftfulla djur och varelser.
The Graham Chronofighter collection is the brands first collection. It was, and is, inspired by vintage military air pilots, i.e. it pays homage to the watches worn by the aircrew of RAF Bomber Command. The Chronofighter series was originally manufactured in the year 1695, but they have since become Grahams most renowned watches.
Chronofighter Vintage Special Series From the 75th anniversary of D-Day to the Brexit or the colourful Mexican Calavera skull, Graham propose a series of limited edition pieces where creativity is expressed in the inventive combination of topical issues, fun and the duty of memory.
Graham Chronofighter Traditional, functional pilot’s watches make up the Chronofighter collection. They are consistently robust and strong in character – not least because of the crown positioned on the left side and the solid pawl covering it. The models have a second time zone and exude sportiness and elegance despite their size.
Graham 1695 continues the series of Grand Vintage with a Swiss traditions inspired piece. The Graham Chronofighter Grand Vintage Ltd – Swiss Edition is depicting Switzerland’s scenery viewed through the art of Poya.
Chronofighter Vintage Special Series From the 75th anniversary of D-Day to the Brexit or the colourful Mexican Calavera skull, Graham propose a series of limited edition pieces where creativity is expressed in the inventive combination of topical issues, fun and the duty of memory.

Graham Chronofighter Grand Vintage

Presented on a rubber strap embossed with a Milanese style mesh pattern, the Graham Chronofighter Grand Vintage is attached to the wrist via a pin buckle in matching steel. It is also available on calf leather straps for those wishing to cling onto a classic. Price is set at CHF 5,950. For more information, please visit www.graham1695.com.
Graham sells its creations through GRAHAM e-shop, Boutique and Authorized retailers. Graham watches sold on other websites may be of uncertain origin,counterfeit or altered and are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Les Chronofighter Grand Vintage “Graffiti” affichent audacieusement leur esprit provocateur. Leur glace saphir bombée et inrayable sert de support à la créativité de Graham. Comme un mur sert de toile au street art, la glace saphir accueille des graffitis gravés au laser qui laissent voir l’heure.
Thinking big is most effective when it’s matched with making it big in an elegant manner. A 47 mm case, with increased aperture, and an iconic stop-start trigger show that the Chronofighter Grand Vintage means business. Military aviation history from the 1940s has reached new heights in this striking quartet of confidently contemporary timepieces. They are time capsules that connect yesterday to today, with refinement and simplicity born of expertise. Watch out for them on the wrists of stylish connoisseurs with a glass of Grand Vintage malt whisky in their hand, or co-piloting sporty free spirits.
Graham Chronofighter Grand Vintage Swiss Edition April 2020 The Poya is a Swiss ritual consisting of ascending the cowherd up to the mountain pastures for the sunny season. A return to simplicity and a celebration of nature …
Replica Graham Chronofighter ,Graham Look Alike Watches,Replica Graham Chronofighter Grand Vintage Watch 2CVDS.B29C Offical descriptionBrand:GrahamSeries:Chronofighter Grand Vintage Win Chinese characterModel