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GRAHAM Chronofighter Superlight Carbon collection

The Graham Chronofighter Superlight Carbon collection

The Graham Chronofighter Oversize Superlight Carbon collection

Can you call a chunky 47 x 15 mm chronograph, weighing less than 100 g, anything else than Superlight? Not really, hence the name of the Graham Chronofighter collection of watches made of high-tech materials. The Oversize Superlight Carbon collection was planned as a trilogy, with a new model being launched every year. The first one was the red version (Ref. 2CCBK.B11A), presented in August 2014, it was followed by the yellow (Ref. 2CCBK.B15A.) in 2015, and finally this week, Graham completed the trilogy with the orange model (Ref. 2CCBK.B21A).

To achieve such a light weight, Graham has employed four different high-technology forms in high-strength carbon processing. The use of cutting edge technologies at Graham is not surprising, after all, Eric Loth, the CEO of the company started his career in watchmaking as a material scientist (click here to read our exclusive interview with Mr. Loth).

Graham Chronofighter Superlight Carbon bezel machining

Graham Chronofighter Superlight Carbon bezel machining

Carbon fibre caught the attention of the engineers at Graham, as it is a strong, malleable and light material that proved its efficiency and reliability in such demanding domains as aeronautics, aerospace, racing, elite sports, the military and the list can go on-and-on. Among the different existing carbon technologies, to build the case of the Chronofighter Oversize Superlight Carbon, Graham opted for a carbon speckled composite which has a high capacity of shock absorption. The carbon matrix of the middle part of the case is directly cut into the solid material with high-frequency tools made of Cubic Boron Nitrid (CBN – super abrasive material).

On the left side of the case, the start and stop lever is made of a unique piece of plain carbon fibre that requires a very specific machining process, providing the watch with more stiffness and enhanced usability.

Graham Chronofighter Oversize Superlight Carbon

Graham Chronofighter Oversize Superlight Carbon

The carbon fibre dial has a rather daring layout, with an imposing 12 and thick hands, it sports a small second counter at 3 o’clock and a 30 minutes chronograph counter at 6, while between 8 and 9 o’clock there is a small circular date window. Depending on the models, the dark grey theme is combined with either red, yellow or orange, resulting in punching contrasts, especially on the first two models where the clous de paris straps are red or yellow. On the latest model, Graham went with a grey strap giving the orange accents on the dial a leading role.

Under the hood, we got the 25 jewels, 28’800 A/H (4Hz), calibre G1747 automatic chronograph, equipped with Incabloc shock absorber and 48 hours of power reserve. The movement is visible through the smoked sapphire crystal case back with “superlight carbon” inscription and limited edition serial number (for the orange model).

The MSRP for all three models is $11,550 US.

For more go to www.graham1695.com

Allergy free case back made of IXEF® Polyarylamide composite with fiberglass , approved by FDA and smoked sapphire crystal

Allergy free case back made of IXEF® Polyarylamide composite with fiberglass , approved by FDA and smoked sapphire crystal

Graham Chronofighter Superlight Carbon

Graham Chronofighter Superlight Carbon

As a graphic designer, I'm fascinated by the crossroads between technology and aesthetics. Horology is one of these crafts, where art and engineering come together to produce mechanical wonders that grace the eye. WatchPaper was born from the desire to create an online tool where I can share my passion for watches.