Digital watches don't always have to mean LCD screens, plastic cases and a Casio tucked away in a drawer. Chronoswiss has a rather more horological interpretation of the concept with the Neo Digiteur, a distinctive timepiece that puts mechanical digital timekeeping firmly back in the spotlight.
Available in three colourways, the Neo Digiteur references CH-1373.2-LB, CH-1373.2-LR and CH-1373.2-LG offer the same watchmaking concept with three very different personalities. Named Sky, Rose and Mint respectively, the trio brings a welcome splash of colour to a design that is anything but conventional.
At the heart of the Neo Digiteur's appeal is its unusual approach to displaying the time. Rather than relying on traditional hands sweeping around a dial, the Digiteur family takes inspiration from historical jumping hour watches, presenting time in a digital format through mechanical horology. It's a wonderfully different way of approaching something most of us take for granted, and one that gives the watch plenty of character.
The three new variations offer a choice of personality without changing the underlying watch. Sky brings a fresh, cool-toned look, Rose offers something a little warmer, while Mint delivers a softer, contemporary aesthetic. Whichever colour takes your fancy, the distinctive Neo Digiteur design remains the star of the show.
The real cleverness, however, lies beneath the colourful exterior. The Neo Digiteur is powered by Chronoswiss Calibre C.85757, a manually wound mechanical movement featuring the brand's proprietary in-house jumping hour module. Beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz), the movement delivers approximately 48 hours of power reserve and brings a thoroughly mechanical solution to digital time display.
The display itself is particularly interesting. A jumping hour aperture sits at 12 o'clock, while the minutes are displayed centrally and the seconds sweep across a window at 6 o'clock. There are no conventional hands here, just three carefully arranged indications doing things rather differently. It's an approach that gives the Neo Digiteur its unmistakable identity and makes it a rather refreshing alternative to the usual three hand offering.
The stainless steel case measures 48mm in length, 30mm across and just 9.7mm thick. Its rectangular architecture combines satin brushed surfaces, polished edges and sandblasted detailing along the sides, while the reshaped onion crown provides a familiar Chronoswiss design signature. A double anti reflective coated sapphire crystal protects the dial, with another sapphire window offering a view through the caseback. Water resistance is rated at 50 metres.
Each colourway is limited to just 99 pieces, making this a relatively exclusive little trio. Prices are listed at CHF 11,500, with an approximate UK equivalent of £12,200.
Specifications
Model: Chronoswiss Neo Digiteur Pastel Code
References: CH-1373.2-LB (Sky), CH-1373.2-LR (Rose), CH-1373.2-LG (Mint)
Limited Edition: 99 pieces per colourway
Case: Stainless steel, brushed, polished and sandblasted finishing
Dimensions: 48mm x 30mm
Thickness: 9.7mm
Crystal: Double anti reflective coated sapphire crystal
Caseback: Stainless steel with sapphire exhibition window
Movement: Chronoswiss Calibre C.85757, hand wound
Jewels: 19
Frequency: 21,600vph (3Hz)
Power Reserve: Approximately 48 hours
Functions: Jumping hours, digital minutes and sweeping seconds
Water Resistance: 50 metres
Strap: Grey or black premium textile with stainless steel pin buckle
Price: CHF 11,500 (approximately £12,200)
Winding Things Up
There is something rather refreshing about a watchmaker taking an established concept and having a bit of fun with it. The Neo Digiteur was already an unusual proposition, but these three pastel versions give it a more playful personality without losing any of the mechanical intrigue that makes it interesting in the first place.
Personally, I'm rather taken with the idea of a mechanical digital watch. It's a lovely contradiction, and one that Chronoswiss pulls off with considerable charm. The Sky, Rose and Mint versions won't be for everyone, but then again, they're not really trying to be. Limited to 99 pieces each, these are watches for collectors who appreciate something a little different from the norm. And frankly, we'd take a jumping hour over another ordinary dial any day of the week.
