By Adam Keith, Associate Timepiece Editor for ViaLuxe-
Swiss watchmaker Chronoswiss has again partnered with master engraver and movement skeletry expert Jochen Benzinger to offer an exceptional series of limited edition timepieces for 2009. Dubbed Zeitzeichen, or "Signs of the Times", these Chronoswiss watches are offered in three artistic variations, each of which displays a movement enriched with exceptional skeleton work and hand-wrought engraving. Each Chronoswiss Signs of the Times Skeleton model is cased within a 44mm version of the brand's characteristically elegant round case, in a choice of 18-karat white or red gold. This form is defined by a complex 21-part construction, and massive strap lugs featuring screwed-through bars in 18K gold.
Each Zeitzeichen watch dial is hand-crafted from .925 sterling silver. The Chronoswiss Zeitzeichen V and Zeitzeichen VI watches display bridges with two distinctive floral patterns. Fiery and ornate, Chronoswiss' Zeitzeichen VII presents the sinuous body and roaring jaws of a spectacular dragon against a background of blue platinum-finished skeletonized bridges. In each version, the essential mechanical elements of the hand-wound ETA 6498 movement are revealed, including the mainspring barrel, the keyless works, and the balance wheel and escapement. Frequency of the large screw-weighted balance wheel is a classically paced 18,000 vibrations per hour. Power reserve of the barrel is 40 hours.
The Chronoswiss 2009 "Signs of the Times Edition" Skeleton watches are limited to an edition of 30 pieces. Each timepiece is fitted with a sapphire crystal on both front and back, and the onion-shaped crown which is well known from many Chronoswiss models. A hand-sewn alligator strap and an 18K gold buckle displaying the Chronoswiss brand symbol completes these ensembles of artistic haute horlogerie.
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