A time to act

Ancient Greeks used two words for the expression of time; chronos and kairos.

Chronos refers to chronological time, a quantitative measure. Kairos on the other hand is a subjective term used to express the opportune moment or place to act in an appropriate way.

The Kairos name has been used by Chronoswiss since the 1990s, but now there is a new model for 2012 to bear this nomenclature; the Chronoswiss Kairos Chronograph.

The dial

The design language is traditional with a gorgeous guilloché dial.

The dial, hewn from a billet of solid sterling silver, features an opulent wave design. The craftsmanship of the guillocher, delightfully executed, bestows pleasure to its fortunate wearer.

Blued steel hands, presented in a Breguet lozenge shape are charming in character. They imbue a feel of quality and provide a further nod to haute horology.

At 3 o’clock the day and date are displayed through two adjacent apertures.

At 6 o’clock, the 12-hour counter for the chronograph is shown.

At 9 o’clock, subsidiary seconds are displayed on a subdial.

At noon there is a 30-minute counter for the chronograph function.

The chapter ring blends circles, rectangular marks and Roman numerals to impart minutes with sublime clarity.

Towards the top of the dial the Chronoswiss nomenclature sits proudly. On the opposite side of the dial near 6 o’clock the model name resides; “Kairos Chronograph”, affording balance and symmetry.

The case

The case diameter is 42mm, larger than some previous incarnations of the Kairos range. It suits those of larger than average physique and I personally prefer it.

The 18-carat red gold case is highly polished providing a luxurious, magnificent aesthetic.

The interhorns space the strap away from the circular plane of the case, further reinforcing the historical personality of this watch.

The crown is over-sized. It is of beautifully considered design. Described as “onion-style”, it is part of the Chronoswiss DNA. Originally styled it is very practical, aiding adjustment due its generous proportions and brilliant tactility.

The chronograph pushers adopt a sober approach in contrast to the crown. Anything more flamboyant would corrupt the well-judged form.

A sapphire caseback affords a view of the movement to seduce the eyes with the glorious details which lurk within the case.

The movement

The Kairos Chronograph uses a self-winding movement.

Chronoswiss have not short-changed the buyer. The supreme finissage reinforces the preeminence of this timepiece.

The rotor is skeltonized and rhodium plated with Côtes de Genève motif. This motif is repeated on the bridges.

Perlage features on the plates and the pallet fork, escape wheel and screws are peerlessly polished.

The brand founded by Gerd R. Lang should be very proud of this calibre.

Conclusion

Faithful to the horological architecture of classical pocket watches of yesteryear, this timepiece imbues quality from any angle.

The Kairos Chronograph is an extraordinary timepiece.

The quality of its finishing and the great depth of its mechanical integrity will bestow piety on its keeper with faithful service for many years to come.

Kairos means understanding the subjective moment to act. I would suggest the clue is in the name, it is time to act, to purchase a Chronoswiss Kairos Chronograph. I doubt you will be disappointed.

Technical specification

• Model: Chronoswiss Kairos Chronograph

• Reference: CH 7541 K R

• Case: 18-carat red gold; diameter 42.00 mm; height 14.75 mm; water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front and back.

• Functions: Hours; minutes; subsidiary seconds; day; date; sweep chronograph seconds; 30-minute chronograph counter; 12-hour chronograph counter. 

• Movement: C.771; self-winding; Frequency 28,800 vph; 25 jewels; Power reserve 48 hours.

• Strap: Louisiana crocodile leather strap with choice of pin buckle or deployant.