Chronoswiss - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Chronoswiss is a watch brand founded in 1983 in Munich, Germany, by Gerd-Rüdiger Lang; under Oliver and Eva Ebstein since 2012, it is now based in Lucerne, Switzerland, and caters to enthusiasts of independent watchmaking who enjoy distinctive displays and atelier-grade finishing.

Modern regulator, onion crown and fluted bezel

From the outset, Chronoswiss revived the regulator display (separate hour, minute and seconds) in round cases with pronounced fluting, Breguet-style hands and a large knurled crown; the contemporary regulator remains the code that defines the brand’s identity. Multi-level dials and crisp layouts aim for immediate legibility with a confident neo-classical presence.

From Delphis and Opus to Open Gear and ReSec

The collection clusters into recognisable families that blend poetic readouts with exposed depth; separated indications and dial architecture take precedence over complication one-upmanship:

• Chronoswiss Delphis — An icon combining jumping hours with retrograde minutes (recently reinterpreted), plus an independent small seconds.
• Chronoswiss Opus — Signature skeleton chronograph, showcasing mechanical depth with an openworked dial.
• Chronoswiss Flying Regulator / Open Gear — “Flying” regulator where the gear train becomes functional décor; sport/chic variants.
• Chronoswiss ReSec — Regulator with retrograde seconds, applied chapiters and textured dials.
• Chronoswiss SkelTec — Architectural, skeletonised three-hander with a contemporary silhouette.
• Chronoswiss Space Timer — Thematic series using materials and celestial relief displays (limited editions).

Lucerne atelier: guilloché, lacquers and micro-series

At the “Atelier Lucerne,” the brand crafts guilloché dials on traditional rose engines, vivid lacquers and sculpted appliques, then assembles in small runs; hand engine-turning and layered surfaces are integral to the design language. Annual volumes are undisclosed, with numerous limited editions by intent.

Positioning, pricing and distribution

Chronoswiss sits in the upper-mid segment with a short channel mixing direct sales and specialist retailers; prices vary with complexity and finishing, with limited editions positioned noticeably higher. Swiss mechanical bases are reworked (regulator, retrograde modules, skeletonisation) to prioritise clarity and character.

Conclusion

Chronoswiss appeals to enthusiasts seeking expressive yet instantly readable watches—defined by the modern regulator, fluted bezel and layered dials. Your choice may fall between the iconic Chronoswiss Delphis, a more architectural “Open Gear” regulator, the dynamic Chronoswiss ReSec, or a skeletonised/astral piece. To compare promise with real-world wear (comfort, presence, clarity), rely on Dialicious customer reviews.

(Updated August 2025)