unusual and unique
It has been a very strong last couple of years for Faberge, and after our first viewing of the Visionnaire Chronograph, it is clear they aren’t slowing down anytime soon. The brand’s last two complicated wristwatches — including the Lady Compliquee Peacock — won prizes at the Grand Prix D’Horlogerie de Geneve in 2015 and 2016.
Yep, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Visionnaire Chronograph made it three for three.
All about the looks
Retaining the same design DNA as last year’s Visionnaire DTZ, the chronograph will look rightfully foreign to you unless you have seen its older sibling. A hooded lug case design and bullhead pushers at 10 o’clock and two o’clock make it instantly stand out from anything conventional. Golden hour indices rest on a smoked sapphire outer dial that partially reveals the movement’s winding rotor. A pair of wide and stubby hands provide time indication on this outer track in relatively conventional form.
From there, what we can only refer to as a significantly proportioned central subdial takes up the bulk of the under-the-crystal real estate, providing indication for the chronograph. Once you are accustomed to its design, the Visionnaire Chronograph is one of the most easy-to-read chronographs on the market, adding a layer of practicality to its unique design aesthetic.
Standing out
Unlike most chronographs on the market, the Visionnaire Chronograph will time events of up to 24 hours using three central hands on its subdial. At first glance, many may think its central subdial is a second time zone rather than a timing mechanism. Even the most astute collectors may have a hard time comprehending what is going on in the caseback. After all, there are 477 parts of the calibre. Design and function aside, you’ll be happy to know the complex calibre still offers a respectable power reserve of 60 hours while oscillating at a fairly standard 3 Hz, or 21,600 vibrations per hour.
Faberge has already begun taking pre-orders on both the two-tone rose gold and titanium version of the Visionnaire Chronograph seen here, as well as the all-black ceramic variant. First deliveries are expected by November.
