Fabergé Visionnaire Chronograph Ceramic
Fabergé Visionnaire Chronograph Ceramic
2017 GPHG Chronograph Category Finalist
The 2017 GPHG Chronograph category has seen this most popular complication reimagined beyond recognition not once, but twice, to set up an intriguing potential face-off between two very different brands, but which clearly share the same extraordinary DNA.
So what have we got?
With a party piece which is as fascinating as it is ingenious, Fabergé seek to continue an impressive winning streak in Geneva with the Visionnaire Chronograph Ceramic. A hugely successful collaboration with Jean-Marc Wiederrecht and his go-to specialist movement studio Agenhor Manufacture has resulted in GPHG category awards with the Lady Compliquée Peacock in 2015, and the Visionnaire DTZ in 2016, and a spectacular hat-trick is on.
Completely rewriting the rules of the chronograph, the familiar multi-dial configuration is discarded and replaced instead with an ingenious system which unifies the chronograph's functions around a single central axis, with seconds, 60 minutes and 24 hour references all contained within a display of three concentric rings with short, red-tipped pointers providing enhanced readability, as well as precision.
Because of this innovative configuration, the Visionnaire Chronograph is both technically and visually arresting, and as a bone-fide and disruptive gamechanger it has a strong chance of rocking the establishment. I have written about it at length here, so for my full review, just click through.
How does it stack up/competition
Where some complications are interesting curios, this is one that works very well, and that very practicality, along with its captivating layout make the Visionnaire Chronograph a hot tip for honours here. Although the competition is formidable, it stands out prominently among the other finalists. Well, all but one, and that could be a problem, because there are those who think that one is even better. Singer Reimagined also have Weiderrecht's number, and they've been busy...
So should Fabergé be hopeful of their Angenhor collaboration hat-trick in 2017?
The Watch Press Prediction
No. Were it not for the highly unusual circumstances which see two watches with essentially the same DNA competing for one prize, I would say the Visionnaire Chronograph would be a nailed on winner here, but its cooler cousin has stolen my affections.
The pertinents
REFERENCE: 1074WA1931
CASE: Titanium/Ceramic
BRACELET/STRAP: Leather
BUCKLE: Folding clasp
MOVEMENT: Self winding mechanical. Power reserve: 60 h, 21'600 vph
FUNCTIONS: Hours, Minutes
SIZE: ø 43 mm
THICKNESS: 14.35 mm
WATERPROOFNESS: 50 m
PRICE EXCL.VAT: CHF 34,500
Lovers of vintage, racing inspired Heuer watches were given a long awaited treat with the revived Heuer Autavia. A brand icon given a modern reworking, while still historically faithful, makes a welcome return and a fair shot at GPHG honours.