Graham Chronofighter Steel Target
The Graham Chronofighter Steel Target Ref. 2CCAC.B16A has a thumb-actuated stopwatch function and a fascinating smoked glass sapphire crystal dial. Angus Davies gets ‘hands-on’ with this interesting timepiece which features a ‘cross hairs’ small seconds display.
This detailed review of the Graham Chronofighter Steel Target Ref. 2CCAC.B16A includes live images, specification details and pricing.
Professional footballers will attest to the importance of being ‘on target’, striking the ball with precision and hitting the back of the net. Those players who can accurately pass the ball in the midfield are also worth their weight in gold, literally. Indeed, it is the capacity of a footballer to strike a target precisely which commands such a high asking price on the transfer market.
In other spheres of life, precision is even more important. The deployment of bombs has to be exercised with due care and absolute accuracy. It is for this reason that during World War II bombs were deployed by pressing the trigger using the thumb. The thumb is the fastest acting digit, hence the time taken from observing the target to pressing the trigger is kept to the minimum, augmenting accuracy.
Graham also uses a thumb mounted trigger on its chronograph models. This ensures that the time taken from observing an event to actuating the chronograph, or subsequently stopping it, is kept to a minimum. This means the elapsed time measured is an accurate record of the event observed.
The name of the recently launched, Graham Chronofighter Steel Target, would imply a high degree of precision. However, beyond the name and the aforementioned trigger, the watch dial sports a stylised depiction of a gun sight’s cross hairs, reinforcing the ‘target’ and ‘masculine’ symbolism.
The dial
The dial is a mysterious ocean of smoked sapphire crystal. The observer can see there are details below the surface of the dial, but may find them difficult to discern them, save for the date ring presented in muted form. The enigmatic charm of this detail is profound.
‘Modern’ luminescent hour and minute hands clearly and eloquently convey the prevailing time. Fulsome Arabic numerals are used to denote the hours and do so with aplomb.
At 3 o’clock, the subdial resembles a gun sight’s cross hairs, employing both yellow and white hues to splendiferous effect. The small yellow hand shows the running seconds and is luminescent, delivering a yellow emission in restricted light.
Above 6 o’clock, a large 30-minute chronograph counter blends yellow and white tones to confer an eye-catching allure. Again, the hand delivers a yellow emission in darkness. The scale of the 30-minute register is greater than the small seconds display and slightly overlaps its form.
A date aperture, framed in yellow, is positioned between 8 and 9 o’clock while a yellow and white telemeter scale encircles the dial area.
The case
Measuring 47mm in diameter, the steel case is not suited to diminutive wrists. Indeed, alpha males need only apply. The steel case is partnered with a ceramic bezel which exhibits a satin finish. The mixture of the two materials works well, superbly fusing together to create a delightfully harmonious ensemble.
The chronograph trigger, used for starting and stopping the stopwatch function, is made of black carbon. Meanwhile, the pushpiece for resetting the chronograph registers is presented in steel and sports a rubber ‘Clous de Paris’ grip on its vertical flank. The crown nestles neatly between the caseband and the aforementioned black carbon trigger. The positioning of the crown accords a tidy aesthetic whilst proving simple to manipulate.
The dorsal flank of the case is equipped with a pane of sapphire crystal, granting the wearer sight of the self-winding movement within.
A brown denim strap, paired with a steel pin buckle, complements the case and dial magnificently.
The movement
The Calibre G1747 is a self-winding movement featuring 25 jewels. The balance has a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz) and the power reserve is capable of delivering 48 hours of autonomy.
Note – movement pictured with protective film in place
The oscillating mass and central bridge are adorned with Côtes de Genève motif, while the mainplate is adorned with perlage. In addition, blued screws subscribe to luxury watchmaking convention.
Although the movement could not be described as the last word in fine watchmaking, at this price point, £4160 (RRP as at 19.12.2016), the quality of the finish is perfectly acceptable.
Closing Remarks
I am unashamedly a fan of the über-masculine timepieces crafted by Graham. The large 47mm case diameter provides sufficient scale to display all functions clearly, without any undesirable squashing of the indications.
The dial of the Graham Chronofighter Steel Target delivers superb legibility with a hint of intrigue. The observer feels compelled to examine the dial at close quarters in order to discover the various details beneath the pane of smoked sapphire crystal. The dial vista is fascinating without detriment to practicality.
The marriage of white and yellow tones against a smoked sapphire crystal backdrop is very attractive and its eye-appeal is likely to endure for years to come.
The case is a fascinating fusion of steel and ceramic with both materials coming together in synergistic union. The trigger proves natural, mitigating the processing time necessary to start / halt the stopwatch function.
When it comes to making a timepiece ideally suited to men who crave excitement and who exhibit style, but with a notable hint of masculinity, Graham has hit its target audience perfectly. This is a sizeable watch which makes no excuses for its girth and does not espouse political correctness. This is a watch for real men with true grit, like the chaps who tackle hard in a tough game of football and do not deflect from scoring with absolute accuracy. Has Graham delivered a watch that is on target? Most definitely. This timepiece from Graham is on target to be a winner.
Technical specification
- Model: Graham Chronofighter Steel Target
- Reference: 2CCAC.B16A
- Case: Stainless steel; diameter 47mm; water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres); sapphire crystal to front and case back.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; date; chronograph; telemeter scale
- Movement: Calibre G1747; self-winding movement; frequency 28,800vph (4Hz); 25 jewels; power reserve 48 hours
- Strap: Brown denim strap supplied on black DLC pin buckle.
- Price: £4,160 (RRP as at 19.12.2016)
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