Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd
The Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd captures the glamour of the 1940s with different depictions of ‘pin-up’ girls gracing the dial of each model. This detailed review of the Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd includes live images, specification details and pricing.
Nose art can trace its origins to 18th century naval vessels. However, it was popularised during World War II with scantily clad ladies adorning the fuselages of military aircraft. Perceived as a symbol of individuality in a domain where rules, regulations and regimentation prevailed, nose art was tolerated by senior ranks, allowing aircraftmen to lift their spirits with the judicious application of paint.
Graham, the Swiss-based watchmaking company, has captured the emotion conveyed with nose art, releasing four limited edition models, each suitably adorned with an image of a glamorous lady. Each pin-up, Anna, Lilly, Nina or Sally, is integrated into the dial design with the bodies spanning the small seconds display and the legs gracing the 30-minute chronograph register. However, while the nose art adorning each dial has a wonderful cartoon-like quality, similar to the aforementioned military aircraft used in WWII, there is nothing frivolous about the purpose of these pin-up clad mechanical masterpieces.
The dial
The DNA of the Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd models can be traced back to the Chronofighter Vintage I reviewed last year. However, despite possessing a similar specification, the Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd timepieces exude a totally different character.
The hours and minutes are imparted with luminous ‘modern’ hands. The narrow tip of each hand helps to succinctly communicate the prevailing time. The hours are denoted with lozenge-shaped batons.
At 9 o’clock, the day and date are displayed via two rectangular apertures. Above these two indications, the name of the ‘pin-up’ is depicted in flowing script.
Each glamorous lady is presented on the dial in two parts. The upper body populates the small seconds display, with the pin-up’s left hand touching the index at 4 o’clock, while the legs of each female form occupy part of the area of the 30-minute chronograph register. The appearance is that the pin-up’s torso is threaded between the dial and the two subdials.
‘Lilly’ is slightly different in that her body is presented in full, adorning the right hand flank of the dial and her left hand is positioned behind the wayward hem of her skirt.
While the hour and minutes are simple to read, the small seconds and 30-minute chronograph register lack the sublime lucidity of the regular Chronofighter Vintage. Nevertheless, the humour, colour and artistic flair more than compensate for any impairment to reading these indications.
The case
Measuring 44mm in diameter, the steel case brims with masculinity. This is a bold timepiece with a large ‘trigger’ system occupying the left hand side of the case. While the trigger system is sizeable, it does not impinge on the wrist, owing to its location on the left flank of the case.
Where the trigger system excels is in its ease of manipulation. The lower portion of the trigger invites the thumb of the right hand to start and stop the chronograph. The reset function is actuated with the push-piece at 10 o’clock. Few chronographs prove as user-friendly to operate.
The crown nestles within the trigger system apparatus, appearing comparatively inconspicuous but affording ease of manipulation.
Each highly polished surface of the case basks beautifully in ambient light. The lugs are short and arc with a pronounced downward trajectory guiding the strap to encircle the wrist, providing a comfortable union even for moderately sized arms.
The dorsal flank of the case features an exhibition case-back which allows sight of the self-winding movement.
The movement
The Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd is equipped with the self-winding G1747 movement seen previously on other Graham models.
The frequency of the balance is 28,800 vph (4Hz) and the movement contains 25 jewels. The power reserve is sufficient to deliver 48 hours of autonomy. Graham has enhanced the movement with Côtes de Genève motif on the oscillating mass.
Closing remarks
The Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd blurs the boundaries between a wristwatch and a piece of art. Indeed, this timepiece would look equally at home on either the wrist or a gallery wall.
The sunbrushed vintage dials look splendid with their retro-inspired depictions of the female form. However, beyond the artistic dial designs, the Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd remains a highly usable watch, deftly articulating the hours and minutes. Moreover, the supremely smooth, high quality case proves very wearable and has no sharp edges which could blight wearer comfort.
Indeed, while the depiction of ‘pin-up’ ladies on watch dials is playful, this should not be misconstrued, this is a serious piece of watchmaking and a timepiece worthy of consideration.
Technical specification
- Model: Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd
- Case: Stainless steel; diameter 43mm; water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres); sapphire crystal to front and case back.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; day; date; chronograph.
- Movement: Calibre G1747; self-winding movement; frequency 28,800vph (4Hz); 25 jewels; power reserve 48 hours
- Strap: Hand-sewn leather strap with white stitching presented with a stainless steel pin buckle.
- Price: £3,840 (RRP as at 4.4.2017)
- Limited Edition: 100 pieces each
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