Graham Chronofighter Vintage Pulsometer Limited
Angus Davies gets hands-on with the Graham Chronofighter Vintage Pulsometer Limited.
This detailed review of the Graham Chronofighter Vintage Pulsometer Limited includes live images, specification details and pricing.
As I grow older, I find myself increasingly irritated by examples of stupidity. For instance, when I attempt to overtake a slow-moving vehicle, I am often exasperated when this vehicle decides to increase its speed just as I begin my manoeuvre.
Buying a cup of coffee has never been so complicated. Now I am asked how many ‘shots’ of coffee I desire, whether I want the coffee ‘hot’ or ‘extra hot’ and, finally, there are a myriad of options proffered with regards to milk. Purchasing a coffee has never been so convoluted.
The fact is that as I approach half a century, I am often annoyed, but know I must learn to mitigate my vexation and control my heart rate. Perhaps the ideal birthday present for me, therefore, is the new Chronofighter Vintage Pulsometer Limited timepiece from Graham which is ideally suited to monitor one’s pulse.
The dial
The dial of the Chronofighter Vintage Pulsometer Limited is available in a choice of silver or black, both of which feature sunbrush dial decoration. Personally, I prefer the black variant which is bold, making the dial detail more prominent.
The golden ‘modern’ hour and minute hands eminently articulate the time, pointing to circular indexes encircling the dial. The hour markers sit deferentially next to the pulsometer scale, but remain simple to see courtesy of golden circlets framing their form.
Silver dial variant
Located at 3 o’clock is a small seconds display. This subdial is snailed, providing comely contrast with the adjacent sunbrushed dial epidermis. Two apertures at 9 o’clock reveal the date and the day.
The pulsometer scale is calibrated to 30 pulsations. If the chronograph is actuated, 30 pulsations have taken place and 30 seconds have elapsed, the dial will show that the heart rate is 60 bpm. The pulsometer scale is simple to interpret and the scale of this particular watch proves ideally suited for measuring the heart rate of ill-tempered fiftysomethings.
This is a limited edition watch with a unique reference number shown on the dial at 9 o’clock.
The case
The case shares much in common with other Graham Chronofighter models. It measures 44mm in diameter and features an exhibition case-back.
Most notably, the case features Graham’s iconic chronograph trigger. Starting and stopping the chronograph proves infinitely easier with the trigger than conventional push-pieces. The trigger is formed with a curved section, anatomically interfacing with the thumb for speedy start / stop sequences. Resetting the chronograph is a tactile joy, courtesy of the large push-piece at 10 o’clock.
The sapphire crystal is domed and sits adjacent a polished steel bezel.
Owing to the trigger sitting on the left hand side of the case, it does not impinge on the wrist. Moreover, despite its size, the watch proves very comfortable to wear.
The movement
The Calibre G1718 is equipped with an Incabloc shock absorber. The balance has a frequency of 28,800 VpH (4Hz) and the movement contains 25 jewels. The movement has a power reserve of 48 hours.
Côtes de Genève motif and perlage adorn the self-winding movement.
Closing remarks
The Graham Chronofighter Vintage Pulsometer Limited provides a welcome alternative to regular chronographs with its pulsometer scale and other interesting indications.
The dial proves simple to read, especially the pulsometer scale, and it also very agreeable to look at.
Graham’s trigger system is intuitive to use and mitigates the amount of time stopping / starting the chronograph. I concede that the architecture of the trigger system may not be to everyone’s taste but, personally, I like its idiosyncratic appearance.
With a propensity to frequently lose my temper and repeatedly grumble about the madness of modern-day life, a pulsometer scale seems a suitable means of monitoring my heart rate. Furthermore, with its array of qualities, this Graham seems the ideal present for my looming birthday.
Technical specifications
• Model: Graham Chronofighter Vintage Pulsometer Limited
• Case: Stainless steel; diameter 44mm; water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
• Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; date; day; pulsometer scale.
• Movement: Calibre G1718; Self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz); 25 jewels; power reserve 48 hours.
• Strap: Black calf-leather strap with steel pin buckle.
• Price: £3140 (RRP as at 10.7.2017)
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