Limited edition black carbon to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Graham chronograph/tourbillon combination.
Graham replica celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Tourbillograph, a Chronofighter case with a chronograph/tourbillon combination mounted on the cornerstone of the brand. With its impressive 47 mm size, the weight of the case has been significantly reduced by adopting a carbon fiber case. Limited to 10 pieces, the dial of the ultralight carbon fiber tourbillon watch is black and gold.
Black carbon shell
The 10th anniversary edition of this tourbillon watch belongs to Graham’s Chronofighter Superlight series carbon fiber watch. Nevertheless, as the brand’s best-selling model, Chronofighter is unique in its timing trigger lever on the left side of the case. Inspired by Universal Geneve’s countdown bomb timer for the Italian Air Force, you can read all about the origin and evolution of the Chronofighter series in Xavier’s in-depth article.
The case, trigger, bezel, tourbillon frame, dial and clasp are all made of materials related to motorsports, all made of ultra-light black carbon composite materials. For a watch with a diameter of 47 mm, the use of carbon means that the total weight is less than 100 grams. The unique criss-cross patterns of carbon fiber can be appreciated on the bezel, lever and dial. When redesigned, the buttons are covered with black rubber and decorated with Paris nails to increase the grip. The dial and case back are equipped with domed sapphire crystals, which are waterproof and durable. The watch can dive up to 100 meters.
Traditional complications on board
The combination of a sports chronograph and a traditional tourbillon escapement is not new. Many brands-such as Audemars Piguet, TAG Heuer, Zenith, etc.-have adopted this combination. Graham’s Tourbillograph shows the tourbillon in a large aperture between 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock, and its structure is protected by two patents. The offset structure of the tourbillon and the open frame (weighing only 0.485 grams) allow observation of the other wheels of the movement, which intersect the plane of the escapement track. The two bridges in the flywheel/small second hand have a curved shape to enhance rigidity and are “borrowed” from the 18th century British chronometer. The idea behind the 18k red gold splint is to give the tourbillon a more robust setting to align with the sporty characteristics of the discount watches.
The 30-minute counter occupies a more traditional position at 9 o’clock, using a gold frame like the tourbillon window with an external small seconds counter. The number with the striking Arabic numeral 12 is coated with a white Super-LumiNova luminous coating, as is the inside of the golden hour and minute hands. The central seconds hand is painted with white varnish.
Automatic CHRONOFIABLE® certified movement
The Chronofighter Superlight Carbon Tourbillograph is equipped with an automatic column wheel chronograph and tourbillon movement. The movement frequency is 28,800vph, the power reserve is 48 hours, and it is protected by Incabloc shock absorbers. The tourbillon frame alone has 48 parts, some of which are made of 18k pure gold to ensure stability. The gold and black color scheme of the dial complements the movement through its black gold skeletonized rotor with an 18k pure gold oscillating weight. The movement is decorated with pearl patterns, Geneva stripes and hand-chamfered and polished edges. The movement also has Chronofiable® certification (just like Richard Mille watches subjected to extreme shocks). Unlike the COSC certification, which checks the accuracy of watches,
Technical specifications-GRAHAM CHRONOFIGHTER SUPERLIGHT CARBON TOURBILLOGRAPH
Case: 47mm ultra-light black carbon composite material-black carbon start/stop trigger-black carbon bezel-rubber reset button-dome sapphire crystal dial and back cover-limited edition serial number engraved on the back cover-water resistance to 100 meters
Dial: Black carbon fiber-Luminous numerals and hour and minute hands-White varnished chronograph hands-Minutes and tourbillon/small seconds with gold ring
Movement: G1780 automatic column wheel chronograph and tourbillon-28,800vph-48 hours power reserve-Incabloc shock absorber-black gold skeletonized oscillating weight, solid gold oscillating weight-Chronofiable certification
Strap: Optional integrated black or white rubber strap with pin buckle-leather and canvas straps are also available
Reference and limit: 2CCBK.B35A