Recently a good friend of mine introduced me to a dynamic jeweller named Chad. He has owned a small shop in the Western suburbs of Adelaide for the last few years. Most of his custom revolves around wedding and engagement rings. Even though this is a luxury item most people still consider it a necessity when they get married. As our conversation developed I informed Chad that I was a watch writer and how I got started. Like most people I meet, he has a passion for timepieces but limited product knowledge. In fact the brands he is familiar with are Rolex, Omega and Tag Heuer. As he likes pretty distinctive timepieces I also recommended he take a look at Graham SA.
Although Graham SA was established in 1995 they have only been represented in Australia (http://www.watchpartners.com.au) for the last few years. The company is the brainchild of entrepreneur and designer Eric Loth. Not only has he created some beautiful looking timepieces but also has become a serious player in a highly competitive industry. I feel good marketing is probably integral to their on going success. By adopting the name of a legendary English watchmaker (George Graham) they are effectively selling consumers a dream.
Even though I have written articles Graham SA (Geo Graham Tourbillon Orrery) in the past I have never actually tested any of their watches. Fortunately I recently got access to one of their current models called the Chronofighter Oversize GMT. As the name suggests this is a pretty large timepiece (especially with the patented trigger system) that has a diameter of 47mm. I generally like wearing watches over 52mm so I was happy with these proportions. However I realise that not everybody would be comfortable wearing a watch of this size. For a timepiece constructed mainly from 316L steel it felt pretty lightweight on the wrist. Certainly I would be more than content to wear this watch on a daily basis.
Visually the Chronofighter Oversize GMT has a very high quality appearance. When it comes to brand identity Graham SA have got it exactly right. Key features that make this watch so enticing are the stylish polished steel case and sporty two-tone (black/burgundy) chronograph dial. Other details include a sapphire bezel, GMT indication and unique trigger system. Recently Graham SA has slightly modified this feature and has now constructed it from (my favourite watch material) carbon fiber. I feel certain nuances of the design have been lost and the aesthetic (of the new trigger) doesn’t seem as stylish or robust as its predecessor. Obviously these are just my opinions and other people might prefer the simplified lines of the new trigger.
Powering the watch is an in house developed Swiss made automatic movement. The CalibreG1733 comprises 28-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Although the case back isn’t transparent it is nicely engraved with the Royal Marine crown symbol. Functionally the Chronofighter Oversize GMT features hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph timers, day/date facility and GMT indication. The timepiece has a power reserve of 48-hours and is water resistant to a depth of 100-metres.
The Chronofighter Oversize GMT (as tested) has a high quality black rubber strap with matching steel buckle. Priced at: 10,400 CHF (approximately $10,725US).
For more information about Graham SA visit the company’s website: http://www.graham1695.com
