Atelier de Chronométrie Unveils its First Chronograph-Only Watch, the Superb AdC16

I might have been running the editorial activities of this magazine for over 12 years now, and even after having written close to 4,000 articles, I’m glad that I can still be amazed by what the watch industry can produce. Today is one of those days. Why…? Simply look at the photos, and I’m sure you’ll understand the reasons why I’m amazed. Those who’ve been reading MONOCHROME for a long time should know that we have a soft spot for vintage-looking chronographs (something that explains our first MdS watch), and what Barcelona-based indie watch brand Atelier de Chronometrie has just dropped, the AdC16 Chronograph, is certainly a watch that answers a lot of my wishes. Maybe not my banker’s, but we’re not here to discuss such topics. Let’s dream a bit for once. 

Atelier de Chronométrie holds a pretty unique place in the independent watchmaking field, and not only because it’s been founded in Barcelona, Spain. Created about 10 years ago, it is an elite workshop celebrated for its ultra-traditional, bespoke approach to high-end timepieces, based on heavily restored and reworked vintage calibres. Backed by a small group of passionate experts – including vintage watch specialist Santiago Martínez and master watchmaker Moebius Rassmann – the brand made a name for itself with its true handmade approach and its 1930s-40s-inspired chronometers, most of them based on Omega movements. Recent years have shown interesting evolutions, such as a proprietary movement and a jump into the complex field of chronographs.

Atelier de Chronométrie’s track record in the field consists of 3 watches – AdC8, AdC17 and AdC99 – all equipped with a split-seconds chronograph movement. With the AdC16, the Spanish atelier introduces its first chronograph-only watch. And they’ve done it with style. As classic as it can be, yet depicting a level of detail and finishing that’s fascinating. As always with AdC, this watch is a unique, commissioned piece, but for potential customers, the classic chronograph complication is now part of the atelier’s offering.

The AdC16 Chronograph is presented in a timeless Calatrava-styled case measuring only 36mm in diameter. The middle case is made of stainless steel, paired with a brushed, flat and bevelled bezel. The client here chose a two-tone combination, with 18k yellow gold being used for the bezel, crown and pushers, as well as the concave case back. The latter is equipped with a sapphire crystal, a concession to modernity, but fully understandable considering what beats inside this watch. As for the dial, AdC here went for a classic 1940s style, with a rather pure design. It is a black galvanic gilt dial with applied Arabic numerals and round indexes in gold, and engine-turned sub-seconds (and the initials of the customer). It’s a bit of a bold contrast with the already striking case, but then again, everything can be customised.

As always with Atelier de Chronometrie, the back brings the wow-effect, and the AdC16 Chronograph is no exception to the rule. This new calibre S440 is a reinterpretation of one of the most emblematic hand-wound chronograph movements, the Valjoux 23. As always, the transformation goes deeper than just a restoration and multiple components have been redesigned and hand-made internally, including most bridges – which are said to be inspired by late 19th- and early 20th-century watchmaking, with the tradition of creating components with animal shapes (e.g. the clutch bridge symbolises the power of a dragon). Several upgrades have been brought to the movement too, such as the implementation of an instantaneous jumping chronograph minute counter or a new balance wheel with masselottes and upgraded escapement – both aiding to increase slightly the power reserve at now 52 hours.

As for the decoration, which is also subject to customisation, the calibre S440 is here presented with palladium-plated, frosted bridges and mainplate, black polished steel parts, hand-applied anglage, polished countersinks and straight graining. You’ll also note the oversized jewels for the chronograph mechanism.

The final touch to this Atelier de Chronometrie AdC16 Chronograph comes from a hand-made, two-tone beads-of-rice bracelet, made from steel and 18k gold. A black leather strap is also included. The watch you can see here is a unique, commissioned piece made according to the client’s requests. But since AdC allows customisation of the case, dial, bracelet and even the movement’s decoration, there comes the opportunity for you to imagine yours… If you can find a slot in their production sheet and somewhere around EUR 140,000-150,000, which is on the (very) high side for a chronograph-only watch. But let’s jsut focus on beauty for once…

For more details, please visit www.atelierdechronometrie.com.