The New Chronoswiss Opus Purple Rain, Celebrating 30 Years of The Skeleton Chronograph

When Gerd-Rüdiger Lang (1943–2023) founded Chronoswiss in 1983, his mission was to safeguard and advance mechanical watchmaking at a time when quartz technology threatened to eclipse traditional horology. A master watchmaker, Lang became renowned for pioneering features now considered staples of fine watchmaking, and the openworked mechanical chronograph. In 1995, Chronoswiss launched the Opus, the first serially produced self-winding skeletonised chronograph, with its movement architecture displayed on the dial side. It transformed a complication valued primarily for functionality into an object of visual fascination.

Over the years, successive Chronoswiss Opus models have remained true to that original philosophy, refusing to conceal their mechanics and instead amplifying them through bold colours and innovative materials. In 2025, Chronoswiss marks the 30th anniversary of the model with the Opus Purple Rain, a limited edition that delivers one of the most striking executions yet. 

A Classic Revamped with Boldness

Crafted from Grade 5 titanium and finished with a vivid purple CVD coating, the 41mm diameter and 14.8 mm thick, 100m water-resistant case retains all the brand’s signature cues: the oversized onion crown, knurled bezels, and shortened lugs with the patented Autobloc system. Curved sapphire crystals with double anti-reflective coating on both front and back provide unobstructed views of the skeletonised display. 

The openworked dial retains the classic Chronoswiss Opus layout: small seconds at 9 o’clock, 30-minute counter at 12, 12-hour counter at 6, and date subdial at 3. Where skeletonisation can often compromise legibility, the Purple Rain looks to improve it by pairing galvanic black bridges with an ultraviolet CVD-coated framework. Rhodium-plated Breguet Losange-style hands and printed scales ensure that timekeeping and chronograph functions remain vivible amid the visual complexity. 

The Openworked Movement

Powering the watch is the Chronoswiss calibre C.741S, an extensively modified ETA Valjoux 7750, elevated through full skeletonisation, galvanic black bridges with perlage, polished screws, a finely finished escape wheel and pallet lever, and a skeletonised purple CVD-coated rotor with Côtes de Genève. Operating at 28,800 vibrations/hour, it delivers a 46-hour power reserve and incorporates a Glucydur balance, Nivarox I hairspring, and Incabloc shock protection.

Availability & Price

Adding to its personality, the Opus Purple Rain is delivered on a white UV-reactive leather strap that undergoes its transformation, white indoors, vivid purple in sunlight. Production is limited to 30 pieces; the price is CHF 14,600, EUR 16,200 or USD 17,700.

For more information, please visit www.chronoswiss.com.