The Cool Vintage-Inspired Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph

The origins of Cimier can be traced back to 1924 when Joseph Lapanouse founded his watch company in Holstein, near Basel. A few years later, watches began to be sold under the name Cimier. Among these, the Faux Chronographe, a simplified and affordable take on the chronograph watch, emerged as a huge commercial success. The model allowed users to measure short time intervals by initiating and halting the independent central second hand. Fast forward to today, the modern Cimier 711 heritage is a full-fledged chronograph. Distinguished by its unique dial layout featuring subdials at 7 and 11 o’clock, it also boasts a tachymeter and telemeter scale, just like many of its predecessors.

The first thing to grab your attention with the Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph is indeed its unusual dial layout with its 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters at 11 and 7 o’clock. Another typical feature of 1960s models, a telemetric scale is placed on the outer edge of the dial and a tachymetric scale is coiled at the centre. The sunray brushed dial has a slight gradient effect and is offered in three different colours – green for the 100-year limited edition, blue or panda for the non-limited editions. The use of Super-Luminova ensures optimal readability in all conditions.

This unique layout of the dial is driven by the calibre CIM 100. This automatic movement is based on the tried-and-tested Valjoux 7750 architecture. As such, you get a cam-and-lever chronograph running at 4Hz and with 48 hours of power reserve. It is visible through the back of the watch. The simple but clean decoration includes circular graining, rhodium plating, blued screws and a rotor featuring a vintage version of the Cimier logo.

This movement is housed in a 39.5mm steel barrel-shaped case with pump-style pushers. The round dial opening and box-shaped sapphire crystal emerge from the flat brushed surface. The water resistance is rated at 100m. The bracelet and strap options include an original steel bracelet, a mesh steel bracelet or calfskin leather straps. The green dial 100-piece limited edition comes with a mesh bracelet and a black leather strap. Quick-release spring bars allow swapping bracelets/straps easily.

On the wrist the watch wears a tad bigger than its 39.5mm would suggest. Still, the watch has great personality and it is a pleasure to wear. If the brand might open a few retailers, the Cimier 711 will be mostly solid online, allowing the brand to maintain a competitive price. The price starts at CHF 2,480, which seems quite reasonable given the specifications of the watch.

For more information and orders, you can visit cimier.com.