The Updated Code41 NB24 Chronograph

CODE41 is a relatively new independent Swiss watchmaker that believes in sharing the creative process with watch enthusiasts, even calling its watches “community projects”. Founded in 2016 by watch designer Claudio D’Amore (from TAG Heuer and Montblanc), CODE41’s portfolio is certainly unique with pieces like the T360 Tourbillon and Mecascape Sublimation One, which is both a pocket watch and desk clock. Prices are accessible for what’s offered, and the latest NB24 Chronographs continue this with a new dial colour and case option for the existing NB24 series.  

NB24 is named after the brand’s ambassador, paraplegic race driver Nigel Bailly, who competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2021 (hence NB24). There are two case options: the existing NativeDNA in Grade 5 titanium, aka AeroCarbon, or the Stratom in Grade 5 titanium from the T360 Tourbillon line. The NativeDNA case is 42mm in diameter, while the Stratom is just a bit larger at 42.7mm, but both are 14.5mm in height. These are bold designs with the Stratom differentiated by thicker lugs and four exposed screws on the bezel. Although contemporary in size, all models are lighter than the norm as titanium is 43% lighter than steel, and AeroCarbon is 2x lighter than titanium. Water resistance is 100 metres for the titanium NativeDNA case and 50 metres for both the AeroCarbon variant and Stratom case. The chronographs have classic pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock and turbine-like crowns at 3 o’clock. There are AR sapphire crystals front and back on all models. Tool-free 24mm interchangeable straps are available while ordering, including a titanium bracelet. 

Regardless of case or material, the new watches have orange dial rings and sub-dials, as the rest is generally skeletonized with shades of titanium grey. These are bicompax layouts with a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, small seconds at 9 o’clock, and a date display at 6 o’clock. The hour and minute hands and the counterweight of the seconds hand are openworked with Super-LumiNova. Indices on both an inner and outer dial ring have lume as well. An unusual sight is a peripheral rotor on the dial side to wind the movement. 

Powering the updated CODE41 NB24 Chronographs is a cam-driven Swiss chronograph developed by Concepto and then modified by CODE41, based on the Valjoux 7750. It has 326 components, 35 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) and delivers a 48-hour power reserve. Functions include central hours, minutes and chronograph seconds, 30-minute counter, small seconds and date. About a third of the movement’s cost involved adding the dial-side peripheral rotor. Accuracy is rated at +/-5 seconds per day.

The new CODE41 NB24 Chronographs with the NativeDNA cases are available now at the brand’s website, while the Stratom model is on pre-order from 20 September to 18 October 2023, with deliveries expected in summer 2024. The Stratom is limited to 200 pieces and retails for USD 7,200 (excl. tax). The NativeDNA starts at USD 6,660 in titanium and USD 7,250 in AeroCarbon. For more information and to place an order, please visit code41.com.

Sponsored post: This article is sponsored by CODE41. However, it reflects the writer’s opinion and has been written according to MONOCHROME’s editorial policy.