Chinese Indie Watchmaker Qian GuoBiao Launches a Split-Seconds Chronograph

Independent watchmaker Qian GuoBiao continues to expand the horizons and appreciation of indie horology from China, building on the foundations laid by earlier pieces like the Facing the Sky 2.0 and Double Balance Wheel. His latest creation, the Split-Seconds Chronograph, is another step forward. While the Double Balance Wheel explored harmony through the synchrony of twin oscillators, Qian GuoBiao’s Split-Seconds Chronograph turns to duality, expressing it through the independent yet converging motion of the two chronograph hands.

The Qian GuoBiao Split-Seconds Chronograph comes in a 50m water-resistant stainless steel case, measuring 40mm in diameter, 14.5mm thick and 47.5mm lug-to-lug, with a strong technical presence. The case features inverted pump pushers, referencing classic chronographs. Two flank the crown with guards, one positioned at 8 o’clock. While many watchmakers showcase their movements through open casebacks, Qian keeps the focus on the dial side, making the mechanical motion that matters here most, visible.

The dial, finished in a deep saturated purple, defines the identity of the watch. Qian has restructured the display so that the timekeeping functions and 30-minute counter sit at 12 o’clock, leaving the lower portion open to reveal the split-seconds clutch mechanism. The split-second hands dominate the centre, intersecting above the visible pliers clutch system, a functional exposure of the rattrapante’s key components.

The pale yellow subdial and minutes track provide contrast for legibility, while the exposed aperture is there for a live demonstration of the mechanism in motion. The wearer can observe the moment when the two hands separate and reunite, the defining trait of a split-seconds chronograph.

The watch is powered by the automatic calibre AB-04, a modified movement built on an ETA 7750 base, re-engineered in-house to accommodate the split-seconds mechanism. The AB-04 operates at 28,800 vibrations/hour and offers a 42-hour power reserve. The rattrapante clutch and bridge structure are newly developed, and the dial-side layout required a reworking of the main plate to support the shifted displays.

The Qian GuoBiao Split-Seconds Chronograph is delivered on a custom calf leather strap made by JeaYou, a Chinese watch straps and accessories specialist.

Production is limited to five pieces, each hand-assembled, finished, and tested by Qian and his small atelier team. Estimated delivery is 12 months from order, price is CHF 29,000 (excl. taxes). For more details, check @qianguobiao or contact [email protected].