Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Delma Heritage Chronograph LE
A limited edition throwback to the brand’s original 1946 bi-compax
Delma might not be the most familiar name, but it’s almost a century-old Swiss brand founded in 1924. Independent and family-owned, it has a nice portfolio of accessible collections, many of which are chronographs. We went hands-on with the Continental Chronograph last year, which looked back at Delma’s 1960s models. There was a lot to like with a vintage design and plenty of dial and case combinations. The latest Heritage Chronograph LE goes back to 1946 with an old-school vibe and some extra features. It’s a limited edition collection (hence the LE) from a brand with a history to back up the heritage moniker.
The case of this new Delma Heritage Chronograph LE comes in three finishes – stainless steel, yellow gold PVD and rose gold PVD – with a diameter of 43mm and height of 15.7mm. It has a simple and classic design with standard pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock, conical crown and domed sapphire crystal. This differs from the original model in size, of course, and the sapphire crystal and exhibition case back are also contemporary upgrades. The 22mm strap is leather with an alligator pattern and comes in black or brown with a folding clasp. Water-resistance is rated at 100 metres.
The dial closely resembles the 1946 model with both a tachymeter scale on the outermost perimeter (to calculate speed) and a telemeter scale on the inner perimeter (to calculate distance). The syringe hour and minute hands are silver on the stainless model and blue on the gold models, and filled with Super-LumiNova C3. Large Arabic numerals are inside the telemeter and also filled with Super-LumiNova, and the gold models have old-radium aesthetic. The small seconds sub-dial is at 9 o’clock with a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and a date window sits at 6 o’clock. The stainless model has a black sunray brushed dial, while the gold models have silver counterparts.
Powering the collection is a Sellita SW510 chronograph automatic, which is also found in the aforementioned Continental Chronograph. It has 27 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) with a 48-hour power reserve. Functions include central hours, minutes and chronograph seconds, small seconds at 9 o’clock, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and date at 6 o’clock. As seen from the exhibition case back, the rotor is decorated with Côtes de Genève.
The three Delma Heritage Chronograph LE models are limited to 75 pieces each, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the original 1946 model. Prices are EUR 2,600 for the stainless model and EUR 2,700 for the gold PVD models. For more information and to make a purchase, visit www.delma.ch.
