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Hydroscaph Limited Edition Central Chronograph

Material
Steel
Bracelet strap
Rubber
Buckle
Folding buckle
Water resistance
500 m
Size
ø 49.9 mm
Movement
Self-winding mechanical
Power reserve: 44 h, 28800 variations / hours
Functions
Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Day, Chronograph
Reference
CHY-217 Black
Launch date
2011
Collection
Hydroscaph Limited Edition
Price excl. VAT
9’860 CHF
Description

With the new Hydroscaph Limited Edition “Clockwork Orange” Central Chronograph, the prestigious Hydroscaph collection developed by Clerc Genève is welcoming a cool short-time measuring instrument packed with innovations. Entirely in line with the landmark technical timers representing successive breakthroughs in the history of timekeeping, the new Hydroscaph Limited Edition Central Chronograph brings to the wrist the precise handling and perfect readability of competition instruments.

The Hydroscaph Limited Edition Central Chronograph is innovative in more than one respect.

First of all, its exclusive Clerc C608 self-winding movement features a central chronograph reading offering a technical and original display of short-time measurements. There are no off-centred, barely readable subdials, but instead a sweep-seconds hand twined with a running central hand indicating the minutes. This original 60-minute display ensures exceptional legibility that is just as useful on land as in the darkness prevailing at great depths.

Like a contemporary work of art, the Hydroscaph Limited Edition Central Chronograph stems from a refusal of any technical or aesthetic compromises. This approach is vividly embodied in the distinctive design of the chronograph pushbuttons at 2 and 4 o'clock, which are broad and hollowed on the inner face. Each reacts to pressure by pivoting around a lateral rod acting like a lever, much like a piano key. This highly refined and ergonomic structure offers excellent user friendliness that is conducive to the precision of the chronograph start, stop and reset functions.

Such a wealth of technical creativity is entirely in tune with the DNA of the Hydroscaph, the most spectacular of all diver's watches. This instrument equipped with a powerful case – the most complex on the market – includes 103 parts, including lateral reinforcements guaranteeing water resistance to 500 metres, as well as the brand's signature octagonal-shaped rotating bezel. The latter pivots thanks to a retractable flap on a dedicated crown integrated into the case middle at 10 o'clock. Returning the flap to its initial position securely locks the bezel, thus avoiding any risk of accidental deregulation while diving. The mobile lugs ensure a perfect fit on all wrist sizes and shapes, including over a diving suit. The multi-level dial features an ultra-technical yet ultra-readable face. Each section of time read-off is perfectly delineated and visible even in the dark thanks to the Superluminova coating on the hands and hour-markers. The new Hydroscaph Limited Edition Clockwork Orange Central Chronograph is available in black high-density DLC (diamond-like carbon, an extremely hard and thermally stable coating). Fitted with rubber or rubber-treated hornback crocodile straps secured by folding clasps, it is issued in a limited series of 250. With its powerful aesthetic and innovative technology, the Hydroscaph Limited Edition Central Chronograph by Clerc Genève lays a new milestone in the history of short-time display, and is doubtless also the most spectacular and creative way of measuring success.

Gérald Clerc, pioneer of tomorrow's watchmaking

Creator of “futuristic Haute Horlogerie”, as he likes to define it, Gérald Clerc is a cosmopolitan watchmaker with a keen interest in architecture. He was fascinated by the 1960s, a period brimming with optimism and confidence during which Humankind threw itself wholeheartedly into the pursuit of progress, exploration and discoveries. When this representative of the fourth generation took over the family business in 1997, he inherited more than just expertise, but a wealth of passion. This invaluable legacy, transmitted by a form of osmosis, nurtures a constant flow of exceptional horology and technical innovations from which he draws inspiration and which enables him to assert himself as a pioneer of tomorrow's watchmaking.

Synonymous with a break from traditions, his mechanical techno-luxury creations follow the dictates of a single rule: inventiveness. Each conceived as a unique work of art, Clerc watches yield no concessions in the drive to improve quality. As Gérald Clerc loves to say: “I create timepieces the way I like them, without making any compromises”. Few leaders in the field of Haute Horlogerie can claim to cherish such an exceptional degree of freedom, providing a sure path towards exclusivity. This is doubtless because this independent creative spirit has long relegated commercial constraints to a secondary role, preferring to govern by the rule of the heart and focusing on aesthetics and technical perfection rather than the rigors of industrial strategy. This approach naturally does not preclude strict compliance with the highest standards of craftsmanship and finishing prevailing within the Swiss luxury watch industry.

International distribution and deliberately cultivated rarity

Available around the world through a network of carefully selected retailers, Gérald Clerc creations are all covered by a three-year international guarantee. Far more eloquently than any spoken claims, this policy provides eloquent and concrete proof of the extraordinary qualitative superiority of watches by Clerc Genève – evidence that in this case resembles the proverbial icing on the cake!