Albishorn Marinagraph Paraíba Racing: Expert Yacht Watch Review

Albishorn is a unique project in the world of independent watch brands, created by industry veteran Sébastien Chaulmontet.

Its concept is built on the question "What if?", offering modern interpretations of vintage watches that never actually existed. Marinagraph Paraíba Racing is the latest model in this lineup, which not only matches its predecessors but also surpasses them in many ways.

To date, Albishorn has released three collections (Air, Water, and Earth) and four models in various versions. Marinagraph is presented in two versions; this model is brighter and more dynamic, at least in my opinion.

Marinagraph Paraíba Racing: Concept and History

Albishorn positions this model as the "ideal marine chronograph." This is a bold statement, as many have tried to create something similar before. However, the Marinagraph Paraíba Racing stands out due to the genuine passion of its creators, who strive to pay homage to the spirit of yacht racing. The model's name is not just a marketing ploy, but a carefully considered title that, if the brand had existed in 1958, could have proudly indicated the watch's connection to the oldest international trophy - the America's Cup.

The Marinagraph Paraíba Racing combines features of a skin diver and a regatta timer - both types of watches appeared on the market in the late 1950s, precisely during the period of the America's Cup revival after World War II. This history gives the model special depth and meaning, combining design and functionality into a single concept.

Before delving into the details, let's look at the main parameters:

• Case Diameter: 39 mm (without bezel), 42.7 mm (with bezel)
• Lug-to-Lug Length: 47.7 mm - not too large, which is convenient for a smaller wrist
• Thickness: 13 mm - an acceptable figure for an automatic chronograph
• Case Material: 316L stainless steel with polished and satin-finished surfaces
• Crown Position: at the "10 o'clock" position
• Chronograph Start Button: red, anodized aluminum, located at the "9 o'clock" position
• Case Back: steel with an engraving of a sailing yacht (the prototype lacks marking)
• Strap: 20 mm wide Tropic-style rubber strap, 115/75 mm length, with a classic Albishorn steel buckle

This combination of sizes and materials ensures wrist comfort and durability.

Paraíba Tourmaline Dial: Uniqueness and Functionality

The dial of the model is colored in a shade that many might mistake for turquoise, but in fact, it is a sunny, shimmering green color of Paraíba tourmaline. This rare stone was first discovered in the state of Paraíba in northeastern Brazil and is known for its neon blue-green hue, caused by its high copper content.

Dial Features:

• Volumetric black indices with white Super-LumiNova coating
• Hands of a similar design, except for the bright red chronograph second hand with a "lollipop" tip
• Round window at the "3 o'clock" position - a running indicator
• Patented 10-minute retrograde regatta timer between the "6" and "7 o'clock" positions - a must-have for yacht chronographs

The dial is surrounded by a bidirectional rotating stainless steel bezel with a green-black aluminum insert and white-red markings. An additional feature is the tide indicator with a 24-hour cycle, making the watch useful for sea voyages.

Movement and Technical Features

Inside the case is the patented Albishorn ALB01 A automatic chronograph:

• Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
• Power Reserve: 64 hours
• Number of Jewels: 25
• Movement Thickness: only 6.6 mm - very thin for an automatic chronograph
• Feature: 10-minute retrograde regatta countdown that stops at zero and holds the hand until reset
• Running indicator at the "3 o'clock" window with color coding

This movement combines the traditions of vintage calibers with modern technical solutions.

Ease of Use and Ergonomics

Despite the unconventional crown position at "10 o'clock" and the chronograph start button at "9 o'clock", the watch easily adapts to the wrist. In the modern watch world, such solutions are increasingly common and do not cause discomfort.

The dial is easily readable thanks to contrasting colors and large indices. The bezel turns smoothly, and the timer and tide indicator functions work flawlessly. Overall, the model looks harmonious and organic on the wrist.