Review: Chronoswiss Lunar Chronograph Aurora

It's been a long time since I reviewed a Chronoswiss watch.

My last impressions of the brand were of meticulous attention to detail, high-quality craftsmanship, a distinctive neo-retro style, and, of course, a corresponding high price. When I saw the Lunar Chronograph Aurora model, I immediately requested a sample to understand where Chronoswiss stands today.

Appearance and Design Features

Surprisingly, this watch with its color-changing dial from green to purple, four hands, and four sub-dials, dual fluting and high contrast, looks quite restrained for Chronoswiss. For comparison, look at the massive yet striking Pulse One regulator, the new Digital Classic, which its name hardly suggests, or the vibrant Open Gear Flying Tourbillon Psycho. Compared to them, the Lunar Chronograph Aurora looks elegant and dressy but with its own original twist.

Comparison with Previous Chronoswiss Models

Recalling the last Chronoswiss watch I held - the Opus Chronograph from 2020 - it was truly a striking model that invariably attracted attention. These watches are clearly not for those who prefer restraint, but Chronoswiss rarely focuses on minimalism. I prefer more understated brands that steadfastly follow their path, and in this sense, Chronoswiss seems to have found its niche long ago. Judging by the rhythm of new model releases and bold decisions, it can be assumed that the brand feels confident in the market.

Color and Light Play on the Dial

The Lunar Chronograph Aurora (model CH-7543L-DGR) is a "classic collection piece, returned in a new color spectrum." Despite the appeal of press photos, capturing this "new spectrum" in my own photos and even seeing it with my eyes was challenging.

The main feature - the PVD-coated dial with a color-shifting effect - operates on a special principle. This phenomenon is reminiscent of "Chromalusion" or "ChromaFlair" from 2000s automotive tuning, where the color changed depending on the viewing angle - most often from bronze to purple.

In the case of the Lunar Chronograph Aurora, the color remains stable when viewed directly and over a wide range of angles, changing to a rich purple only at a rather steep angle. Thus, the watch most often appears bright green or turquoise, with dark blue and purple shades appearing when tilted.

Size and Wearing Comfort

On the wrist, the watch feels large but not bulky. The C.755 caliber is built on the 7750 architecture, which dictates a more substantial case, especially in thickness, as well as a 4 Hz operating frequency and a power reserve of about 46 hours. The case dimensions are 41 mm in width and 15 mm in thickness. Comfort is provided by wide lugs and a strap, as well as the raised position of the spring bars. Over the years, I've noticed that watches with higher positioned spring bars wear more comfortably.

Strap and Clasp

I don't like a loose fit and dangling watches, but a too-tight fit is also uncomfortable. The gray nubuck strap fits the wrist well. Special attention deserves the folding clasp with tool-free adjustment - a rarity for leather straps, unlike metal bracelets. It allows for precise sizing without damaging the strap holes. The red sticker with "ADJUSTABLE" written on it is easily removable, but for illustration, I left it in place.

Case Quality and Finishing Details

My personal preference in this model is the quality of the case and lugs. The top surface of the lugs is dome-shaped, and their underside also has a curved shape. The polishing is so smooth and deep that it highlights the case against less expensive models.

This is truly a luxury item that contradicts my recent critical remarks in the Grinding Gears column. On the underside of the lugs is a spherical detail with mirror polishing, in which the strap, clasp, my hands, camera, and even the frame of my glasses are clearly reflected - like a miniature fisheye lens. Polished dome-shaped screws in the case are another detail that many brands would replace with a cheaper alternative.

Controls and Dial Design

The textured guilloche pattern on the chronograph buttons is impressive. The onion-shaped crown and heavily fluted bezel and case back require a certain taste and look "rich." Initially, such details may seem excessive, but over time they bring joy from choosing this particular model over more restrained and banal watches. These elements make the watch interesting and justify long-term ownership.

The dial, although not guilloched, looks complex due to the many patterns and inscriptions. The white printing of the logos and markings maintains the purity of the design, and the signature Chronoswiss font adds elegance and originality. Indicators include a date pointer with a purple crescent on a white hand, a moon phase at "3 o'clock," a 12-hour chronograph counter at "6 o'clock," running seconds at "9 o'clock," a 30-minute chronograph counter at "12 o'clock," as well as hours and minutes with white steel Breguet-style hands and a central chronograph second hand. These are complex watches in a classic, traditional execution.

Conclusion: Quality and Price

The quality of execution remains high, as I remembered. Unfortunately, the price also remains high. In recent years, the cost of watches in general has increased, and the Lunar Chronograph Aurora is in the five-figure price category - about 11,800 USD.

The unique design, attention to detail, and overall impression justify this price, placing the model far beyond more affordable brands like Christopher Ward. Personally, I'd like to see a departure from the 7750 architecture and a reduction in case thickness - these changes are necessary and eagerly awaited. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a watch that will delight and impress you and those around you for many years, the Lunar Chronograph Aurora has everything needed for that.