As we recently confirmed with the SkyDiver Neptunian, Edox is no stranger to ultra-durable watches and specializes in this particular field, always offering their products at accessible prices. The brand's history dates back to 1884. It is also a well-established brand that, in the early 1960s, developed several innovative water models, including the famous Delfin dive watch with a patented crown system, which was the most waterproof watch in the world. With its CO-1 series, Edox also enters the world of marine powerboats alongside XCAT Team Australia and its pilots. Knowing the needs of these extreme divers, you can imagine that the Edox CO-1 Carbon Chronograph Automatic is a powerful watch, as we will discover in this hands-on article.
The CO-1 Carbon Chronograph collection from Edox meets the needs of a specific type of athlete. These athletes are XCAT racing pilots, known as the most thrilling powerboat series in the world, equivalent to Formula 1 on water. Multihull boats equipped with twin V6 engines are built using advanced carbon technologies and move across water at speeds of around 200 km/h. These boats must be lightweight yet robust and are among the most advanced engineering you can imagine. The XCAT pilots from the Australian team, with whom Edox collaborates, have declared the need for reliable watches with diving and timing capabilities. Thus, this carbon chronograph CO-1 combines deep dive features with chronograph capabilities and materials directly inspired by XCAT boats.
The Edox CO-1 Carbon Chronograph Automatic watch, available in four different variations, all in rather bold and modern color schemes, showcases a combination of a stunning gray case and a blue carbon dial. This is not a watch for the faint-hearted, but a watch with true personality. With a diameter of 45 mm and a height of about 15 mm, it is not only a racing chronograph but also a watch for experienced divers with 500 m water resistance, a screw-down crown, pushers, and case back, yet with a sapphire case back. It is also equipped with the necessary 60-minute unidirectional bezel. It even features a helium release valve on the case at the '9 o'clock' position.
The most amazing part of this watch and its unmistakable connection with XCAT boats is the case. The base is a central stainless steel container ensuring shock resistance and waterproofness. Following are side modules attached to the sides of the case, made from a lightweight, durable, and rather innovative material, available in various colors - here in gray. The colored layers are strains of colored ceramic fibers forged from resin and mixed with carbon fibers. The black layers consist of black carbon and fiberglass. This configuration makes the top layer more scratch-resistant and wear-resistant than regular carbon. The monobloc bezel is made of the same material, and the diver scale is engraved on the composite material. The intricate pattern of the material, which can be seen on the sides of the watch, gives it a modern technical look. Other versions of this watch feature red or blue resin between the carbon layers.
Following the lightness and durability of these watches, the current Edox CO-1 Carbon Chronograph Automatic is equipped with a blue carbon fiber dial with black sub-dials. Once again, it shows elements of racing watches (chronograph) and dive watches with large applied markers, numerals, and hands, with a dark gray coating and generously filled with black Super-LumiNova. The chronograph display is a classic 6-9-12 with a day/date function at the '3 o'clock' position.
Under the sapphire case back is the well-known and reliable chronograph movement, caliber 011, built on the Sellita SW500 base (a clone of the 7750). This time-tested automatic chronograph with a cam-lever mechanism operates at a classic frequency of 4 Hz and offers a 48-hour power reserve. It is presented with an oscillating weight featuring the Edox emblem and a black coating.
The Edox CO-1 Carbon Chronograph Automatic is worn on a well-integrated black rubber strap, closed with a triple folding clasp with a black coating. Despite its large size, it is comfortable to wear thanks to the shape of the strap and the lightweight case. Although its appearance is far from classic, there is something unique and instrumental about it. Finally, the watch is offered at a relatively affordable price.
Indeed, you get a Swiss automatic chronograph made from innovative materials for just over 3000 euros. Not bad.
The Edox CO-1 Carbon Chronograph Automatic is available in blue/gray colors that are part of the permanent collection and are sold for 3190 euros.