Charriol Gran Celtica SuperSportS Limited Edition

The Charriol brand is launching a limited series of its Gran Celtica SuperSportS watch.

The Swiss market will get first dibs on this special edition of the racy automatic chronograph, even ahead of Baselworld 2015.

The watch is now fitted with a new metal bracelet whose links feature polished and satin finishes, replacing the rubber strap with the cable motif that is characteristic of the brand.

The two-tone bezel is now entirely in polished steel with a sunray satin finish. It is an ambitious choice, as removing the contrast created by the alternating black/steel bezel risked making the piece look bland. The gamble has paid off nonetheless: the watch gains in elegance.

The touches of purple on the silver guilloché dial, decorated with a sunray brushed finish, add a subtle yet punchy kick.

The design of the sub-dials, the turbine blade, the pushers and the crown evokes the racing spirit of the automotive world, blending soft curves with sharp edges.

The crown is coated in black rubber to improve grip, much like the traction required of a racing car’s tyres.

The 46 mm case is finely executed and houses a decidedly robust engine: a Valjoux 7750.

The “chip”-shaped sapphire crystal is recessed on both sides, avoiding any magnifying-glass effect.

The transparent caseback reveals a very handsome laser-engraved oscillating weight bearing the brand’s emblem.