The Idea:
It’s always been a dream of ours at Vilhelm Watches to create our own automatic Chronograph but the timing, cost structures and previous design ideas didn’t add up.
I decided to go Retro with the design of the case and the dial with a playful tricolour subdial bi-compax that exudes the carefree bygone area of the 60s but of course with modern touches.
After almost 2 years of designing and prototyping during COVID, I would like to proudly introduce you to the Vilhelm Bicompax Chronograph.
Column-wheel - The Gold-standard of Chronograph Movements:
Our bicompax is powered by the impeccable La Joux-Perret Column Wheel Automatic Chronograph reference L113.
The column-wheels are regarded by Chronograph connoisseurs as the “Gold-Standard” of chronographs movement and found in Ultra high-end Luxury Brands like Audemars Piguet & Patek Philippe etc.
Column-wheel Chrono movements are known to be superior to CAM chrono movements due to their fully integrated construction that leverages on the vertical-column-wheel to power the Chronograph function much more efficiently compared to CAM chronographs which are modular and are known to be less sophisticated and robust.
It is therefore, a must-have for any Chronograph junkie or connoisseur.
The cost of making such a movement isn’t cheap and if it’s Swiss-made then it’s a given that there will be significant price-quantum associated with such timepieces as compared to less complicated microbrand timepieces.
A Vintage-Inspired Ergonomic Case:
The vintage-inspired-case is made in a very wearable size at 40.5mm; with the lug to lug at 49mm which dips down to wrap the wrist better.
The thickness is cleverly played-down by the side-profile design, which has top and bottom polished bevels surrounding a sandblasted matte finished curved band and draws the wearer’s eyes to its slim-profile; ultimately giving the illusion of a smaller thickness than its actual 14.5mm height from top of sapphire glass to bottom of the caseback.
Two Stunning Dials:
We have chosen to make 2 dials :
A Blue “Skipper” dial with a lovely combination of neon-orange over dark and light blue tones to give that romantic and playful vintage-vibe found only those Uber-cool-yet-quirky-retro Chronographs from the 60s.
&
A Panda dial with the quintessential white background behind two tricolour-grey-scale subdials with touches of Red to give subtle yet eye-catching contrast.
This is to be a small 50 piece per dial one-off production run, making this a truly special release to commemorate our first Chronograph model launch.
Each watch comes with a matching-racing style padded calf leather strap in addition to the integrated steel sports bracelet to offer the versatility of switching between a smart & sleek look ; to a dressed-down & fun casual look.
All watches come with a new leather 3 watch Travel pouch.
Our timepieces are covered with a 1-year international warranty.
All Prices are quoted in USD.
