A brand that might not be as well known in the horological world as Hublot or Richard Mille, Cvstos, a Geneva based company, certainly stands tall with the modern watch design and the Challenge Chrono II watch collection. Contemporary designs crafted with motorsports and racing in mind allow the brand the opportunity to capture both passions in a spectacular way.
The grand tonneau (barrel-shaped) case focuses on dynamics, from the carbon material construction that is light weight and very sleek, to the domed sapphire crystal. Crafted with the open dial, the timepiece allows you to view the movement, and unlike other similar timepieces where legibility might be an issue, this watch includes large white-colored luminant on the hands and hour markers. Additionally the chronograph hands have been outlined in red with just a hint of luminant, providing a beautiful contrast to the dark colors on the remainder of the watch face.
Like a high performance engine, the Cvstos Challenge Chrono II watch draws attention and has been designed with automotive elements in mind. Traditional timepieces influence some of the design, and horological excellence brings it all together. The case of the timepiece produced from black-coated steel and the carbon blend is just one version that catches your eye, but other versions have been designed with titanium and gold. Utilizing steel for the caseback and pushers the timepiece architecture continues to showcase the workmanship. If you examine the case very carefully you will have a new appreciation for all the details that have been exquisitely placed.
Inside the Cvstos masterpiece is a modified Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement named the caliber 577. The Challenge Chrono II modified the 7750 to include a power reserve indicator, placing it near the date around 3 o’clock. It does make the dial full but in perfect symmetry, balanced and quite simple. Sometimes less is more and that is the case with this timepiece, a beautiful elegance finished with a bright red-colored strap and making a bold statement that truly is what this watch is all about. Crossing the finish line first is what all brands aspire to do, and this timepiece is definitely in the lead.
