First of all, it is a large timepiece even in the current fashion for oversized watches. With a diameter of 47mm and a thickness of 16mm, you know you're wearing this heavy timepiece at all times. Then there's the wonderful burnt orange used in several elements. More when we come to them. Orange is one of my favorite colors. It is also now common in watch design, especially diving watches, as it remains legible in low-light conditions (i.e. underwater).
But, of course, the main reason this watch catches the eye is the unique design of the thumb-operated chronograph start/stop button.
Not only is this a useful feature, since the thumb is stronger and more responsive than the fingers (obviously), but by design it incorporates a lever mechanism, which means it takes more effort to press the start/stop button in the middle Less left crown.
This mechanism was originally designed for WWII pilots. The cockpit of a jet fighter is a cold place to ventilate during flight. Pilots were given gloves to prevent frostbite from the most sensitive body part: the fingers. This means that it is almost impossible to operate a normal chronograph with the two small pushers on either side of the crown. The answer is that the chronograph can be started and stopped using the thumb.
Of course, this has nothing to do with me. However, I still like the unique look of this design, and I also really like the tactile difference that this trigger mechanism provides for all the other chronograph buttons. The reset button has a more standard design. However, some argue that the speed and accuracy of the feature's activation is not that important.
This does lead to unconventional designs. Like all things, the look of this unique watch is subjective. I've had people tell me they don't like it. I've also had people tell me they love these looks. This works fine for me. I don't go out with my watch to satisfy other people's desires. In fact, I find this makes the Chronofighter GMT even more popular as it emphasizes a bold and daring design. You can't please everyone all the time.
Love or hate its aesthetics, no one can deny the quality of the fit and finish that goes into this high-end watch. You get the feeling that Graham pays a lot of attention to the little details as well as the obvious, so they have a high-end package to house one of their proprietary in-house movements.
The entire case is polished to a mirror finish. The lever pushrod is finely ground and satin-finished with grooves to aid in the grip. As I mentioned before, this provides a fantastic tactile experience.
The bezel is split in two to highlight the day and night differences in the GMT function. This uses the beautiful sun-burnt orange mentioned above during the day. The use of sapphire glass further enhances this gorgeous bezel. It is easily the second element that catches the eye, after the lever pusher, and gives the watch a very high-end aesthetic.
The case back is beautifully designed with the "British Watchmakers" logo and the serial number of this watch cast. No. 26: A low-volume number indeed.
The super design of the lever push rod continues to the dial and hands. The dial has a smooth black, almost lacquered, outer bezel and a central circle consisting of finely sloping concentric circles. This creates an optical illusion where the light plays on the dial, resulting in a wonderful satin/gloss contrast. The hands are large and beautiful, with a sword-shaped silhouette and a generous amount of luminous coating. In fact, this watch has one of the brightest night lights I've ever seen. It's usually bright enough to be seen even during the day.
The chronograph is a simple 30-minute event. This is probably the only negative thing I can say about the Chronofighter GMT. Most things I'd like to time (football half, boiled eggs, NASCAR/motorcycle lap times, etc.) are less than 30 minutes in duration. However, sometimes I want to take longer (parking meter duration, etc). However, this is a small negative as I have to stop being lazy and relying too much on this feature and just look at the time and start the chronograph in these situations. This dual compact layout does allow the subdials to be large. Running theme throughout the timepiece.
The in-house movement also contains a large date display (a complication on the right only) and a 24-hour GMT hand. The big date fits perfectly with other bold design elements. In fact, I think the smaller single-window date display would look out of place. The GMT function is useful and I especially like the cutout hand design with the same tanned orange tips and lots of Luminova.
The strap is rubber and is the only option for the Chronofighter GMT. Even so, the watch is well made and actually makes the watch comfortable despite being oversized and bulky, and not big enough for mine. For reference, I have a 6.5 wrist. I also think that the use of a rubber strap emphasizes other design elements more than a metal bracelet. The buckle is again meticulous and beautifully designed, almost as big as my belt buckle.
Other details include a 42-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. The Chronofighter GMT is also available in the equally stunning British Racing Green. Various other models are available in two-tone stainless steel and red gold and solid red gold.
Conclusion: I love this watch. As you may have determined from my humble collection, I love the extraordinary. I love that my timepieces offer something unique. Chronofighter offers many of these features. I often find myself just admiring it. Always look for unique perspectives. But at the same time it is a very functional and functional timepiece, with a variety of functional options and a solid waterproof appearance.