Escapement Watch Review: The Chopard G.P.M.H Chrono


A 12-hour chronograph counter resides at 6 o’clock and a 30-minute chronograph counter is located below noon, delivering a pleasing balance to the dial.

The date, positioned at 3 o’clock, is presented in white text against a black date disc.

Black hour and minute hands are lined with white luminescent material.

Despite a very complex dial, with numerous details, everything remains very legible and clear.

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The elongated hour markers, with Arabic numerals depicted, resemble racing chevrons and reinforce the motorsport-infused persona of this watch.

A black minute rail collaborates with the central chronograph seconds hand, facilitating ease of read-off. Smaller integers are depicted with black strokes on the adjacent yellow flange. The complexity of the dial construction cannot be understated.

A black bezel features a tachymeter scale, again enhancing the racing credentials of this handsome chronograph.

The case:

The G.P.M.H Chrono measures 44.5 mm with a case height of 13.9 mm. It is sizeable, but without being cumbersome. The case, constructed of titanium, confers sufficient lightness to make this watch very comfortable to wear.

Chopard has expended much effort on the case construction and it shows. The bezel and caseback are made of stainless steel. Moreover, the caseback is stamped with the logo of the Monaco Automobile Club.

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I particularly like the way titanium and steel have been placed side by side, delivering a contrast that I find most appealing.

The capstan-like pushers feature a series of circles on their vertical flank, reminiscent of car wheel hubs affixed with locking nuts. The screw-down crown has a steering-wheel motif gracing its side profile. Adjacent the crown, protectors provide protection from accidental impacts.

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The strap, made of black calfskin leather, has an exquisite, tactile feel that encourages an admiring stroke from an extended forefinger. It is wonderful. The aesthetic appearance is enhanced with contrasting yellow stitching. A nostalgic touch are the holes gracing the strap, reminiscent of old driving gloves once worn before fire regulations necessitated the wearing of Nomex.

The movement:

The self-winding movement has a frequency of 28,800 vph (4 Hz), contains 25 jewels and has a power-reserve of 46 hours.

Chopard is known for crafting quality products and the G.P.M.H Chrono proves to be no exception. This is a chronometer with certification from COSC. Its timekeeping prowess needs no more explanation. Its precision is assured.

Closing remarks:

The color scheme, although unusual, is distinctive and grants a degree of welcome individuality. Indeed, the Chopard G.P.M.H Chrono is not a “me-too”, but a unique design with some recognizable retro elements thrown into the mix.

The dial display is simple to read but features much detail imparting interest which should grant a lasting appeal.

Most of all though, this timepiece is a real chronograph and chronometer for men who want to reference the thrills of the track and who secretly yearn to compete for racing glory. This is a watch for natural born racers.

Porsche 911 RSR Silverstone - Image © Euan Davies 2014
Porsche 911 RSR Silverstone – Image © Euan Davies 2014

Technical Specifications:

  • Model: Chopard G.P.M.H Chrono
  • Reference: 168570-3001
  • Case: titanium and steel; diameter 44.5 mm; height 13.9 mm; water-resistant to 100 meters; sapphire crystal front and solid caseback
  • Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; date; chronograph.
  • Movement: Self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz); 25 jewels; power reserve of 46 hours
  • Strap: Black calfskin barenia leather strap presented on a titanium folding clasp.

 

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  1. Debashish

    Chopard is one of my favourite brands and I enjoyed your review immensely!

    Thanks and keep it up!

    Reply
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