In a category crowded with uncompromising tool watches, Albishorn’s latest Marinagraph Classic Racing emerges with subtle confidence—a skin diver aesthetic married to genuine marine utility. It’s the kind of release that quietens a room among serious collectors.
A Brand Rooted in Imagined Heritage
Albishorn has carved a unique niche by designing “imagined vintage” timepieces—watches that feel like they should have existed in eras past but never did. Founded by Sébastien Chaulmontet, the brand leans into vintage chronograph DNA with creative sincerity. The Marinagraph—part of their Water collection—is a logical extension of that ethos: a soulful skin-diver-inspired chronograph, now enhanced with sailing-specific complications.
Technical Brilliance in a 39 mm Frame
Beneath its modestly sized 39 mm stainless-steel case (about 13 mm thick and 47.7 mm lug-to-lug), the Marinagraph houses Albishorn’s proprietary Calibre ALB01 A: a monopusher automatic chronograph just 6.6 mm thick. This calibre offers a strong 64-hour power reserve and has been crafted in La Chaux-de-Fonds with evident attention to detail.
Functionally, it’s daring. A 10-minute retrograde regatta countdown, positioned at 7 o’clock, counts down and then stops at zero—rather than reset—eliminating ambiguity at a race start. Meanwhile, a running indicator at 3 o’clock keeps the chronograph visually balanced and practical during timing operations.
The bezel is equally clever: bi-directional and tension-fit, with a 24-hour tide scale. White Super-LumiNova marks the 12 hours after high tide, while red indicates the subsequent 12, allowing a practical and poetic reading of tidal rhythms. Details like a red-anodized aluminum monopusher at 9 o’clock—designed for thumb activation—and a yacht-engraved caseback further reinforce the watch’s nautical narrative.
Aesthetic Personality That Speaks to the Sea
The Classic Racing variant presents a sunburst black dial with applied indexes and silver accents filled with Super-LumiNova. It feels both sporty and refined, grounded in purpose without theatrics. This isn’t a flamboyant diver; it’s a chronograph with oceanic undercurrents, appealing to someone who demands both design integrity and functional depth.
Two tropic-style rubber straps—one black and one red—add versatility and retro-sporty appeal. With only 99 pieces available per colorway, spread over three years, it’s a collector’s piece with an aura of scarcity and a sense of thoughtful exclusivity.
Conclusion: A Thoughtful Horological Companion
The Albishorn Marinagraph Classic Racing is quietly compelling—not a headline grabber, but a thoughtful, well-executed watch made for enthusiasts who appreciate nuance. At CHF 3,950 (roughly $4,900 USD) before taxes and with limited availability, it positions itself as an accessible offering in the world of independent chronographs. It strikes a rare balance between practical complication, vintage charm, and contemporary finesse—the kind of watch that feels right in the hand, on the wrist, and in the story it tells. And if you are looking for a more traditional – and affordable piece – check out Mido’s Mido Multifort TV Chronograph !
