Few brands take the art of skeletonization as seriously as Chronoswiss, and the newly unveiled Opus Chronograph Purple Rain proves it once again. With a bold purple CVD coating on a titanium case and a strap that changes color in sunlight, this limited edition feels like a watch that thrives on both horological substance and playful creativity.
The legacy of the Opus line
Founded in 1983, Chronoswiss has carved its niche with distinctive regulator dials and intricate mechanical displays. The Opus collection, introduced in the mid-1990s, was one of the first serially produced skeletonized chronographs, offering collectors an unusual blend of technical transparency and daily usability. Over the years, it has evolved in size, finishing, and materials, yet always remained true to its central philosophy: opening up the movement without compromising legibility or functionality. The Purple Rain is not a radical departure but a continuation of this heritage, interpreted through modern materials and a daring chromatic twist.
The mechanics beneath the purple sheen
At 41mm wide and 14.8mm thick, the case is crafted from grade 5 titanium, assembled from 23 individual parts, and enhanced with a purple CVD coating. Signature Chronoswiss touches such as the onion crown, partially knurled bezel, and screw-in lugs with the brand’s patented Autobloc system remain intact, giving the watch both technical character and ergonomic refinement.
Inside beats the skeletonized Chronoswiss caliber C.741S, an automatic movement visible through both the dial and sapphire caseback. Beating at 4Hz with a power reserve of 46 hours, it features a three-legged Glucydur balance, a Nivarox I balance spring, and Incabloc shock protection. The finishing is extensive: galvanic black, skeletonized bridges with perlage, a CVD-plated rotor with Côtes de Genève, and polished components throughout. Despite its architectural openness, the movement maintains full functionality, with hours, minutes, running seconds, a date at 3 o’clock, and chronograph timing. Water resistance is rated at 100 meters, a welcome touch of practicality.
A bold design for those unafraid of color
The Purple Rain is not just a skeleton watch; it’s a design experiment in interaction with light. The titanium case radiates its purple tone under shifting reflections, while the strap introduces a playful surprise: crafted from white UV-reactive leather, it turns purple under sunlight. This duality echoes the skeletonized dial’s interplay of depth and transparency, where rhodium-plated Breguet Losange hands remain surprisingly legible against the open-worked background. It’s a watch aimed at collectors who appreciate mechanical mastery but also want a timepiece that feels contemporary, even a little irreverent. Not many skeletonized chronographs manage to look both serious and vibrant — this one does.
Availability and final thoughts
The Chronoswiss Opus Chronograph Purple Rain is a limited edition of just 30 pieces, priced at $17,700. That exclusivity, paired with its striking execution, means it will likely appeal to seasoned collectors who already own classic skeletonized watches but are seeking something more experimental. It isn’t meant to blend in — rather, it’s a statement piece, and in that role, it succeeds admirably.
Chronoswiss continues to prove that traditional watchmaking can coexist with modern design language, and the Purple Rain feels like a confident expression of that vision. If you’re drawn to horology that mixes heritage with bold aesthetics, this is a watch worth considering…just like the H. Moser & Cie Spiced Aqua collection !
