With the Wempe Iron Walker Chronograph 46 in its three variations, the watch manufacturer of the eponymous jeweller demonstrates its prowess with carbon. The watches have a 46 mm case made of the composite material and a clear dial design. Inside is a chronograph from Sellita in chronometer specification. The watches differ by their accent colour, which is used for the hands, on the tachymeter scale and on the strap. There is a choice of blue, green and orange. Each variant is limited to 75 pieces.
The cases measure 46 mm in diameter and comprise a steel core encased in carbon. The carbon emerges by melting fibres under high pressure. The result is a material that is extremely robust despite its low weight. The distinctive appearance emphasises these qualities and gives the watches their technical allure. The crown and pushers are also of the material, but have a DLC coating. Meanwhile, the screw-down crown also ensures a water resistance of 100 metres.
The solid case back of the Wempe Iron Walker Chronograph 46 consists of steel but has a black PVD coating. The Wempe observatory in Glashütte, where the timepieces are manufactured and tested, is on display.
The dials continue the carbon fibre theme, but here with the typical interwoven pattern as used in sports cars. Two main hands together with applied indices and a minute track indicate the time. A small seconds sits at 9 o’clock. The totalisers on the 12 o’clock axis have hands in an accent colour, highlighting their role in stop time measurement. Polished rings frame the sub-dials, which enhances legibility and is further proof of the elaborate execution of the watch. The central chronograph hand is also in a contrasting colour and sweeps along the ring with tachymeter scale.
There is also a framed date window on a black background. Next to this is a text block which however does not overload the dial. The words “Chronometer” and “Made in Germany” can also be found on the dials of the Wempe Iron Walker Chronograph 46.
The reliable Sellita SW500 calibre provides the necessary drive. The integrated chronograph comes in its chronometer grade, which, in addition to COSC rate values, also includes the highest quality finish and a Glucydur spring. A cam is here responsible for controlling the time measurement. Thanks to an update in 2020, the wearer can adjust the date display at any time without having to mind the infamous deadzone around midnight. The automatic winding system ensures a maximum power reserve of 48 hours.
The strap consists of black rubber and has a textile inlay with stitching in the respective accent colour. A black stainless steel folding clasp secures the piece to the wrist. Each colorway is limited to 75 pieces. The three versions of the watch are now available in all Wempe branches and in the company’s own web shop. The price is 6,960 euros.
