Swisswatches Salon Chronograph Night in Munich

For us, the chronograph is one of the most exciting and, at the same time, most demanding complications in haute horlogerie – particularly when one considers calibres that have been developed entirely in-house and are fully integrated. The history of the chronograph stretches back over 200 years, to 1816, when Louis Moinet presented a precision instrument the size of a pocket watch, featuring two pushers. Shortly afterwards, in 1821, the name “chronograph” (chronos – time, graph – to write) appeared for the first time with Nicolas Rieussec’s ink-writing device. A fine nib left a drop of ink on rotating paper discs to indicate the elapsed time – primarily for timing horse races.

It is no coincidence that this fascinating feature is the focus of our second Swisswatches Salon: there is currently a tremendous buzz of activity amongst renowned watchmakers. More and more brands are not only venturing into the design of their own chronograph movements, but are also pushing the boundaries of what was previously technically feasible with exciting innovations.

And so, on this evening, to mark our second Swisswatches Salon, we have once again brought together a selection of the finest and most exciting chronographs currently available in the watch world – a collection that has probably never before been seen in such a curated form, all in one place and on a single evening.

With the Swisswatches Salon, we have created a space for watch enthusiasts who share a genuine passion for mechanical watchmaking. Here, they can exchange ideas, experiences and perspectives in a discreet atmosphere, away from the clamour of the digital world. Here, the conversations revolve around craftsmanship, design and the stories behind these exceptional timepieces – not around trends.

For our second Swisswatches Salon, we welcomed our guests to the Brasserie Cuvilliés at the Rosewood Hotel in Munich, where they not only learnt all about chronographs and had the opportunity to try on watches, but also presented their own rare and precious collector’s items, fostering a lively and interactive exchange.