Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph

A brief history of time

Exactly 100 years ago, Swiss Watchmaker, Joseph Lapanouse, founded Cimier Watches in Hölstein, Switzerland. Back then, the brand manufactured pin-pallet escapement watches. By 1970, on the strength of a single patent for the Roskopf watch, Cimier was producing 1.5 million pieces a year and employed more than 500 people in its newer Bubendorf facility. Their pin-pallet chronographs–or faux chronographs–in particular, sold more than 20 million iterations around the world.

To celebrate their centenary, Cimier have redeveloped a model they produced in the 1950s and 60s, the Cimier Sport. The Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph–as it has been reborn–is distinguished by its unique sub-register layout at (you guessed it) seven and eleven on the dial.

Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph Review — ^{Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph @calibre321}

Key Features of the Cimier 711

The Cimier 711’s sub-dials include a 30-minute counter, as well as a 12-hour register. The timepiece is also equipped with both a telemeter and a tachymeter scale, which have been craftily integrated into the design–the first, by way of a stark chapter ring; the second, in a printed, vintage-styled gradation closer to the centre of the dial that bisects both sub-registers like a coiled spring.

There are three colourways, in total. The blue and green feature sunray finished dials, while the third has a cream-coloured patina dial. The green is limited to only 100 pieces.

The bespoke movement powering the Cimier 711–the CIM 100–is based on the Valjoux 7750. A special module was designed to allow for the customized sub-dial placement. Additionally, the rotor has been signed in the brand’s vintage logo. The finish is a clean circular brushing with rhodium plating and blued screws. It is visible through the display case back and features a 48-hour power reserve.

Beyond the attractive dial, the case is a highlight. It is fashioned from 316L stainless steel and measures 39.5mm in diameter. It is barrel-shaped with a squared off lug recess and is predominantly brushed with hints of polish in the beveling and stationary bezel. Its pump pushers add to the retro styling and the large knurled crown is screw down. This aids the watch in attaining its 100m water resistance.

Viewed best in profile, the watch sports a beautiful box-style sapphire crystal. Dial elements have also been treated in C1 X1 Super-LumiNova.

The watch comes on a choice of three bands. The first is a custom made steel bracelet, the second a steel mesh, and the third is a vintage-styled leather.

Specs

Case	316L Stainless Steel 39.5mm Diameter 14.5mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown & Display Case Back 100m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Sapphire Box Crystal 2 Sub-dials Baton Hands Applied Indices Printed Numerals C1 X1 Super-LumiNova
Movement	CIM 100 (Valjoux 7750) 29 Jewels 28 800bph 48-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Stainless Steel Bracelet, Steel Mesh, or Vintage Leather

Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph

Final Thoughts

The Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph is a handsome customer. I love the juxtaposition of case shape against the porthole dial. There is something very satisfying about the odd sub-dial placement, as well. Perhaps it is simply the asymmetry, or the fact that we do not see this orientation often. The coiled tachymeter scale has a distinct vintage appeal, and I like the way it encounters the sub-dials, changing colours as it does. There is a lot going on in this dial, actually, and yet, it remains very legible and does not feel crowded or forced. On wrist, I find the watch to have real presence, as well. It lies on the border of a sports watch and a dress chronograph, and could be easily styled either way with its choice of band. Ultimately, it is out of the ordinary, and I like that most.