Tiffany CT60™ Chronograph 42mm
Tiffany Chronograph CT60: mixing useful with enjoyable
The arrival of the new CT60 collection has meant adding self-winding chronographs to Tiffany’s watch range. These are urban products with subtle “vintage” lines.
By Vincent Daveau
Contributor
The watch market is a universe on its own and it is a difficult task to find the ideal design for products intended for an expert public. Hence, choices are made with the aim of satisfying as many watch enthusiasts as possible by venturing off the beaten track. Originality can thus be a strength for as long as it is used in reasonable doses. In the present case, the brand chose to keep the essential dose of technicality around a smart blend of old and modern codes so that the model fell in line with current trends.
A sober vintage case
And so, the design of the case was inspired by the pieces the brand released in the 1940s. Past codes are not obsolete and are still often used today. Thus, the long lugs that are so characteristic of the Art Deco period are a distraction from the (quite large) 42-mm middle of this piece.
The seemingly large size of the watch is somewhat neutralized by curved attachments. These are particularly well studied to make sure they adapt to all types of wrists, including the smallest ones. The refined bezel leaves a large space for the dial, which allows for balanced display and provides unique readability. A lot of effort was also put into harmonizing the classic pushers with the crown whose refined gadroon treatment makes it easy to handle.
A streamlined dial
The design of this contemporary piece is hence determinedly classical. The dial has sober features but also exudes an intense presence, thus yet again reinforcing the first impression. The typography of the Arabic numerals is inspired by the one used in the 1940s for on-board instruments or for speedometers in sports cars. The numerals stand out admirably well. This is mostly thanks to the underlining, which is typical of past designs and enables the numerals to contrast with the luminescent area. Together with the sword-shaped hands and the yellow and red-tipped second hand, the numerals enhance the chronograph’s readability to a maximum. Purists will particularly appreciate the plate’s detailed features.
On the dial we also find a red “60”; it is a graphic reference to the collection name CT60, i.e. 60 seconds of possibilities and opportunities offered in a minute. A discreet date aperture and two refined snailed timers are also affixed on the dial. The first timer enables one to read the permanent seconds and to check whether the instrument is working or not. The second timer displays the minute countdown when we start the chronograph.
A reference caliber
Available in either 316L steel or 18K pink gold cases, the self-winding mechanical caliber confers this piece a modern dimension in contrast with its “vintage” look. Not only will watch enthusiasts be able to observe the oscillations of the balance of the Ref. TCO 0279 caliber through the transparent back but they shall also be able to appreciate the quality of finish of all the movement’s components. For example, the bridges were treated with “côte de Genève” and the plate’s recesses were “bouchonnés” and circular-grained. The self-winding caliber is equipped with a pleasantly customized oscillating mass. Once the barrel is fully wound, it guarantees a 42-hour power reserve.
Uncommon finishes
The CT60 chronograph is available in eight different finishes. Purists with a liking for alligator straps can choose to pair it with three different choices of dials. The first one is silvery and will better suit traditional watch aficionados. The second one is in sunburst night blue and will appeal to modern individuals. The third one has a superb black finish that will attract people with a liking for military products. The three dials are obviously also available for the steel strap version. Sportspeople or people living in hot and humid areas will most likely opt for leather straps, which they know are better suited for those temperatures. In an endeavor to provide for every taste, the brand produced a pink gold version that comes exclusively with an alligator leather strap and a silver or refined sunburst brown dial. These will particularly appeal to fans of rare pieces.
