Experience Excellence: Cimier 47° North - A Field Watch Beyond Compare
The Rebirth of a Legacy: Cimier's Unexpected Triumph with the 47° North
The Cimier 47° North has defied expectations, proving to be a meticulously crafted and polished timepiece from a brand whose recent offerings might not have suggested such excellence. Cimier, with a heritage stretching back to 1924, experienced a hiatus before its revival in 2003. Its recent introduction, following the 7750-based Cimier 711 chronograph, is poised to capture a much broader audience with its refined appeal.
Contemporary Design Meets Heritage: The Ideal Dimensions of the 47° North
Taking its name from Biel/Bienne's latitude, the 47° North artfully blends vintage field watch aesthetics with contemporary design principles. Its dimensions—38mm in diameter, 11.25mm thick, and 46mm lug-to-lug—are perfectly aligned with today's preference for moderately sized watches. This design choice ensures optimal comfort and wearability on various wrist sizes, offering a sleek alternative to larger, more complex models.
Impeccable Craftsmanship: Detailing and Durability of the Cimier 47° North
The watch's sophisticated appeal is further enhanced by its flawless finishing, which skillfully combines brushed and polished surfaces. Details such as a slender chamfered edge and a flat bezel contribute to its elegant profile. With 100 meters of water resistance, the 47° North is exceptionally durable for a watch of its type, suitable for nearly any daily activity. The low-profile, deep-ridged screwdown crown further accentuates its practical and aesthetic design.
A Spectrum of Style: Dial Variants and Luminosity in the 47° North
The dial of the Cimier 47° North evokes comparisons to high-end timepieces like the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5226G, offering a similar aesthetic at a significantly more accessible price point. Unlike its luxury counterpart, the 47° North is available in a diverse palette of colors including black, gray, blue, green, and white. Each variant features a distinctive textured grain and a subtle gradient, complemented by Old Radium Super-LumiNova for exceptional legibility in low-light conditions, particularly striking on the blue and black versions. The vibrant orange seconds hand adds a playful touch across all models.
The Heart of Precision: Unpacking the ETA 2824-2 Movement
Powering the Cimier 47° North is the well-regarded ETA 2824-2 movement, a choice that, while perhaps less common in an era dominated by Sellita and LJP, remains a testament to reliability. This time-tested Swiss automatic caliber offers a 38-hour power reserve and operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Its ease of maintenance and proven performance make it a robust and fitting engine for a watch positioned around the $1,000 price point, ensuring consistent and dependable timekeeping.
The Ultimate Everyday Companion: Versatility and Value of the 47° North
While branded as a field watch, the Cimier 47° North transcends its category with a level of sophistication and versatility that makes it suitable for almost any occasion. Its elegant design allows it to seamlessly transition from casual wear to more formal events, while its robust specifications ensure it can withstand the rigors of daily life. Priced at CHF 850, this watch presents an excellent value proposition for anyone seeking a stylish, durable, and automatic Swiss timepiece, with its only minor critique being an easily replaceable strap.