Buffy Acacia
Currently, many Swiss watchmakers are experiencing a revival. Quartz Crisis Chaosdrawing on an established catalogue of vintage designs to play on the nostalgia factor: Cimiez is not quite the same as it used to be.Back from the Dead‘ has been around for over 20 years, and the brand is in fact releasing much higher quality watches than before. The Cimiez 711 Heritage Chronograph is a great example of a brand that embraces its past while still looking to the future.
Founded on a focus on pin pallet escapements, Cimiez wasn’t just budget-friendly, it was a real bargain. That’s not to say the watches were junk, but the movements were considered essentially disposable and it was clear that they were targeted at the lower echelons of Swiss watchmaking. As quartz watches came to occupy the lowest rungs of the watchmaking hierarchy, brands like Cimiez were no good, even if they had an existing following. The new 711 Heritage Chronograph is by no means a vintage reissue, but it is a retro-styled chronograph that pays homage to some of Cimiez’s best design choices.
Dial
Jumping straight to the 711 Heritage Chronograph’s most eye-catching features, its dial is full of unique touches without feeling out of place. The 711 in the name refers to the two chronograph subdials at 7 and 11 o’clock, capable of recording up to 12 hours and 30 minutes, respectively. A spiral tachymeter runs along the inside of a recessed wheel around the center of the dial, accentuating the dial’s depth. Where the subdials interrupt the concentrically engraved tachymeter, the tachymeter runs above it in a bright orange color that matches the seconds hand.
If you take a look at some of the original Cimier Sport chronographs from the ’50s and ’60s, you’ll see that style translated into a more modern interpretation. The telemeter scale travels around the dial, the Arabic numerals are still easy to read, and of course the 711 sub-dial layout is a Cimier speciality. But the modern logo, bright blue sunburst finish, and precise execution of each element make it all into a thoroughly contemporary watch. There’s also a Panda-inspired version with an aged cream dial and black sub-dials.
Incident
The Cimiez 711 Heritage Chronograph’s dial may not be a reproduction, but the case is a pretty faithful replica of the Cimiez chronographs of the 1970s. The angular lugs are chunky and tonneau-shaped, though not quite cushioned, and stronger than most ’60s styles. The brushed finish on the nearly flat surfaces gives it a strong tool watch vibe, and the polished bezel and beveled edges add a touch of sophistication. All in all, it’s very versatile stylistically.
The case is a little on the thicker side, so it fits the average wrist. It has a 39.5mm diameter and 47mm lug-to-lug length, so it can be worn on smaller wrists without feeling out of place. The 14.45mm thickness is definitely noticeable, but not bad. The case is waterproof to 100m It is fitted with an automatic chronograph movement with additional modules. The crystal is a flat box sapphire with an anti-reflective coating on the inside.
motion
The Cimiez 711 Heritage Chronograph, named CIM 100 Uses ETA/Valjoux 7750 movementAn automatic chronograph that was featured in millions of watches throughout the 1970s and is still used today for its reliability and accuracy. A special module has been incorporated to allow for the 711 sub-dial display, which is what makes this watch unique. Apart from that, it has the 48-hour power reserve and 28,800vph frequency you would expect from an iconic movement, which is a significant improvement over the actual movement that Cimiez used to make. Those that simply hack the entire movement, such as those with a “chronostop” function As a cheaper alternative to a real chronograph.
strap
There are three strap options available when ordering the 711 Heritage Chronograph. Two are steel bracelets, and the third is a simple side-stitched black leather strap. With a straight shoulder between the lugs, neither bracelet requires end links, and both match the watch. The single-link style is definitely reminiscent of ’70s style, while the Milanese mesh bracelet pictured is a more timeless, less adventurous look. All three options come with quick-release spring bars, which can be purchased separately from Cimier or you can find a third-party strap in the 22mm size.
Verdict
If someone described a ’70s case and a ’50s refinished dial, the watch would probably seem a bit confusing. But the Cimiez 711 Heritage Chronograph is confident in its modern identity and stands tall among many other Swiss chronographs in its price range. Cimiez is no longer a company that makes the cheapest Swiss chronograph possible, but rather a well-rounded choice in both value and design.
Pricing and Availability for the Cimiez 711 Heritage Chronograph
The Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph is available to purchase from the Cimier website Price: CHF 2,480 (leather strap, approx. US$2,930) / CHF 2,525 (mesh bracelet, approx. US$2,990) / CHF 2,575 (solid bracelet, approx. US$3,050)
Brand Cimier Model 711 Heritage Chronograph Case Size 39.5mm (D) x 14.45mm (T) x 47mm (LTL) Case Material Stainless Steel Water Resistance 100 meters Crystal Sapphire front and back Dial Blue sunburst or vintage panda Lug Width 22mm Bracelet Milanese mesh, steel bracelet, or black leather strap Movement Modified ETA/Valjoux 7750, automatic Power Reserve 48 hours Functions Chronograph with hours, minutes, 30-minute and 12-hour counters Availability Currently available Price CHF 2,480 (leather strap, approx. US$2,930)
CHF 2,525 (mesh bracelet, approx. US$2,990)
CHF 2,575 (solid bracelet, approx. US$3,050)
