Another historic French watch brand has returned, but this time it’s a way we’ve never seen before. First founded in the 1850s, Chronofixe became a well-known altimeter and 20-inch chronograph manufacturer in the 1960s. The brand then quieted down. The virtually unknown Chronofixe watch of the 1952 model flight has already emerged a few years ago. However, the Asterix 65 Anniversary Limited Edition must be a brand breakthrough.
Chronofixe x Seconde/ Seconde/ Asterix 65th Anniversary Limited Edition
Before jumping into the Asterix Watch, I’d like to explain a little more about the Chronofixe brand. Chronofixe’s history dates back to the mid-19th century. It was founded in 1857 at La Lasse, near the Swiss border. Chronofixe Factory was the only French watchmaker certified to produce altimeter watches. In the early 1950s, the French Ministry of Defense developed a chronograph specification set aimed at the Air Force. The government asked watchmakers to create a Type 20, a highly resistant and flight-qualified model. So, what was more obvious about Chronofixe than the reissue of the 20 model? Well, Chronofixe chose to do it all differently.
Skin Diver
Instead of the obvious choice of the 20-inch chronograph, Chronofixe chose Skin Diver, a completely different type of watch. There is no official definition of skin divers, but it is usually considered a clock with a pressure resistance rating of 10-20 atmospheres. Due to its low rating, it tends to be slimmer and ergonomic than scuba diving, a watch intended for so-called diver watches. Skin divers often have an arched case with a sloping square lug that holds their wrists. And in many cases they have relatively large, unprotected crowns. They are sturdy and sporty, stylish and elegant, with diameters of 34-38mm.
So, what does Chronofixe have to do with skin divers? As far as I know, there’s almost nothing except that the new Asterix 65th Anniversary Watch is certainly sturdy, sporty yet stylish and elegant. And of course, this type of watch is always a good choice. But that’s not where it ends.
Asterix
Instead of celebrating the brand’s 167th anniversary, Chronofixe chose to celebrate Asterix’s 65th. It’s a more attractive number and more famous name. I don’t think there’s much to explain about who Asterix is, but for those unfamiliar with this little powerful warrior in the small village of ancient Gaul, here’s a summary.
Asterix is the main character in a French comic book series created in 1959 by author René Goscinny and illustrator Albert Uderzo. He lives in his last base to resist Roman rule thanks to a magical potion brewed by Getafix, The Village Druid. The potion gives superhuman strength, allowing Asterix and his best friend, Oberix, to outweigh the Roman army. His intelligence, strategic mind, and fortitude make him a true hero. Filled with humor, historical references and playful wordplay, the comic has remained loved for decades, symbolizing resistance, intelligence and victory for the underdogs.
I don’t want to go deeper and deeper into the similarities between Chronofixe and Asterix, but with a bit of imagination, there are certainly a few. This will select the option of Chronofixe connecting the fittings with Asterix.
Collaboration with Seconde/Seconde/
With Chronofixe, having an Asterix image on the watch’s dial or caseback was not enough. The characters had to be an integrated part of the clock design. Who is better to seek this creative challenge than Romaric André, aka Seconde/Seconde/? Frederique Constant, Christopher Ward, Airrain, Maen, H. We’ve seen Seconde/ Seconde/ Spice Up Models, which have been hugely successful with brands like Moser, Nivada Grenchen, Spinnaker, and even Vintage Omega and Excelsior Park. For Chronofixe, the assignment was clear. As in the cartoon, there had to be a lot of Romans, so Asterix should be busy defeating them. Not surprising, Romaric André from Seconde/Seconde/Delivery. The watch celebrates Asterix’s 65-year heritage with a “double level” design approach. With Asterix fans and watch enthusiasts in mind, this design captures Asterix’s cultural relevance and watchmaking sophistication.
detail
As mentioned before, there must be many Romans, and there are! Start with the bold and bright Roman numbers on the dial. First, Asterix beats the biggest and most attention-grabbing number, VIII, and sends it to the other side of the dial. Secondly, we can see that the Roman number IV, not IIII, is much more commonly used on watch dials. Next, you’ll find Roman numerals you’ve never seen before on a one-way 60-click bezel. This is a unique look, x not 10, xx at 20, xl at 40, and L at 50 – great! The final reference to the Romans on the dial is the 3 o’clock window. This displays the date in Roman numerals.
However, references to Asterix and the Romans are not limited to dialing. To conclude, the unscathed and polished crown is decorated with Caesar’s Laurel wreaths. Finally, Asterix appears firmly back in this Chronofixe Sous-Marine case, reciting the words “Resister, Encore et Toujours…” (“Resist, once more…”).
Conclusion, pricing, and non-availability
Like the real world, the world of watches is currently in the least joyous situation. Although sales and results for many brands are struggling with a setback, price increases seem unable to reach limits. So it’s not all the fun and games of the watch industry. This respects initiatives like Chronofixe’s collaboration with Seconde/Seconde/More. We are very pleased that the brand has offered us a hilarious and solid watch at a very affordable price, despite all possibilities.
Chronofixe produced 500 Asterix 65th Anniversary Watches Batches from December 2024 and January 2025. The price was only 395 euros (including VAT), free shipping on mainland France, and small fees in other countries. Unfortunately, this /Seconde /Seconde Collaboration Watch is already sold out, so I say “it was.” A total of 500 pieces are not often found in collaboration watches with an attractive theme that is affordable and affordable for a large audience. But that’s more reason to pay attention to Chronofixe. Rumors say you’ll soon see more interesting models from the brand.
What are your opinions on such collaborations and fun theme watches? Let us know in the comments below!
