Albishorn Thundergraph Himalaya and practical

Even if the story is almost completely composed, there’s something about the watch. When I was tied up by Albishorn’s third model, Thundergraph Himalaya, I was not only wearing a watch, but also connected to a moment of history. Inspired by a 1952 Swiss expedition to Mount Everest, the watch combines vintage charm, thoughtful design and serious mechanical chops. And honestly, I didn’t want to take it off.

Like Type 10, Thundergraph takes inspiration from vintage models that were not present. But that’s a big part of what makes this Quasi-California-Dial Watch so great.

Albishorn Thundergraph Himalaya

As soon as I unleashed the Thundergraph, I realized that this wasn’t yet another retro reissue. I felt that it had a purpose. The 39mm case hits that sweet spot and is not too big or too small. The stainless steel case is confident, but the two-way stadium bezel adds an exploratory feel to the watch. I was particularly drawn to the dial. This is what Albishorn calls the “California Ghost” style. I think it’s very cool, Roman numbers have up and down indexes up, all roaring subtly and easy to see. Next is the oil blue base of Sunburst. It shifts colours in the light, like a mountain lake at dusk. Of course, there is a bronze crown at 10:30 and a bright red chronograph pusher at 9:30, with the quirky and classy features of all Albishorn watches. The Thundergraph looks like a clock made for adventure…and drink with friends.

Swiss Heart, Custom Seoul

Under the hood, the Thundergraph is not your usual chronograph. It is equipped with Albishorn’s unique ALB03 M manual find chronograph movement. It is not an automatic caliber and must be wrapped around. Honestly, it’s part of the fun. This is a COSC certified chronometer. That is, it’s accurate from +6 to -4 seconds per day. And with a 65-hour power reserve, even if you forget that, it’s ticked all the way through the weekend. The architecture comes from the Valjoux 7750, but has been slimmed to just 5.7mm thick and remade. This means that the case remains refined on the wrist and feels like the watch is well balanced. I like that Sebastian Chaulmonte, the genius behind the brand, didn’t just choose the ready-made moves. Instead, he wanted to do something in his own way. It speaks to the thoughts and care behind the clock. Here is real mechanical storytelling.

On the wrist

Despite its expedition-friendly appearance, the Thundergraf Himalayas wear it like a daily watch. On my 7.5 inch (19cm) wrist, it’s snugly low, aided by a short lug and a dense case. No matter where you go, it’s comfortable enough for daily wear. The bronze crown and single pushers don’t dig in, and the push-pull action is surprisingly smooth.

The attached strap is fantastic: one beige suede that pulls out the vintage side and gasoline blue calf leather that leaps towards the modern. Fun fact: The strap thickness is comparable to a rug, giving it a seamless continuation from the case to the leather. I’ve tried it on NATO and it looks great. This is one of the watches that will suit your mood. Honestly, the longer I wore it, the more I appreciated its balance of shape and function. It never screams for attention, but you know it’s there.

Important details

Let’s talk about the little things because they make the Thundergraf Himalayas shine. When you flip the watch over, you will find a steel caseback with an engraved Swiss cross and rope motif. It’s a quiet nod to the mountaineering heritage and a lovely tactile detail. The midcase has a diameter of 39mm, but the bezel has a very wide 42.7mm span and the dial feels completely framed, not amp breach. The 50m water resistance is not at the level of a diving watch, but it is sufficient for most everyday use. The rooms are also bright enough and easy to read in the dark. And that red monopusher? It’s fun to use. One click starts, stops and resets the chronograph in a playful and precise way. As my friend and fellow podcaster Mike Stockton puts it, “a lovely behaviour towards the pusher.”

What should I say?

The kickers are: Albishorn will only make 99 Thundergraph Himalayas over three years. It’s the exclusiveness of the micro-brand, but with Swiss quality and a decent backstory. Also, the price of the CHF 3,650 (e.g. tax) is not a pocket change, but it feels much more personal than the mainstream chrono. They are not trying to compete with the Speedmasters and Monacos around the world. It follows its original path with quiet and confidentness. There’s no flash, gimmicks or marketing of my appearance here. It’s just a real watch and you won’t see it too often (or ever) on someone else’s wrist. If you see you love the clock with your soul, trigger conversations, and make you smile every time you check the time, the Thundergraf Himalayas may be your next great love. It’s such a work – it tells the story, not just the time.

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