For a relatively large watch (it has a 47 mm diameter case) with the signature “trigger” mechanism protruding from it at 9 o’clock, an overall weight of under 100 grammes is quite an achievement for the Graham Chronofighter Superlight Carbon. This is achieved by the comprehensive use of carbon fibre. The case, bezel, trigger, pin buckle and even the dial are all made out of this lightweight yet highly robust material.
The distinctive carbon look, which comes from the ply of the individual sheets of carbon fibre, can be seen clearly on the bezel, dial and trigger, while the matt black look of the case in carbon fibre composite contrasts with this structured look. Distilled to its essence, the limited-edition Chronofighter Superlight Carbon with grey rubber strap and orange markings is the flagship of the collection. Other models are available with rubber straps and colour accents derived from the colours used on Formula 1 tyres: purple, orange, red, white, green, blue and yellow. Unlike the tyres, of course, the rubber used on these straps, with its hobnail pattern, is guaranteed to stand the test of time and not wear out.
Although a more discreet personality might get away with wearing the grey strap model, despite its size, it goes without saying that the more colourful pieces are for people who are not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve, as well as their watch on their wrist. Orange conveys anticipation, green action and purple asserts itself confidently as the new red.
All of these models are powered by the Graham calibre G1747 self-winding chronograph movement, which offers a 48-hour power reserve and can be viewed through a smoked sapphire crystal case back. The chronograph indications on the dial take the form of a central chronograph seconds hand and a minute counter at 6 o’clock (which has the particularity of having its “zero” position at 6 o’clock, rather than 12 o’clock) and a tachymetre scale around the circumference of the dial.
Those who prefer to see their mechanical movements from all sides can opt for the skeletonized version, which uses a different mechanical calibre, the open-worked G1790 with visible escapement and balance wheel, which offers the same 48-hour power reserve but a different arrangement of the chronograph counters, with the continuous small seconds at 3 o’clock and the 30-minute chronograph totalizer at 9 o’clock (in this case with the conventional “zero” at 12 o’clock).
