We think that one of the top watch flexing moves is to own a sapphire crystal case watch. However, while one can find lower-end sapphire crystal watches in the market under USD 5K —typically from Asia—, there’s nothing comparable to getting the ‘real deal’ from an established Swiss brand where the craftsmanship and Swiss origin of the watch make a huge difference. The CVSTOS Metropolitan Chronograph Sapphire Rhodium ref. F00112.4286001 is a fantastic option for under USD 50K boasting a generous but very wearable sapphire crystal case, a rhodium-skeletonized finished movement, and a very convenient automatic 30-minute chronograph. This watch is limited to only 50 pieces which adds up to the exclusivity of owning this timepiece.
Things to Know About the Watch
The CVSTOS Metropolitan Chronograph Sapphire Rhodium is equipped with a tonneau-shaped case in sapphire crystal measuring 42 mm across by 51 mm in length. The watch is equipped with a skeletonized movement that is rhodium-finished and the titanium dial side features a flange in sapphire crystal as well as a running seconds indicator sapphire ring with white transfers at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute chrono totalizer also equipped with a sapphire crystal ring with white transfers. The hands and markers feature SuperLumiNova and are made out of chromed titanium, while the pushers and the screw-down crown are made of grade 5 titanium.
The clarity of the sapphire crystal case on the CVSTOS Metropolitan Chronograph is unparalleled and a true hallmark of luxury and durability in the horological world. Made from synthetic sapphire, these crystals are renowned for their exceptional hardness and scratch resistance, ranking just below the diamond on the Mohs scale. Sapphire crystal is created through a process called the Verneuil method or the Czochralski process, where aluminum oxide is passed through a flame, melted down, and then cooled to form a hard crystal that is pulled individually. This synthetic production method allows for greater control over the material’s properties, ensuring consistent quality.
The skeletonization of the movement and its baseplate leaves very little to the imagination and it provides incredible visibility of the whole movement including the skeletonized mainspring barrel. As far as readability of the time, this is somewhat compromised by the rhodium finish on the movement that makes the hour and minute hands blend in a little bit too much despite their SuperLumiNova inserts. Not a deal breaker here, just something to think about.
The movement features anglage and a prominent vertical satin-brushed finish throughout that makes the watch look really incredible.
The CVSTOS Metropolitan Chronograph Sapphire Rhodium is equipped with an opaque rubber strap that is fitted with a double deployant buckle in titanium signed CVSTOS.
The Movement
The CVSTOS Metropolitan Chronograph Sapphire Rhodium is powered by the automatic skeletonized CVSTOS calibre CVS758 with a power reserve of 42 hours and is equipped with 25 jewels. This movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph.
The movement is equipped with a skeletonized rotor with a black QR code that allows the owner to scan the code and get all the information regarding this timepiece including reference number, individual case number, specifications of the watch, purchase data —warranty—, and access to the user manual.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the CVSTOS Metropolitan Chronograph Sapphire Rhodium wears true to its size and is very light on the wrist. This is the kind of watch that doesn’t go unnoticed and it’s a true conversation starter. The level of transparency is simply out of this world and the sapphire crystal case allows for a full view from any angle of every component of the watch. A true work of horological art in every sense of the word. This watch is also available with a 5N red gold dial or with a blue one.
Sticker Price USD 45,500. For more info on Bianchet click here.
