When Palmiro Monti launched the world's first chronograph with 4 in-line counters (minutes, hours, 24 hours and continuous seconds) in 2001, he was sure that the public would love it. Now, after 20 years of uninterrupted success, his intuition seems to have hit the mark far beyond expectations. There are very few models that remain in such demand over the decades and become icons.
Over the course of its long career, the Chrono 4 has been declined in dozens of versions differing in size, materials and finishes, and the collection currently consists of over 30 references. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the House has launched five new versions that recapitulate the original spirit, with a 42 mm case, but with more contemporary details such as the use of ceramic. There are three versions with a black ceramic bezel with a tachometric scale: black dial and rubber strap, white dial and alligator strap, and grey dial with steel bracelet.
In terms of overall aesthetic impact, the Clous de Paris guilloché work (also present on the winding crown) of the models with ceramic bezels gives these versions a sporty look despite being a classic of vintage watchmaking. The versions with polished steel bezels have the same colours, but feature a sunburst motif for the centre of the dial and a sunburst motif for the hour-marker band. The "engine" is still the ETA-based EB251 calibre, modified to integrate the patented module that allows the exclusive arrangement of the counters.
The Chrono 4 is to all intents and purposes a classic thanks to its unique and unmistakable design. But its value is due to an unprecedented technical content that is still highly appreciated by the public at a more than adequate price. The variety of versions in production includes references with a classic or more sporty approach that cover all tastes and generate interest among collectors.
