As a model, Reservoir is attention-grabbing as a result of lots of its watches are impressed by the dials or meters of different objects, like vehicles and measuring devices. Such is the case with the model’s newest, the Sonomaster Chronograph. For our audiophile pals, the supply of inspiration needs to be apparent. The Sonomaster Chronograph takes its cues from the VU meters of classic hi-fi amplifiers.
The Sonomaster Chronograph incorporates a 43mm case comprised of 316L chrome steel. The case has a brushed end, and it appears to be like to have pretty lengthy lugs; water resistance is rated at 50 meters. In line with Reservoir, the crown and pushers had been impressed by the management buttons and knobs discovered on classic amplifiers. The pushers, specifically, had been made to imitate the look of bass and treble management knobs.
The Sonomaster Chronograph might be out there in two dial variants: black and beige, and silver and black. Sadly, we solely have photographs of the previous, at press time. What instantly captures one’s consideration are the 2 giant cutouts on the dial. On the black dial variant, these cutouts are rendered in a vintage-looking cream coloration. Reservoir says it received the inspiration from the legendary Luxman M10 MkII energy amplifier, which had two giant VU meters.
The one on the left is definitely a retrograde show of the seconds, whereas the one on the appropriate is a retrograde show of the date. The chronograph 30-minute and 12-hour counters are displayed utilizing conventional counters at 12 and 6 o’clock. This configuration provides the dial a symmetrical and harmonious look. Crucially, it retains the helpful date complication with out having a nasty window cutout that some watch lovers completely abhor.
The motion inside is the Calibre RSV-Bi120, which is seen via a show caseback. It employs a manufacture bi-retrograde module on prime of a La Joux Perret base motion, and it beats at 4Hz with an influence reserve of 60 hours. Although we’ll have to substantiate within the metallic, the motion appears to be like to be decently completed with blued screws and perlage on the bridges and plates.
The Sonomaster Chronograph showcases what Reservoir does very properly, and that’s to take design notes from different hobbies and incorporate them in significant methods into its watches. The design of the Sonomaster Chronograph faithfully mimics the look of VU meters, and I believe the colour and font selections are particularly spot-on. My solely concern is that it’s a little bit on the big facet, given the 43mm sizing, lugs that look lengthy, and the modular motion. In any other case, I believe this can be a watch that audiophiles will discover particularly charming. The Reservoir Sonomaster Chronograph is $6,100 USD. For extra info, go to Reservoir’s web site.
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