The Edox Chrono Offshore 1 Chronograph Japan Limited Edition is a luxurious watch that is perfect for casual wear! [Wearing Review]

Motor journalist Hiroki Yamada reviews Edox's new 2024 Chrono Offshore 1 Chronograph Japan Limited Edition. What are the capabilities of this high-spec diver's watch, water resistant to 1000m, which is sold exclusively in Japan?

Wear review of the "Chrono Offshore 1 Chronograph Japan Limited Edition"!

　This bold diver's watch features a large, black body with titanium-colored indices and gray hands, making it stand out like a monochrome photograph. But it's not just any "diver's watch." The case features an automatic helium escape valve for saturation diving at 9 o'clock, and a start and reset button for the chronograph on the other side, making it a "high-spec diver's watch."

　This watch is the Chrono Offshore 1, the flagship collection of Edox, a long-established brand based in Les Geneves, canton of Jura, Switzerland. Edox is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion, the company is releasing a Japan-only model, the Chrono Offshore 1 Chronograph Japan Limited Edition, which we've given you a sneak peek at.

Experience the worldview that Edox has incorporated into this work

　So, to begin with, let me explain the stance of this model. The Chrono Offshore 1 is inspired by the world of powerboat racing, also known as the "F1 of the sea." The key point is that the design is not only dynamic, but also elegant. Furthermore, with its jet-black dial and body, this Japan edition also expresses the world of the "1000m deep sea," which can be reached with this model's waterproof function.

　The 45mm diameter body leaves a dignified impression. The diving bezel that covers the top of the body is made of high-tech ceramic. Together with the 3mm thick sapphire crystal glass, it reflects light, creating a luxurious atmosphere, while also being tough enough to withstand deformation, corrosion, and scratches. Its combination of seemingly contradictory qualities, dazzling and robust, is a perfect image of the boating world. The only downside is that the spring and vibration of the unidirectional rotating bezel makes it feel a bit light when turned all at once, somewhat lacking in a sense of luxury. However, when turned slowly, its lightness and precision are not bad.

Excellent exterior finish

　The actual weight of this watch is 136g, which is unexpectedly light considering its black PVD finish. This is no surprise, as the case is made of "Grade 2 Titanium," also known as pure titanium. Grade 2 Titanium is not only lightweight, but also highly corrosion-resistant, making it an ideal material for marine use.

　Although pure titanium is difficult to process, the case is beautifully crafted.

　In contrast to the linear proportions around the lugs, the sides of the case are plump and rounded, creating a lovely contrast. The sides of the case also have a subtle hairline finish, creating a subdued woodgrain-like atmosphere in contrast to the sparkling bezel. I think this use of variation and contrast is a very clever design.

　Turning our attention to the dial, as mentioned above, the jet black surface is complemented by titanium-colored indexes and gray hour and minute hands, creating a chic gradation. The only Arabic numeral, "1," evokes the name Chrono Offshore "1" and the champion number in powerboat racing.

　By the way, the Japan-limited model has five black diamonds embedded in the "1" index, which is said to be a symbol of strength.

　Personally, I think the green luminous paint matches the black body beautifully, but this model only glows faintly in the dark, and it's a bit disappointing that the color quickly disappears even when exposed to light in bright places.

How comfortable are the straps and buckles?

　The strap that fastens the chunky top to your wrist is a silicone-blended rubber type. In terms of comfort alone, it would seem like it would be better if it contained a little more silicone, but although this strap is light, it also acts as a suspension to support the inertia of the body, which has a high center of gravity, and overall it fits the wrist quite well. In terms of appearance, the three-dimensional stud pattern is also unique. Although it deviates greatly from functionality, I thought it would look luxurious and punkish even with real studs.

　In terms of operability, what caught my attention was the ease of use of the D-buckle.

　First of all, the buckle itself that holds the belt in place is a sturdy two-fold type, which makes it thick. With a rubber strap, you have to push the belt into the fixed and free-floor straps at the end of closing it, which makes it less smooth.

　The rubber strap has three adjustment holes to allow for a wide range of fitting options, which is a thoughtful touch, but I also wonder whether a D-buckle is really necessary for a rubber band that is designed to be durable.

　That said, it is sturdy when mounted, and the perlage on the folding part is stylish. Personally, I would like a pin buckle, but I think the freedom to enjoy such "useless" things is necessary in the world of boating.

A watch that lets you "take off the clock" in a good way

　It may be a little late to mention, but this watch is a quartz watch. This may dampen the enthusiasm of some readers, but even as a mechanical fundamentalist, I felt that quartz movement was a perfect fit for this watch. Incidentally, the Chrono Offshore 1 also comes in a mechanical lineup.

　The first thing that I found good about quartz is that the hands move in one-second steps. With a small second hand, this makes it very easy to set the time. Once you set the time, it's foolproof. Checking the time every morning, correcting if necessary, and winding the mainspring are rituals and daily routines for mechanical watch enthusiasts. However, the Chrono Offshore 1 has the merit of freeing you from such hassle for a moment. And because it's a quartz movement that can be left alone, it's comfortable to wear whenever you want.

　In a good sense, this allows you to "unplug the clock." By the way, the error during the one week I used it was ultimately +1 second.

　The chronograph operation is quite normal, and in this respect it is also comfortable.

　Although a screw-down crown is used for water resistance, it requires some effort when timing, but the spring rate of both the start/stop button and the reset button has just the right amount of tension, and there is just the right amount of crispness when you push them. Furthermore, when resetting to zero, the chronograph hand moves around the dial and returns to its original position.

　Like the indices, the hands of the 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock and the 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock are gray, and they aren't particularly easy to read. However, the slightly lighter gray scales are easy to see, and overall, the watch is quite user-friendly as a chronograph.

A luxurious diver's watch that can be used casually!

　Overall, the Edox Chrono Offshore 1 is a luxurious watch that can be used roughly without fear of damage, taking advantage of its foolproof nature. Its high-tech ceramic construction, 1000m water resistance, and tough, stylish all-black finish make it a perfect choice.

　Considering this, the price of 297,000 yen is quite well-balanced. It may seem a little pricey due to exchange rates, but it still strikes a good balance between a high-quality exterior, robustness that can be used roughly, and an affordable price. Since Chronos readers are accustomed to handling mechanical watches properly, they are unlikely to treat it roughly, even if it is called rough. Once you put it on your wrist, you will surely understand its merits.