Albishorn, the nascent independent Swiss watch brand established in 2024 by Sébastien Chaulmontet, has carved a distinct niche for itself with its "imaginary vintage" concept. This approach focuses on crafting timepieces that are visually rooted in bygone eras but represent designs that, in reality, never existed. A year after its debut, Albishorn is revisiting its successful Marinagraph model, a robust skin diver distinguished by a patented 10-minute regatta countdown function. This innovative feature is designed to evoke the spirit of a "what if" scenario, imagining a watch that could have graced the wrist of the crew aboard the Columbia, the formidable American defender in the 1958 America’s Cup. Now, Albishorn is expanding this compelling narrative with two new iterations of the Marinagraph, featuring striking white or black "decks" that offer a fresh aesthetic perspective.
The Genesis of Imaginary Vintage: Albishorn’s Unique Philosophy
The concept of "imaginary vintage" is at the heart of Albishorn’s identity. Unlike brands that meticulously recreate historical models or offer faithful reissues, Albishorn delves into the realm of hypothetical designs. This allows for a unique blend of retro aesthetics and modern horological innovation, unburdened by the constraints of historical accuracy. Sébastien Chaulmontet, a seasoned figure in the watch industry, founded Albishorn with the explicit aim of exploring these unexplored design territories. The brand’s debut offering, the Maxigraph, a regatta chronograph inspired by 1930s aesthetics, set the stage for this distinctive approach. The Marinagraph, building upon this foundation, further refines the brand’s narrative by connecting its fictional designs to significant moments in maritime history.
The Marinagraph: A Tribute to 1958 Nautical Ambition
The Albishorn Marinagraph is not merely a watch; it is a carefully crafted narrative that transports the wearer to the high-stakes world of competitive sailing. The choice of the 1958 America’s Cup is particularly evocative. This edition of the prestigious sailing race saw the innovative Columbia syndicate, led by the legendary Emil Mosbacher Jr., challenge the reigning British champion, Sceptre. The Columbia, a cutting-edge J-class yacht, represented a significant leap in design and technology for its time, embodying the spirit of innovation and determination. Albishorn’s Marinagraph seeks to capture this spirit by imagining a tool watch that would have been indispensable for Columbia‘s crew during the tense pre-start sequences of a regatta.
The Patented 10-Minute Regatta Countdown: A Functional Masterstroke
At the core of the Marinagraph’s functionality is its patented 10-minute retrograde countdown timer. This feature is crucial for yacht racing, where precise timing in the minutes leading up to the starting signal is paramount. The countdown hand operates independently of the main chronograph seconds hand. Upon activation, it sweeps backward from the 10-minute mark. Critically, once it reaches zero, the hand freezes in place, preventing any ambiguity or visual clutter at the precise moment the race begins. This allows the main chronograph seconds hand to continue its function, tracking the race progression without interference.
The activation of this sophisticated complication is managed by a single, distinctive monopusher. Positioned at 9 o’clock, this pusher is crafted from red, ribbed anodised aluminum. This material choice is a deliberate nod to the Columbia‘s towering aluminium mast, a symbol of its advanced construction. The "destro" layout, with the pusher on the left side of the case and the crown at 10 o’clock, is a functional choice. It allows for easy and efficient operation of the chronograph with the thumb, considered the most adept digit for such tasks. This ergonomic consideration is a hallmark of well-designed tool watches, especially those intended for demanding environments.
Design Evolution: From Maxigraph to Marinagraph’s New Dial Configurations
While the Marinagraph draws inspiration from the 1958 America’s Cup, its design lineage is firmly anchored to Albishorn’s debut piece, the Maxigraph. The new Marinagraph models share the same meticulously proportioned 39mm stainless steel case, measuring 13mm in thickness with a substantial 47.7mm lug-to-lug distance. This size strikes a balance between vintage proportions and contemporary wearability, ensuring comfort on a variety of wrist sizes.
A significant design element that distinguishes the Marinagraph is its flared, 42.7mm bidirectional bezel. In previous iterations, this bezel featured an aluminium insert and a tide function. However, the new Classic and Classic Fumé models adopt a more refined aesthetic. The bezel is now topped with a black, domed sapphire crystal insert, complete with luminescent markings. This change not only enhances the visual appeal but also maintains legibility in low-light conditions, a critical factor for any watch intended for maritime use. Despite the bezel’s prominence, which partially obscures the case, the case itself is finished with alternating brushed and polished surfaces, showcasing a commitment to detail and craftsmanship.
The water resistance of 100 meters ensures that the Marinagraph is a capable companion for aquatic activities, while the sealed caseback is elegantly decorated with the silhouette of a 12-foot yacht, a subtle yet powerful reminder of the watch’s nautical heritage.
The Dial: A Canvas of Clarity and Nautical Precision
The two new Marinagraph references offer distinct dial aesthetics, catering to different preferences while upholding the collection’s commitment to superior legibility.
The Classic Black Dial
The Marinagraph Classic features a sunburst black dial. This deep, lustrous finish creates a dramatic backdrop for the watch’s functions. The absence of sub-dials, often found in traditional chronographs, contributes to a clean and uncluttered "deck." The 10-minute countdown is elegantly presented as a retrograde arc in the lower left quadrant of the dial, rendered in striking blue and red hues. The crucial 5-minute sector within this arc is highlighted in red, providing an immediate visual cue for the critical final minutes of the countdown.
The Classic Fumé White Dial
Complementing the black dial is the Classic Fumé model, which boasts a white lacquered dial with a captivating gradient finish. This "fumé" effect, where the color deepens towards the edges, adds a layer of sophistication and vintage charm. Like its black counterpart, this dial is free from sub-dials, ensuring maximum clarity. The retrograde countdown arc on this model is presented in white and blue, with the decisive 5-minute sector again highlighted in red for enhanced visibility.
Legibility and Detail: Applied Markers and Luminescence
Across both dial variations, Albishorn has paid meticulous attention to the applied markers, ensuring they are fully intact and easily readable. Triangles at the cardinal points (3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock) and circular markers elsewhere are enhanced with Super-LumiNova, providing excellent luminescence. The rhomboid-shaped tips of the hour and minute hands, treated with SLN, are a subtle design element that echoes the brand’s mountain emblem, reinforcing Albishorn’s identity.
A circular aperture at 3 o’clock serves as a running indicator for the chronograph, displayed in blue and red for the white dial and white and blue for the black dial, adding a touch of subtle color. The central chronograph seconds hand on the black dial is a vibrant bright red with a retro-style lollipop counterweight, which is also luminescent and matches the countdown hands. On the white dial version, these hands are presented in blue, maintaining a cohesive color scheme.
The Heart of the Matter: The Calibre ALB01 A
Powering the Albishorn Marinagraph is the proprietary calibre ALB01 A. This automatic monopusher chronograph movement is a testament to Albishorn’s commitment to in-house development and modification. While rooted in the robust architecture of the Sellita SW500 (itself a descendant of the legendary Valjoux 7750), the ALB01 A has undergone extensive modification and rotation. Measuring a slim 6.6mm in thickness, this movement is remarkably compact, allowing for the relatively slender profile of the Marinagraph case. It boasts a respectable power reserve of 64 hours and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). The movement’s core function is the monopusher chronograph with the patented ten-minute retrograde regatta timer, further enhanced by the integrated running indicator.
Availability and Pricing: Accessible Horological Narratives
Albishorn has made the Marinagraph accessible to a wider audience of watch enthusiasts, further enhancing its appeal. The new models are produced in limited editions, with 99 pieces available for each colorway. This exclusivity adds to the desirability of the timepieces.
The pricing structure offers two options:
- Rubber Strap Version: Retailing at CHF 3,950 (excluding tax), this option includes two tropic-style rubber straps, providing a classic and comfortable choice for water-based activities. The black dial is paired with black and red straps, while the white dial comes with white and black straps.
- Steel Bracelet Version: For those who prefer the robustness and aesthetic of a metal bracelet, this option is priced at CHF 4,400 (excluding tax). Crucially, this version also includes two tropic-style rubber straps, offering versatility and value.
These exclusive timepieces are available solely through Albishorn’s official online store at Albishorn-Watches.ch. The sales commenced on August 14, 2026, at 09:00 EDT and 15:00 EST, marking another significant milestone for the young brand.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The introduction of the new Marinagraph models signifies Albishorn’s strategic growth and its commitment to expanding its "imaginary vintage" narrative. By offering variations on a successful theme, the brand demonstrates its ability to innovate while staying true to its core philosophy. The focus on functional complications like the regatta timer, combined with evocative historical references, positions Albishorn as a compelling independent player in the Swiss watchmaking landscape.
The brand’s success hinges on its ability to consistently deliver on its promise of unique designs, quality craftsmanship, and engaging storytelling. The Marinagraph, with its blend of historical imagination, practical functionality, and modern execution, appears to be a strong testament to this potential. As Albishorn continues to explore the vast possibilities of "what if" watch designs, collectors can anticipate further intriguing creations that bridge the gap between aspirational pasts and present-day horological excellence. The brand’s direct-to-consumer online sales model also suggests a modern approach to market engagement, aiming to foster a direct relationship with its clientele.
Technical Specifications
Case:
- 39mm diameter (42.7mm including bezel) x 13mm thickness x 47.7mm lug-to-lug
- Stainless steel case, satin-finished with polished chamfers and accents
- Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Steel bidirectional rotating bezel with black sapphire crystal insert and Super-LumiNova white markings
- Monopusher in red anodised aluminium on the left case flank
- Crown at 10 o’clock
- Screwed solid steel caseback with engraved silhouette of a 12-foot yacht
- 100 meters water-resistance
Dial:
- Classic sunburst black dial OR Classic Fumé white lacquered dial with gradient finish
- Applied indices (triangular and circular) treated with Super-LumiNova
- Blue and red regatta retrograde countdown timer at 7 o’clock
- Hour and minute hands with SLN
- Central chronograph seconds hand and countdown hand (blue for white dial, red for black dial) with SLN in lollipop counterweight
- Running indicator at 3 o’clock
Movement:
- Proprietary and patented automatic ALB01 A calibre
- Monopusher chronograph (heavily modified 7750 architecture)
- 30mm x 6.6mm dimensions
- 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
- 25 jewels
- 64-hour power reserve
- Functions: Hours, minutes, monopusher chronograph with patented ten-minute countdown regatta timer with running indicator
Strap/Bracelet:
- Black dial paired with 2 tropic-style rubber straps (black and red), both with Albishorn buckle.
- White dial paired with 2 tropic-style rubber straps (white and black), both with Albishorn buckle.
- Stainless steel bracelet with double-folding clasp, concealed extensions, and quick-release system (plus 2 rubber straps).
Availability:
- Limited to 99 pieces in each colourway.
- Available exclusively online at albishorn-watches.ch from August 14, 2026, at 09:00 EDT and 15:00 EST.
Price:
- CHF 3,950 (excluding tax) for the rubber strap version.
- CHF 4,400 (excluding tax) for the steel bracelet version (includes 2 rubber straps).
