The Masculine DeWitt Academia Chronostream II Review
Situated near Geneva airport, Meyrin is a town that is home to some of the most prestigious watch brands in the world, including DeWitt. DeWitt is a luxury watch company that creates exceptional horological creations in its modern atelier. They offer a vast range of tourbillons, each with innovative designs and exceptional finishing. Jérome de Witt, the founder of DeWitt, is passionate about engineering and vintage cars, and his unique perspective has brought a fresh outlook to the world of fine watchmaking. De Witt applies technical solutions from other fields when conceiving new movements, which is not a conventional approach. De Witt’s creativity is free-flowing and delivers truly unique timepieces.
DeWitt has a team of skilled watchmakers and craftsmen who bring Mr. de Witt’s ideas to life and create stunning luxury objects. Additionally, the Maison has a unique capability to produce its own watch movements and dials in-house. Although I have an inclination towards complicated watches, I have a special fondness for chronographs. Recently I had the chance to wear the DeWitt Academia Chronostream II watch and satisfy my various interests in horology, thanks to the watch’s two push pieces that provide access to multiple internal components.
The dial
The DeWitt Academia Chronostream II boasts a dial that is intricately designed, with no indication of mass production. The hour and minute hands are fashioned from 18-carat rose gold and are sword-shaped with an openwork design. The hour markers comprise a blend of Arabic numerals and triangular batons, with the latter being replaced by two registers at 3 and 9 o’clock. DeWitt has taken a bespoke approach to the indices, ensuring that the dial is rich in detail. The triangular indices are faceted and polished on all surfaces except for a central section that is matte. These subtle details reinforce the watch’s high-quality design.
The time is indicated clearly by the alignment of the hour and minute hands with the hour markers. Additionally, the central chronograph second hand, which is typically blue, matches the hands on the chronograph registers. I am fond of bi-compax dials as they offer symmetry, with a 30-minute chronograph register located near 3 o’clock and the running seconds displayed at 9 o’clock. The dial’s counters are rimmed with gold-colored circles and have a silvered finish. Each subdial above the main dial has a chapter ring around it. The black central area of the dial features a textured pattern known as Clous de Paris, which enhances its aesthetic appeal. Next to this pyramidal motif is a tachymeter scale in a pale blue typeface, emphasizing the watch’s sporty character.
The dial of the watch has a railway track around its edge, with clear markings and Arabic numerals for easy reading. In addition to the tachymeter scale, there is a subsecond measurement track located between the railway track and the tachymeter. The watch brand, DeWitt, pays homage to its founder’s ancestry as a descendant of Emperor Napoleon by including imperial columns on its watch cases. The dial also has a pattern resembling battlements of castle walls.
The case
The DeWitt Academia Chronostream II is a watch with a 42.5mm case made of 18-carat rose gold that has mostly polished surfaces but still maintains its elegance. The lugs have satin brushed recessed flanks that provide a pleasant contrast with nearby surfaces. The chronograph push pieces have vertical flanks decorated with squares, and the crown has the brand’s ‘W’ logo. The watch’s unique feel is due to the various textures used in its design.
The Academia Chronostream II by DeWitt has been given a unique character by the brand. The watch has a sporty feel, yet a dressy look. The caseband features Imperial columns as a tribute to the DeWitt family’s history, but also includes rubber inlays for a modern touch. Unlike some of its counterparts, the DeWitt Academia Chronostream II does not have an exhibition caseback, but rather a solid panel with the brand’s ‘W’ logo. Although the decision to hide the movement is disappointing, having seen the attention to detail put into it, the finishing behind the golden exterior is sure to be impressive. It is unfortunate that only the watchmaker will have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty inside the case. The Caliber DW6005 is a self-winding movement that includes 27 jewels and has the ability to operate for 48 hours. It has a balance frequency of 28,800 VpH (4Hz).
Closing remarks
The dial of the DeWitt Academia Chronostream II is adorned with various intricate details, demonstrating the Swiss company’s attention to detail. The dial is skillfully crafted with a range of textures and depths, showcasing the high standards of DeWitt’s in-house production. This level of quality sets DeWitt’s watches apart from others in the market. Despite the risk of overwhelming the dial with too many details, DeWitt has managed to maintain clarity in the design of the Academia Chronostream II.
DeWitt has given due attention to the case design while also focusing on the dial. The watch has an 18-carat rose gold case that features black rubber detailing on the caseband, making it look modern. The case has a blend of satin-finished and polished surfaces that enhance its attractiveness. The push pieces and crown have a unique texture that provides a tactile experience. Overall, the watch has an impressive appearance and feel.
DeWitt has successfully integrated various design elements into both the dial and case of their watches without any conflicting or disharmonious aspects. They are known for their unique approach to watchmaking, as each piece is meticulously assembled, set, and examined by a single skilled craftsman. The DeWitt Academia Chronostream II watch feels exceptional and stands out as a contemporary, distinct, and magnificent timepiece.
