Albishorn Debuts Type X-Graph: A Pilot's Chronograph with a Transparent Dial

Albishorn, a watch brand known for its imaginative vintage-inspired creations, has unveiled its latest offering, the Type X-Graph. This new timepiece delves into a fictional military aviation narrative, presenting what the brand envisions as a prototype pilot's chronograph developed in 1948. This conceptual watch precedes the renowned Type 20 timepieces issued to the French military, showcasing Albishorn's continued exploration of horological history through a unique lens. The Type X-Graph stands out with its innovative transparent polycarbonate dial, subtly revealing the intricate mechanics within, a design choice inspired by early experiments with translucent materials. This limited-edition piece combines classic pilot watch aesthetics with contemporary design elements, making it a noteworthy release for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The Albisorn Type X-Graph: A Vision of 1948 Aviation Horology

In a compelling move on May 29, 2026, the innovative watchmaker Albishorn, helmed by founder Sébastien Chaulmontet and designer Fabien Collioud, introduced the Type X-Graph. This timepiece is a meticulously crafted "imaginary predecessor" to the iconic Type 20 pilot chronographs, conjuring a fascinating narrative of what could have been in military aviation timekeeping. Unlike its predecessors like the Maxigraph, Marinagraph, and Thundergraph, the Type X-Graph introduces a groundbreaking translucent polycarbonate dial, drawing inspiration from 1930s and 1940s experiments with materials like Plexiglas and Lucite. This dial offers a captivating glimpse into the movement, transitioning from an opaque black to smoky grey tones depending on the lighting, creating a dynamic visual effect reminiscent of camouflage while ensuring legibility with its luminous Arabic numerals and hands.

The watch is housed in a robust 39mm stainless steel case, measuring 47.7mm lug-to-lug and 12mm thick (11mm without the box sapphire crystal). Its design features a blend of satin-brushed and polished surfaces, maintaining a utilitarian, instrument-like appeal. A prominent 41.7mm bidirectional bezel, crafted from gunmetal PVD-coated steel, sports an engraved 60-minute scale filled with lacquer and Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility. A distinctive red anodized aluminum monopusher chronograph control is ingeniously integrated on the left side of the case at 9:30, alongside the stainless steel winding crown at 10:30. This ergonomic placement allows for intuitive thumb activation of the start, stop, and reset functions, providing a unique tactile experience. The watch boasts a water resistance of 100m, adding to its practical durability.

The dial's unique fumé anthracite surface, retaining the granular texture of Albishorn's metal dial models, offers an ever-changing display as it interacts with light, revealing the skeletonized (dial-side only) movement beneath. The layout maintains the dashboard-inspired Type 10 configuration, relocating the running seconds and 30-minute counter to 4:30 and 7:30, respectively, departing from the conventional 3 and 9 o'clock positions. A patented chronograph operating indicator at 12 o'clock visually communicates the chronograph's status—black for reset, red for running, and white for stopped—enhancing both functionality and aesthetic intrigue.

Powering the Type X-Graph is the proprietary hand-wound calibre ALB04 M. This COSC-certified monopusher chronograph movement, a re-engineered Sellita SW510M Mp based on the venerable 7750 architecture, operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers a substantial 65-hour power reserve. Its slim profile, at just 5.7mm, contributes to the watch's elegant proportions. The Albishorn Type X-Graph is offered with both black and taupe leather straps, with an optional steel bracelet available for purchase. Limited to a production run of just 99 pieces over three years, this exclusive timepiece will be available online from May 29, 2026. Pricing is set at CHF 4,250 for models on leather straps and CHF 4,700 for those with the steel bracelet, excluding taxes.

The Albishorn Type X-Graph is more than just a timepiece; it's a narrative woven into steel and polycarbonate, a tribute to the "what if" scenarios of history. This watch inspires us to appreciate the delicate balance between innovation and tradition, and how imagination can breathe new life into classic designs. It challenges the conventional understanding of a "vintage" watch by offering a fictional history, prompting a deeper contemplation of design evolution and the stories objects can tell. For watch enthusiasts, it's a testament to creative watchmaking that dares to reinterpret the past with a forward-thinking vision.