Baselworld Update - Clerc Welcomes the New Hydroscaph Central Chronograph

The Hydroscaph Central Chronograph Small
 Second featuring an ALDC-treated steel case.

The iconic Hydroscaph diver’s watch collection welcomes a new chronograph featuring enhanced readability. The innovative short-time display is provided by two central hands, one of which shows the seconds and the other the minutes. Luminescent oversized indications ensure maximum legibility for this central chronograph powered by the exclusive self-winding Clerc H608-2 caliber. This sophisticated and technical central chronograph — available in steel or ADLC-treated steel versions — has also successfully undergone cutting-edge tests, performed in the laboratory of Sub Aviator Systems, pioneers in underwater exploration and partners with Clerc since 2015.

The new Hydroscaph Central Chronograph Small Second developed by Clerc Genève asserts itself as the epitome of advanced technology and Swiss fine craftsmanship, combining the precision, practicality, reliability and perfect readability of short-time measurement instruments. Its technical construction and its powerful design make this highly original chronograph an ideal companion for divers as well as speed lovers.

Fully compliant with the demanding standards of haute horlogerie, the exclusive self-winding Clerc C608-2 movement features remarkable innovation with its central display of short-time measurements. Instead of small, hard-to-read counters, the sweep-seconds hand is coupled with another dragging hand indicating the minutes. This original 60-minute display ensures optimal legibility that is just as essential on dry land as in the depths of the ocean. This remarkably precise mechanical movement operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) also drives the hours and minutes hands, small seconds at 3 o’clock and date at 6 o’clock, while delivering a 44-hour power reserve.

The central chronograph is perfect
for shot time measurement.

The structured dial presents a resolutely technical yet reader-friendly face. The individually fashioned, beveled and subtly trapeze-shaped three-dimensional numerals and hour-markers are perfectly legible from any angle. The readability of the functions is reinforced by a Superluminova coating applied to the hour-markers and hands, which are made to reflect a post-industrial design.

Based on a futuristic mindset and uncompromising construction principles, the Hydroscaph Central Chronograph Small Second is fitted with a 103-part, high-tech 43.8mm-diameter case. Developed according to demanding criteria, it is guaranteed water-resistant to 500 meters, equipped with lateral reinforcements and topped by the iconic octagonal rotating bezel. An exclusive device that protects it from any inadvertent activation, since it can only be pivoted by prior deployment of the retractable flap on its dedicated 10 o’clock crown. Once the flap is returned to its initial retracted position, the bezel is securely locked against any risk of accidental deregulation during diving.

The chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock also feature a specific structure. Broad and hollowed out on their inner side, they each react to pressure by pivoting around a lateral axis acting as a lever, very much like a piano key. This ergonomic structure ensures maneuverability that enhances precision when starting, stopping or zero-resetting the chronograph.

A side view of the Hydroscaph Central Chronograph Small Second

The time-setting and winding crown at 3 o’clock ensures an optimal grip, while the 3mm thick glare-proofed sapphire crystal protects this powerful watch from scratches or violent impacts. Meanwhile, the mobile lugs ensure a perfect fit on any wrist, even over a neoprene diving suit.

Like all new Hydroscaph models, this chronograph has successfully undergone a series of particularly stringent dedicated tests, designed to ensure it fully complies with all the required standards for diver’s watches capable of withstanding the extreme conditions at great depths: traction, shocks, visibility, magnetism, water resistance in deep waters, resistance to seawater and corrosion, air or water pressure, extreme temperatures, underwater storms. 

These advanced tests were performed in real-life conditions in the most prestigious subaquatic R&D lab, within the framework of the partnership between Clerc and the submersible technologies specialist, Sub Aviator Systems.

Clerc Hydroscaph Central Chronograph Small Second

Technical Specifications

Movement
Mechanical self-winding, exclusive C608-2 caliber51 jewels28,800 vph44-hour power reserve

Functions

Central chronograph, hours, minutes, small seconds, date

Case

High-density steel or black ADLC-treated high-density steel

Crown activating or locking the rotating bezel

Glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback with twin sapphire apertures

103 components

Water-resistant to 500m (50 ATM /1640ft)

Dial

Night blue or black

Central chronograph minutes and seconds hands

Central hours and minutes hands

Small seconds at 9 o’clock

Date window at 6 o’clock

Strap

Vulcanized rubber with folding clasp