The Armand Nicolet Automatic Chronograph Open Worked Limited Edition is an exclusive Swiss mechanical chronograph created in a production run of only 25 pieces worldwide. Developed as a special collaboration between Armand Nicolet, Qbrand, and Catawiki, this rare edition combines the technical appeal of an automatic chronograph with the visual depth of a fully open-worked dial, allowing the movement to become part of the overall design.
Powered by a Swiss automatic Dubois-Dépraz chronograph caliber built on the proven Sellita SW200 architecture, the watch pairs reliable mechanical performance with a contemporary skeletonized aesthetic. Its robust 45 mm case, 300-meter water resistance, and professional-grade construction make it particularly unusual within the open-worked chronograph category, where high water resistance is relatively uncommon.
Its combination of rarity, recognizable Swiss craftsmanship, and distinctive design makes this limited edition especially appealing to collectors looking for something beyond the standard production models found in the Armand Nicolet collection.
Design
The design of the Armand Nicolet Automatic Chronograph immediately reflects its modern interpretation of Swiss sports watchmaking. The generous 45 mm stainless steel case receives a black PVD treatment that gives the watch a technical and contemporary appearance while creating strong contrast with the exposed metallic components visible through the skeletonized dial. Brushed and satin-finished surfaces dominate the exterior, emphasizing the watch’s industrial character without appearing overly aggressive.
Surrounding the dial is a fixed bezel featuring a textured black finish combined with a vivid blue inner ring carrying a tachymeter scale. Rather than overwhelming the overall design, the blue elements introduce visual energy while helping frame the movement underneath. The bezel integrates naturally with the case architecture, reinforcing the watch’s sporty identity.
The fully open-worked dial is undoubtedly the defining visual element of this limited edition. Large sections of the movement remain visible throughout the display, exposing bridges, gears, screws, and chronograph components while maintaining an organized layout. Blue accents continue across several bridges and chapter rings, creating a coherent color scheme that contrasts effectively against the silver-toned movement plates and dark exterior.
Applied baton hour markers provide clear reference points around the outer chapter ring, while broad skeletonized hands with luminous inserts preserve legibility despite the visually complex background. The chronograph counters remain easy to distinguish thanks to their circular framing, while the oversized double-date aperture positioned around 3 o’clock introduces practical everyday functionality without disrupting the symmetry of the design.
At 6 o’clock, the exposed balance assembly becomes an important focal point, giving the watch additional mechanical character while reinforcing its open-worked philosophy. The Armand Nicolet signature appears within the upper chronograph register, while the “Limited to 25 PCS” inscription reminds the wearer of the model’s exceptional exclusivity.
Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, allowing the intricate movement architecture to remain clearly visible under varying lighting conditions. Completing the watch is a black rubber strap featuring embossed Armand Nicolet logos, visually balancing the substantial case while maintaining a distinctly sporty appearance.
Case & Construction
The Armand Nicolet Automatic Chronograph is housed in a robust 316L stainless steel case measuring approximately 45 mm in diameter, 15 mm thick, with a 53 mm lug-to-lug distance and a 24 mm lug width. These dimensions give the chronograph a commanding wrist presence while providing the internal volume necessary for both the automatic chronograph movement and its professional-grade water resistance.
The black PVD coating increases surface durability while contributing to the watch’s modern aesthetic. Large chronograph pushers and an oversized crown provide confident operation, particularly when manipulating the chronograph functions. The screw-down construction contributes to the impressive 300-meter (30 ATM) water resistance, an uncommon specification for a skeletonized chronograph.
The sapphire crystal protects the exposed dial from scratches while maximizing visibility through its anti-reflective treatment. On the reverse side, each example carries its individual limitation number engraved as XX/25, identifying its place within the extremely limited production. This individual numbering further reinforces the model’s collectible character while guaranteeing its exclusivity.
Movement
This Armand Nicolet Automatic Chronograph is powered by the Dubois-Dépraz DD293, a Swiss automatic mechanical chronograph movement developed around one of the renowned chronograph modules produced by Dubois-Dépraz. The company has been a respected specialist in high-end chronograph mechanisms for decades, supplying modular complications to numerous prestigious Swiss watch manufacturers. While the chronograph module is publicly identified, Armand Nicolet has not officially disclosed the underlying base caliber used for this exclusive edition.
The movement is self-winding through a centrally mounted oscillating rotor, converting the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist into energy stored within the mainspring. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and provides a power reserve of approximately 38 hours when fully wound. The open-worked architecture allows much of the mechanism to remain visible through the dial, exposing bridges, gears, chronograph components, and decorative finishing that become an integral part of the watch’s identity. Combining Swiss mechanical engineering with proven chronograph expertise, the DD293 offers a balanced blend of reliability, precision, and visual appeal suited to a modern limited-edition sports chronograph.
Functions & Complications
The Armand Nicolet Automatic Chronograph combines its open-worked architecture with a practical set of mechanical functions centered around a traditional automatic chronograph. It displays central hours and minutes together with a running small seconds indication, while the chronograph measures elapsed time through dedicated sub-dials operated by the pushers positioned on the side of the case.
A fixed tachymeter scale integrated into the bezel further extends the watch’s functionality by allowing speed calculations over a known distance. Rather than overwhelming the display with numerous additional complications, the design focuses on presenting the chronograph mechanism clearly while preserving the visual transparency that defines the model.
Performance
Despite its substantial dimensions, the Armand Nicolet Automatic Chronograph wears with reassuring stability thanks to the balanced case design and flexible rubber strap. The broad lugs distribute the weight effectively across the wrist, while the soft strap enhances long-term comfort during extended wear. Owners accustomed to modern sports chronographs will find the proportions familiar, particularly on medium to larger wrists.
Skeletonized dials often compromise readability, yet this model performs surprisingly well. The applied metallic hour markers, luminous hands, contrasting blue chapter ring, and carefully separated chronograph registers provide enough visual structure to distinguish the primary indications from the exposed movement underneath. The large double-date window further improves daily practicality.
Despite its open-worked construction, the dial maintains a respectable level of legibility thanks to the applied hour markers, luminous skeletonized hands, and clearly defined chronograph registers that stand out against the exposed movement. The combination of contrasting finishes and carefully positioned indications helps preserve readability without diminishing the visual complexity of the skeletonized design.
Its 300-meter (30 ATM) water resistance significantly enhances the watch’s versatility compared to many skeletonized chronographs, which are often intended primarily for display rather than demanding use. Combined with its robust construction, durable rubber strap, and proven Swiss mechanical chronograph movement, this limited edition successfully balances collectible exclusivity with genuine everyday practicality.
Technical Data
Brand: Armand Nicolet Watches;
Model: Armand Nicolet Open Worked Automatic Chronograph – (No Ref. Qbrand / Catawiki Exclusive Edition);
Year: 2026;
Case Material: Black PVD-Coated 316L Stainless Steel;
Case Diameter: 45 mm;
Case Thickness: 15 mm;
Lug Width: 24 mm;
Lug-to-Lug: 53 mm;
Crystal: Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal;
Water Resistance: 300 m / 1000 ft (30 ATM);
Power Reserve: 38 Hours;
Movement: Automatic Mechanical Watches – Dubois-Dépraz DD293 (Swiss Movement);
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Chronograph, Automatic Winding;
Complications: Mechanical Chronograph, Tachymeter Scale;
Bracelet / Strap: Black Rubber Strap with Folding Clasp;
Type: Chronograph Watches, Collectible Watches, Limited Edition Watches, Luxury Watches, Skeleton Watches, Sports Watches;
Sex: Men’s Watches;
Nationality: Swiss Watches.
Retail Price (Launch): €6,500 / $6,600. (limited to 25 pieces)
The Armand Nicolet Automatic Chronograph Open Worked Limited Edition represents an interesting combination of traditional Swiss mechanical watchmaking and contemporary skeletonized design. Rather than focusing solely on decorative open-working, the watch pairs its exposed movement with professional-grade construction, including an automatic chronograph movement and an unusually high 300-meter water resistance. This balance between visual complexity and functional capability distinguishes it from many skeleton watches currently available.
Its production of only 25 numbered examples gives the model genuine collectible value, while the collaboration between Armand Nicolet, Qbrand, and Catawiki makes it a distinctive release within the brand’s modern history. For enthusiasts seeking an exclusive Swiss automatic chronograph with strong mechanical presence, proven movement architecture, and bold contemporary styling, this limited edition offers a compelling alternative to more conventional luxury sports chronographs.
You can explore current auctions and listings for this watch on Catawiki using the search link below.
