As we’ve seen recently with the SkyDiver Neptunian, Edox is no stranger to ultra-robust watches and has become specialised in this specific field, always offering its products at accessible prices. With a history going back to 1884, it is also a well-established brand that has been crafting several innovative aquatic models in the early 1960s, including the renowned Delfin dive watch with a patented crown system – which was the most water-resistant watch of its time. With its CO-1 series, the brand is also entering the world of offshore powerboats together with XCAT Team Australia and its pilots. Knowing the needs of these extreme power boaters, you can imagine that the Edox CO-1 Carbon Chronograph Automatic is a powerful watch, as we’ll discover in this hands-on article.
With the CO-1 Carbon Chronograph collection, Edox addresses the needs of a specific kind of sportsman. These sportsmen are pilots of XCAT racing, known as the world’s most thrilling offshore powerboat series, the equivalent of Formula 1 on water. Powered by twin V6 engines, the multi-hull boats are made from advanced carbon technology and roar across the water at close to 200km/h. These boats have to be lightweight yet robust and are designed to be some of the most advanced engineers you can imagine. Being a race on water, XCAT pilots of Team Australia, with whom Edox is partnering, expressed the need for a robust watch with diving and timing capacities. Hence this CO-1 Carbon Chronograph, mixing deep dive credentials with a chronograph and materials directly inspired by the XCAT boats.
Available in four different editions, all with rather bold and modern colour schemes, the Edox CO-1 Carbon Chronograph Automatic we have for this hands-on shows a combination of a surprising grey-coloured case and blue carbon dial. Not a watch for the faint-hearted, but a watch with a true personality. Measuring 45mm in diameter and about 15mm in height, it is not only a racing chronograph but also a competent diver’s watch with a 500m water-resistance, a screw-down crown, pushers and caseback but still features a sapphire caseback. It is also equipped with the necessary unidirectional 60-minute bezel. It even features a helium escape valve in the caseband at 9 o’clock.
The most surprising part of this watch, and an unmistakable link with the XCAT boats, is the case. The base is a central stainless steel container, which guarantees shock- and water-resistance. Next are lateral modules fixed to the sides of the case and made of a lightweight, resistant and pretty innovative material, and that are available in various colours – here in grey. The coloured layers are strains of coloured ceramic fibres that are forged in resin and mixed with carbon fibres. The black layers are made out of black carbon and glass fibres. This configuration makes the top layer much more resistant to scratches and general wear than normal carbon. The monobloc bezel is executed in the same material, and the diving scale is engraved into the composite material. The intricate pattern of the material can be seen on the sides of the watch and offers a technical, modern look. Other editions of this watch feature red or blue resin in-between the carbon layers.
Following the lightweight and robust vocation of this watch, the present Edox CO-1 Carbon Chronograph Automatic is equipped with a blue-coloured carbon fibre dial with black sub-counters. Once again, it shows elements of a racing watch (chronograph) and a diver’s watch, with oversized applied markers, numerals and hands, dark grey-coated and generously filled with black Super-LumiNova. The display for the chronograph is a classic 6-9-12 with day/date function at 3 o’clock.
Under the sapphire caseback is a well-known and robust chronograph movement, the calibre 011, based on the Sellita SW500 (a clone of the 7750). This tried-and-tested cam-lever automatic chronograph beats classically at 4Hz and offers 48 hours of power reserve. It is presented with an Edox-emblazoned, black-coated oscillating weight.
The Edox CO-1 Carbon Chronograph Automatic is worn on a well-integrated black rubber strap, closed by a black-coated triple-folding clasp. Despite the large case, it wears comfortably thanks to the shape of its strap and the lightweight case. Although the look is a far cry from being classic, it has something unique and instrumental. Finally, the watch is offered at a relatively accessible price. Indeed, you’ll get a Swiss automatic chronograph with innovative materials for just above 3K euros. Not bad.
The Edox CO-1 Carbon Chronograph Automatic in blue/grey, is part of the permanent collection and is priced at EUR 3,190. For more details, please visit www.edox.ch.