Chronoswiss Neo Digiteur – The Return of the Jumping-Hour Guichet Watch

In 2025, Chronoswiss reintroduces the Neo Digiteur, a bold reinterpretation of the cult “Montre sans Aiguilles” (watch without hands) concept the brand first embraced in 2005. What sets the new Neo Digiteur apart is how it fuses heritage and innovation—returning to the idea of a watch without conventional hands, yet re-engineered for modern mechanics and design. The result is a watch that celebrates legacy while stepping firmly into contemporary watchmaking. Here, we explore what makes the Neo Digiteur genuinely noteworthy, from case design to movement architecture, and why this timepiece stands out.

Heritage & Concept

Over twenty years ago, Chronoswiss introduced the original Digiteur MSA (Montre sans Aiguilles) as a daring mechanical watch mimicking early 20th-century digital “jumping-hour” displays. It was rectangular, precious-metal, shaped-movement based, and produced in limited numbers. The Neo Digiteur brings that idea back—not as a mere re-issue but as a re-engineered model in stainless steel with a new movement built for the task. In doing so, Chronoswiss reaffirms its identity as a brand that challenges conventional time-display norms while grounding its work in fine mechanics and design code.

Case & Design Language

The Neo Digiteur’s case measures approximately 48 mm by 30 mm and 9.7 mm thick, giving it a distinctive elongated rectangular profile with modern wearability. Crafted in stainless steel (rather than the precious metals of the original), surfaces alternate between brushed and polished finishes, with a sand-blasted horizontal flank that adds visual depth and a slim silhouette. The redesigned onion-crown retains brand DNA but is flatter and ergonomically improved. The screw-in lugs, sapphire crystal front and back, and 50 m water resistance round out the construction. A key design virtue: this isn’t just a vintage revival—it’s a contemporary reinterpretation with a strong architectural presence.

Dial & Time-Display Mechanics

The most striking feature of the Neo Digiteur is its handless display via apertures: a jumping hour at 12 o’clock, a dragging minute disc in the centre, and a running seconds display at 6 o’clock. This “mechanical-digital” layout gives the Neo Digiteur an instrument-like readout—functional, unconventional, and visually compelling. Two dial treatments are available initially: “Granit” with anthracite vertical satin-finish and deep-blue numerals, and “Sand” with a 4N gold tone sand-blasted finish and navy numerals. The typography, disc motion, and apertures all reference early guichet watches yet feel thoroughly modern.

Movement & Mechanical Innovation

At the heart of the Neo Digiteur lies the Chronoswiss Calibre C.85757—a manual-wind movement operating at 21,600 vph (3 Hz), offering around 48 hours of power reserve. What’s remarkable is the in-house module built to support the energy-intensive jump-hour mechanism while smoothly driving the minute and seconds discs. Underneath the dial, one finds hand-guilloché bridges and radial Côtes de Genève finishing, visible through the sapphire case-back. The movement represents serious horological craft and merits attention from collectors who usually favour more conventional displays.

Wearability & Strap Options

Despite its uncommon dimensions, the Neo Digiteur wears flatter than you might expect, thanks to the 9.7 mm case thickness and screw-in lugs that help it sit well on the wrist. The watch comes mounted on a black nubuck leather strap with a steel pin buckle bearing the Legacy logo—styling that leans dressy but with attitude. Practicality is maintained with decent water resistance (up to 50 m) and a robust steel construction suited for daily wear. The combination of shape, style, and mechanical novelty positions the Neo Digiteur as a conversation piece rather than a safe, everyday dress watch.

Limited Edition & Pricing

Chronoswiss will produce each version (Granit and Sand) in a limited run of 99 pieces. The price is set at approximately €13,800 / CHF 12,500 for each edition. For collectors, the limited quantity, unusual display, and modern reinterpretation of a vintage concept enhance the Neo Digiteur’s appeal as a niche yet compelling offering.

Why This Model Matters

The Neo Digiteur matters on several levels. Firstly, it highlights Chronoswiss taking risks: opting for a jumping-hour layout and guichet display in an era where most watches chase incremental improvements in materials or diameters. Secondly, it demonstrates mechanical thinking—not merely aesthetic homage—but real engineering adapted to a new layout and modern expectations. Thirdly, it plays into the broader resurgence of jumping-hour watches and retro-display formats, timed well with evolving collector interest. Watch industry commentary notes how the new Neo Digiteur “makes a strong case for moving forward by looking back.” For anyone looking beyond the mainstream and wishing for something more distinctive, this model ticks many boxes.

Potential Drawbacks & Considerations

That said, the Neo Digiteur is not without caveats. The rectangular case means fewer strap options compared to round watches, and the unconventional display may not suit someone accustomed to standard hour-minute-second hands at a glance. Additionally, the limited production means swift sell-out and a potential premium on the secondary market. The price—while justified from a mechanical standpoint—is still significant, and the 48-hour reserve, though adequate, falls behind some modern self-winders boasting multiple days of autonomy. Collectors should also note that servicing the unique module may require specialist care down the line.

Final Thoughts

In the Neo Digiteur, Chronoswiss has delivered a watch that both honours its past and ventures into fresh territory. The combination of innovative display mechanics, refined case design, and strong finishing makes it a standout in a sea of round, hand-based watches. It won’t appeal to every buyer—indeed, that’s part of its charm—but for those seeking something rare, mechanical, and visually arresting, the Neo Digiteur is a compelling proposition. If you crave a watch that offers more than mere time-telling, this keeps you waiting for what the next jump will reveal.