1952
Thundergraph
Himalaya
CHF 3’650.00
iDeliveries will start mid-April
Limited to 99 pieces
The mission was to envision and craft a chronograph tailored specifically for Himalayan exploration, a reliable tool to help climbers track time and manage their ascent in unforgiving conditions. A key focus of the design was ensuring legibility and functionality in extreme cold and low-light environments.
The dial features large, bold Roman numerals and luminescent-coated hands, guaranteeing optimal readability even in darkness or during storms. Equally important is the Thundergraph’s ease of use: its oversized bezel, robust crown, and prominent red monopusher are designed for effortless operation, even while wearing thick gloves.
The chronograph complication and rotating bezel empower climbers to precisely time ascent phases, rest intervals, and other critical activities, making it an indispensable companion in the harsh conditions of the Himalayas.
The imaginary Himalayan Chronograph
In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Everest, but Swiss climbers had paved the way the previous year. In 1952, under the leadership of Dr. Edouard Wyss-Dunant, two Swiss expeditions, with Tenzing Norgay’s participation, set altitude records and proved the feasibility of ascending via the southeast ridge. Their achievement laid the groundwork for the 1953 success. Inspired by this legacy, Albishorn has envisioned the ultimate tool-watch that could have accompanied the Swiss expedition: a chronograph designed to support climbers in the extreme conditions of the Himalayas, embodying the pioneering spirit of exploration.
On May 29, 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest, marking a monumental achievement in mountaineering history. However, it was the Swiss, renowned for their climbing expertise, who first set their sights on this goal.
In 1952, the Swiss Foundation for Alpine Research organized two expeditions to Mount Everest, led by Dr. Edouard Wyss-Dunant. At the time, Nepal had just opened its borders to foreign climbers, and the Swiss were among the first granted permission. The expeditions included highly skilled Swiss mountaineers and Tenzing Norgay, whose experience during these attempts proved crucial to his later success with Hillary.
The Spring Expedition (pre-monsoon) was particularly significant. Raymond Lambert and Tenzing Norgay reached an altitude of 8,600 meters, the highest ever achieved by humans at the time, just 250 meters short of the summit. Exhaustion, lack of oxygen, and worsening weather forced them to turn back. Yet, their effort proved the Southeast Ridge route was viable for reaching the summit of Everest.
The 1952 Swiss expeditions remain a proud moment in Swiss mountaineering history. They demonstrated not only technical expertise but also the spirit of collaboration and exploration. The Swiss climbers’ humility in the face of Everest's challenges has become an enduring legacy in the world of alpinism.
Albishorn set out to imagine the ultimate tool-watch that could have been conceived specifically for this expedition—a chronograph purpose-built to help climbers during their ascent amidst the harsh conditions of the Himalayas. By addressing the unique demands of such a monumental endeavor, this watch captures the pioneering spirit of exploration and the unparalleled utility of a wrist-worn chronograph.
Technical
specifications
Red chronograph second and minute hands filled with beige Super-LumiNova®
Case diameter: 39 mm
Lug to lug: 47,7 mm
Lug width: 20 mm
Case thickness: 12 mm (with sapphire); 11.1 mm (without sapphire)
60 units scale
Bezel diameter: 42.7 mm
Pusher in red anodized aluminum
COSC certified chronometer (Contrôle Official Suisse des Chronomètres)
Manual winding
Monopusher
Height: 5,70 mm
Diameter: 30,00 mm
Hours and minutes
Running seconds at 4:30 o’clock
60-second counter in the center
30-minute counter at 7.30 o’clock
Stop second device
28'800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
21 jewels
Typical power reserve: 65 hours
Beige Leather strap with Albishorn buckle
The Dial
Unlike the classic California layout, where one half features Roman numerals and the other half Arabic numerals, the California ghost dial omits the Arabic numerals entirely. The upper half of the dial showcases elegant and legible “gilt” Roman numerals, providing a touch of vintage charm and sophistication. Meanwhile, the lower half of the dial embraces the essence of the California ghost concept. Instead of incorporating traditional Arabic numerals, it now hosts two carefully positioned subdials.
This unique interpretation of the California dial bridges the gap between timeless aesthetics and practical functionality.
The Case
The Thundergraph's oversized turning bezel is a standout feature, elevating its functionality and distinguishing it as a tool watch tailored to the requirements of its intended users. The conical bezel that widens from the case to the exterior introduces an intriguing visual element to the Thundergraph's design. This particular bezel shape not only adds depth and dimension to the watch but also enhances its overall aesthetics, making it stand out from traditional bezel designs. Its knurled edge provides a firm grip, allowing for effortless rotation even while wearing gloves or in challenging conditions.
The case back is engraved with a Swiss cross and a rope, inspired by the emblem of the Foundation for Alpine Research at the time.
The Movement
Albishorn specifically developed this movement to showcase the Thundergraph's distinctive dial layout, featuring subdials positioned at 4:30 and 7:30 respectively. The standout attribute of Albishorn's movement is its remarkable height of only 5.70 mm, enabling the production of particularly thin chronographs reminiscent of the 1950s. Another notable feature is the single pusher located at 9:30, allowing for effortless access and operation.
The concept of a single pusher chronograph is reminiscent of early chronograph movement designs that also featured a single button for starting, stopping, and resetting the chronograph function. This simplicity in operation perfectly aligns with the Thundergraph's intended purpose as a reliable and practical tool for professionals.
The Watch
The chronograph complication and rotating bezel empower climbers to precisely time ascent phases, rest intervals, and other critical activities, making it an indispensable companion in the harsh conditions of the Himalayas.