: I really like this case. The original Carrera case is beautifully
: simple, the results of decades of evolution, but maybe not ideal
: for an automatic movement - note the changes required to the
: case between the Lemania re-edition and the ETA automatic when
: TH relaunched the Carrera. I think in part there was also a
: desire to break from that evolutionary tradition for the first
: automatics, so we got an all new case for the Chronomatic.

: For me, the case has become something of a classic in its own right
: - it was relatively long-lived from the '69 Chronomatics to the
: Carrera twins of the early 80s and outlasted the mid-70s Carrera
: case with the covered lugs. Unlike the latter, it's not so much
: a thing of its time - although that gives the chunky covered lug
: version a 70s retro appeal of its own!

: It housed Calibres 11, 12 and 15 and 2 ESA quartz movements. It
: looked good with a strap or a GF bracelet. It worked well in
: steel, gold, PVD and (for those who like that sort of thing)
: even in chrome!
: The defence for the Carrera Chronomatic case rests its case :)

: This is one of the things that is so fascinating about collecting

Yes--all very interesting observations. I just acquired a "lugless wonder" and one of the interesting things is how the watch doesn't wear as big as other early-70's chronographs. The vertical case dimension of 46mm is a bit of an illusion as the case tapers back towards the wrist. The result is that most of the time just the elliptical dial reads and the watch looks not like a big clunker, but--dare I say--elegant. IThe crystal/dial portion of the watch is the same size as my Calculators but the calculators look a lot bigger and are somewhat more legible.

The fume dial is spectacular--between the color and the irredescence it is really a marvel.

: watches, there really is something to appeal to everyone.