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Many brands talk about how vintage watches inspire their contemporary brands, but it’s arguably a smaller list of those brands that were started by someone who has spent nearly 30 years publishing magazines about them. OUTLINE was founded in 2019 by Japanese watch expert Yoshimasa Kikuchi, the longtime editor behind titles like POWER Watch and Low BEAT, with a focus on watches that capture the mood of what OUTLINE has called “the Golden Age of mechanical watches,” particularly the 1940s to 1960s. And now, with the release of the 2 Register Chrono Series 1, the Japanese watch brand moves into the 1970s with a retro-inspired chronograph.
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Japan’s OUTLINE Channels the Best of 1970s Chronographs with the 2 Register Chrono Series 1
The 2 Register Chrono Series 1 takes its cue from a well-known 1970s chronograph, specifically one of the early models to introduce screw-down pushers, but the watch is less about recreating a single reference than it is about getting the period details right. That means a smaller case (37.8mm to be exact), a two-register dial, an old-style tachymeter scale with vintage typography, and a prominently domed acrylic crystal.
The dial follows the same approach in staying true to the period. OUTLINE went with a two-register layout, which already gives the watch a different look from the many vintage-inspired chronographs that default to three subdials. The main options are Panda and Reverse Panda, both with slightly aged tones that keep the watch from looking overly crisp. A Blue Green version was also produced, though it is currently sold out.
Inside is the Seiko VK64 mecha-quartz chronograph. While the 2 Register Chrono Series 1 is a quartz movement, it has a feel similar to that of a mechanical chronograph, including quick and easy zero-reset operation.
The bracelet, too, was crafted with a similar attention to detail. OUTLINE fitted the watch with a rivet-style bracelet modeled after 1950s examples, using folded stainless steel links to keep it thin and lightweight. Some of the rivets use screws for size adjustment, and the bracelet has a slight stretch construction as well. In fact, if you have an old Rolex lying around, the bracelet can be used as a replacement for select models from the 1960s and 70s.
The OUTLINE 2 Register Chrono Series 1 is priced at ¥55,000 (approximately $350 USD), and is available now through their website.
This is a sponsored post. It was produced in partnership with the brand discussed within. The brand may have supplied details, images, or videos included, but the content was approved by Worn & Wound.
