Monopusher chronographs are enjoying a good run in recent years, with plenty of interesting examples to be found from all manner of brands high and low. This, along with more simple interpretations of the chronograph in general, is a trend I’m very much here for. Today, we’re getting a new watch that ticks both of those boxes from independent watchmaker, J.N. Shapiro. It’s called the Radiant, and it’s being released within the Infinity Series. This is indeed a simple approach to the complication, but being from J.N. Shapiro, there’s plenty of beauty to be found in the smallest details.
The Radiant is launching with two dial options, each featuring a measure of blued zirconium, with one of them receiving a Gibeon meteorite center section. Both are set within a 38mm Tantalum case that uses a mix of brushed surfaces. This is an incredible material whose texture and tone is difficult to convey in images. It’s been on trend with independent watchmakers in recent years, as it showcases a deft hand in machining and finishing. Seen here, the material accentuates the colors and textures being used in the dial, which is the real draw.
Each of the dials begin with a heat-blued zirconium chapter ring, into which the index and numerals are carved, revealing the bare metal underneath to create contrast. The center portion can be had with a slice of Gibeon meteorite on display, with the single sub-dial filled with a guilloché piece of that meteorite. If meteorite dials aren’t your thing, the second dial replaces the center with more blued zirconium that’s been given a full guilloché pass, including the center of the sub-dial.
The small details of each dial are thoroughly well executed, from the lovely hand set, to the bridge connecting the sub-dial chapter ring to the outer chapter ring. The use of a single sub-dial to totalize up to 30 minutes allows the dial to remain highly focused, meaning the complication is never competing with the finishing. In fact, it’d be easy to forget that the Radiant is a chronograph at a glance, given the single sub-dial and lack of pushers in the obvious places.
But it is, in fact, a chronograph. The single pusher is nested into the crown, and that single sub-dial will time up to thirty minutes. The timing seconds hand parked at the top of the dial is another tell. Inside sits a hand winding La Joux-Perret 5000-4 that is beautifully finished and visible through an exhibition back. It may only have 38 hours of reserve, but at a mere 4.2mm thick, it does allow for a total watch thickness of just 9.6mm. A fair trade off, I’d say.
The first production run of the Radiant will be limited to 75 pieces total, with deliveries expected to commence in Q2 of this year. Pricing is set at $35,900, and a full tantalum bracelet is also available for an additional $12,950. J.N. Shapiro
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