Pascal Coyon is a watch and clock repairer in Bayonne, a mid-sized city in southwest France close to the border with Spain. But Coyon is no ordinary neighbourhood horologist, for he has created his very own Chronometer, a classically styled and finished wristwatch.

Taking 16 months from concept to prototype, the development process of the Chronometer was document on Coyon’s Facebook profile with photos of the work in progress, garnering significant attention from watch enthusiasts. 

Coyon chose as the base for his Chronometer the reliable and solid Unitas movement, much beloved by makers of large watches.  Though based on the Unitas 6498, the Coyon Chronometer is miles, or rather decades, away from the stock movement found in mass produced watches. The movement of the Chronometer looks very much like its inspiration, the Longines calibre 19.70. That was a pocket watch movement made in the first half of the 20th century, and in its later years was utilised in Second World War deck watches.

Much of the movement Coyon makes himself, with the finishing executed by hand. Most of the effort and skill has been directed to the impressive finishing of the bridge and cocks, which have polished bevels on the edges and countersinks.