Few watches come close to packing anything close to as much presence on the wrist as Graham’s magnificent Chronofighter collection. With its pronounced features and oversize dimensions, it is quite simply unmistakable and without equal. Its outstanding signature design feature of the large, left-mounted start/stop trigger system, which activates the chronograph function, is as unique to Graham as a fingerprint.

While the inspiration behind its rugged design was to create a cool, yet hard wearing and practical instrument, primarily for use by people who would work in demanding and even critical conditions, the Chronofighter’s bold and uncompromising presence has evolved to become a bone fide cult piece among collectors and enthusiasts, with an unashamed outgoing and masculine personality.

The black PVD coated stainless steel case measures a hefty 47m and as an imposing piece indeed. The Chronofighter Target’s crown and chronograph assembly comprise a carbon fibre trigger, which looms adjacent to a tactile and slip-resistant rubber topped reset button, positioned on the left for ease of use by the right thumb and forefinger. With the start/stop pusher integrated into the crown, the entire assembly is protected against impact and accidental activation. It’s also very cool, and defines the entire Graham Chronofighter collection.

Unusually for a chronograph watch, there is no tachymetre scale on the bezel, and instead, the smooth black ceramic insert gives the Chronofighter Target a sleek and uncluttered appearance, its all black finish contrasting perfectly with the gold detailing found on the dial.

Beneath the domed sapphire crystal, a gold chapter ring around the rim of the dial matches the generously sized luminous filled gold hands, and pronounced luminous numerals ensure clear legibility in all light conditions. Through the smoky grey sapphire dial, the day and date rings can be seen as they rotate beneath to align in a pair of windows next to the 9. The small constant seconds occupy the snailed subdial with the target cross hair markings, which give this model its name. Nearby at the 6, the red hand of the chronograph minute counter indicates the elapsed time once the function has been activated in 30 minute integers.

Inside beats the G1747 automatic self winding movement, and through the sapphire caseback the finishing can be appreciated, with perlage and côtes de Genève decoration on the plates and on the rotating oscillating weight. Fully wound it will run for 48 hours, although of course, any movement on the wrist keeps the power reserve topped up.

The black calfskin leather strap is quilted in a style which conjures up images of vintage Italian sports car upholstery, to superb effect. Soft to the touch, it is comfortable, and it secures via a black PVD steel pin buckle.