Matthieu Tordeur, a 27-year French adventurer, became the youngest and first French explorer in history to ski from the coast of the Antarctic continent (Hercules Inlet) all the way to the South Pole solo. He completed this without assistance and in total autonomy within 52 days ending on the 13th of January, 2019. The Antarctica expedition entails skiing through dry lands of about 1150km, strong winds up to 300km/h and temperatures dropping to as low as -50 degrees.
Charlie Paris, a Watchmaking Maison known for their contemporary style watches decided to design and develop a watch that can survive the extreme conditions of this expedition. The Concordia was the result of the design process; it was to be an anti-magnetic watch, waterproof up to 300 meters and can withstand extreme temperatures, as low as -70 degrees.
The “Concordia” originated from the word “Harmony” in Latin and also one of the three Antarctic-based research stations that operate all year round. Let’s take a look at the technical details of this watch and how it passed the test of withstanding extreme conditions and provide time in a place that has 24 hours of daylight.
Antarctic-Proof Case
The Charlie Paris Concordia measures 40 mm diameter and has a thickness of 12.7 mm, suitable for people with mid-sized wrists. It features a 316L stainless steel case with contrasting polished and brushed surfaces. The case also has an anti-magnetic shield that meets the ISO 764 magnetic-resistant watch standard to counter the effect of strong magnetic fields present in the Antarctic region.
Other areas of case show impressive detailing from the engraved caseback to the screw down steel crown. The watch is equipped with a Unidirectional rotating; aluminum bezel insert that slightly angles up a bit to the top of the case complemented by a gently curved 2.8mm thick AR-coated sapphire crystal.
The screw down crown ensures that the watch is water resistant up to 300m. The Charlie Paris logo is engraved at the 12 o’clock position. The case back is made of steel featuring the “Objectif Pole Sud” sign engraved on it and a unique engraved number that comes with all watches.
Dial Design
The Concordia Automatic comes with three different dial options, the Automatic Black, Steel, and Blue. Each of these options come with numerous strap colors from beige, brown to orange. The model with blue dial looks really attractive because it works well with the silver- highlighted hands.
The Indexes and sword-shaped hands have a little application of Super-Luminova lume emitting green light in low-light conditions.
A date window sits at 6 o’clock with a matching white background, it looks well sized and unobtrusive, although, some people prefer dive watches without this complication.
Large circular indices mark the hours, with 3 and 9 o’clock marked by elongated wedges filled with lume.
ETA 2824-2 Caliber
What beats inside the Charlie Paris Concordia is a Swiss Automatic Movement, the famous ETA 2824-2 which looks like a logical choice for a modern watch. The ETA 2824-2 has 25 jewels and operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour; it also has a power reserve of about 40 hours. It has hours, minutes, seconds, and day of the month complication. The Elaborated movement is adjusted in three positions and has an accuracy of +/-7 sec/day up to +/- 20 sec/day.
It is hackable and hand-windable and uses the Incabloc Novodiac shock protection system to resist the inner working of the movement from getting damaged due to mechanical impact.
Interchangeable Straps
Charlie Paris requires you to choose between a nylon strap and 316L solid stainless-steel bracelet. The 2.5mm thick ultra-resistant nylon strap is pliant, light and comfortable; it also features a textured body that promises to be grippy and sit on the wrist nicely. If you don’t like the nylon strap, you can opt for the solid stainless-steel bracelet with the folding clasp which can be changed quickly with their flash pump system.
The little curvature towards the end of the lugs also makes the watch attach firmly to the wrist.
Final Thoughts
There is so little to complain about in this watch; every part of the watch looks well-designed and engineered to survive the harshest conditions of the Antarctica region.
The exquisite and straightforward dial design complements the well-detailed case and the rotating bezel to strike a very nice balance. It’s a watch to consider when looking for a rugged watch with an uncluttered design. Above all, it reads time well thanks to the precise and reliable ETA movement.
The Concordia Automatic Steel and Blue models are being sold at a retail price of 795 Euros while the Concordia Automatic Black model is currently exhausted. All watches come with a 2-year International warranty and can be purchased at the manufacturer’s online store.
To have a look at all the models visit the Charlie Paris Official website here.
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