Charlie GR Chronograph

Designed for the field

Charlie Paris has been around a long while for a microbrand; however, it is hardly a household name outside of Europe. They produce dozens of different watches for both men and women, from inexpensive quartz offerings to higher end automatics—including a moonphase complication. This is my first time holding one in the metal, and frankly, I am impressed. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a mecaquartz chronograph designed as a field watch. But the Charlie Grand Randonnée is well made with some surprising flourishes.

Charlie Paris GR Chronograph Watch Review — Charlie Paris GR Chronograph @calibre321

Key Features of the Charlie GR Chronograph

This is the second generation of the Grand Randonnée and featured here we have the brown-dialed version. However, the watch is also available in blue, beige, and green. Each colourway comes in two configurations, as well. While the watch is available in a 24-hour quartz complication, this review will only touch on the mecaquartz chronograph. The 316L stainless steel case is predominantly brushed, though it does have a polished chamfer running along the top of the midcase and over the lugs. There is also a very fine line of polish separating the fixed bezel from the rest of the case. The finish is uniform—if somewhat utilitarian—but perfect for a field watch.

Overall, the case is compact with a distinct 70s vibe. It measures 39mm in diameter and a mere 45mm lug to lug. Being mecaquartz, it also relatively slender, coming in at 10.6mm in height. The case back is screwed down and the watch offers up 100m of water resistance. The first noticeable flourish comes in the form of the knurling on the crown and again at the end of the pushers. The texture makes both easy to manipulate and is handsome at the same time.

It wears well on wrist, due in part to the downturned lugs—though I suspect it would be even better on the 5-link bracelet. We did not have one in for the review and the fabric strap, while robust, is a bit stiff to break in. I would be tempted to swap it out for a NATO.

The watch comes with a very nice piece of domed sapphire glass, under which we find a highly legible dial done up in two tones of brown with applied Arabics in stark white. I thought from the outset that the numerals might actually be made from lume, but alas, this was not the case. The application of Super-LumiNova is limited to the cardinal points and again on the pencil handset. It is sufficient, but nothing to write home about.

Where the GR Chronograph truly shines is in the layout and layering of the dial. The dark chocolate plain that takes up most of the real estate can appear almost black in certain lights and at certain angles; however, the recessed subdials are coloured in a complementary chestnut brown—as is the chapter ring. The effect helps to add depth. I was also pleased to see a rhodium-plated, applied logo.

Charlie have chosen the VK64 to power the Grand Randonnée Chronograph. While this calibre does its best to emulate the actuation of a mechanical movement, the downfall—often mentioned—is the rather useless 24-hour indicator. The other sub-dial operates a far more practical 60-minute register. The VK64 has an expected battery life of three years.

SPECS

Case	316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 45mm Lug to Lug 10.6mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Case Back 100m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Domed Sapphire Crystal Two-tone Brown /w Recessed Subdials Applied Markers Pencil Handset Super-LumiNova
Movement	VK64 Mecaquartz Bi-compax 2 Jewels 3-Year Battery Life
Strap	Fabric Strap or 5-Link Bracelet

Charlie GR Chronograph

Final Thoughts

I would love to try the Charlie GR Chronograph on the bracelet. The renders look great. Nonetheless—as mentioned previously—I also think the watch would look smart on a NATO, or even leather. It’s a handsome design and it has the specs to be a faithful field watch. What it lacks in lume it makes up for in daytime legibility. At this price point, I think you are getting a solid piece.

Pricing & Availability

The Charlie Paris GR Chronograph retails for approximately $380USD ($570CAD). It is available from the brand website.

About the author

Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.

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