Cimier 47° North Field Watch: A Contemporary Return to Heritage Tool Design

By Brent Robillard

Playing the field

My relationship with Cimier began at Time to Watches back in 2023, when I first encountered the brand’s 711 Heritage Chronograph collection. That initial introduction led me down a path of research and late-night scrolling through vintage listings, uncovering a catalogue far more eclectic than I had anticipated. Cimier’s back catalogue spans skin divers, slim gold dress pieces, playful chronographs, idiosyncratic world timers, and a surprising number of military-inspired three-hand watches with bold Arabic numerals and utilitarian charm.

The new Cimier 47° North marks the brand’s first step back into field-watch territory in the modern era—and, much like the 711, it does not lean too heavily on simple revivalism. While its aesthetic cues acknowledge Cimier’s historic field pieces, the execution introduces a contemporary palette and proportions not unlike the more colourful expressions of the 711 Pop line.

Cimier 47° North white dial with highly legible Arabic numerals — Cimier 47° North field watch

A Field Watch Rooted in Place

The name 47° North refers to the latitude of Biel/Bienne, Cimier’s hometown and one of the longstanding centres of Swiss watchmaking. It also points to the northern gateway of the Swiss Alps—terrain that aligns naturally with the tool-watch brief.

The watch is built around a 38 mm stainless-steel case, compact and wearable, with brushed surfaces contrasted by polished chamfers. Thickness is 11.25 mm (including the crystal), with a further 46 mm lug-to-lug and 20 mm lug width. A screw-down crown and 100 metres of water resistance position the watch for daily use or light outdoor activity.

Construction and Movement

Up front, the watch uses a box-shaped sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating. Around back, a screwed exhibition caseback displays the ETA 2824-2—a movement long regarded as a dependable Swiss workhorse. Cimier fits the calibre with rhodium plating, blued screws, Geneva stripes, snailing, and a custom rotor featuring the brand logo and an orange cut-out. It operates at 28,800 vph with a 38-hour power reserve and includes a stop-seconds function for precise time setting.

Cimier 47° North 38mm stainless steel case on wrist — 38mm stainless steel case

Dial and Design Language

The dial is domed, with a grained texture and a straightforward layout. Printed Arabic numerals and Super-LumiNova GL old radium (LE) across the hands and indices carry the functional brief into low light. An orange central seconds hand, fitted with a rectangular luminous block, provides contrast without changing the overall character.

Cimier 47° North with gradient pebble grey dial on suede strap

Cimier 47° North moss green dial with luminous hands and numerals

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Colour options span both traditional and modern tones: black, white, gradient pebble grey, moss green, and river blue. Cimier’s choice to include both familiar and contemporary hues mirrors what they have done in the 711 line—allowing their heritage to inform design without dictating it.

Choice of suede or leather strap

Straps and Interchangeability

The 47° North incorporates a quick-release system, allowing easy strap changes without tools. Strap options include smooth calf leather (black or cognac) and suede calf leather (pebble grey, moss green, or river blue).

Looking Ahead, Pricing & Availability

From a distance, the 47° North appears to signal Cimier’s intention to revisit other parts of its varied archive. If the brand continues the approach seen in the 711 and now this field watch, the coming years may bring similarly modernised interpretations of its vintage divers and world timers.

For now, the 47° North marks a measured return to a genre that has long existed in Cimier’s history, offering a contemporary take without losing sight of the brand’s past.

The watches are now part of the brand’s permanent collection are available immediately from the website for CHF 850 (approx. $1475 CAD).

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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