Albishorn returns with a new interpretation of its mountaineering chronograph, the Thundergraph Khumbu, swapping the original’s petroleum blue dial for a green colourway and introducing the brand’s first-ever bracelet option.

Like its predecessor, the watch draws inspiration from the 1952 Swiss expeditions to Everest, this time taking its name from the Khumbu region of Nepal traversed by the climbing party on its approach to the mountain.

Initial thoughts

I was impressed by the original Thundergraph when it launched last year — it was my favourite Albishorn to that point. The Khumbu does not reinvent anything, but the bracelet option is a meaningful addition that should widen the appeal to a new segment of collectors.

The stainless steel case is carried over unchanged at 39 mm at the case band, expanding to 42.7 mm across the bezel. The asymmetric form, red anodised aluminium monopusher at 9:30, and bronze crown engraved with the Albishorn logo — appropriately modeled on a snow-capped peak — are all retained.

The case back also carries the same Swiss cross and rope engraving, the emblem of the Swiss Foundation for Alpine Research, which remains one of the more convincing elements of the brand’s ‘imaginary vintage’ concept.

Khumbu green

The petroleum blue dial of the original Thundergraph has been replaced by a mint green opaline hue, said to be inspired by the Khumbu glacier region, where vegetation survives in a harsh environment of ice and rock.

The distinctive “California ghost” layout is unchanged, with Roman numerals occupying the upper half of the dial, with a running seconds at 4:30 and 30-minute counter at 7:30 in lieu of Arabic numerals in the bottom half of the dial.

The four cardinal positions are marked with triangular rose gold-plated dial markers, and each piece of dial furniture is generously treated with beige Super-LumiNova, including the pair of red-painted hands for the elapsed seconds and minutes. The green-and-gold colourway is very much on-trend, but attractive enough in its own right to have lasting appeal.

A proprietary calibre

One of the things that differentiates Albishorn within the crowded market of so-called micro-brands is its small stable of proprietary movements conceived by its founder, Dr Sébastien Chaulmontet. Regardless of dial colour, the Thundergraph is powered by the cal. ALB03 M, a COSC-certified manually wound chronograph movement, concealed behind a solid case back.

The ALB03 M shares its DNA with the Valjoux 7750 but has been substantially redeveloped by Dr Chaulmontet to be 16% slimmer, enabling a total case height of just 12 mm including the domed sapphire crystal.

Dr Chaulmontet also worked his magic on the geometry of the chronograph levers, creating a monopusher design with a crisp break for start, stop, and reset. Thanks in part to its convenient placement at the 9:30 position, the pusher feel of the ALB03 M is a cut above most similarly priced chronographs.

At last, a bracelet

The Thundergraph Khumbu is the first Albishorn offered with a bracelet, and the option feels overdue. The steel bracelet takes its cues from the bamboo-style bracelets popular in the late 1940s and early 1950s, such as the Forstner Bonklip.

The design has been modernised, but the inspiration is clear. The straight end-links give it the informal, slightly awkward look that is period-correct for the theme of the watch.

Vintage inspiration aside, the bracelet is a thoroughly modern build, with each link secured by screws for full adjustability. Furthermore, two concealed extension systems, one on each side of the clasp, allow quick on-the-wrist adjustment without tools — a practical feature consistent with the Thundergraph’s tool-watch brief, and one that is sought-after by many collectors today.

While there’s not (yet) any indication that the bracelet will be sold on a standalone basis, there’s nothing to suggest it isn’t compatible with other Albishorn models.

Key facts and price

Albishorn Thundergraph Khumbu

Diameter: 42.7 mm
Height: 12 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: ALB03 M
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, and chronograph
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Manual
Power reserve: 65 hours

Strap: Leather strap with pin buckle (optional stainless steel bracelet)

Limited edition: 99
Availability: Available directly from Albishorn
Price: CHF3,650 (CHF4,100 on bracelet) before taxes

For more, visit Albishorn-watches.ch.