Echo/Neutra’s Cortina 1956 Chrono GMT may not be a household name for all, but for those in the know, it’s a brand that commands attention. Hailing from Italy, this young brand emerged just before the onset of COVID-19 and has since showcased remarkable growth. Today, we delve into the Chrono GMT, a distinguished member of the Cortina 1956 collection, paying homage to the Winter Olympic Games hosted in Cortina d’Ampezzo in 1956. With its timeless yet vintage-inspired design, this latest addition to the lineup exudes an allure that remains as captivating today as it would have nearly seven decades ago.
Let’s delve into the details. The Echo/Neutra Cortina 1956 Chrono GMT boasts a 40mm diameter, accompanied by a 46mm lug-to-lug dimension, making it inherently wearable, a fact confirmed by the on-wrist experience. As a chronograph, it possesses a robust build, measuring 14.8mm in thickness (or 12.7mm excluding the crystal), coupled with a commendable 100m water resistance rating, even sans a screw-down crown. Given its manual winding mechanism, the push/pull crown emerges as the preferred choice. Furthermore, weighing 79 grams sans the strap, the choice of strap can influence this value. Personally favoring the leather strap, I’ll elaborate more on that later.
Black or bronze – the choice is yours. The Cortina 1956 Chrono GMT presents two distinctive variants. True to Echo/Neutra’s style, the black and beige iteration with red accents blends creamy “Old Radium” and starker BGW9 lume for a vintage aesthetic, adeptly avoiding any gimmicky overtones often associated with fauxtina elements.
The alternative option exudes a bolder demeanor and happens to be my personal favorite. Sporting a bronze-colored sunburst dial with black sub-dials that echo the external telemeter bezel, this variant’s subtle red accents seamlessly integrate into the overall design. Super-LumiNova BGW9 lume graces this version, offering enhanced contrast against the bronze backdrop.
The bronze-dialed Cortina 1956 Chrono GMT – an ode to the great outdoors. While the brand positions this watch as a chic travel companion (thanks to its GMT functionality), the earthy tones of the bronze variant I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing imbue it with a rustic, outdoor allure. With an array of strap options available (bracelet, leather, and tropic), the Cortina 1956 Chrono GMT emerges as surprisingly versatile. As depicted in the accompanying images, I found the perfect pairing with a waxed canvas jacket, resonating with its adventurous spirit.
Chronograph? GMT? How about both! Chrono GMT replica watches may not be ubiquitous, especially within the microbrand realm. Often, this rarity stems from limited movement options at an affordable price point. However, with Sellita expanding its repertoire to encompass a broader spectrum of complications and configurations, Echo/Neutra seized the opportunity, opting for the manual-winding SW532M b elabore movement, devoid of a date function, for its Cortina 1956 Chrono GMT. Concealed beneath a relief-engraved stainless steel case back, the branded movement hosts a 30-minute counter at 12, a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, and small seconds with a day/night indicator at 9 o’clock, boasting a commendable power reserve of 62 hours.
Interestingly, the central GMT hand traverses the dial every 12 hours, deviating from the conventional 24-hour cycle. Personally, I find this 12-hour configuration preferable. While a 24-hour hand typically necessitates a corresponding scale for quick reference, the 12-hour GMT hand can be discerned using the standard hour markers, coupled with its linkage to the day/night indicator at 9 o’clock. This design choice not only reduces clutter on the dial or bezel but also affords the exquisite bronze backdrop ample breathing space. Once acclimatized to the 12-hour GMT function, reading the watch becomes an effortless task, facilitated by the single hand’s luminous triangle extending to the hour markers and featuring an elongated tip for minute readings, effectively fulfilling the role of two hands in one.
Who even utilizes a telemeter nowadays? In today’s era, the average individual seldom finds utility in the scales adorning most chronograph clone watches. I wager that many watch aficionados have yet to employ a tachymeter, let alone a telemeter. Nevertheless, the Cortina 1956 Chrono GMT incorporates the latter. For the uninitiated, a telemeter scale gauges the distance between a visible occurrence and its subsequent audible counterpart, such as a lightning flash followed by thunder. Admittedly, it may not be the most practical chronograph scale in contemporary times, but then again, few are. Perhaps a rotating countdown bezel would have offered inherent utility. Nevertheless, the aesthetic appeal of the telemeter scale remains undeniably pleasing.
Italian leather reigns supreme. Touching upon the strap briefly, Echo/Neutra thoughtfully provided both a leather and rubber tropic strap alongside the review unit. While a metal bracelet is also on offer, I contend that the non-bracelet options complement the fake watch’s character more aptly. Allow me to elaborate. Though some may argue in favor of the bracelet – a sentiment often echoed by my Fratello counterparts – I found the wearing experience with the provided strap options truly remarkable. Particularly, the watch exudes unparalleled charm when paired with the black handmade Alpine calf leather strap. Boasting a refined grain and supple texture, minimal break-in time is required for optimal comfort. From an aesthetic standpoint, this combination reigns supreme. Exploring alternative leather straps from my collection, I discovered that a brown variant serves as an excellent complement to the exquisite bronze dial, while a textured black option proves equally compelling.
The tropic strap also merits commendation. Admittedly, enthusiasm for this style may have waned over time, given its ubiquity among brands. However, the included strap in this instance surpasses expectations, enhancing the watch’s allure more than anticipated. Given the commendable 100m water resistance rating, rubber emerges as a pragmatic choice for aquatic endeavors, surpassing leather in this regard. An olive or khaki-green tropic strap could potentially enhance the visual appeal further. What material and hue would you opt for when contemplating a strap alteration?
Final reflections on the Echo/Neutra Cortina 1956 Chrono GMT. Available for purchase via the brand’s official website, the Echo/Neutra Cortina 1956 Chrono GMT commands a price of €1,970 (inclusive of VAT) or US$1,890 / £1,375 (excluding local taxes) sans the metal bracelet. Considering its specifications and functionalities, this price point emerges as somewhat competitive compared to analogous offerings. Undoubtedly, a chronograph with a 12-hour GMT function embodies a compelling blend of features. Of course, should you desire the bracelet option, anticipate a modest increment in cost.