DELMA has unveiled its latest collection, the Continental, a series of automatic chronographs that draw inspiration from the brand's designs of the 1960s while incorporating contemporary watchmaking technology and aesthetics. This new release signifies a continued appreciation for vintage-inspired timepieces, offering a compelling blend of historical design cues and modern functionality. The collection, which launches in June 2025, aims to capture a sense of summer exploration and leisure, backed by the robust performance expected of a Swiss-made sports chronograph. The watches present a thoughtful balance of polished and brushed surfaces, intricate dial work, and a reliable automatic movement, positioning the Continental as a significant new entry in the competitive field of retro-styled chronographs.
Founded in 1924 by the brothers Adolf and Albert Gilomen, DELMA first established its presence in Lengnau, Switzerland, a town synonymous with watchmaking excellence. Initially operating under various brand names, the company officially registered the DELMA trademark in 1933. The mid-20th century was a period of significant growth and innovation for the brand, as it carved out a niche for itself in the production of sports watches, particularly dive watches. The 1960s, the era from which the new Continental draws its primary inspiration, was a golden age for chronographs. These watches were not merely time-telling devices but essential tools for professionals in aviation, motorsports, and other fields that demanded precise timing. It was during this period that DELMA honed its skills in creating durable and reliable timepieces, an expertise that would become a cornerstone of the brand's identity and continues to inform its collections today.
Courtesy of DELMA
The new Continental collection is a clear nod to this historical context, reviving a name from DELMA's past and reinterpreting it for a new generation of watch enthusiasts. The brand’s commitment to producing high-quality dive and sports watches has remained steadfast over the decades, and this new release underscores that legacy. By focusing on the popular and historically significant chronograph complication, DELMA connects its present-day offerings with a pivotal chapter in its own history and in the broader story of Swiss watchmaking. This connection provides a narrative depth to the timepieces, suggesting a lineage of craftsmanship and a design language that has been refined over many years of practice and innovation.
The case of the DELMA Continental measures 42mm in diameter and has a thickness of 15.2mm, dimensions that give the watch a substantial and confident presence on the wrist without being excessively oversized for most. The case is crafted from stainless steel and features a sophisticated interplay of finishes. The primary surfaces of the case are finely brushed, a practical choice that helps to mask minor scratches from daily wear, while the flanks are polished to a high sheen. This contrast between brushed and polished surfaces creates a dynamic visual effect, catching the light in different ways and highlighting the sharp, clean lines of the case architecture. The fixed bezel is also polished, framing the dial and adding a touch of refinement to the watch's overall sporty character.
The attention to detail extends to the crown and chronograph pushers. The crown is appropriately sized for easy operation and features refined detailing for a secure grip when winding the watch or setting the time and date. The traditional pump-style chronograph pushers that flank the crown are a classic feature of mid-century chronographs, offering a satisfying tactile feedback when starting, stopping, and resetting the timer. This commitment to traditional design elements reinforces the vintage-inspired nature of the watch, creating a user experience that is both functional and evocative of a bygone era of mechanical timekeeping. The overall construction speaks to a watch designed for everyday use, capable of transitioning from a professional setting to more casual or adventurous environments.
Courtesy of DELMA
At the heart of the new Continental collection lies the dial, which is offered in four distinct and appealing colorways: a classic silver with black subdials, a sleek black, a contemporary light blue, and a warm salmon hue. These options provide a range of choices to suit different personal styles, from the more traditional to the more adventurous. Each dial features a sunray-brushed finish, a technique that creates a subtle texture that radiates from the center of the dial, causing the color to shift and change depending on the angle of the light. This adds a sense of depth and dynamism to the watch face, making it a captivating element to observe.
The triple sub-dial layout is a hallmark of the chronograph complication. On the Continental, the 30-minute counter is positioned at 12 o’clock and the 12-hour counter is at 6 o’clock. Both of these chronograph counters feature a snailed guilloché pattern, a decorative engraving of concentric circles that creates a pleasing contrast with the sunray finish of the main dial. This textural difference not only enhances the visual interest of the dial but also improves legibility by clearly demarcating the subdials. The small seconds subdial, located at 9 o’clock, is framed to match, contributing to the overall sense of balance and symmetry in the design.
For practicality, a day-date window is neatly integrated at the 3 o’clock position. This feature, which displays both the day of the week and the date of the month, is a useful addition for a watch intended for daily wear. The inclusion of a tachymeter scale on the outer edge of the dial is a direct reference to the watch's motorsport-inspired heritage. This scale allows the user to measure average speed over a fixed distance, a function that, while perhaps not frequently used by the modern wearer, is an essential component of a traditional racing chronograph and a key part of its design DNA. The applied indexes and hands are filled with Super-LumiNova C1, a high-performance phosphorescent material that ensures excellent legibility in low-light conditions. A striking red central seconds hand provides a bold splash of color, further enhancing readability and adding to the watch's sporty, functional aesthetic.
Powering the DELMA Continental is the Sellita SW500 automatic chronograph movement, a robust and reliable caliber that has become a mainstay of the Swiss watch industry. This self-winding movement is known for its durability and performance, making it a suitable choice for a modern sports watch. The SW500 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), a standard for modern mechanical movements that ensures a smooth sweep of the seconds hand and contributes to the watch's accuracy. The movement is built with 25 jewels, which reduce friction at key points within the mechanism, enhancing its longevity and reliability over time.
Courtesy of DELMA
One of the key features of the SW500 is its impressive power reserve of 62 hours. This extended running time means that the watch can be taken off for a couple of days and will still be running when it is picked up again, a convenience that is appreciated by those who rotate through several watches in their collection. The movement's functions include central hour and minute hands, a small seconds display at 9 o’clock, and the chronograph complication, which is operated by the pushers on the side of the case. The chronograph features a central seconds hand for measuring elapsed seconds, a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock, and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock.
Through the exhibition case back, which is fitted with a sapphire crystal, the owner can admire the finishing of the movement. The rotor, the oscillating weight that winds the mainspring as the wearer moves their wrist, is decorated with a Côtes de Genève finish, a pattern of parallel stripes that is a classic embellishment in Swiss watchmaking. The rotor also bears a DELMA engraving, a final touch that signifies the brand's pride in the watch's mechanical heart. This level of decoration, while not overly elaborate, adds a layer of refinement and demonstrates an attention to detail that extends beyond the visible surfaces of the watch.
The DELMA Continental is fitted with a distinctive seven-link stainless steel bracelet that contributes significantly to the watch's overall character and comfort. This type of bracelet, with its smaller, more numerous links, is known for its flexibility and how well it conforms to the wrist. The design of the bracelet complements the watch head, continuing the interplay of brushed and polished finishes. This creates a cohesive and integrated look, where the bracelet feels like a natural extension of the case rather than a separate component. The multiple links catch the light in a way that is both subtle and visually interesting, adding to the luxurious feel of the timepiece.
The bracelet is secured with a butterfly clasp equipped with pushers for release. This type of clasp is both secure and discreet, creating a nearly seamless look when closed. The push-button release mechanism ensures that the clasp will not open accidentally, providing peace of mind for the wearer. The combination of the multi-link construction and the secure clasp results in a bracelet that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also exceptionally comfortable for all-day wear. It is a design that balances visual appeal with practical, ergonomic considerations, making it well-suited for a watch intended to be worn in a variety of situations.
Courtesy of DELMA
The Continental collection features several distinct models, each identified by a unique SKU and offering a different dial color. The model with SKU 41701.702.6.034 features the black sunray-brushed dial, a classic and versatile option that pairs well with any attire. The contrasting silver subdials create a "reverse panda" effect that is highly sought after by collectors for its sporty and legible appearance. This version exudes a sense of purpose and functionality, staying true to the tool-watch origins of the chronograph.
The model with SKU 41701.702.6.064 presents a silver sunray-brushed dial with black subdials, a classic "panda" configuration. This colorway is perhaps one of the most iconic for chronographs, famous for its association with mid-century racing watches. The high contrast between the white dial and the black subdials offers excellent legibility and a crisp, clean look. This version is likely to appeal to those who appreciate the historical significance and timeless appeal of this classic design.
For those seeking a more contemporary and expressive option, the model with SKU 41701.702.6.184 features a salmon-colored dial. This warm, peachy hue has gained significant popularity in recent years and adds a touch of sophistication and individuality to the watch. The salmon dial provides a softer, more nuanced look compared to the high-contrast black and silver versions, making it a stylish choice for those who want their timepiece to stand out.
Finally, the model with SKU 41701.702.6.194 comes with a light blue sunray-brushed dial. This cool, refreshing color evokes the feeling of a clear summer sky or a seaside escape, aligning perfectly with the collection's theme of summer enjoyment. The light blue dial is a fresh and modern take on the sports chronograph, offering a more playful and relaxed vibe. This version is well-suited for casual wear and for those who appreciate a pop of color in their accessories.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the DELMA Continental is built to be a durable and practical timepiece. The watch is rated for a water resistance of 100 meters (330 feet), a level that is more than sufficient for everyday activities, including swimming and snorkeling. This robust water resistance, while not intended for professional diving, provides a sense of security and versatility, allowing the wearer to transition from land to water without concern. Protecting the intricate dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, the standard for high-quality modern watches. Sapphire crystal is exceptionally hard, second only to diamond, ensuring that the watch face remains clear and free from scratches over years of wear.
Courtesy of DELMA
The use of Super-LumiNova C1 on the applied indexes and hands further enhances the watch's functionality. This luminescent material provides a bright and lasting glow in the dark, ensuring that the time can be read easily in any lighting condition. The combination of these practical features—solid water resistance, a durable sapphire crystal, and excellent lume—underscores the Continental's identity as a true sports watch. It is a timepiece designed not just to be admired for its beauty, but to be worn and enjoyed in a wide range of environments and activities, from urban exploration to coastal adventures.
The new DELMA Continental collection is positioned as a premium offering within the brand's lineup. The watches on the stainless steel bracelet are priced at CHF 2,375, EUR 2,600, or USD 2,875. This price point places the Continental in a competitive segment of the market, where it will be compared with other Swiss-made automatic chronographs from established brands. The combination of a respected Swiss movement, a high level of finishing on the case and dial, and a thoughtful, vintage-inspired design makes a strong case for its value.
Case: 42mm diameter, 15.2mm thick brushed stainless-steel case with polished flanks and fixed polished bezel. Features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and water resistance to 100m / 330 ft.
Movement: Sellita SW500 automatic chronograph. Features a self-winding mechanism with ball bearing, a frequency of 28,800 vph, 25 jewels, and a 62-hour power reserve. Rotor is finished with Côtes de Genève and a DELMA engraving.
Dial: Sunray-brushed finish available in silver, black, light blue, and salmon/peach with snailed guilloche pattern on the chronograph counters. Includes a day-date window at 3 o’clock, a tachymeter scale, and applied indexes and hands with Super-LumiNova® C1.
Strap: Stainless-steel seven-link bracelet featuring a butterfly clasp with pushers.
Price: CHF 2,375 / EUR 2,600 / USD 2,875.
Reference Number: 41701.702.6.034 (Black); 41701.702.6.064 (Silver); 41701.702.6.184 (Salmon); 41701.702.6.194 (Light Blue).
Notes: The watch blends DELMA’s 1960s design style with contemporary precision. It features a triple sub-dial chronograph layout enhanced with a day-date function for everyday practicality.