Chronos Bluetooth disc on my Explorer II

[sheldonsmith]

Back in November 2015 I read about the Chronos disc and was intrigued with the possibilities of bringing smart watch functionality to my mechanical Rolex. After ordering there was a long wait because of the usual reasons that stall any good idea from going to production (eg. design, unforeseen design challenges, sourcing materials and manufacturing, software development, etc).

One year after ordering, I received a Chronos disc and promptly installed on my Explorer II (ref 216570).

The disc adds an extra 3mm to the watch thickness and 10g to the weight, but no more than if I were to switch to my 15mm and 10g heavier Rolex SeaDweller. I hope that in future versions, the disk could be made thinner, yet have a more powerful vibration engine. Either way, I found the Chronos a great addition to my daily-wearer Explorer II and have come to appreciate the extra Bluetooth functionality without having to deal with a smart watch.

There are more images and thoughts on this experience over at Minus4Plus6.com (here).

-Sheldon

[Hairdude1]

Cool!

[Atleo]

Keep us updated on how it works long term! I think Isis a great concept.


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[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by sheldonsmith

There are more images and thoughts on this experience over at Minus4Plus6.com (here).

-Sheldon

From the article to which you linked:

"I appreciate being able to control my phone with little distraction."

In what way can one do that with this device? How does it work?

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by No SUBctitute

From the article to which you linked:

"I appreciate being able to control my phone with little distraction."

In what way can one do that with this device? How does it work?

yeah I'm also curious. Seems like the only useful information to receive from the watch, aside from the time, would be the measurements on how it's running (accuracy, vibrations, rhythm, etc.). Although that would be useful, it hardly makes it a "smart watch".

Anyway, what are the benefits of this thing?

Edit: just read the article linked. Very interesting. Definitely curious as to your thoughts on it. Thanks!

[sheldonsmith]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

yeah I'm also curious. Seems like the only useful information to receive from the watch, aside from the time, would be the measurements on how it's running (accuracy, vibrations, rhythm, etc.). Although that would be useful, it hardly makes it a "smart watch".

Anyway, what are the benefits of this thing?

Edit: just read the article linked. Very interesting. Definitely curious as to your thoughts on it. Thanks!

After wearing the Chronos disk for another two weeks, the disk is still going strong and appreciate having the extra utility.

I keep my phone on silent 99% of the time and I monitor messages, texts, email, missed calls when a spare moment becomes available. Having remote phone/iOS notifications is a great convenience as I don't have to pull out the phone during meetings, watching TV, or any other conspicuous time to monitor incoming messages.

Like with anything that vibrates, the disc should be tight on the skin to feel it. I know I missed some alerts because the vibration motor is not very powerful. The LEDs are visible at night, but shouldn't catch anyone's attention during the day. The LED's have been helpful at a movie theater or when driving at night that a text or calendar reminder activated.

When I misplace my phone, I can tap the watch face three times and the phone will ring which is very handy feature, especially when I am downstairs and my phone is upstairs; this feature helps from having to scurry around looking for the thing. The remote feature also works through office walls; I can leave my phone on my desk, yet I know there are incoming messages/calls while I am in the adjacent office.

So far, so good..

[teb1013]

Very interesting, what it the diameter of the device? Will it wear with a 36mm DJ or could I only use it with my Black Bay? Keep us up to date.


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[WhiskyVerb]

There are more images and thoughts on this experience over at Minus4Plus6.com (here).

-Sheldon[/QUOTE]

Sheldon, approx how long to recharge? I prefer to wear my watch 24/7. But I also have been curious about this device for a year as well. TIA

[sheldonsmith]

Originally Posted by teb1013

Very interesting, what it the diameter of the device? Will it wear with a 36mm DJ or could I only use it with my Black Bay? Keep us up to date.

The disc is 33m in diameter, which as shown above, does hang over the raised portion of the Explorer II caseback but is still completely covered by the watch case. I found no difficulty with the 1mm or so of overhang extending beyond the Exporer II caseback.

[sheldonsmith]

Sheldon, approx how long to recharge? I prefer to wear my watch 24/7. But I also have been curious about this device for a year as well. TIA

By looking at the size of the battery, I would say 60-90 minutes. There have been some long busy days (eg conferences) where it is about ¾ empty by late afternoon, so back in the hotel room I'll throw it in the charger for about 30 minutes and it is fully charged for hitting the conference again in the evening.

I have yet to have the disc go completely dead, even when the battery indicator is showing red/empty for hours on end.

[Eva123]

I still can not understand what is a purpose of such disc. If you want smart watch, buy Apple Watch, Suunto, Garmin, Android watches..... even Tag Heur released smart watch. To put such disc on Rolex would equal to situation of buying brand new Ferrari and putting cheap spoiler that is self made.

[WhiskyVerb]

Originally Posted by Eva123

I still can not understand what is a purpose of such disc. If you want smart watch, buy Apple Watch, Suunto, Garmin, Android watches..... even Tag Heur released smart watch. To put such disc on Rolex would equal to situation of buying brand new Ferrari and putting cheap spoiler that is self made.

I think it is supposed to be nearly invisible. Why not have some smart watch functionality yet the elegance of the Rolex?

Sheldon, can you post some pics with the combo on the wrist? Does it destroy the ambiance like a cheap home made spoiler on a brand new Ferrari? TIA

[RoleyPolly]

Interesting concept and kudos to someone capitalizing on a new market opportunity. Also, cool website with great content!

[guy369]

I was considering purchasing one of these a few months ago, I just never took the plunge as I personally don't find it necessary.

However, it is a cool device, and it would easily help a lot of people. Especially us mechanical movement watch lovers who are not willing to sacrifice our passion for technology

[Duey]

OK Sheldon I am totally lost here. I read everything I could find about it. But - WHY WHY WHY put it on your Rolex
1) It vibrates
2) It lights up your wrist
3) It makes your phone ring when you loose phone

Couldn't you just put it on you keys or in your pocket? Or if the light thing is cool put it under a band-aid or something ..

I just don't get the high tech abilities of this disc on my Rolex

[sheldonsmith]

Originally Posted by Duey

OK Sheldon I am totally lost here. I read everything I could find about it. But - WHY WHY WHY put it on your Rolex
1) It vibrates
2) It lights up your wrist
3) It makes your phone ring when you loose phone

Couldn't you just put it on you keys or in your pocket? Or if the light thing is cool put it under a band-aid or something ..

I just don't get the high tech abilities of this disc on my Rolex

1) It alerts you when you get a text when your phone is in another room.
2) the lighting helps at night (especially when driving when the phone is on silent).
3) Helps find the phone reducing any teeth gnashing looking for the damn mobile phone.

- You can monitor messages/phone calls during meetings while not having to look at your phone without having to wear another item on your wrist (eg. Fitbit, Garmin band, etc.. ) and the Chronos is (mostly) invisable to anyone else....

[osamu]

I have one too, preordered October 2015, think I recieved it in October this year. I was hesitant to put it on my Rolex so I have it on a seiko. All I really wanted a smart watch for was notifications and this takes care of that. I agree the vibration motor is pretty weak, to the point if I have it set to just buzz once I will usually not notice.

I am surprised I am actually using the gestures. Well at least the play/pause gesture by tapping the side of the watch.

Overall a pretty good product. I agree wish it could be smaller, but already find the battery to be pretty short, so it is what it is. I have yet to try it out on any other watches so might fit better on something slimmer. I wanted it for notifications but now I kinda wish it had some more functions like alarm, more fitness tracking, etc. I am still a little concerned about the long term impact of attaching a vibrating disc to a mechanical watch, so it'll stay on my SKX009 for a while