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Independent Watchmakers · 2026-10-15

Atelier de Chronométrie AdC8: a hand-finished split-seconds chronograph

The Barcelona atelier uses a radically reworked Venus 185 chronograph in a teardrop-lug grey-gold case, with a black pulsometer dial.

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By Chronolume digest · Original English summary · Based on Atelier de Chronométrie official

The hand-made AdC8 split-seconds chronograph with black pulsometer dial.
The hand-made AdC8 split-seconds chronograph with black pulsometer dial. Atelier de Chronométrie ↗
This is a sourced news summary, not a hands-on review. Read the original reporting at Atelier de Chronométrie official ↗

What to know

The AdC8 is a distinctive piece of modern independent watchmaking, informed by mid-century chronographs rather than current industrial construction. Its 18-carat grey-gold case is sculpted around polished teardrop lugs and carefully integrated chronograph controls. The black galvanic gilt-style dial features a pulsations scale, applied Breguet numerals and hand-finished indications to balance visual density with legibility.

Rear view of the modified Venus 185 movement and rattrapante mechanism.
Rear view of the modified Venus 185 movement and rattrapante mechanism. Atelier de Chronométrie ↗

At its heart is calibre 8, built on a vintage Venus 185 split-seconds chronograph ébauche. Around fifty new components were made by hand, with the rest extensively reworked and decorated. The manual movement delivers approximately 36 hours of power reserve and beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour. The AdC8 was a finalist in the chronograph category at the 2020 GPHG, placing its artisanal detail in the spotlight.

The organic profile and integrated pushers of the grey-gold case.
The organic profile and integrated pushers of the grey-gold case. Atelier de Chronométrie ↗

At a glance

Specifications reported by Atelier de Chronométrie official
CalibreAdC 8, modified Venus 185 manual rattrapante
Case18k grey gold
Frequency18,000 vph
Power reserve36 hours
Jewels23
Recognition2020 GPHG Chronograph finalist

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Atelier de Chronométrie atelier-de-chronometrie-adc8-rattrapante · atelier-de-chronometrie-adc8-rattrapante ↗

Source & attribution

Atelier de Chronométrie official · Published 2026-10-15 ↗

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