The TIMETHIS Sichuan Panda Automatic Chronograph is far more than just another 'Panda dial' in a sea of monochrome chronographs. It represents a bold, anthropomorphic visual revolution. Within the context of haute horlogerie, it breathes the vitality of China's 'National Treasure' into the heart of a cold, mechanical structure.
The Context: A Market Saturated with Monochromes
In the horological world, the "Panda Dial" is an institution. From the legendary Paul Newman Daytona to the Zenith El Primero, the high-contrast layout of black sub-dials on a white canvas is a celebrated trope of 20th-century sports watches. However, for decades, "Panda" has merely been a color code—a nickname for a palette.
Enter TIMETHIS, an independent marque hailing from Chengdu, China. With the Sichuan Panda Automatic Chronograph, the brand has done something remarkably literal yet poetically abstract: they have given the "Panda" a face, a pulse, and a personality.
The Dial: A Literal Masterstroke
At first glance, the watch is a charming 38mm steel chronograph. But look closer, and you see the genius of founder Tony Zhou. This isn't just a dial; it’s a multi-layered brass sculpture.
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The "Eyes": The 12-hour and 30-minute counters are shaped as the panda’s iconic black eye patches.
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The "Tongue": At 6 o’clock, the running seconds sub-dial features a playful red crescent, mimicking a panda’s tongue. As it ticks, the "panda" seems to be panting with life.
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The "Bamboo": The central chronograph hand is finished in a vibrant green—a nod to the giant panda’s primary diet and the lush ecosystem of Sichuan.
While European independents often lean into architectural austerity, TIMETHIS embraces emotive storytelling. It’s a bold departure that feels more "alive" than the sterile perfections we often see from the Jura Mountains.
Case and Movement: The "Tasti Tondi" Spirit
The 38mm case, with its 14mm thickness, feels substantial yet vintage-correct. The use of "Tasti Tondi" style pump pushers (a nod to the iconic Patek Philippe Ref. 1463) provides a tactile, rounded softness that echoes the gentle nature of the panda itself.
Flip the watch over, and the sapphire caseback reveals a custom-finished automatic movement. The rotor is engraved with the brand's panda motif and "CHENGDU," a proud declaration of its origin. With a 55-hour power reserve and a 28,800 vph frequency, it’s a reliable engine for a piece that is as much about mechanical integrity as it is about aesthetic whimsy.
Verdict: The Soul of Chinese Independence
There is a spirit here that transcends traditional European watchmaking. While many Swiss brands are trapped by the weight of their own heritage, TIMETHIS uses its heritage—the culture of Chengdu—to create something entirely new. It is unique, playful, and technically proficient. This isn't just a "Panda Dial"; it is The Panda Chronograph. At $2,200, it offers a level of personality that you simply cannot find in a mass-produced Tudor or Longines.
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