Designed by Seconde/Seconde/ to celebrate 55 years of Astérix in Switzerland, the Chronofixe Cofrefor Limited Edition transforms comic-book storytelling into a clever piece of Swiss mechanical watchmaking.
Created in collaboration with Romaric André and Chronofixe, the Cofrefor turns the idea of a Swiss bank vault into wearable satire - complete with a combination-lock-inspired bezel, vault-handle-style crown, and Astérix himself attempting to crack the “safe” hidden within the dial.
Playful without becoming gimmicky, the Cofrefor balances humour, nostalgia, and proper horology in a way only Seconde/Seconde/ can.
Inspiration & Design
Inspired by the iconic Astérix in Switzerland comic released in 1970, the Cofrefor imagines Astérix in the middle of a Swiss vault heist - ear pressed to the dial while decoding the bezel like a combination lock.
The concept perfectly captures Seconde/Seconde/’s signature approach to watch design: transforming familiar watch components into visual storytelling devices while preserving the integrity of the watch itself.
The bi-directional bezel resembles the dial of a high-security safe, while the oversized crown references a traditional Swiss vault handle. The engraved caseback continues the narrative with the phrase:
“Aussi hermétique qu’un coffre helvétique”(“As sealed as a Swiss vault.”)
Every detail contributes to the joke without overwhelming the watch, resulting in a piece that feels witty rather than theatrical.
Dial & Case Details
The Cofrefor features a compact and versatile 37mm stainless steel case, giving it vintage-inspired proportions that wear comfortably across a wide range of wrist sizes.
Its brushed finishing reinforces the industrial vault aesthetic, while the restrained monochromatic colour palette keeps the playful dial artwork balanced and surprisingly wearable.
The bezel itself is one of the standout design elements - cleverly functioning visually like the rotating dial of a safe while remaining fully integrated into the overall watch design.
Paired with a brushed stainless steel bracelet, the Cofrefor feels solid, understated, and distinctly Swiss despite its comic-book origins.
Movement & Mechanics
Beneath the playful exterior sits the trusted Sellita SW200 automatic movement.
Widely respected across independent Swiss watchmaking, the SW200 is known for its reliability, serviceability, and stable long-term performance. Automatic winding means the watch is powered by the motion of the wrist, eliminating the need for batteries while delivering the tactile charm collectors appreciate in mechanical watches.
This is an important distinction - the Cofrefor is not merely a novelty collaboration, but a genuine Swiss Made mechanical watch built with proper horological foundations.
Bracelet & Wearability
At 37mm, the Cofrefor delivers an easy everyday fit with strong vintage character.
The brushed steel bracelet complements the case perfectly and keeps the watch grounded despite its highly thematic design language. Rather than demanding attention immediately, the details reveal themselves gradually - rewarding owners and fellow enthusiasts who take a closer look.
It is exactly the sort of watch that sparks conversations organically.
Final Impression
The Chronofixe Cofrefor succeeds because it understands both comic culture and watch culture equally well.
Rather than simply placing characters on a dial, Seconde/Seconde/ transforms the bezel, crown, caseback, and dial into part of a larger visual narrative. The result is clever, self-aware, and distinctly collectible.
At the same time, the watch remains mechanically credible, wearable, and thoughtfully executed - something many themed watches fail to achieve.
For collectors of independent watchmaking, fans of Astérix, or anyone who appreciates humour executed intelligently through design, the Cofrefor stands out as one of the more original limited editions in recent years.
And appropriately for a watch inspired by a Swiss vault - once these disappear, they may remain locked away for good.
Technical Specifications
Limited edition:
Limited edition but not numbered
Case size:
37mm
Case material:
316L stainless steel
Case back:
316L stainless steel with Asterix engraving
Movement type:
Automatic
Movement no.:
Sellita SW200
Power reserve:
Approx 41hrs
Dial:
Matte black dial with lumed hands and lumed Roman numerals and indices; bidirectional bezel; date window at 3 o'clock with Roman numerals
Glass:
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Water resistance:
20ATM
Strap type:
Bracelet
Strap material:
Stainless steel
Buckle:
Stainless steel tang buckle
Warranty:
2 years
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