Update:  At 48.8 grams, BRM claims this watch as the world’s lightest automatic chronograph.  By comparison, the Richard Mille RM027 for Rafael Nadal weighs in at a mere 20 grams (13 grams ex-strap), though it is not a chronograph and more importantly it is a manual-wind caliber, not automatic.

French watchmaker BRM, led by Bernard Richards and here in the USA by BRM Americas head Frederic Gasser, is out with a new piece — the BRM Mak 44 watch.  Though the look of the watch is of the usual BRM style, the neat thing about this watch is its case.  The case is constructed of a high tech material called Makrolon.  Makrolon is a high-tech polycarbonate (basically, a plastic) that can be transparent or opaque, is resistant to impact and weathering, and able to withstand extreme temperatures.  The term is actually a registered trademark; Makrolon is a product of  Bayer MaterialScience.  Interestingly you’ve probably experienced Makrolon yourself without even knowing it — water bottles, CDs, DVDs, corrective eyeglass lenses, race car windshields, sports helmets and goggles are just some of the objects sometimes constructed with Makrolon.  But for a watch case it is certainly unique; I like the semi-opaque, frosted look of it.  As for the rest of the watch, check out the specs listed below.  Retail price of the BRM Mak 44 here stateside is $12,950.

B.R.M. Mak 44 Watch

44mm makrolon case (high-tech polycarbonate), automatic mechanical movement (Valjoux 7753 made of titanium)