About chronograph counters
The hour counter is not surrounded by a black circle. There are several, not necessarily logical reasons for this. Originally, a Valjoux 23 was to be installed, which would have created a bicompax display. I initially found the additional hour counter at "6" visually unattractive, especially as the watch recalled familiar models. As a result of many alterations to the details, even without the black ring, I have produced something that more closely resembles the Valjoux 23 and have also made the dial look a little different (partly out of a conscious desire to be different, I admit). The only "logical" reasons being that the hour meter is not regarded as important for chronographs and in this way the symmetry is preserved.