The RESERVOIR Sonomaster Chronograph Black Thunder is a 43 mm black PVD-coated steel automatic chronograph distinguished by two retrograde displays inspired by the VU meters of vintage audio equipment. Its central chronograph seconds hand is separate from the retrograde running-seconds indicator, and the date sweeps across its own arc. The movement is the column-wheel RSV-Bi120; the published EUR 5,750 price was launch-era pricing, not a verified current offer.
What is the Sonomaster Chronograph Black Thunder?
Black Thunder is a dark-dial edition of RESERVOIR’s Sonomaster Chronograph. The design takes its cue from analog stereo amplifiers: the brand says the two retrograde indicators evoke the moving needles of power meters and VU meters. The Black Thunder applies that idea in a black-on-black treatment with white markings and red accents, as described in launch coverage.
That inspiration is functional as well as visual. The dial uses sweeping arcs for running seconds and date rather than presenting every indication on conventional subdials. The result is an unusual layout, but the chronograph and timekeeping indications remain distinct.
How do you read its dial?
There are four separate elapsed-time and timekeeping indications to distinguish. The chronograph’s central seconds hand measures elapsed seconds when the chronograph is running; the retrograde seconds display is for running seconds in ordinary timekeeping.
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- Central hand: chronograph seconds.
- At 12 o’clock: chronograph elapsed minutes, on a 30-minute counter.
- At 6 o’clock: chronograph elapsed hours, on a 12-hour counter.
- Retrograde arc: running seconds, separate from the central chronograph hand.
- Second retrograde arc: date.
RESERVOIR describes the seconds and date indications as bi-retrograde displays on 120-degree arcs. A retrograde hand travels along its scale, then returns to the start rather than continuing around a full circle.
Movement and specifications
RESERVOIR identifies the automatic movement as caliber RSV-Bi120, a bi-retrograde chronograph with a column wheel and an LJP-L1C0 base. Monochrome Watches reported a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a 60-hour power reserve in its launch-era technical specifications.
Rank #2
- ★ Unique Design: This watch has been carefully designed to perfectly combine sports and casual. Suitable for many indoor & outdoor scenes
- ★ Multi-function ★ : Six-hand Multi-function Quartz Movement ,Three Chronograph Sub-dial,1/10 Sec Sub-dial, Seconds sub-dial, Minute Sub-dial.
- ★ Water Resistant ★: 30M (100FT) Water Resistant , withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, Perfect for all kind of business, casual, indoor and outdoor activities and daily use , but not suitable for swimming or bathing
- ★ Super Luminous ★ : Luminous Hands & Calibration , is convenient to read the time in the dark（Luminous function needs to be activated by light）
- ★ Gift Box ★: Come With Hight Quality Gift Box -- Good gift for boyfriend, husband, father, brother, grandfather, friends...Great surprise for Birthday, Business-gift, Christmas, Valentine day, Wedding, New Year, Father’s Day
| Specification | Black Thunder |
|---|---|
| Movement | RSV-Bi120 automatic, bi-retrograde chronograph; column wheel, based on LJP-L1C0 (RESERVOIR). |
| Frequency | 28,800 vibrations per hour (Monochrome Watches, launch-era specification). |
| Power reserve | 60 hours (Monochrome Watches, launch-era specification). |
| Case | 43 mm stainless steel with black PVD coating (Monochrome Watches, launch-era specification). |
| Water resistance | 50 m (Monochrome Watches, launch-era specification). |
| Strap | Black leather, 22 mm wide (Monochrome Watches, launch-era specification). |
A 22 mm width alone does not confirm that a replacement strap will fit: check the attachment or end-link arrangement and clasp compatibility before ordering.
How Black Thunder differs from the listed Sonomaster edition
RESERVOIR’s family Sonomaster Chronograph page describes a black-and-beige dial and lists reference RSV04.SN/136.BL. That is family context, not the Black Thunder reference. Independent launch coverage identifies Black Thunder with the .BT suffix; its model reference is RSV04.SN/136.BT. The two references should not be treated as the same dial or inventory listing.
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Rank #3
- Citizen Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled Chronograph World Timer; Blue Angels edition with caseback insignia
- Synchronized to Atomic Time Clock for Superior Accuracy, Atomic Timekeeping Technology with Synchronized Time Adjustment Available in 26 Time Zones, 1/20 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, Perpetual Calendar, 12/24 Hour Time, Power Reserve Indicator, Day/Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Launch price and present availability
Monochrome Watches reported an original retail price of EUR 5,750 and deliveries beginning on 20 November in its launch coverage. That figure is historical; it is not a current quote or evidence of a present-day transaction price.
As checked on 7 October 2026, RESERVOIR’s family-level Sonomaster Chronograph page displayed “Sold out” for reference RSV04.SN/136.BL. It does not establish whether the Black Thunder, RSV04.SN/136.BT, is in stock. For current availability or pricing, contact RESERVOIR or a current authorized seller and confirm the exact reference.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dark red resin case with Black top ring
- Lcd display with time, seconds, day and date
- Functions include: chronograph, lap time, alarm, dual time, military time and backlight
- Black resin strap with buckle closure
- Water resistant to 330 Feet (100m)
Rank #4
- Men's luxury timepieces with technical advancements and a sporty style
- 1 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, 12/24 Hour Time, Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Case
- Mineral Crystal
- 100 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Sources
- RESERVOIR: “Discover the new RESERVOIR Sonomaster Chronograph Black Thunder” (4 November 2022).
- Monochrome Watches: “Introducing: Reservoir Sonomaster Chronograph Black Thunder.”
- RESERVOIR: “Sonomaster Chronograph” family product page (checked 7 October 2026).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
