IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Expedition Charles Darwin: Forget its long and complicated name; the really cool thing about this chronograph is its bronze case and the fantastic IWC in-house Calibre 89365 that powers it. Bronze is a material that “lives,” so the watch’s look will slightly change over the years. Cool, right? The price: 9,900 euros including tax.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic: A perfect outdoor and travel companion with an independently set second time-zone indication by a second hour hand. The second hour hand can be used to indicate your home time, and you can see through the little aperture, positioned just under JLC-Logo atv 12 o’clock, if it is night or day. This JLC watch is powered by the in-house calibre “757,” and looks really sharp in the black ceramic case. The price: 12,400 euros including tax.
Omega Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon: What shall I write? Omega simply has done a wonderful job with this ultra-cool chrono. The gray ceramic case hosts the Omega in-house Caliber 9300, a masterpiece and one of the best contemporary chronograph movements. After presenting the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon last year and Grey Side of the Moon this year, what will Omega do for an encore? Perhaps a Speedmaster Bright Side of the Moon in a white ceramic case? The Omega Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon sells for $12,000.
Patek Philippe Multi-Scale Chronograph Ref. 5975P: Only 100 pieces of this stunning chronograph, powered by the in-house Caliber CH 28 520, will ever be made. The timepiece was presented for the manufacture’s 175th birthday just some weeks ago. If you want one, you’d best hurry up and get on the list. I’m confident you won’t regret this acquisition. Yes, the watch is available in other case materials, but for me the version in platinum is simply the best. The price: 78,000 CHF including tax.
What are your favorite chronographs and best-value chronograph watches? Let me know in the comments below!
I enjoy looking at the pretty photos of expensive watches in Watch Time. I mean who doesn’t. But this magazine is more fantasy than reality. Some part of me also abhors these emails I signed up for…because I am tired of seeing watches consistently >$10,000. I mean, I make a decent living, but who has the discretionary to buy these watches? Seriously “watch insiders” can you pick some watches that aren’t $270,000.
~Matt
Well said, unfortunately it leads to losing interest because all I see is reviews and specs of things I will never have. Not to critizise just an opinion, but for me u$s 2000 is not affordable.
What the hell are you talking about? Who wants to see a review of Fiat Multipla? Or some other crappy totally ordinary car that you see thousands around every day?
The same goes for watches…if you want to admire citizens, casios and other crap, go elsewhere…world of watches is not obviously for you.
We are here to see beautiful and extraordinary timepieces and unfortunately for you (and thankfully for us), these are rare and expensive. And that is the point.
For the most part, I find these watches clunky, too busy and overwrought. Compare it to my original Omega Speedmaster, with its black face, simple white hands and subtle outer scale markings, these chronographs just look to be trying too hard. They may have technical features that far surpass the old Speedmaster, but aesthetically, they can’t compete.
The exception is the Glausutte, which is the only one I find elegant, clean and functional.
No Seiko Ananta?
Great choices. All great watches.
Now, question to you; if you were to recommend one affordable non quartz chronograph watch; which one would you pick?
I think Longines is always a good choice…their Master collection chronograph is a joy…