As one of the most popular and complicated complications, chronograph watches have always been around. From high-end timepieces and proper tool watches to the reasonably priced range of watches, the chronograph has always been relevant to many spectrums. Beginning its ascent in the mid-19th century as a feature in pocket watches, the chronograph complication has evolved with time. The modern chronograph watches offer an inexhaustible source of horological and aesthetic inspiration.
Also Read: The5 Best Pilot’s WatchFor Men
Keeping this in mind, today we bring you our top favourite chronograph watches of all time:
OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch
Is it possible to list our favourite chronograph watches and not include the iconic and beloved OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch? Of course not. Released in the first half of 2021, OMEGA’s latest Moonwatch is an updated version featuring some new designs and a powerful Master Chronometer certified anti-magnetic movement. For this new version of the Moonwatch, OMEGA has taken inspiration from the 4th generation Moonwatch (commonly referenced as the ST 105.012) worn by Apollo 11 astronauts on the moon in 1969.
The new watch comes in a classic asymmetrical case with a black step dial, a double bevel caseback and the famous dot over 90 (DON) and a diagonal to 70 on the anodised aluminium bezel ring. The dial offers a clean aesthetic with signature chronograph counters powered by the powerful Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. Available in an integrated and fully-brushed bracelet, the collection comes in a range of stainless steel, 18K Sedna gold or 18K Canopus gold options.
For more information, visit here.
TAG Heuer Autavia 60th Anniversary Flyback Chronograph
There is no doubt that TAG Heuer, for many decades, has been on the frontline when it comes to chronograph watches. For 2022, the Swiss watch brand comes through again with its latest TAG Heuer Autavia models featuring a flyback chronograph. The two new chronograph watches commemorate the 60th anniversary of the iconic Autavia collection.
The watches are available in a classic 42mm stainless steel and DLC-coated black case with signature chronograph pushers and an extra-large crown. The historic TAG Heuer dashboard timers inspire the design of the dial (available in silver and black) with easily readable chronograph counters, Super-LumiNova-coated hour markers and hands and large Arabic numerals. Both the models are powered by the newly developed Calibre Heuer 02 COSC Flyback manufacture movement.
For more information, visit here.
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Monopusher Edition “Le Petit Prince”
Apart from the fact that this watch is one of the best looking chronographs from the lot, the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Monopusher Edition “Le Petit Prince” also marks the brand’s first Big Pilot’s watch to feature chronograph functions. Limited to just 500 pieces, this “Le Petit Prince” edition commemorates the Swiss watch brands’ expertise in creating and developing chronograph watches.
Inculcating two chronograph pushers to the Big Pilot’s large case and the conical crown seems like much of a stretch. The brand thought otherwise and solved this problem with the help of the integration of a monopusher chronograph. This logical addition allowed the chronograph to be controlled via a single push button, making it exceptionally user friendly and practical.
In terms of its design language, the Big Pilot’s Watch Monopusher Edition “Le Petit Prince” sticks to its iconic deep-blue sunburst dial complimented with a stainless-steel case and rhodium-plated hands. IWC’s in-house 59365 calibre movement beats inside the watch and clocks in a power reserve of eight days.
You can get more details about the watch here.
Breitling Super Chronomat B01 44
The Breitling Super Chronomat B01 44 is the ultimate choice for those who want a timepiece that offers sturdiness, style and a story behind it all. The Chronomat B01 44 ticks all of these boxes.
Inspired by the FrecceTricolori watch that Breitling created for the hotshots of the Italian Air Force’s aerobatic fleet in 1983, the Super Chronomat B01 is a supercharged, all-purpose sports watch with massive appeal. Crafted in a case measuring 44mm, the Super Chronomat B01 is a bold timepiece with new features like a stainless-steel bezel with a ceramic insert. The black dial is home to contrasting silver chronograph counters powered by the COSC certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01. Adding something extra to the fold is the presence of a UTC module embedded in the exciting Rouleaux bracelet that allows the watch to track a second time zone.
For more information, visit here.
Longines Avigation BigEye
Paying homage to the most incredible aviation moments is the Longines Avigation BigEye timepiece. This pilot’s chronograph watch features an emblematic 1930s design characterised by a clear and visible dial featuring an over-sizes 30-minute counter.
The titanium version is available in a 41mm case housing a column-wheel chronograph Calibre L688 movement offering enhanced accuracy and resistance to magnetic fields. The Avigation BigEye features a grained and shaded petrol blue dial with sand-blasted black hands, and Super-LumiNova-coated Arabic numerals. The seconds subdial at 9 o’clock, 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock and the oversized 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock add to the charm of the beautiful pilot’s watch.
For more information, visit here.
