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The best chronograph watches for every budget and style

These timeless men's watches will look great on your wrist

TAG Heuer Carrera face
TAG Heuer / TAG Heuer

In the realm of horology, where craftsmanship meets sophistication, one type of timepiece stands as a testament to precision and versatility: the chronograph watch. But what is a chronograph watch, you might ask? It’s not merely a piece of jewelry; it’s a marvel that marries the elegance of a wristwatch with the functionality of a stopwatch. This exquisite blend of form and function has solidified the chronograph watch as an icon of style and utility.

In this article, we’re delving into the world of timekeeping and presenting you with a curated list of the best five chronograph watches. These timepieces span across various styles and budgets, ensuring that every enthusiast finds their perfect match. So, whether you’re drawn to luxury, seeking affordability, or yearning for a specific style, this guide is your compass to navigating the world of chronograph watches with finesse.

IWC Portofino Chronograph close up
IWC Scaffhausen / IWC Scaffhausen

IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Chronograph 39

The Portofino Chronograph 39 is a true embodiment of elegance and functionality. With its slightly reduced case diameter of 39 millimeters, this timepiece strikes a harmonious balance between classic Portofino design and a sporty chronograph complication. Crafted with a stainless steel case, it exudes durability and refinement. The silver-plated dial, adorned with rhodium-plated hands and appliques, creates a stunning contrast that catches the eye.

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But it’s not just about aesthetics; beneath the surface lies the heart of Swiss craftsmanship. Powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 caliber chronograph movement, this watch offers the capability to measure stop times of up to 30 minutes. The column-wheel design of the chronograph is visible through the sapphire glass case back, revealing the intricate mechanism that enables precision timekeeping.

Ensuring versatility and comfort, the Portofino Chronograph 39 features a beige calfskin strap equipped with a quick-change system, allowing effortless strap exchanges. This timepiece is more than just a watch; it’s a fusion of sportiness and elegance that adapts to your lifestyle.

TAG Heuer Carrera close up
TAG Heuer / TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16

The revamped classic, TAG Heuer Carrera, beautifully showcases the brand’s signature design with sporty upgrades and ergonomic enhancements that pay homage to the strength of its character. The watch boasts a black dial featuring sporty red accents and numerals, presented in a distinctive new font. Its 44mm steel case is paired with a ceramic bezel, creating a visually striking and robust combination. This timepiece is powered by the Calibre 16 automatic movement, offering a power reserve of 42 hours.

The TAG Heuer Carrera’s on-the-go refinement is amplified by the steel H-shape bracelet, making a bold statement on the wrist. Water-resistant up to 100 meters, the watch is equipped to withstand the demands of an active lifestyle. The fixed ceramic bezel adds a touch of sophistication and durability to the timepiece, while the case back is made of steel, ensuring structural integrity.

With the ability to measure stop times with precision, the Carrera Calibre 16 Automatic offers a chronograph function with a 1/4-second, 30-minute counter, and 12-hour counter. The watch also displays hours, minutes, and the date. The combination of sportiness, elegance, and technical excellence in this TAG Heuer Carrera makes it a daring and exceptional choice for those who seek style and performance in their timekeeping companion.

SEIKO Prospex chronograph close up
SEIKO / SEIKO

SEIKO Prospex Speedtimer SSC917P1

The Seiko Prospex SSC917 chronograph watch is like a fusion of sporty vibes and classic elegance, all packed into a compact 39mm case. The iridescent green Lumibrite accents against the black case are like peering through a night vision scope, adding a touch of intrigue to your wrist game. But it’s not just about the looks; this watch means business.

What makes this chronograph really pop? The bracelet is a work of art with its combo of hairline and smooth polishing along with curved sapphire glass; it’s a statement piece on your wrist. There’s also Lumibrite on the hands and indexes, meaning you’ve got a green glow that is not just stylish, it’s super functional. You know, green is the king of visibility in the dark, and paired with the deep grey dial, you’ve got unparalleled legibility. Under the hood, you’ve got the V192 solar movement, giving you accurate timekeeping within ±15 seconds per month. It’s got your back for about six months on a full charge, so no worries there. And the features? Chronograph up to 60 minutes, a 24-hour hand, small seconds, a power reserve indicator, and even a date display – this watch has got you covered.

The rugged stainless steel case is coated to handle the rough and tumble, and with 10 bar water resistance, it’s not afraid of a little splash. Plus, that curved sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating for crystal-clear views. Tachymeter function? Yup, got it. And when you flip it over, you’ve got a screw case back.

Citizen World Chronograph close up
Citizen / Citizen

Citizen World Chronograph A-T Blue Angels Edition

Introducing the Citizen Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled Chronograph World Timer, affectionately known as the Blue Angels edition. This remarkable timepiece is a true fusion of style and functionality. Designed in honor of the Blue Angels flight squadron, it proudly bears their official logo on the dial and case back. Crafted with attention to detail, the watch features a stainless steel case with a striking blue ion-plated bezel. The non-reflective sapphire crystal not only enhances legibility but also ensures durability with its impact and shatter-resistant qualities.

It boasts a range of impressive features, including atomic timekeeping in 26 world cities, offering radio-controlled accuracy across five different time zones. The 1/20 second chronograph can measure up to 60 minutes, while the perpetual calendar and 12/24 hour time display add to its practicality. The power reserve indicator ensures you’re always in the know about its energy status. With a water resistance of 200 meters, this watch is ready for swimming, showering, and snorkeling adventures. So, whether you’re flying high like the Blue Angels or keeping it grounded, this watch is the perfect co-pilot.

OMEGA Speemaster Moon Chronograph close up
OMEGA / OMEGA

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch

The legendary Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is a timepiece that’s not just iconic but historic; it’s been a part of all six moon landings. Talk about a cosmic achievement! This watch is like a symbol of adventure and innovation for the brand. Crafted from stainless steel and presented on a brushed five-arched-links-per-row bracelet, it’s a nod to the heritage of moon exploration.

With a 42 mm diameter, this Chronograph features hesalite glass on the front, giving it a distinctive touch. Flip it over, and you’ll find an embossed Seahorse medallion on the case back, like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Inspired by the 4th generation Speedmaster style worn on the moon, it boasts an asymmetrical case and black step dial.

Inside the heart of this timepiece is the Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 3861. It’s like the conductor of a precision orchestra, powering the small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder, 12-hour recorder, and the central chronograph function. With anti-magnetic superpowers, chronograph capabilities, chronometer certification, and more, it’s got all the bells and whistles. And that 50-meter water resistance? It’s like a passport to aquatic adventures. Omega didn’t just create a chronograph watch; they crafted a piece of space history that defies limits.

Sarah Veldman
Sarah has been a freelance writer for over 7 years now, having started while she was living out of a suitcase and traveling…
Seiko asks fans to choose next 1965 Diver colorway
Seiko celebrates 62MAS 60th anniversary by letting fans choose next dive watch color
Seiko diver range in different colourways

Seiko has launched an unprecedented fan engagement initiative, allowing enthusiasts to vote on the next colorway for its beloved 1965 Diver throughout July 2025. This marks the first time the Japanese manufacturer has directly solicited fan input for a new watch design.
The poll features four ocean-inspired color schemes based on the limited edition 60th Anniversary Dive Watch released earlier this year, which introduced the distinctive 3D ocean wave textured dial. All options maintain the same technical specifications while offering dramatically different aesthetic approaches.
The four colorways represent different times of day and their interaction with ocean light. "Sunrise Orange" features a yellow-orange dial with burnt orange bezel and dark gray hands. "Daytime Blue" showcases a crystal blue dial with light blue bezel and steel hands. "Late Afternoon Green" presents an emerald dial with dark green bezel and gold hands, while "Sunset Red" displays a fire-engine red dial and bezel with gold hands.
Early social media reactions suggest "Afternoon Green" as the front-runner, though Seiko recently released a similar green variant through its ongoing PADI collaboration. The fan poll represents part of a year-long celebration honoring the 60th anniversary of the 62MAS, Seiko's first professional-grade dive watch.
Originally introduced in 1965, the 62MAS marked Seiko's entry into serious diving timepieces. While the company produced waterproof watches before 1965, none possessed true SCUBA diving capabilities. The design established fundamental elements that continue influencing modern dive watch aesthetics.
Seiko revived the 62MAS design in 2020 under its Prospex collection of sport and tool watches. Since then, over a dozen references beginning with SPB have been released, making it one of Seiko's most successful modern dive watch lines.
The contemporary 1965 Diver features 300-meter water resistance and classic styling that rivals established competitors like the Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster. This combination of heritage design and modern capabilities has made it highly sought after among collectors and dive watch enthusiasts.
The winning colorway will launch sometime in 2026, though Seiko has not provided specific timing. The democratic approach to product development represents an unusual strategy for the traditionally conservative manufacturer, demonstrating confidence in its community engagement.
For collectors unable to wait for the poll results, the white-dialed 60th Anniversary Diver remains available as a 6,000-piece limited edition priced at $1,400. This version features the same 3D ocean wave dial texture that will appear on the fan-selected colorway.
The poll continues through July 2025, with results expected to influence not only the winning design but potentially future fan engagement strategies across Seiko's product lines.

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Timex gives heritage chronograph a sporty summer makeover with fabric straps
Timex makes Daytona-inspired Waterbury even more affordable with fabric strap option
Timex Waterbury Heritage against white babckground

Timex has launched a sportier version of its popular Waterbury Heritage Chronograph, just months after the Daytona-inspired timepiece became a hit with budget-conscious collectors. The new Waterbury Heritage Chronograph 39mm Fabric Strap edition offers the same racing-inspired design at a more accessible $299 price point.
The updated chronograph maintains all the functional elements that made the original successful, including its rotating tachymeter bezel, sub-dials, and Daytona-inspired pushers. The 39mm stainless steel case houses a reliable Quartz Analog movement with 50-meter water resistance and mineral glass crystal protection.
Three colorway options are available: the original black and silver, black and gold, and a new racing green edition featuring black, silver, racing green, and yellow accents that nod to classic motorsport colors. The styling remains relatively minimalistic and clean for a racing chronograph, contributing to its overall appeal.
The primary difference lies in the strap configuration. Instead of the original link bracelet or leather options, all three versions now feature matching fabric straps styled to complement each colorway. These woven bands provide a more summer-ready, casual wearing experience compared to the metal bracelet.
The fabric straps offer practical advantages beyond aesthetics. They're lighter and more breathable than traditional options while maintaining security through Timex-branded buckles. As slip-through straps, the fabric covers the case back, eliminating direct metal contact with skin during hot weather conditions.
The strap change significantly alters the watch's presentation, making it considerably more casual while maintaining the chronograph's racing heritage. The 13.5mm case thickness remains unchanged, preserving the watch's proportional balance.
This fabric strap edition represents Timex's strategy of making popular designs even more accessible. While the leather strap option maintains the $299 price point, it lacks the breathability and casual appeal of the fabric alternative.
The updated chronograph continues Timex's tradition of offering Swiss-inspired designs at American prices. The Daytona-like aesthetic combined with reliable quartz movement provides an entry point into racing chronographs without the premium price tag.
All three versions are available immediately through the brand's website. The $50 price reduction from the bracelet version makes this already affordable timepiece even more attractive to budget-conscious enthusiasts.

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The Seiko Prospex 60th edition is a collector’s holy grail
This limited edition Seiko Prospex honors 60 Years of dive watch dominance
The Seiko limited edition Prospex 60th edition up clse

Seiko is a brand long respected for its precision engineering and dive watch legacy, and this year  it commemorates a historic milestone with the Prospex Diver’s Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition. The release celebrates six decades of Seiko’s pioneering underwater technology, combining exceptional design with state-of-the-art functionality for both collectors and professional divers alike. Limited to only 1,100 pieces, this watch stands as a testament to Seiko’s ongoing commitment to innovation.

Iconic design and unmatched durability 

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