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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.

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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.

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…
Zenith Chronomaster original debuts handsome midnight blue dial variant
Vintage modern: Zenith's chronomaster original blue dial honors 1969 a386 legacy
New Chronomaster Original from Zenith

Zenith offers the first blue dial model of its Chronomaster Original, expanding the group that follows the 1969 A386 El Primero. This watch sells for CHF 9,900, EUR 10,400, or USD 10,300. The midnight blue watch combines older looks with the modern El Primero 3600 movement that measures time to a tenth of a second.
The year 1969 made watchmaking history when the first automatic chronograph movement came out. Zenith's El Primero caliber, a fast, complete chronograph, became the first to finish among other makers. The round A386 watch, with its three-color counters, became the brand's main model that showed Zenith's chronograph past.
The Chronomaster Original, which came out in 2021, acts as the A386's real follower, not just a copy. This good mix of old details and new function keeps the small 38mm case size and three-color sub-dials. These parts copy the first sizes while holding the newest El Primero 3600 movement.
The midnight blue dial creates a good blend—it mirrors the blue outer scale, the date window frame, and the date disc for color matching. The blue, grey, and silver counters lie slightly on top of each other. They have a spiral finish that stands out against the sunray-brushed blue dial.
Older style shows through the correct fonts and logos that match the first watch. It also has raised, cut, and lit hour markers. The trapezoid date window at 4:30, the double outer scale, the white stick hands with black parts and glowing material, and the bright red central chronograph seconds hand keep true to its past.
The El Primero 3600 caliber works better than the first movement—it runs at 5Hz. The Chronomaster Original records times to a tenth of a second as the red central chronograph hand goes around every 10 seconds. The first tachymeter scale gives way to precise tenth-second marks on the edge.
Fast work changes sub-dial details, with all counters reading to 60. Small seconds appear in the light grey sub-dial at 9 o'clock. The 60-minute counter sits in the dark grey sub-dial at 6 o'clock. The 60-second elapsed times show in the blue sub-dial at 3 o'clock.
Digital scans of the 1969 watch led case building, making sure of the real 38mm size with a sloped side, sharp cut lugs, pump pushers, and mixed brushed and shiny parts. The very thin edge keeps original sizes. Newer additions include curved sapphire glass on the front and back.
The El Primero 3600 appears through the 12-sided caseback edge. It keeps a column wheel and flat parts while offering a 60-hour power hold and a stop-seconds function. The open rotor shows the new movement's blue column wheel and open bridges.
Each watch has a three-link stainless steel band and a blue calfskin strap with folding locks, offering options for different wearing events.

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These new Panerai watches are as tough as they are beautiful
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Panerai up close with black background

Panerai presents timepieces showcasing lightweight titanium cases with a distinctive matte grey finish, offering exceptional resistance against corrosion for extended durability. The understated yet premium aesthetic makes these watches versatile enough for professional diving and formal occasions, proving that high-performance tool watches can offer a sophisticated look.

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Ulysse Nardin dazzles with blast sparkling rainbow high jewelry limited edition
Ulysse nardin's blast sparkling rainbow features mystery-set sapphires
Ulysse Nardin Sparkling Rainbow Liminited Edition

Ulysse Nardin transforms its avant-garde Blast collection into spectacular high jewelry territory with the Blast [Sparkling Rainbow], an eight-piece limited edition priced at CHF 451,700 that fuses haute horlogerie with gem-setting artistry. The timepiece showcases 211 rainbow-colored sapphires totaling 13.33 carats across the entire watch construction.
The original Blast collection, introduced in 2020, drew inspiration from stealth aircraft design to marry high function with unconventional aesthetics, establishing Ulysse Nardin's reputation as avant-garde icon. This high jewelry interpretation elevates that foundation through unprecedented gem-setting complexity while maintaining the collection's distinctive architectural language.
Central to the technical achievement sits the in-house UN-172 skeletonized movement featuring flying tourbillon, silicon escapement, and platinum micro-rotor visible at 12 o'clock. Operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour with 72-hour power reserve, the caliber demonstrates Ulysse Nardin's silicon innovation expertise dating to 2001's legendary Freak timepiece.
The 45mm white gold case receives invisible setting treatment across 211 individually selected sapphires cut into 85 unique shapes. This rainbow spectrum creates seamless gradient effect encircling the entire watch while employing "mystery setting" technique that allows light passage through gems, creating floating stone illusions without visible metal frameworks.
Gem-setting complexity extends beyond case architecture to encompass bezel, dial, crown, and clasp applications, ensuring complete chromatic coverage across every visible surface. The rainbow arrangement requires precise color matching and graduated placement to achieve the seamless transition effects that define the piece's visual impact.
Construction challenges multiply when combining high jewelry techniques with complex movement architecture. The skeletonized dial must accommodate both sapphire setting requirements and tourbillon visibility while maintaining structural integrity and shock resistance expected from luxury sports watches.
The integrated white rubber strap and deployant clasp receive matching sapphire applications, completing the rainbow aesthetic while ensuring practical wearability. Despite extensive gem setting, the watch maintains 50-meter water resistance, demonstrating successful integration of jewelry and timepiece functionality.
Limited production to eight pieces emphasizes exclusivity while highlighting the intensive handwork required for each example. The mystery setting technique demands exceptional gem-setting expertise, with each sapphire requiring individual cutting and placement to achieve the floating effect.
This release continues Ulysse Nardin's tradition of pushing horological boundaries through unconventional materials and techniques. The brand's silicon escapement innovations combine with high jewelry craftsmanship to create timepieces that challenge traditional luxury watch categories.
The CHF 451,700 pricing reflects both the extensive gemwork and limited availability, positioning the piece among the most exclusive offerings in Ulysse Nardin's contemporary catalog. Eight-piece production ensures immediate collector status while showcasing the manufacture's high jewelry capabilities.

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