Affordable Luxury Chonograph Watches

The Chronograph watch

A question that might have popped up in your head is: “what actually really is a chronograph watch?”. Well, let us explain that first. Chronograph watches, not to be confused with chronometer watches, usually do two simple things: tell you the time and function as a stopwatch. Sometimes this stopwatch function nowadays even tells you the time to the 1/100th of a second. Chronograph watches have a very rich history that started back in the early 1900’s. Back then, they were primarily used for scientific or military use.

Over the time the chronograph complication has evolved to one of the most used and most remarkable. A key feature on most chronographs is the sub-seconds dial. This sub-seconds dial is an aesthetic detail that one could find attractive on a watch. Some might find it a bit to chaotic, but others really like it! Now, let’s look at some watches, that is probably what you are here for. 

Breitling Chronomat

The Breitling Chronomat is a renowned member of the Breitling family and was first seen as a watch for the military only, back in 1942. In 1984 however, the Chronomat was relaunched as a watch for the public, as we know it know. The Chronomat comes in a range of different variations and complications, but as the name already tells you, it mostly comes as a chronograph complication. The Chronomat is often seen with three sub-dials, at the 12, 6 and 9 o’clock position, and a date window at the 3 o’ clock position. Pre-owned with the famous Breitling Pilot bracelet, these watches go from anywhere upwards of €3.500, depending on the state and configuration of the watch. The new Chronomat is probably a bit out of reach for this budget, but luckily the older models are just as desirable.

Omega Speedmaster

Omega their most recognizable chronograph watch is the Omega Speedmaster, or so-called ‘Speedy’, and was first introduced in the year 1957. The watch stood out for its robustness, precision, and legibility, making it an ideal choice for timing events on a racetrack. This watch eventually got it's recognition because it was worn on the first Mission to the Moon in 1969 by Neil Armstrong. The Speedmaster not only features a chronograph function with 3 stepped sub-dials, but also comes with a tachymeter bezel, to clock your speed. There is a wide range of Speedmasters on the market. Pre-owned these prices start anywhere from €2.000, but for any of the more desired pieces you probably need to bring at least €3.500 to the table. There are some rarer pieces, like the Speedmaster ‘Snoopy’, that sell for close to €20.000.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono

While the offer on the market of this watch, compared to others is a bit small, that does not mean it is out of reach with this budget! The Tudor Black Bay Chrono is a member of the wide Black Bay family from Tudor which offers a Chronograph function. This watch is Characterized by the Tudor Snowflake hour-marker and the Tachymeter bezel. These watches are often seen with a panda (white/black) or inverted panda (black/white) dial, which some might find attractive to look at. The looks even have a note of, if I dare to say, the old model Rolex Daytona, which featured the same style sub-dials and Tachymeter bezel. The Tudor Black Bay Chrono features bulky pushers, compared to the Daytona. If you manage to find a BB Chrono on the market, New or Pre-owned, they will go for anything around that €5.000 mark, depending on the production year, full-set etc. Pretty cool piece to choose for!

Tag Heuer Monaco

A watch that is often seen with a chronograph function, is the well-known Tag Heuer Monaco. While some may not like the square case-shape, there is no denying that this watch is a very iconic model of the Tag Heuer range, with famous people wearing it like Max Verstappen and Steve McQueen. As you can tell by the design, and the people who have been seen wearing this watch, it is a racing inspired watch, like a lot of other models from Tag Heuer. The Tag Heuer Monaco often features a Round time indication with square sub-dials on the often dark blue or black coloured dial. The Tag Heuer Monaco was first produced in 1969, back then still under the brand name Heuer. Because of the long-lasting production, there is plenty to choose from. Pre-owned they can be found for anything upwards of €2.500, some more desirable, and collectible then others.

The verdict

As we mentioned, the market for new or pre-owned luxury chronograph watches offers a wide range of different brands and models, if you are working with a budget of €5.000. Big brand names come into mind like Omega and TAG Heuer with each another take on the often racing inspired chronograph watches. When you look at the history of chronograph watches, they are often used to measure lap times, hence they are often seen with a tachymeter bezel. Although we have listed a few options to choose from, there are still plenty more options you might let your eye fall on. Keep in mind that anyone can prefer a different size or shape and make sure you find on that fits the bill for you. Good luck!