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Top 10 Chronographs: The Best Models in Direct Comparison

By Chrono24
October 24, 2017 | Updated on: Feb 3, 2025
7 minutes
Rennfahrer Chrono_0000_Ebene 2 (2) (1)

Top 10 Chronographs: The Best Models in Direct Comparison

A little thought experiment: Let’s pretend that money doesn’t matter and that we can choose the best chronograph available, free from financial constraints. What initially sounds like a dream turns out to be quite a tricky task, as there is a huge range of chronographs to choose from. We selected what we consider to be the ten best candidates and compare them in this article.

Top 10 Chronographs: The Criteria

So what are we looking for in the “best” chronograph? Here are the most important criteria:

  • Longevity
  • Practicality (We want to actually use the chronograph and not just wear it as a fashion accessory.)
  • Comfort
  • Great design
  • Iconic status

Bonus: Ideally, the watch should also speak to your emotions. However, since this is a very subjective point, we will try to include it as little as possible in our comparison. If you want to refresh your knowledge about chronographs before reading our brief comparison, we recommend our article “What is a chronograph and how does it work?

The Candidates at a Glance

Enough talk, let’s get to our picks. We selected 10 of perhaps the most famous chronographs, if not the most famous wristwatches of all time. Just a quick reminder: Price really doesn’t play a role in this selection. Instead, we just want to be convinced by the watch itself.

1. Rolex Daytona

The Rolex Daytona is a legend among chronographs.
The Rolex Daytona is a legend among chronographs.

We kick off our selection with a real heavyweight in the luxury watch scene: the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. Since its debut in 1963, the watch has become an integral part of the watch world, evolving from a shelf warmer to one of the most popular watches in the world. It’s considered one of the most difficult wristwatches to obtain – at least from an authorized dealer. For our comparison, we opted for the current stainless steel version with the reference number 126500LN with a white dial and black ceramic bezel.

2. Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph

Breitling Navitimer B01 – a classic among pilot chronographs
Breitling Navitimer B01 – a classic among pilot chronographs

Breitling has no shortage of chronographs. The Grenchen-based manufacturer is best known for its pilot’s chronographs such as the Chronomat, the Avenger, and the Navitimer. For this comparison, we chose the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 (ref. AB0138211B1A1). The timepiece boasts a reverse panda dial, an in-house movement, and (of course) the iconic slide rule bezel for which the watch is so famous. With a diameter of 43 mm, the watch also has considerable wrist presence.

3. TAG Heuer Monaco TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 CAW211P.FC6356 TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 CAW211P.FC6356

Omega Speedmaster ref. 310.30.42.50.01.002

We’d be remiss not to include the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. On Buzz Aldrin’s wrist, this hand-wound chronograph became the first wristwatch on the moon and has since become an integral part of the Omega catalog. The current variant of the Moonwatch (ref. 310.30.42.50.01.002) takes the “Speedy” to a new level without losing sight of its roots. With small details such as the “dot over 90”, the Master Chronometer–certified Co-Axial caliber 3861, and the transparent case back, the Moonwatch is an absolute must for any well-assorted collection.

5. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph

Design icon with a stopwatch function – the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph
Design icon with a stopwatch function – the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph

The Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet is one of the most coveted luxury watches in existence. The luxury manufacturer from Le Brassus, Switzerland, offers this Gérald Genta design in numerous versions, including with a chronograph function. You can choose between models with a 41-mm or 38-mm case, with the larger versions featuring a flyback chronograph, while the smaller models are equipped with a conventional chronograph. In both cases, you can choose from stainless steel, gold, and ceramic versions. All watches in the Royal Oak Chronograph collection share a distinctive design with an octagonal bezel, decorative screws, integrated bracelet, and tapestry dial.

6. Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph

Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph
Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph

Let’s move on to another superstar of the watch world: the Patek Philippe Nautilus. It was also designed by Gérald Genta and is the dream watch par excellence of many a watch collector. However, most people focus on the three-handed versions of the Nautilus. Yet the line has so much more to offer, like the Nautilus Flyback Chronograph Travel Time. Along with the chronograph with a flyback function, it also offers a second time zone and a pointer date. The Nautilus Flyback Chronograph Travel Time is available in stainless steel (ref. 5990/1A-011) or rose gold (ref. 5990/1R-001).

7. IWC Portugieser Chronograph

IWC Portugieser Chronograph
IWC Portugieser Chronograph

Legend has it that the story of the IWC Portugieser goes back to two Portuguese traders who approached IWC with a request to design a large, easy-to-read wristwatch. No sooner said than done, the watch collection known today as the Portugieser is considered an absolute classic among wristwatches. The Portugieser Chronograph we’ve selected is no exception. With a case diameter of 41 mm, it has a good presence on the wrist, offers the excellent readability typical of the Portugieser, and boasts a timeless design. Arabic indices, a tidy dial, and two subdials at 6 and 12 o’clock make it possible.

8. Zenith El Primero

Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Sport
Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Sport

Any list of the best chronographs should include a watch with a Zenith El Primero caliber. After all, it was the first chronograph movement in history to be equipped with an automatic winding mechanism. For our comparison, we opted for the El Primero Chronomaster Sport. The 41-mm chronograph is accurate to within a tenth of a second and features a ceramic bezel and three differently colored subdials for a particularly sporty look.

9. Hublot Big Bang Unico

Not to be missed – the Hublot Big Bang Unico White Ceramic 44MM
Not to be missed – the Hublot Big Bang Unico White Ceramic 44MM

Our next pick is the Hublot Big Bang Unico White Ceramic 44MM. With its 44 mm white ceramic case, edgy modern design and fully skeletonized dial, this watch is one of the loudest of its kind. Technically, however, the Big Bang Unico has a lot to offer: Designed in-house, the HUB1280 Unico caliber features a flyback function, a 72-hour power reserve, and a date display. With a water resistance of 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft), the watch is also well-equipped for everyday use.

10. Tudor Black Bay Chrono

Tudor Black Bay Chrono
Tudor Black Bay Chrono

Last but not least, we take a look at the Black Bay Chrono from Rolex subsidiary Tudor. The watch enjoys some popularity, which is probably due in large part to the fact that its design is largely inspired by vintage variants of the Rolex Daytona. However, with two subdials in a bicompax layout, an aluminum bezel, and screw-down pushers that give it a character all its own, it’s no mere copy. Furthermore, the Black Bay Chrono has a number of advantages over the Daytona. For example, the timepiece is water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft) and has a date display. And all at a significantly lower price.

Our Candidates in Direct Comparison

Model, ref. no. Size Material Caliber Depth rating Functions Price (approx.)
Rolex Daytona, 126500LN 40 mm Stainless steel 4131 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft) Chronograph $35,000
Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43, AB0138211B1A1 43 mm Stainless steel B01 30 m (3 bar, 98 ft) Chronograph, slide rule bezel, date $8,200
TAG Heuer Monacom, CAW211P.FC6356 39 mm Stainless steel Calibre 11 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft) Chronograph, date $6,800
Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, 310.30.42.50.01.002 42 mm Stainless steel 3861 50 m (5 bar, 164 ft) Chronograph $7,500
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, 26331ST.OO.1220ST.01 41 mm Stainless steel 4401 50 m (5 bar, 164 ft) Flyback chronograph, date $66,000
Patek Philippe Nautilus Flyback Chronograph Travel Time, 5990/1A-011 40.5 mm Stainless steel CH 28‑520 C FUS 30 m (3 bar, 98 ft) Flyback chronograph, GMT, pointer date $153,500
IWC Portugieser Chronograph, IW371606 41 mm Stainless steel 69355 30 m (3 bar, 98 ft) Chronograph $8,100
Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Sport, 03.3100.3600/69.M3100 41 mm Stainless steel EP 3600 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft) Chronograph, date $9,750
Hublot Big Bang Unico White Ceramic 44MM, 421.HX.1170.RX 44 mm White ceramic HUB1280 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft) Flyback chronograph, date $19,500
Tudor Black Bay Chrono, m79360n-0002 41 mm Stainless steel MT5813 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft) Chronograph, date $5,000

Top 10 Chronographs: Who comes out on top?

Now that we can see all ten candidates in direct comparison, we have to conclude that each of the watches easily meets our requirements for the “best chronograph.” All models are equipped with reliable in-house calibers that ensure accurate timekeeping. The watches are comfortable to wear and feature unique, sometimes even iconic designs. As is so often the case, the decision for or against a particular model depends on your own preferences. For example, if you’re looking for a chronograph that can also be used in and around water, you should choose a model that is as water-resistant as possible. Of our candidates, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono clearly has the edge here. If you’re looking for additional functions that go beyond timekeeping, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Flyback Chronograph Travel Time or the Breitling Navitimer are good choices. If the iconic status of the watch is what drives your choice, the Rolex Daytona, TAG Heuer Monaco, Omega Speedmaster, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and Patek Philippe Nautilus are all good options. The IWC Portugieser Chronograph, on the other hand, is perfect when you need a chronograph that can easily pass for a fine dress watch. Prefer a watch that cannot be overlooked? Then Hublot has just the right timepiece for you with the Big Bang Unico. As you can see, no matter which model you choose from this top 10 chronograph list, you can’t go wrong.

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Chrono24

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