Chronographs? What's the best?

[CPTL]

Gents (and ladies),

I'm looking at a chrono. Actually, looking at lots. I understand about the Daytona...if I find one at MSRP, I'll jump on it. Until then, we all have to deal with reality.

Looking for something 35mm- 40mm with a relatively uncluttered dial that will look dressy on a black croc strap. Ideally under $3k, but I could wiggle if it was a really cool piece. I don't need a tool, but I don't want something that I have to worry about if I get drunk at a wedding and fall in the pool (there's that reality thing again).

1. Must have a great movement. It's going to be a keeper, so I want something that has a story and a little history, or something that's considered by fine WISs like yourselves to be one of the best chrono movements out there.

2. I like automatics. That kinda rules out the Speedy pro. Also not a fan of the hesalite crystal and the scratches that accompany it. Maybe the speedy date, but I haven't seen one on a strap.

3. I like the new Omega DeVille chrono, but I've heard a lot about quality control and problems with the new 33xx movements. Although I don't know if the DeVille chrono will have those problems, because from what I can see, it's the only chrono with the new coaxial escapement.

4. The Zenith class chrono makes me drool. Check out this one.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...ghlight=zenith

Not such a big fan of the new ones with the two subdials. Anyone know more about this particular Zenith? When did they stop making it? Where's a good place to find used Zenith?

5. What other ones in this class am I missing?


Thanks.

[explodingtaco]

My Choice:



Or see here for SRLdude's watch:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showpost....9&postcount=28

[blv]

Originally Posted by CPTL

3. I like the new Omega DeVille chrono, but I've heard a lot about quality control and problems with the new 33xx movements. Although I don't know if the DeVille chrono will have those problems, because from what I can see, it's the only chrono with the new coaxial escapement.

Hi

I was in your position couple months ago, and my pick is Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow 1957

It has the 3313 movement with co-axial escapement (same movt as in DeVille chorono u mentioned)

I haven't got around to get the Speedy Pro's leather strap, but I think it'll look stunning with a nice black gator strap

Here's a little review:

The dial is glossy black like Rolex' Sub, the surround and subdials are matte charcoal, and giving it a nice contrast. The subdials are also bordered with steel ring, a subtle and classy touch. An Omega logo at the top of the dial, with "Speedmaster" in white and "1957" in red finish off the look of the dial without making it look cluttered. I love this dial!

It's a little bigger at 42mm, but sits nice on my 8" wrist. The watch comes with a display back and the top crystal is domed (a la Speedy Pro) and is AR coted on the underside. By far this is my most fav crystal on a watch, it has the domed look of the vintage watches, but the toughness of modern sapphire crystal, the best of both worlds

As far as problems with 33## movt, it seems to be isolated to the first 2 years of production, as I've never heard any complains from the newer batch. So far my chrono is resetting fine (thank God) and my watch is running a little fast at +3 seconds a day

here's a pic of mine:

[blv]

sorry for my ugly picture, it really doesn't do the watch justice

here's some better shots I found on the web

[Altair]

Check out Breitling, the Navitimer might be to your taste, some find it busy alot find it iressistable and it was made for a strap! The Chronomat Evolotion is a fantastic watch also.

[Altair]

Blv thats a great Omega!!!

[blv]

Originally Posted by Altair

Blv thats a great Omega!!!

Thanks! I fell in love with this one after browsing watches from Basel 07, and I know I have to have it! a love at first sight I suppose

[CPTL]

That is a fine looking piece!!

BA was near the top of the list, before I read on and on about the reset problem on the 33xx. It does look sharp though, particularly with the black subdials. I'd love to see one on a black croc or gator strap.

I feel like the speedy BA and the Navitimeter are too big though, for a true dress watch. That's one reason why I'm looking hard at that Zenith class primero, but I don't know where to get one because they don't make them anymore. I'm also having trouble finding production line info on them.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

This one:



It ranks on the ten best chronograph movements ever made list:

"The 4130 is also considered Rolex's most finely finished movement, and is given uncharacteristic attention to cosmetic detail by Rolex. Thus far in its short service life, the 4130's record is impeccable, and has drawn nothing but praise and admiration from the horological community. It's already being called one of the top 10 watch movements ever made."

from the test: "Comparative Review of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 116520
VS. The Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow Model 3551.20.00". CLICK!

[Incurable]

Sinn has quite a few chrono's within your price range. You might check their product line out and see if anything catches your eye. I really like my 356 Sa...

[CPTL]

Bo--you sold me. I'll PM you my shipping address!!

[Dan Pierce]

Sure like this one.
dP

[Altair]

That Tudor is agreat watch and a fantastic value!!! Unlike the Daytona it has a date which I find essential.

[Tools]

Here's one I lilke. The IWC pilots chrono.

This one is on a bracelet, but they come with a leather strap too (and the leather is cheaper)
Clean lines, easy to read, uncluttered, 41mm, it doesn't get any better...

[CPTL]

Tools,

That IWC is...

I've seen them on a black leather strap with white stitching--not exactly dress, but still cool. Still, that one is up there. I've looked at it a lot of times.

Too many great ones!!

[Welshwatchman]

The Zenith El Primero chronograph is second to none.

My beater cost me WELL under $3k also.

[CPTL]

Paul: I really like that Zenith--especially with the silver dial, stick hour markers, and black strap. I don't think it's produced anymore though. The new ones (4001 caliber, I think) have two subdials. I REALLY like that Zenith though. I think that's the one I'll hold out for, eventually.

Great watch!!

[CPTL]

Paul: Let me be more clear. I think the one I like is the class series chrono. Is yours the sport?

[Thani]

daytona or graham Chronofighter.. ull find a thread in non-rolex forum.... title is Graham CHRONOFIGHTER.. enjoy !!

[Subfiend]

I had an earlier version of the 1957 Speedy. I loved the Broad Arrow hands, but the steel hands were hard to see. The contrast of the regular Speedy's white stick hands against the black dial is much more visible. I sold it when I bought my Daytona. No use having two chronos that are difficult to read.

I really, really like the Aquaterra chrono. That may be my next chrono.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by Tools

Here's one I lilke. The IWC pilots chrono.

This one is on a bracelet, but they come with a leather strap too (and the leather is cheaper)
Clean lines, easy to read, uncluttered, 41mm, it doesn't get any better...

Agree, Larry

I've had the IWC "Doppelchronograph" with that bracelet on it, and it is the best bracelet in the world IMHO. Very sturdily made and you can remove every SINGLE link from the bracelet buy using a pin to push down a marked circle on the underside of the links and the push the pins out from the side. Very easy, and if you don't have the pin with you, you can use a paper clip.

Unfortunately, the 3713 IWC Doppelchronograph is no more made, or rather it IS but only in ceramic!

[Alcan]

I'm still kicking myself for missing this Concord Impresario a couple of days ago. El Primero movement, day, date, and month complications. Not sure about the bracelet, but I'm sure I could have learned to like it or replaced it.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

[QUOTE=Alcan;330434]I'm still kicking myself for missing this Concord Impresario a couple of days ago. El Primero movement, day, date, and month complications. Not sure about the bracelet, but I'm sure I could have learned to like it or replaced it.

Nice watch, Al!

I am sad you missed that one, but I hope the get a watch with the EP mvt some day. I have owned one, and it is an amazing mvt.

[Incurable]

As long as I'm posting totally banal examples of chrono's... Here's another one that caught my attention...



BTW, this one's definitely the best.

[nodnarb757]

Fantastic movement, classic looks, historical importance, great price.....
The Seiko 6139-6005 . While the movement wasn't the very first automatic chronograph, it was the first available to consumers. Also, it was worn by Col. Bill Pogue, the pilot of Skylab 4 in 1973, making it the very first chronograph in space. The movement itself may not be as famous as many others, but it should be. As an example, this particular watch sat unused in a box for 12 years. It was taken out and brandy swirled a few times, and has ran perfectly since then. Not bad considering that the watch is 35 years old and has never been serviced. All pushers are soft, and the hands snap like the watch is brand new. Many pilots and navigators wore this same model during Viet Nam, as this watch was as well. While there may be nicer watches out there, I may never buy a chrono to replace this one. You don't necessarily need to spend thousands on a watch that will last a lifetime.

[crconsulting]

Another vote for the Zenith pictured is more of a "tool" version of the El Primero.

This has been my daily wearer. I have a hard time wearing something else these days....

I find it a nice hybrid between a Daytona and a Submariner with date, screw down crown and pushers. Now if it only had a cyclops :)

I also have a blue faced one I'll post some pictures of

[Rawhyde]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Sure like this one.
dP

You beat me to it Dan!

Tudor Sized.jpg

The Tudor Chrono is a great watch! It has an ETA movement, but the rest is Rolex. You don't have to worry about it drowning in the kitchen sink.... They are tough as nails, and it's NOT something you see everyday!

[Dan Pierce]

Craig,
That thang is a beauty!
dP

[mickiratt]

The Speedy Date can be had for closer to $2K. It is 40mm, has 100M W/R and is COSC certified. I think the black dial would look great with a black strap. So would the silver, IMO.

Here is mine:









Cheers!

Steve

[watchgeek]

this is the Graham Chronofighter Overlord