Or do I?
My "buddy" The Bigwatch Guy (someone I've dealt with whom I like) is selling this:
http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=7105591&rid=0#msg_7105591
Seems cheap for a complication (albeit limited in its ability). I'm okay with sharing if someone snags it. I'm not ready to get this one. A quick search here shows some varieties that are more interesting. This one's attractive but has no calendar, a seemingly common but less attractive dial, and not quite collector condition (which may explain the price?)
I've done some searching here, but most posts were the "here's mine" variety (great when becoming familiar with variations). So what is the Chronostop story?
I went to YouTube to see how they function (limited, huh? But cool for timing short reps when exercising among other things). What dials are more desirable than others? Do collectors prefer date models? Judging by (asking) price the driver models are more desirable (duh! Very cool!)
Is it the limited function that make them not-so-talked about? The size? These are Lemania ebauches, no?
Tell me the Chronostop story! Good, Bad, and Ugly! Thanks.

 

You want it because it's a watch, and it's something you don't have already, and it's friggin' cool. No more reasons necessary.

By the way, the one I used to own is the coolest.



Wish I never sold it!

https://omegaforums.net/threads/watchco-seamaster-chronostop-145-007-1967-caliber-865.14240/

 

Have you seen the one @timeismoney is selling here? It looks amazing to me.....and if you buy it, I won't do something I shouldn't do!

 

...Provenance aside, is it because of condition? Size? Tachy? Dial version?
Or does it just come back to provenance, which we all know accounts for a hefty premium (as we say around these parts, "if you want Ulackfocus, don't Ulackdollars."
Or something like that...

 

I'ma gonna lookie right now. Which is probably a $tupid thing to do...

 

Because Black & Orange RULE!!!!

 

It's probably worth every penny for that condition/size and bracelet, but I think I'd rather have an Omega with the 1040 or 1045 movement.
Feel free to exclaim, "Don't be stupid, TE!" I can handle it after hearing it so often from the boss.

 

No judgment here! Sounds like you have a plan and should stick to it!

 

No plan really. Just want to know the story.
So, until I get the story, here's what I'm going with:
1) Driver better than not. Does condition overrule?
2) Condition: a mint 35mm probably more desirable than a jumbo beater;
3) Size: jumbo more desirable than not jumbo;
4) Date: better than a non-date.
What factors am I missing? Dials? Tachy? Turning bezels? Military issue?

 

Side question:
The link in the first post...any recommendations in favor of it as a way to "test drive" a Chronostop? I can't tell if that dial is stained around the edge.
Or just calm down and get educated?

 

I have both the driver model and the jumbo with a rotating bezel. The driver is one of my favourites. i read that they were introduced to try to attract a younger consumer. The clasp is quite long on them so that you could engrave a name on them and wear it as a bracelet, fortunately I don t think many people bought into that. Mine has no date function which I prefer as I think it gives the watch a sleeker look.
I haven t picked up my jumbo yet as I live abroad, but I am going home in two weeks and will pick it up then.

 

I have a Chronostop 145.007 and a modified Chronostop and I much prefer the larger case. The small case, at only 35mm, is too small for my wrists and for me the large case has a better look and feel.

The 865 movement is pretty straight forward and easy enough to work on if something goes wrong.

My blue dial modified Chronostop...

 

This is mine.





In the process of rationalising the watches I have and working out what stays/goes - and this is 100% staying... I can't imagine letting it go now that I have it!

To my mind - it's a cool watch, with a cool strap - it's also chunky enough to feel solid, but small enough to fit under a shirt cuff (something that neither of my Speedmasters can do).

 

I love mine. After an incident with my then 2 y/o and the kitchen floor I had to send it in for repairs. The watch came back like new and looks fantastic. Omega replaced the hands but the dial is original. I do have the original hands and intend to have them put back on. It is one of my favorite watches and always get complimented on it.

 

not a bad watch but would only go with the seamaster version

 

Clearly the look is fantastic. But why do you say Seamaster version only? Size? Bezel function?

 

You have an interesting and complete history of Chronostop family here : http://forumamontres.forumactif.com/t119854-revue-complete-la-saga-chronostop?highlight=chronostop
But it's in French...

 

Thanks for the mention, @RawArcher
I love this watch a lot but will stay out of this conversation as I am biased.

 

...and it is requiring a sign-in to access
Le whine...

 

I love the Geneve models, especially the drive version, but for my 7.5" wrist it looks small and i tend to wear 37mm+ watches. I find the Seamaster models more handsome on the wrist. The Italian market limited edition Geneve is cool though