Please recommend a chronograph

[sheepdoll]

can's go wrong with a dozen landeron plates ...

Now if I could only find a cheap source of simple cases!

 

[DirtyDozen12]

One more recommendation is Montblanc/Minerva. From what I can tell, they make the best-finished chronograph movements this side of a Lange or Patek. Many models are very large, but there are some that are 40 mm. There are not usually many examples available on the secondary market, however I have seen prices below $20K USD. There is currently a 44 mm example at European Watch Company for $18,500 USD. Link here: https://www.europeanwatch.com/watch...ow-Minerva-Monopusher-Limited-88-p-50220.html

Source: https://watchesbysjx.com/2018/01/si...-monopusher-chronograph-in-green-degrade.html

 

[TexasMather]

sonicosa

JLC Master Control Chronograph Calendar. I was able to try this watch in late last year and thought it was really incredible.



The gold versions also look like great options if you can stretch your budget by 10%.

https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us...chronograph-calendar-stainless-steel-q413813j

Absolutely fantastic watch! Definitely a top contender! I tried this on at the JLC boutique in Vegas at the Venetian Shoppes back in October. I actually prefer the steel version to the gold and the leather strap to the bracelet, but it's excellent all the way around. If you like this, you may also like the Daytora from Breitling. It's similar in spirit, but I love JLC so I have a strong preference for this watch.
Excellent recommendation!

 

[TexasMather]

Watch my Whisky

These threads remind me of my friend who went to a tattoo parlour and asked the artist what he recommended.

Anyway, what about a VC Overseas?

That is an excellent analogy. I know choosing a watch is super personal and subjective. But I'm also ignorant of many historical watches that would be great choices. Already some people's suggestions have been really helpful!
Also, your suggestion of VC Overseas is great. I presumed those were all way above budget, but I did some cursory looking around and see some for less than I thought. I figured they were as expensive as Royal Oaks and Nautiluses, but happy to see them for less. Most that I saw had a closed caseback though. Excellent suggestion though, thank you!

 

[TexasMather]

DirtyDozen12

One more recommendation is Montblanc/Minerva. From what I can tell, they make the best-finished chronograph movements this side of a Lange or Patek. Many models are very large, but there are some that are 40 mm. There are not usually many examples available on the secondary market, however I have seen prices below $20K USD. There is currently a 44 mm example at European Watch Company for $18,500 USD. Link here: https://www.europeanwatch.com/watch...ow-Minerva-Monopusher-Limited-88-p-50220.html

Source: https://watchesbysjx.com/2018/01/si...-monopusher-chronograph-in-green-degrade.html

Wow! I've never seen this before, thank you! And it's monopusher!!! This is top of the list!

 

[mikeo1]

I would cast a vote for the VC Overseas Chrono as well. I've had one for quite some time now and am still very pleased with it. Build like a tank, fair amount of heft, runs great, not too big @ 40mm, vertical clutch/column wheel anti magnetic construction as well as a hand finished movement. Reasonably priced. My only complaint is a closed caseback so I can't see the beautiful movement at work.

 

[mikeo1]

The Glashutte Original PanoGraph was also a great suggestion-glass back, beautiful movement, unique chrono

 

[brandwatchbands]

Longines master collection both triple date, moonphase, chronograph, all in one

 

[nitediver]

I was going to mention the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Cal. 410 because it offers a lot of watch for its market value.
I would say the Blancpain Air Command Flyback ticks every box except for one ( The case is 42.5mm I believe ) but it has a display case back and a beautiful Cal. F388B, all while maintaining a "vintagy" look due to the use of Fauxtina on the dial.

Best, Stefan.

 

[spacemission]

I'd look for between ebel, jaeger lecoultre and zenith.

For vintage, the space compax from universal geneve although it's overpriced.

 

[mrhee6]

+1 for Zenith

 

[SpeedyPhill]

A chronograph... to time what?
Very high frequency chronographs can time up to 1/10th of a second... So any requirements?

 

[lightweight]

Above your limit of $30,000 but I am leaving it here because I have handled thousands of watches and I think this might be the most beautiful chronograph ever made. The dial sings in person and the movement is more beautiful than whatever they have hanging in Louvre these days.


Edit: Model is Vacheron Constantin HISTORIQUES CORNES DE VACHE 1955 Ref. 5000H/000A-B582

Edited: Jul 26, 2024

 

[mikeo1]

lightweight

Above your limit of $30,000 but I am leaving it here because I have handled thousands of watches and I think this might be the most beautiful chronograph ever made. The dial sings in person and the movement is more beautiful than whatever they have hanging in Louvre these days.

Gorgeous!! Would you kindly provide a Ref# and maybe a picture of the movement?

 

[lightweight]

mikeo1

Gorgeous!! Would you kindly provide a Ref# and maybe a picture of the movement?

I edited the post so the reference # information is there.

Cornes De Vache is French for 'Cow Horn' a reference to the shape of the lugs.

The movement pic is attached below. The movement is based on my personal pick for the greatest hand-winding chronograph movement of all time the Lemania CH-27. Rugged durability exemplified by its execution on the Omega 321 and the stress tests for the moon landing and here executed to Geneva seal standard by Vacheron. The architecture still sees use today in modern Patek watches as well!

I still do not own a CH-27 family chrono but I sure as heck will some day!

 

[Mute]

There are quite a good number of AP Royal Oak Offshore chronographs that fit the criteria. If you want something rather unique and not commonly seen, I think the Omega 50th Silver Snoopy Speedmaster is also a great choice.

 

[guaranteed.rohu]

In my opinion at this price point, for a movement, you can't get better (a manual wind Chronograph movement) than the JLC Duometre.

They're obviously not quite the traditional layout of a standard chronograph with subdials, but overall, fantastic watches that should be 2-3x more expensive than they are. Aftermarket in good condition, there's a few different variants and dial colours.