Motoring and chronographs go hand-in-hand. While the first stopwatches were used for everything from horse races to artillery impacts, these days they’re inextricably linked to racing and cars in general – perfect for our motoring issue. Whether we’re talking about a standard modern chronograph with two pushers and three subdials or a retro monopusher number with some quirky display method, they’re among the most ubiquitous species of complications around. Meaning there are a lot recent releases that could qualify for being the best chronographs of 2024.
That’s partly because they’re one of the few useful additional functions out there, and partly because they tend to have a distinctively sporty look. They come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges, from brands both prestige and micro – and here are our favourite of that very, very broad grid of racing-inspired machines.
Spinnaker SP-5068 Hull Chronograph
There’s always a debate over how well chronographs and water mix. After all, you don’t particularly want to be operating pushers underwater. The Hull however has always had a more elegant, regatta-esque feel than most nautically inclined timepieces, and the addition of a tachymeter-equipped chronograph feels particularly apt.
It’s not quite as vintage as the California dialled, time-only version, but the stripped back chronograph counters, the slim bezel and the textured, pine green fume dial add up to one of the most refined seafaring options in this uber-accessible price bracket. It also marries the accurate ease of a quartz movement with a mechanical chronograph, which is always good for on-demand timekeeping when you really need it.
Case/dial: 42mm diameter x 15mm thickness, stainless steel case, green dial
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Japanese quartz
Strap: Brown leather
Price: £141
Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to Earth Polar Lights
The hype train is back! After trying to make monthly gold hands a thing, I figured Swatch’s non-Snoopy Omega collab was going to be uninteresting from now on. Then came the Mission to Earth trio in sand, lava red and this absolutely mesmerising aurora green. Designed to emulate the polar lights, it combines that colourful bioceramic case with an aventurine-effect dial emulating the starry sky.
Equipped with a quartz movement (of course, this is Swatch) it’s possibly my favourite (again, non-Snoopy) version so far, particularly with the subtle references to Omega’s Alaska II and Alaska III projects. This likely means it’s going to be a pain to get hold of for the next few months at least. Still, with a fittingly accessible price, it’s one I’d be happy to wait for.
Case/dial: 42mm diameter x 13.75mm thickness, bioceramic case, aventurine inspired dark blue dial
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Quartz
Strap: Velcro
Price: £240
AVI-8 AV-4011 Hawker Hurricane Classic Chronograph
Avi-8’s successful ode to one of the aviation icons of World War II, the Hawker Hurricane has been one of the brand’s most popular watches for good reason – and now the chronograph edition is welcoming a bevvy of new colours, including a summer ready light blue. With the thematic yellow, blue and white 60-second counter at nine o’clock, the lighter dial really pops, especially with the oversized tachymeter lettering at one o’clock.
At 43.5mm it’s a substantial watch, but that just means a bigger splash of colour on your wrist – and a whole lot of watch for not a lot of money. Yes, it has a quartz movement, but for under £250 (currently at least), it’s impossible to argue that this is fantastic value.
Case/dial: 43.5mm diameter x 11mm thickness, stainless steel case, grey-blue dial
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Japanese quartz
Strap: Black leather
Price: £246
Mercer Lexington Chronograph
Good looks on a budget, Mercer’s Lexington Chronograph looks and feels a good deal more premium than its uber-accessible price tag. The retro bi-compax display, the perforated leather strap, it all harks back to the golden age of gentleman racers.
And yes, it is a mechanical movement – the Seagull ST19 Column Wheel chronograph to be precise, Chinese made but an absolute stunner through the sapphire caseback. It’s available in three different colours and while there’s a lot to be said about a blue reverse panda, for our money the Lexington looks best in its streamlined livery of white dial, dark grey subdials and bright red, speedometer-esque chronograph hands.
Case/dial: 39mm diameter x 11mm thickness, stainless steel case, silver dial
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Seagull calibre ST1901, manual, 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency, 42h power reserve
Strap: Calfskin leather
Price: £336
Neotype LM02 Type C
The LM02 Type C is a confident follow up to the brand’s debut wristwatch, adding a chronograph complication into the mix. It has a cool sporty vibe thanks to a pared back tool watch design that draws influences from both the chronograph and dive watch design spaces. It really is the bare essentials of a chronograph with a broad tachymeter bezel and a dial that features bicompax chronograph subdials with little embellishment.
The watch itself is also well sized at 41mm, fitting into that classic tool watch zone. It’s made with steel and is optionally available with a black coating, giving it a more tactical feel. On a practical front it has 200m water resistance and is powered by the Seiko VK64 Meca-quartz chronograph movement.
Case/dial: 41mm diameter, stainless steel case, black dial
Water resistance: 200m (20 bar)
Movement: Seiko VK64 Mecaquartz
Strap: Black FKM rubber and additional khaki NATO
Price: £450, limited to 75 pieces
Duckworth Prestex Real Tennis ‘Lostock’
After their slightly sportier take on the classic 1930s cushion cased watch in the Verimatic collection, Duckworth Prestex are hammering home their British connection with the quintessential summer sport: tennis. Rather than Wimbledon however, this particular piece is in aid of the pan-UK 2024 ‘Tambour Tour’ Real Tennis tournament.
While the tennis theme is relatively obvious thanks to the crossed racquets, the seasonally appropriate yellow and blue colourway (with white chronograph subdials) hammers home Duckworth Prestex’s love of colour, and one of the main reasons we love the accessible British brand. That and the price, of course.
Case/dial: 40mm diameter x 13mm thickness, stainless steel case, yellow dial
Water resistance: 200m (20 bar)
Movement: Miyota quartz 6S21
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Price: £595
Seiko Prospex ‘Circuit Race’ Solar Speedtimer Chronograph
A design throwback to Seiko’s racing watches of the 1970s, the new trio of Speedtimer models each reference a particular racing theme and the coolest – this retro mix of black and yellow gold – is the Circuit Race. I’m not entirely sure how that theme leads to this watch – other than going for gold on the podium – but I’m not complaining.
I’m a huge fan of gilt and bi-colour and this scratches both itches in the form of a charmingly retro chrono that you never need to worry about winding or changing a battery. It’s fun, it’s sporty and built to Seiko’s typically high standards – and typically accessible price tag. Even if their other prices have been creeping up recently, this is a solid return to form.
Case/dial: 41.4mm diameter x 13mm thickness, stainless steel case, black dial
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Seiko calibre V192 solar quartz
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Price: £620
Omologato Classic Timer The Swimming Pool MONACO
At mention of Monaco, you might assume that the latest racing chronograph from automative-obsessed British brand Omologato was taking the Cote d’Azure literally. But if you know anything about the brand, you’ll know that’s way to general. No, this handsome, summer-ready take on the Classic Timer’s instead inspired by one of the most famous corners of the Monaco Grand Prix, the Swimming Pool Corner.
That’s reflected in the gorgeous blue dial, with darker blue, contrasting bicompax subdials. The vintage layout’s joined by a monopusher chronograph and a seriously accessible price tag. Oh, and fun fact, the name of the corner came before the swimming pool that’s currently in it.
Case/dial: 41mm diameter, stainless steel case, swimming pool blue dial
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Miyota calibre 9122, automatic, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 40h power reserve
Strap: Blue leather with contrast stitching
Price: £695, limited to 100 pieces
Depancel F-Back
Square racing watches certainly have one paramour above all others (check our cover for a hint), but I’d argue that Depancel’s is a fantastic riff on the theme that, is just as good-looking – and a lot more interesting. The automative theme is on full blast here, with racing livery in blue with an off-centre red and white stripe, while the overall silhouette is taken straight from a classic car grille, hence the curve at the top.
Indeed, the amount of attention that’s been funnelled into the various finishes and levels to the design makes its price tag of just under £700 seem insane. And yes, that includes an automatic movement. This would be a steal at double that.
Case/dial: 43mm height x 36mm width x 13mm thickness, stainless steel case, dusk blue dial
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Miyota calibre 9120, automatic, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 40h power reserve
Strap: Brown leather
Price: £695
Junghans 1972 Chronoscope Sports Edition 2024
Last issue we reviewed Junghans’ much dressier Chronoscope model, an ode to their Saxon sensibilities and handsome, classical watchmaking. This is not that. You don’t need me to explain the automative link here; all three of the 1972 Sports Editions echo racing livery in three different colours: red, grey and British racing green. The double stripe down the middle hammers the colourful theme home, as does the six o’clock numeral which could be mistaken for a car’s racing number.
In keeping with their performance angle, all three are powered by quartz movements (all the better for when an unwound watch might spell disaster) with knurling for car-themed practical grips around the bezel and crown. Finished on a perforated leather strap, they’re cool, accessible and perfect for your next vintage rally.
Case/dial: 43.3mm diameter x 11.3mm thickness, stainless steel case, matte green dial
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Junghans quartz J645.83
Strap: Green leather
Price: €890 (approx. £750)
Venezianico Bucintoro
As anyone that’s been to the painfully scenic Italian city knows, when it comes to Venice there’s not much point referencing cars. Instead, if you’re looking for a thematic way to incorporate a chronograph function, it’s all about boats – or in Venezianico’s case, one boat, the Bucintoro, the ceremonial galley of the Doge. The watch of the same name emphasises the flowing shape of the barge, albeit with slightly less pomp and a good deal less gold.
Instead, it’s a sporty, panda-dialled and gloriously Italian chronograph set on an equally Italian grey leather strap that showcases the attention to detail that’s made Venezianico a brand you should most definitely be keeping your eye on. Oh, and if it’s out of stock right now don’t worry, it’ll be back soon.
Case/dial: 42mm diameter x 11.7mm thickness, stainless steel, silver dial
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Seiko calibre NE88A, manual, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 45h power reserve
Strap: Leather
Price: €1,595 (approx. £1,350)
Tissot PR516 Mechanical Chronograph
While the PRX might use up most of the air in the roof, Tissot’s archive-influenced pieces are among their finest and the PR 516 chrono is no exception. Based on a 1968 model, it’s pretty much an archetypal racing chronograph complete with a trio of subdials outlined by white rings on a black dial and a tachymeter.
That tachymeter however is more than it appears. Not only is it black and white to mirror the dial, but the white section is actually lumed. It’s sleek, clean and like many Tissot models, punching well above its weight. While it’s powered by the Valjoux A05 instead of the superlative Powermatic 80, a 68-hour power reserve chronograph is definitely not a runner-up.
Case/dial: 41mm diameter x 13.7mm thickness, stainless steel case, black dial
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Valjoux calibre A05, manual winding, 25 jewels, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 68h power reserve
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Price: £1,720
Lebois & Co Heritage Chronograph ref. 324.406
In the midst of the vintage revival – specifically when it comes to pieces from the 1950s – it’s still surprisingly hard to really nail the look. As far as I’m concerned, few looks manage it better than black and gold gilt – and few nail that quite like Lebois & Co. Everything from the beautiful Breguet numerals and elegant handset to the various tracks and scales across the bicompax layout add up to a classically stunning dial.
The case mirrors that philosophy too, with a bevelled bezel and broad chronograph pushers. At 39mm across, it’s also sized appropriately. The only thing that’s decidedly non-vintage is the LC-450 movement from La Joux-Perret – a movement maker very much in their ascendency right now. All in all, Lebois & Co’s is a chronograph that it wouldn’t be a surprise to see sell for around the £5k mark. Thankfully, it’s a good deal less than that.
Case/dial: 39mm diameter x 10.5mm thickness, stainless steel case, black dial
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Lebois & Co calibre LC-450, manual, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 60h power reserve
Strap: Leather
Price: $3,026 (approx. £2,330)
Airain Type 21
The Airain Type 20 is legendary as one of the ultimate vintage air force watches, specifically for the French Ministry of Defence. Lesser known is its follow-up Type 21, which was commissioned back in 1956 as an upgrade to the then-serving Type 20. It makes sense therefore that the recently revived brand’s own follow-up be that very successor – and it’s just as flawless a recreation as you’d expect.
Slightly sleeker and more refined, with a different era of logo, it’s not a massive departure from its predecessor, right down to the Calibre AM2 movement and its solid 63-hour power reserve. Basically, if you liked the Type 20, you’ll like this and if you’ve not taken the plunge to get your hands on an aesthetically authentic mil-spec pilots’ watch, this is a no-brainer.
Case/dial: 39mm diameter x 14.77mm thickness, stainless steel case, glossy black dial
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Airain calibre AM2, manual, 23 jewels, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 63h power reserve
Strap: Brown leather
Price: €2,950 (approx. £2,480)
Brellum Pandial Marina Bicompax Chronometer
Chronographs are most commonly associated with motorsport but they also have a strong tradition on the water. While you do get chronos dedicated to boat races via regatta timer complications, the Brellum Pandial Marina Bicompax Titanium Chronometer takes the aquatic inspiration in a different direction. The central disk of the dial, nestled between the bicompax subdials, features a blue wave pattern that creates a strong nautical aesthetic.
It comes as the latest in a long line of stylish limited edition chronographs from Brellum, which include models like the Pandial LE.4 DD Emerald Green. Notably, each of their limited editions are very exclusive and the Marina Bicompax only has 46 pieces available. The cool designs and limited availability of Brellum’s chronos mean they are always worth keeping on your radar.
Case/dial: 43mm diameter x 15.9mm thickness, titanium case, blue dial
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Brellum calibre BR-753, automatic, 25 jewels, COSC-certified, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 46h power reserve
Strap: Blue nebur tec fabric
Price: CHF 3,250 (approx. £2,800), limited to 46 pieces
Sinn 903 St. Navigation
Yes, let’s get it out of the way, this is a Navitimer – but it’s not just a case of Sinn aping the lauded pilots’ computer. Instead, Sinn actually bought the rights to Breitling’s opus back in the 1970s, producing their own, much more accessible version in the 903.
Now, that perfect simulacrum is back. Not only does the 903 St. Navigation offer a fantastic counterbalance to Sinn’s more typical, uber-rugged fliegers, it allows pilots to get their hands on a genuinely useful timepiece for a good price. And it’s solid besides. Powered by the LPJ 110, a fantastic column-wheel chronograph with a 60-hour power reserve and offering 200m water resistance in case of a water landing, it’s the Navitimer…but practical.
Case/dial: 41mm diameter, stainless steel case, blue dial
Water resistance: 200m (20 bar)
Movement: La Joux-Perret calibre L110, automatic, 26 jewels, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 60h power reserve
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Price: €3,550 (approx. £2,980)
Raymond Weil Millesime Chronograph
After years focusing on the modern Freelancer, Raymond Weil hit pay dirt – and by that I mean a GPHP award – with the much more classical Millesime collection. It’s no surprise therefore that their latest collection includes a particularly handsome, aesthetically sympatico chronograph.
The result is a charming reverse panda number – albeit blue and white rather than black – with the multi-level dial and vintage look of the broader Millesime collection. Lighter blue numerals on the subdials are a small but welcome touch of extra colour, adding just a touch more personality to one of the most wearable chronographs of the year.
Case/dial: 39.5mm diameter, stainless steel case, blue dial
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Raymond Weil calibre RW5030, automatic, 56h power reserve
Strap: Blue leather
Price: £2,995
Tutima Glashütte Saxon One ZSM
The Germans aren’t really the first group of watchmakers that you think of when it comes to bright, racy, intensely sporty timepieces (outside of the water, that is), but Tutima’s Saxon One is all that and more. Everything from the faceted, ‘squircle’ case to the intense yellow dial and matching rubber strap scream modern performance in the best possible way.
That cool silhouette is enhanced by the fact that the pushers are almost flush to the case, while the whole thing is readable, even if you find yourself driving at night thanks to lume across indexes, hands and, unusually, the 12-hour subdial at six o’clock. At a time where most brands are opting to stay stuck in the 1950s and ‘60s, something as overtly contemporary as the Saxon One is more than welcome.
Case/dial: 43mm diameter x 15.7mm thickness, stainless steel case, racing yellow dial
Water resistance: 200m (20 bar)
Movement: Tutima calibre 521, automatic, 25 jewels, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 40h power reserve
Strap: NATO fabric
Price: €4,800 (approx. £4,000), limited to 100 pieces
Erwin Sattler Chronograph 66
Better known for their impressive clocks more than their watches, you still shouldn’t be caught sleeping on this beauty. The silhouette of Erwin Sattler’s Chronograph 66 is every bit the old-school racing instrument (sized accordingly) with mushroom pushers and a vertically bicompax layout, with an eye-catching sunburst, golden brown dial and a blued steel handset.
The vintage touches are obvious, but what makes it stand out are the four visible screws on the dial – proof positive that, while it might house a Sellita movement, Erwin Sattler’s artisanal DNA runs through the watch.
Case/dial: 44mm diameter x 15mm thickness, stainless steel case, champagne bronze dial
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Sellita calibre SW500, automatic, 25 jewels, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 48h power reserve
Strap: Leather
Price: €5,600 (approx. £4,700), limited to 66 pieces
Brooklands Triple-Four Limited Edition
There are few more influential British designers than the late, great Sir Terence Conran, meaning that the Brooklands Triple-Four has some serious design chops behind it. Inspired by the early days of gentleman racing and, in particular the legendary Napier-Railton with its Triple-Four engine, the eponymous watch offers a streamlined, less-is-more approach to race timing.
There’s not even a tachymeter, which given the prevalence of that aesthetically technical detail, is actually refreshing. The bi-compax layout is taken directly from the Brooklands racetrack’s own timekeeper watches, the hands are taken from the track’s villa clock and the periphery banked in the same way as the track itself. For a watch that’s all about subtle details, there’s a lot there to appreciate.
Case/dial: 41mm diameter, stainless steel case, heritage white dial
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Sellita calibre SW500 BV b, automatic, 21 jewels, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 63h power reserve
Strap: Blue leather
Price: £5,754
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph Panda
Tag Heuer are one of the most prolific chronograph producers on the planet due to their strong links to motorsport. They even have multiple chronograph families whereas most brands tend to have just one. Rolex has the Daytona, Omega has the Speedmaster, but Tag Heuer has the Carrera and the Monaco and the Formula 1. So it’s little surprise that they’ve released several chronographs this year already.
One of the coolest being the Carrera Chronograph Panda which builds on their retro Glassbox design with a black and silver colourway. The red hands on the chronograph subdials add a dramatic splash of colour that really gives the piece a sporty edge, like the speedometer of a car.
Case/dial: 39mm diameter, stainless steel, Silver sunray with black sub dials
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Calibre Heuer 02, automatic, 33 jewels, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 80h power reserve
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with TAG Heuer shield folding clasp
Price: £6,100
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional White Lacquer
The Omega Speedmaster earned its Moonwatch moniker when it was worn by the astronauts of Apollo 11 on their historic flight to the moon in 1969. It has since become one of the most instantly recognisable designs in the world. Which is why it was surprising when Danial Craig was spotted at an exhibition last year with a Moonwatch no one recognised. In March 2024 it was revealed to be the new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional White Lacquer.
Rather than being inspired by the dark and mysterious moon, the pristine white display is designed to emulate the iconic spacesuits worn by astronauts. The lacquer surface offers incredible smoothness, which is very satisfying to look at.
Case/dial: 42mm diameter x 13.18mm thickness, stainless steel, white lacquer dial
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Omega calibre 3861, manual winding, 26 jewels, 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency, 50h power reserve
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Price: £7,600
IWC Portugieser Dune Chronograph
We’ve previously reviewed the stunning Horizon Blue version of IWC’s latest dressy chronograph, but the more I look at their more unusual Dune, the more I prefer its mix of sand and rose gold. It’s not just the colourway either; the vertical bicompax layout offers the kind of eye-pleasing symmetry that’ll scratch any OCD itch.
Otherwise, it’s a less-is-more chronograph backed by IWC’s typically superb watchmaking, complete with a beautifully decorated movement. If you still only think of the brand as a purveyor of pilots’ watches, this is one you really need to give a try.
Case/dial: 41mm diameter x 13mm thickness, stainless steel case, sparkling beige dial
Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
Movement: IWC calibre 69355, automatic, 27 jewels, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 46h power reserve
Strap: Black alligator leather
Price: £7,600
Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph
One of the most enduring partnerships in motorsport is that of Chopard and the Mille Miglia, dubbed the ‘most beautiful race in the world’. That means plenty of special edition timepieces dedicated to the historic Italian competition, the latest of which is that special mix of characterful and classical. Ostensibly a reverse panda colourway, albeit with white rings instead of solid white subdials, the large Arabic numerals are almost crammed under the peripheral tachymeter, with the date window blending in at 4:30.
The dial is galvanised black with a subtle engine turned pattern, and there are automotive hints across the board, from the Mille Miglia logo to the pushers. It toes that line between crowded and elegant well though, and makes for a fun-yet-serious racing chronograph. It’s not quite the uber-cool, grey driver’s edition though…
Case/dial: 40.5mm diameter x 12.88mm thickness, stainless steel case, black dial
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Valjoux calibre 7750, manual, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 48h power reserve
Strap: Black rubber
Price: £8,230
Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph
Yes, most purists would only discuss Zenith chronographs around the El Primero (and hence the Chronomaster) and yes, there’s a solid heritage of automotive timekeeping behind that name. But I personally adore the Skyline collection, the more nuanced and wearable side of the multi-faceted Defy – and the fact that it took them this long to create a chronograph version is mind-boggling.
Like the Chronomaster Sport, it houses a 1/10th second chronograph, perfect for proper race timing (if you have the reactions of a laser sensor at any rate), powered by the latest El Primero 3600, the 5hz successor to one hell of a chronometric legacy. It even includes the signature, slightly overlapping subdials – here going for a radial guilloche instead of the Skyline sub-collection’s signature stars across the dial, be that black, silver of this stunning blue. Zenith have been smashing it in recent years and beauties like this are why.
Case/dial: 42mm diameter, stainless steel case, blue sunray dial
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Zenith calibre El Primero, automatic, 36,000 vph (5 Hz) frequency, 60h power reserve
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with additional blue rubber
Price: £12,100
Carl F Bucherer Manero Flyback
One of the more underrated prestige chronographs, Carl F Bucherer’s superb Manero nails that vibe of a fine vintage race car, albeit one piloted by a gentleman racer between five-star meals. The latest riff on the Manero Flyback template includes a substantial, 43mm number in a heady mix of shimmering blue and rose gold.
There are more straightforward, 40mm versions in monochromatic steel that can certainly scratch that vintage chronograph itch, but there’s something so gloriously rich about the gold version that’s hard not to adore. Next time you’re wondering what to wear as you wheel your prized motor to the next concours d’elegance, look no further.
Case/dial: 43mm diameter x 14.45mm thickness, 18k rose gold, blue dial
Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
Movement: Carl F Bucherer calibre CFB 1973, automatic, 29 jewels, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 56h power reserve
Strap: Blue calfskin leather
Price: £15,700
Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Giannis Antetokounmpo
Like many a watch ambassador before him, basketball superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has apparently grown bored of the sidelines and decided to collaborate fully on designing a watch. The result? A big, 42mm Chronomat in solid rose gold. Yes, it’s a weighty bit of watch. It also sports one of Breitling’s more unusual dials – at least in lieu of their lovely pistachio – in a distinctive olive green.
There are, obviously, some basketball touches such as the nine o’clock subdial and the athlete’s initials on the second hand counterweight, but they’re relatively subtle as these things go. Otherwise, it’s simply a cool new take on what’s fast becoming a Breitling classic – especially on this new green rubber take on the Chronomat’s famous Rouleaux bracelet.
Case/dial: 42mm diameter x 15.1mm thickness, 18k red gold, green dial
Water resistance: 200m (20 bar)
Movement: Breitling calibre 01, automatic, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, 70h power reserve
Strap: Green rubber
Price: £18,900
Singer Reimagined 1969 Bronze Chronograph
After bursting onto the watch scene with their central chronograph, Singer Reimagined – the watch arm of the famed Porsche customiser – have doubled down on their sporty theme, now with two new variations on last year’s 40mm version. This new piece has all the chronometric quirks of the original Agengraph movement, with a central chronograph complication and running time in a window at six o’clock.
The smaller size however – and the handsome combination of blue and bronze – makes the 1969 a good deal more wearable than its predecessors. Like any bronze watch this will patina over time but unlike some, the retro good looks here mean that it will age very, very well. Which it should, for this price.
Case/dial: 40mm diameter x 13.8mm thickness, bronze case, velvety matte green dial
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Singer Reimagined calibre 6365, automatic, 56 jewels, 72h power reserve
Strap: Khaki textile
Price: CHF 55,000 (approx. £48,000), limited to 25 pieces
Prices are equal for ICW and Omega speed maater but Omega is better in every respect .Some watches are definitely overpriced .