To those who might have met me in store, you may know that I am obsessed with chronograph watches. They assist greatly, allowing to accurately time certain activities throughout the day — from parking to lunch breaks. So here are some of my top picks for best chronograph watches.
1. Baltic Tricompax Panda
Baltic's execution of the vintage look is spot on, and it's reflected in the Tricompax Panda, an exquisite beige-and-black panda-dialled timepiece with applied indices and polished dauphine hands.
This 39.5mm watch is robust and reliable thanks to the double-domed sapphire crystal and the 63-hour SW510-M movement from Sellita. Its Super-LumiNova coating for the markers and hands keeps the dial readable in the dark. The metal bracelet completes the vintage look to perfection.
If you prefer the reverse panda vibe, Baltic has a variant for you with the same specs listed here.
2. Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Chronograph H
Radiate '60s cool with this sophisticated, cream-dialled, dressy chronograph encased in a 40mm stainless steel case with a mesh bracelet to match. You can swap the steel strap for a leather one.
The black sub-dials with azurage finish at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock make this timepiece a bicompax panda. We love the cantaloupe-coloured lume on the markers and hands. They really sell the vintage aesthetic. The Hamilton logo signature is also a delight.
Powering the Chrono H is the H-51, a hand-wound movement with a power reserve of 60 hours. The screw-down crown adds water resistance of 100m.
3. Mido Ocean Star Chronograph - Titanium - Titanium Bracelet
This elegant, sporty 200m diving chronograph from Mido's marine-inspired Ocean Star collection can be styled as streetwear too. It's powered by a 60-hour mechanical calibre from Mido.
With strategically placed elements, Mido has managed to make a complex dial look uncluttered. The scratch-resistant ceramic bezel gives way to a nautical tachymeter scale on the inner periphery. Closer to the centre are two registers, one at 3 o'clock and the other at 9 o'clock. A date indicator claims the 6 o'clock spot. The faux-tina lume on the markers and hands adds warmth and vintage charm to the dial.
4. DOXA SUB 200 C-GRAPH II Carribbean, Stainless Steel Bracelet
Bold, playful, and highly functional, the Doxa SUB 200 C-Graph II is the perfect companion for an active, adventurous lifestyle. This mechanically wound diver watch runs on the Sellita SW510, a Swiss automatic chronograph movement with an autonomy of 56 hours.
The watch has three registers, one each at 3, 6, and 9. SuperLumiNova coating on the markers and hands ensure optimal visibility regardless of the lighting. With a water resistance of 200m, you can go diving up to 650 feet.
Our featured pick here has a blue "Carribbian" dial with the iconic Beads of Rice bracelet made of stainless steel for a classic feel.
5. NORQAIN Adventure Sport Chrono 44mm
Whether you're racing against the clock or just enjoying life, this luxury "beater" chronograph keeps you on track. It's part of NORQAIN's popular Adventure series.
The DLC coating on the 44mm stainless steel case and bezel provides impressive scratch resistance. A sapphire glass caseback reveals the NN18, the 62-hour NORQAIN calibre powering this robust timepiece.
NORQAIN gives you a few dial and strap choices, so you can mix and match them to your taste. Our pick has a Khaki "Nordura" strap and a black dial with a "NORQAIN" pattern.
6. Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Auto Chrono 42mm
Sporty, classy, and not too dressy—if that's the combination you're going for, try the Jazzmaster Performer Auto Chrono. This H-31-powered piece brings the vintage racing aesthetic to a modern design. It carries a power reserve of 60 hours and 100m of water resistance.
The sunray-finished dial is enclosed within a 42mm stainless steel case with a fixed, retro-looking tachymeter bezel. In a nod to the Daytona design, the snailed sub-dials are outlined in contrasting rings and draw the eye immediately. On the other hand, the date window that appears between 4 and 5 flies under the radar, which is a good thing given that it's a polarising design choice.
Combine style and precision timing with our best chronographs. Some of them are on display in our Watch Discovery Studio located on Collins Street in Melbourne. Come by for the introductions!
