Chronograph watches are the best addition to your wardrobes and wrists. There is nothing cooler than a chronograph watch. The power of subdials, the beauty of dials and bezels, and the little hands are all there to hypnotize you.
These chronograph watches have different uses, and people buy or use them for different purposes. But no matter whatever your motivation is behind buying a chronograph timepiece, it is not easy to find the best piece without any pain. Since many companies are making these chronograph watches, so it is hard to differentiate the best from the normal ones.
But, there is no need to worry as we have reviewed the ten best chronograph watches in this article. Not only this, but there is also a buyer’s guide so that you can dig deep before purchasing your ideal watch.
Buyer’s Guide
Before spending money on a particular chronograph watch, it is necessary to focus on its features to make sure that you are getting the right product according to your needs. So, here in this section, we are going to highlight those things that you must look at before the purchase.
Styles of Chronograph Watches
First of all, it is necessary to decide which style of chronograph watch you want to pick. These chronograph watches come in three different: One is the fashion chronograph, second is the casual chronograph, and the third one is the sports chronograph watch.
- A fashion chronograph watch is a specially designed watch made to impress others. These kinds of watches are ideal for wearing in business meetings or with a semi-formal outfit. The common materials used in the making of these fashion chronographs are gold, sterling silver, and titanium. Also, some companies use rich leather for making bands to increase the value of these watches.
- A casual chronograph watch is for everyday use. They do carry style, but their main concentration is on the function instead of fashion. These casual chronograph watches do attract, but they are not expensive as compared to the fashion chronographs. The most used material in the construction of casual watches is stainless steel. They are useful and at the same time, distinctly stylish.
- A sports chronograph watch is made for players, coaches, athletes, and those individuals who do workouts to stay in shape. These watches are tough and withstand different touch conditions and environments. They are mostly constructed with plastic or resins. Also, they are waterproof.
Other than this, you can either select an analogue chronograph watch or a digital one. Analogue watches give a traditional look, whereas digital watches give a modern look and easy to use. But many of the watch owners prefer analogue chronograph watches at they have some class.
Weight of the Chronograph Watch
After focusing on the style and type of a chronograph watch, it is necessary to check its weight. Some users prefer heavy watches, whereas some wear lightweight watches. So, it all depends on your needs.
Water Resistant Depth
Water-resistant depth is another factor that you should consider before purchasing your ideal chronograph watch. Different models have different water-resistant depth. So, it all depends on the activities which you do while wearing a watch. Swimming needs low water-resistant depth, whereas snorkelling needs more depth.
Easy to Read Design
It is always recommended to buy a chronograph watch that has an easy to read design. It is necessary to focus on the dial and features of the watch to make sure that you are purchasing a product that is easy to read and operate.
Casual chronographs are simple and easy to use. But if your only aim is to buy a watch to impress others, then you can go for a fashion chronograph that has advanced-level of features and complicated to use.
Other things that you must focus on include the number of pushers a chronograph watch features. You can easily use the stopwatch function of the chronograph if there are two to three pushers. Also, the hour, minute, and second hands must be luminous. Moreover, if you want accuracy and easy maintenance, then the Quartz chronographs are better than the mechanical chronographs in these terms.
Additional Features
If we focus on the additional features, then an Eco-drive and Kinetic Drive features are the nice addition. The eco-drive watches don’t require battery replacements. Instead, they gain power from both the natural light and artificial light sources. Even if the light is dim, the watch gains power from it. This is a great feature as you will never see your watch showing a wrong date or time.
On the other hand, a kinetic chronograph watches stores energy produced by everyday movements of the wearer. These watches also don’t need battery or battery replacements. Just move your hands and see your watch running.
Cost
The last thing that you must consider is the cost. If you have no money problem and want to show your class and value, then a fancy chronograph watch with an expensive price tag is for you. On the other hand, if you can’t afford an expensive watch but casual or sports chronographs are for you.
Best Chronograph Watch Reviews
1. Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph Watch – Best Chronograph under $60
Product Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.9 x 2 inches
Item Weight: 2.72 ounces
Water Resistant Depth: 330 feet
If you are looking for the top quality chronograph watch available in the market, then this Timex Men’s Expedition is ideal for you. The design, color, and the genuine leather strap will surely increase the value of your wrist.
The design of the watch is inspired by the vintage military watches. It is a waterproof watch that can work as deep as 330 feet underwater. It is not suitable for diving but advisable for snorkelling and swimming.
The watch is suitable for wrists up to 8-inch circumference. It features a 43 mm brass case, scratch-resistant mineral glass, black dial with steel blue interior bezel having beige markers, and brown calfskin leather band. The Indiglo light-up watch dial makes it easy to check the time during night time.
Its analogue time display with Quartz movement ensures correct timekeeping. The chronograph feature measures up to 30 minutes. The sub-dials and extra pushers measure time up to 1/20 of a second. The dial also features numerals in increments of 5 up to 60.
The date window is present at 4 o’clock. It is quite easy to set the date with a quick date function.
Other than this, it weighs 2.72 ounces. Also, it comes with an insane battery life of up to 10 years.
2. Bulova Men’s 47mm Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch – Best Chronograph under $500
Product Dimensions: 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.4 inches
Item Weight: 9.60 ounces
Water Resistant Depth: 984 feet
This Bulova Men’s stainless steel chronograph watch is another beautiful watch the features Japanese quartz movement with analogue display. It is a water-resistant watch that can work as deep as 984 feet. The watch is suited for mixed-gas diving.
This 47 mm stainless steel watch is worth to wear on your wrist. It gives a tremendous and elegant look. Right from the case and all the way through the bracelet, it looks a piece of beauty.
If we talk about its interior then, there are the bright and glowing hour and minute hands. Other than this, the markers are also translucent. Also, there is a yellow second hand that moves non-stop across-the-board. The blue, silver and black dial add beauty to the watch. Moreover, the watch features hex-screw accents at bezel. Also, there is a mixed media dial with four chronograph subdials.
Other than this, to ensure safety, the band of the watch features double-press fold-over clasp.
Furthermore, if we talk about its weight, then it weighs around 9.60 ounces.
3. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Titanium Chronograph Watch – Comes With a Water Resistant Depth of 660 Feet
Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches
Item Weight: 2.56 ounces
Water Resistant Depth: 660 feet
This incredible chronograph watch from Citizen has a 43 mm titanium case that features a mineral dial window. It is also a waterproof watch that can work as deep as 660 feet.
It comes with Japanese Quartz movement with analogue display. If we talk about its chronograph feature, then it measures up to 60 minutes.
The best thing about this blue dial watch is that its battery never dies. Yes! It is true. There is no need to replace the battery as the watch takes power from both natural and artificial light sources. Even if the light source is dim, it takes energy from it to keep running. Also, it glows and keeps running in the dark.
There is also no need to manually change the date of the watch at the end of every month. It features a perpetual calendar that remembers the date automatically. The calendar system considers the months’ lengths along with focusing on the leap days to give you accurate date and time every time.
4. Citizen Watches Men’s AT0200-05E Eco-Drive Chronograph Canvas Watch – Best Chronograph under $200
Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches
Item Weight: 4.54 grams
Water Resistant Depth: 330 feet
This chronograph watch from Citizen is another high-quality product that you can purchase for personal use or to gift someone special. It has a water-resistant depth of 330 feet. It is not suitable for diving but designed for swimming and snorkelling.
This military-inspired watch from Citizen has a 39 mm stainless steel case with a mineral crystal dial window. It features Japanese quartz movement with analogue display. The second hand is of red color, and the hour and minute hands are luminous. Moreover, if we talk about its strap, then it has a rugged green canvas band.
If we look at its chronograph feature, then it measures up to 60 minutes. There are three subdials and a date window as well.
Other than this, the battery of this watch never dies. It gains power from both sunlight and artificial light sources that keeps it working for many years to come.
5. Invicta Men’s 0070 Pro Diver Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch – Best Chronograph under $100
Product Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.9 x 3.6 inches
Item Weight: 11.04 ounces
Water Resistant Depth: 660 feet
This 0070 Pro Diver chronograph watch can measure up to 60 minutes. It comes with a water-resistant depth of 660 feet. It is not suitable for scuba diving but recommended for marine activity and water sports. The watch has a Chinese quartz movement with analogue display.
It features a 48 mm stainless steel case having a flame-fusion dial window. It has a blue-dive style top ring. The hour, minute and second hands look like a skeleton. Also, there are three chronograph subdials.
The band is also made up of stainless steel having a safety fold-over clasp. Moreover, you have a date window located at 4 o‘clock.
The best thing about this water-loving watch is that it can handle water pressure under specific depths. And that is why; it can be worn while playing different water sports.
6. Fossil Men’s Machine Stainless Steel Chronograph Quartz Watch – Comes With a Water Resistant Depth of 165 feet
Product Dimensions: 1.7 x 1.7 x 0.5 inches
Item Weight: 5.92 ounces
Water Resistant Depth: 165 feet
This black colored chronograph watch has a water-resistant depth of only 165 feet, but it doesn’t mean that it is not a quality watch. It is made in the USA, which is enough to prove its durability and water resistance capability.
It features a 45 mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window for great protection against wear and tear. The watch has a quartz movement with analogue display. The hour and minute hands are half black and half translucent. Also, there are three chronograph subdials and a date display window.
The watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet or a silicon strap with adjustable buckle or fold-over clasp closures for safety.
If we talk about its weight, then it is 5.92 ounces. Also, it requires one lithium metal battery to start functioning.
7. Seiko Men’s SNDC31 Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch – Features 38mm Stainless Steel Case
Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 0.4 x 3.4 inches
Item Weight: 1.28 ounces
Water Resistant Depth: 330 feet
Another excellent quality chronograph watch that you can purchase is the Seiko Men’s SNDC31. It has a weight of 1.28 ounces and comes with 38 mm stainless steel case having hardlex dial window. The watch is featured with Japanese quartz movement having an analogue display.
This round-shaped watch has a cream-coloured dial having a polished silver bezel. The dial features Arabic numeral indices that don’t glow. There are also three chronograph subdials along with a date window.
Other features of this watch include Kinetic Auto Relay function, Kinetic Perpetual Calendar, and Kinetic Direct Drive that takes power from the wind to keep the watch running.
If we talk about its water-resistant depth, then it is 330 feet. The watch is best for snorkelling and swimming, but if you do scuba diving while wearing this, then there are more chances of breaking or losing its water-resistant capability.
8. Timex Weekender Chronograph 40mm Watch – Comes With a Water Resistant Depth of 99 feet
Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 4 inches
Item Weight: 4 ounces
Water Resistant Depth: 99 feet
This Timex Weekender chronograph watch comes with a water-resistant depth of 99 feet. It features quartz movement with analogue display.
This watch from Timex comes with a 40 mm all-metal case, mineral glass that is scratch-resistant, and steel grey dial with full Arabic numerals. If we talk about the top ring on the watch, then it is made up of brass. There is also a date indicator located at 4 o’clock. Moreover, the watch features 24-hour outer dial ring and three chronograph subdials.
Watching time at night is a breeze as the watch comes with Indiglo back-light technology that makes watching time easier in the dark.
If we focus on its battery life, then it is up to ten years. Other than this, you have an option to change the nylon and leather straps according to the season.
The downside of this watch is that some users have complained about its defective chronograph movement.
9. Casio Men’s Heavy Duty Chronograph Stainless Steel Quartz Watch – Features 49mm Stainless Steel Case
Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 3.2 x 2.3 inches
Item Weight: 1.76 ounces
Water Resistant Depth: 330 feet
It is a heavy-duty chronograph watch having a 49 mm stainless steel case. It is not designed and suitable for diving, but you can use it while swimming and snorkelling. The watch comes with a water-resistant depth of 330 feet.
It is featured with a quartz movement with analogue display. The black colour enhances the beauty of the watch. And the resin band adds strength and durability.
If we talk about the dial, then it features a date display, three chronograph subdials, and the hour, minute, and second hands with a glowing feature.
There is also a built-in solar battery that eliminates the need for battery replacement. Also, there will be no need to reset the time as the watch is featured with atomic timekeeping.
But if we talk about its cons, then its plastic band is not that comfortable. Also, the overall quality of the watch is not up to the mark.
10. Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s 241432 Chronograph Watch – Best Chronograph under $1000
Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches
Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
Water Resistant Depth: 330 feet
The last but not the least chronograph watch on the list is the Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s 241432. It is made in the USA has a 43 mm stainless steel case. If we talk about its dial window, then it is anti-reflective sapphire.
It also has a stainless steel bracelet that features a safety fold-over clasp. The watch is featured with a Swiss quartz movement with analogue display. There are also three chronograph subdials and three glowing time hands for hours, minutes, and seconds.
Its coin-edge bezel adds beauty to the watch. Also, there is a date window to keep you up to date. The watch is recommended for snorkelling and swimming, but it is not suitable for scuba diving. It can easily withstand the water depth up to 330 feet.
But the main problem with this watch is that the dial is hard to read at night or in the dark. Only the marker on the bezel and the hands are luminous.