GrailAtlasAn independent reference for mechanical watches

The best mechanical chronographs

A chronograph is a mechanical complication. We only include ones where the mechanism itself is worth owning, not just the sub-dials.

Column-wheel or cam-actuated movements only; no quartz-assist chronographs; picks are spread across price tiers so the list is practically useful.

Longines Master Collection Chronograph
Longines
Master Collection Chronograph
40mmchronograph2005–present
Heuer Carrera (first generation)
Heuer
Carrera (first generation)
36mmchronograph1963–1969
Omega Speedmaster Professional
Omega
Speedmaster Professional
42mmchronograph2021–present
Zenith El Primero (first generation, A386)
Zenith
El Primero (first generation, A386)
38mmchronograph1969–1971
IWC Portugieser Chronograph
IWC
Portugieser Chronograph
41mmchronograph1998–2020
A. Lange & Söhne Datograph (first generation)
A. Lange & Söhne
Datograph (first generation)
39mmchronograph1999–2012

Before you buy

All curated lists
The best mechanical chronographs | Grail Atlas