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6+ Best Chronograph Watches 2025 to Keep Up with Activities
A chronograph watch offers more than timekeeping. It has additional features to measure time intervals.
Jun 27, 2025
Innovations in horology explore many avenues, one of which resulted in the birth of a chronograph watch. For those who may not be familiar with the term, a chronograph watch doesn’t only serve as a time-telling device. It has additional features that may benefit other activities involving time interval measurement, like running or setting an alarm for cooking.
Ever present in the watch industry, chronographs are actually an old-time invention. It has been around for over a hundred years since the pocket watches were utilized. The feature then was developed for wristwatches by Breitling.
In today’s watchmaking industry, every well-known brand has at least one chronograph watch in its collections. So, what are the best chronograph watches in 2025, and how much do they cost? Let’s explore all the options below!
Best Chronograph Watches 2025
Finding the best chronograph watch among the ocean of excellent choices in the market may sound exhausting. To help discover timepieces widely renowned for their chronograph features, check the following options:
1. Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph 5980G
As the pioneer in the watchmaking industry since 1839, Patek Philippe offers more than traditional mechanical watches. One of Patek Philippe's flagship collections is the Patek Philippe Nautilus. The Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph 5980G is one that measures 40.5 mm in diameter and 12.2 mm in thickness.
Its size and design exude elegance as well as legibility. Due to its dressy approach, the Patek Philippe chronograph watch is not to be worn for adventurous pursuits. The white gold casing makes the watch suit best with an everyday look or for special occasions.
The chronograph feature is located on top of the 6 o’clock. Though small, the sub-dial consists of three different scales, which conform to different functions. An hour and minute counter in the feature can be operated with the pushers just as it takes control of the central chronograph hand.
Price: Approximately $163,000–$393,000 USD
2. Grand Seiko Tokyo Lion Tentagraph SLGC009
A merger between the boldness and edginess of Tokyo Lion and Seiko’s first mechanical chronograph movement birthed the Grand Seiko Tokyo Lion Tentagraph. The taupe watch has a distinct look with a straight-line finish on the dial and oversized applied hour markers. For legibility, the watch features light and dark sub-dials and red tips on the chronograph hands.
Price: $16,400 USD
3. TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper
Inspired by the Glassbox Carrera collection, the TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper emphasizes a minimalist chronograph design. By removing the bezel, the Carrera Skipper is down to 39 mm in diameter with low-down lugs. Aside from the bezel removal, the Carrera Skipper also alters the chronograph functions from a 30-minute to a 15-minute subdial at the 3 o’clock position.
Price: $ 6,900 USD
Read also: Jumping Seconds Watches: A Brief into Iconic Complication
4. IWC Portofino Chronograph Rose Gold
As one of the best luxury chronograph watches, the IWC Portofino Chronograph Rose Gold stuns with the 18K 5N gold. Its circular case design emphasizes the dressiness of the watch. The 42 mm sports watch offers optimal legibility with the 5N gold numerals against the creamy white dial. Proportionally, the three sub dials are located at 12, 6, and 9 o’clock. To emphasize the elegance and uniformity, the sub dials are also painted in a similar gold sheen.
Price: $18,600 USD
5. Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite
The Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite with a slim 43 mm diameter has a distinctive moon phase function at 6 o’clock. Combining the north and south hemispheres, the chronograph feature incorporates two moons from fragments of iron meteorite. According to the story, they’re from the meteor that fell from the sky. The position of the cabochon moons at 6 features stars that align in the same location as the Apollo 11’s touchdown in 1969.
Price:$18,000 USD
6. Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph
The deep blue dial with a sunburst finish of the Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph easily captures the attention. It features the three black sub dials with white hands, markers, and indices. Staying true to the diving heritage, the stainless steel chronograph watch comes with a mesh bracelet and a slide-rule bezel.
Price: $8,900 USD
Recommended Chronograph Watches from Gnomon Watch’s Catalog
Many criteria can be considered when listing the best chronograph watches in 2025. From prestige to functionality, every watch enthusiast may have different preferences in selecting their personal chronograph watch. If budget and quality are the two priorities in mind, then the following options can be considered:
1. Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph White
The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph White (SBDL095) has a 41.4 mm diameter, a 45.9 mm lug-to-lug distance, and a 13 mm thickness. To ensure comfort, the relatively short lug-to-lug has a curved profile that fits most wrist sizes. The watch is made of 316L stainless steel with a mixture of satin-brushed and high-polished finishing. For a dressy appeal, the stainless steel case is paired with a 20 mm oyster-style bracelet.
Implementing the white and black combination on the dial, the Seiko chronograph watch brings back the retro panda look. On the white dial, the three black sub dials can be seen at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. The subdial at 3 is the ticking second hand, the one at 6 o’clock is a 60-minute counter, and the one at 9 o’clock is a 24-hour indicator. Meanwhile, the date window is located between 4 and 5.
Beneath the sturdy case is the Seiko V192 movement. The solar-powered movement has an accuracy of ± 15 seconds per month. When fully charged, the movement can operate for six months without a light source. The watch features a low-battery indicator, with the second hand ticking once every two seconds to signal a recharge.
Price: $628.00 USD
2. Yema Rallygraf Meca-Quartz Chronograph Panda
Measuring 39 mm in diameter, 48 mm in lug-to-lug length, and 11 mm in thickness, the Rallygraf Meca-Quartz Chronograph Panda is a sleek watch designed for motorsports and speed. The watch doesn’t only feature two subdials but also a tachymetric scale bezel to measure the average speed over a determined distance.
Emphasizing retro style, the white dial and two black subdials easily become the highlight of the timepiece. To give a slight contrast and better readability, the central second hand’s tip is painted in red. It makes it easier for the wearer to read the tachymeter scale bezel. For proportionality in the design, the date window is placed at the 6 o’clock position under the racing checkered flags.
The 316L steel case is paired with a 20 mm French-made Rallye-style leather strap. It’s specifically designed to suit the Rallygraf’s theme of the watch, further making the quartz watch a special piece to collect.
Price: $369.00 USD
3. Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph Green
Another recommendation in this list of best chronograph watches in 2025 is the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph Green. With a diameter of 41.4 mm, a lug-to-lug distance of 45.9 mm, and a thickness of 13 mm, the 316L stainless steel watch suits those who enjoy the design of Speedtimers.
At first glance, the cream dial and three black subdials easily capture the onlooker's attention. The classic sunburst light gold dial accentuates the chronograph subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Like the vintage layout, the ticking second is at 3, the 60-minute counter is at 6, and the 24-hour indicator is at 9.
Besides the chronograph feature, the watch features a green-polished tachymeter scale bezel, which allows the wearer to calculate speed everywhere they are. The Seiko watch is powered by the solar-powered Seiko Cal. V192 quartz chronograph movement. When fully charged, the watch has a power reserve of about 6 months and an accuracy of about ±15 seconds a month.
Price: $628.00 USD
4. Damasko DC86 Green
A combination of a matte black dial and splashes of neon green makes the Damasko DC86 Green appear distinct among the countless chronograph watches in the market. Just like the previous Seiko Prospex model, this Damasko watch adopts the three sub-dial layout. The subdials at 3 and 9 use the white outline, while the one at 6 o’clock is outlined by the neon green.
For optimal readability, the green watch is equipped with the X1 GL C1 SuperLuminova luminous paint. Encasing the stunning black dial is the in-house ice-hardened, nickel-free stainless steel. It offers good corrosion resistance. Paired with the Damasko CAD/CNC bezel, the watch measures 43.3 mm in diameter, 14.4 mm in thickness, and 22 mm lug-to-lug distance.
The screw-down crown application allows the DC 86 Green watch to have a 100 m water resistance. It’s worth noting that the crown system has a Damasko patent. It’s constructed based on mechanical engineering standards to ensure utmost longevity.
Price: $3,688.00 USD
Read also: What Is a Flyback Chronograph? A Timekeeping Marvel
5. Steinhart Yachtimer
Powered by a Swiss-made integrated chronograph caliber, the ETA Valjoux 7753, the Steinhart Yachtimer’s prowess in timekeeping is not to be underestimated. Deriving from the caliber 7750, which is known for its robustness and incredible mechanical performance, the 27-jewel movement can operate at 28,700 beats per hour. It has a power reserve of about 48 hours.
The white dial is contrasted by the three black subdials set at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Inspired by the prototype from the 60s, the Steinhart watch resembles the best vintage chronograph watches which adopt the racing style. Its vintage dial is encased by highly refined 316L stainless steel. It also features a screw-down crown and a set of chronograph pushers.
For a modern chronograph, the Steinhart Yachtimer has a 42 mm diameter, a 49 mm lug-to-lug distance, and a 15.2 mm thickness, including the sapphire crystal. It’s paired with a 22 mm brushed stainless steel bracelet, which tapers down nicely to 18 mm at the clasp.
Price: $1,259.00 USD
6. Le Jour Roadster Chronograph Ice Blue
With a diameter of 42 mm, a lug-to-lug distance of 49 mm, and a thickness of 15.5 mm, the Le Jour Roadster Chronograph Ice Blue suits those who like the classic chronograph design. The quality of the fit and finish can be seen by the use of fine satin brushing around the case down to the 22 mm stainless steel oyster-style bracelet.
The sports chronograph watch features subdials at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock. The top and bottom subdials, which function as hour-and-minute counters, are in black and red, while the subdial at 9 o’clock is blended with the light blue sunburst dial. For better readability, Le Jour uses a set of bold baton hands, which gives an overall balanced dial design.
True to the style it adopts, the Roadster chronograph features hour markers in double-digit numerals. Underneath the complex dial lies the Swiss Selita SW500 automatic chronograph movement with 25 jewels and 28,800 beats per hour. Thanks to the exhibition screw-down caseback, the stunning light blue watch has a reliable 200 m water resistance.
Price: $1,580.00 USD
7. Yema Rallye 5 Turbo
At 39 mm in diameter and 12 mm in thickness, the Yema Rallye 5 Turbo is a fitting chronograph watch for every setting, especially a racing field. This watch is specifically designed for motorsports and speed with its aluminum tachymeter scale bezel.
For chronograph functions, the watch offers three push buttons to control the hour, minute, and second. They can also be used to manage the 60-minute and 24-hour reading counters. Similar to the Steinhart Yachtimer, the Yema Rallye 5 Turbo is powered by the ETA Valjoux 7753 automatic chronograph movement.
What makes the Yema Rallye 5 Turbo a standout is the distinctive retro dial, which draws inspiration from the L-shaped arm steering wheel. The steel bezel and black dial provide the necessary contrast to the asymmetrical chrono sub-registers. As a finishing touch to the piece, the 20 mm Rallye-style leather strap is attached to the aluminum lug.
Price: $2,190.00 USD
Final Thoughts
Searching for the best chronograph watch for men may be a struggle for new watch enthusiasts. However, it’s important to start from the basic preference, judging by the overwhelming options in the market. Consider every aspect and list all the desired chronographs to collect based on that.
If some of the best in the market don’t fit the budget, it’s better to pursue more affordable options. After all, the best quality isn’t always judged by the price. The most-suited chronograph watch for one watch wearer to another may be different. What’s paramount is matching the personal style with the chronograph.
