What am I missing? Chronographs between $5-8K

[sierra11b]

Not entirely sold on the Daytona that I have actually considered a Pre-tiger or Big Block. Heck, maybe even a Tiger if the price is right? Afterall, they have a date, are a third of the price, have more dial options if you're patient enough, and more and more people seem to complain about the modern Daytona legibility.

I owned a 3570.50 and loved the watch for what it was but hated the non-hack and WR rating. But for the price NIB it can still be had for a bargain which has me thinking of going back to Omega. I'm not really sold on the other Speedmaster models as I wanted the quintessential moonwatch. Plus owning the moonwatch was the only reason for me to go back to Omega after having problems with them (another story). I dunno... maybe the co-axial should be considered after all based on my criteria?

I have nothing against the Valjoux in the Tudors but at Big Block prices I might as well consider Zenith 36.000 VPH. I know with a discount I could even start looking at the Striking 10th for under 10k.

So what other Chronographs am I missing? Anyone have an new El Primero on bracelet? I really want in-house, 100WR, and something somewhat versatile and sporty in the 5-8k range.

[TuonoRider]

Omega PO Chrono would fit the bill, wouldn't it? in the price range, newer 8500 movement which is in-house, well over 10ATM, versatile and very sporty.

ding ding ding! We found a winner!!!

[p_mcgee]

Maybe the 39mm Blancpain Leman Flyback...I've seen some preowned in your range.

[Captain Kirkwood]

Breguet Type XX
GO Sport Evo Chronograph

Pre-owned would open up some other options like the JLC dive chronograph.

Me personally, I'd save up for a heavily discounted or pre-owned VC Overseas Chrono. But I believe it's also non-hacking.

[clarencek]

A PO Chrono 9300 would be nice if you can stomach the height (19mm).
Or maybe this beauty... in-house, 100M WR, sporty & dressy...

[sierra11b]

19 is too tall.

What is the reference on that GS? Is it Spring Drive?

[esm]

GS - Grand Seiko.

how about some sort of Breitling Chrono or Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Chrono?

[sierra11b]

Would love the Blancpain FF Chrono but believe it's out of my price range, too. I occasionally see regular FFs for sale on the forums but never the chronos, at least the FF Chronos.

I really love the GS line, always have as a proud MM300 owner, but GS may be too expensive, too.

[Maxtor]

I recently picked up a Zenith El Primero HW Chrono off the boards. Under $2K. Looks mint. Keeps great time. My current favourite. Tremendous value.

[kilyung]

Iwc 3717

[slcbbrown]

If you are considering pre-owned and like the Daytona, the Tudors are tough to beat. Prices are getting up there, though.

A brand that probably has the longest history (220 years) and a fair history with chrono's is GP. I'd like a Daytona but didn't want to tie all my funds up on one watch, yet, so I picked up a couple GP's-- a stainless 7000 and a tt 7050. These early 90's watches have reworked ETA's with DD modules. There are plenty of other models to pick from, too.

[willski]

IWC aquattimer chrono is quite nice, although not in house. They'll also be releasing a new Pilot chrono this week which might be worth checking out.

From what I hear, zenith el primero's are great and superb value to boot as well.

[Sarajevo]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Iwc 3717

+1. Have had mine for over two years and love it. Haven't had a moment's bother with it and it is in great shape even though I wear it everywhere.

[clarencek]

Originally Posted by sierra11b

19 is too tall.

What is the reference on that GS? Is it Spring Drive?

It's SBGC003, there's a silver dial SBGC001 and a Ti version - SBGC005:

http://www.grand-seiko.com/collectio...ive/index.html

And yes, it's a Spring Drive chrono - so timing is also very smooth. :-)

[sloane]

you should consider Breitling Transocean Chrono

[sierra11b]

Originally Posted by sloane

you should consider Breitling Transocean Chrono

I had never even considered this. It is contender for sure and meets all the criterion.

Here are my thoughts on the others:

Thoughts on Glashutte:

I like the looks of the GO Senator Navigator Chronograph so much but its max is 30minute timing with no hour subdial and has no date! It looks so clean that I could almost forget the lack of date and hour dial if it had a 60min subdial.

I also like the GO Senator with white dial but it's too dressy and has no date.

Thoughts on Zenith:

Zenith is a double-edged sword for me...

I like the 36000 VPH with the reverse panda because it has sub-second markers around the main dial, the hour sub-dial goes in 30minute intervals instead of 12 minute intervals of others i've seen (why 12minutes on some? ). The only small problem is the minute sub-dial being overlapped by the hour sub-dial. You have to make a guess +/- a minute when the sub minute hand is between 15 and 20. Not a huge pain. The overall watch looks slick and sporty as heck.

With the Striking Tenth the sub-dial overlap problem is different because despite the fact the seconds dial is also somewhat obscured by the minutes dial, you know exactly where the second hand is because the large chrono hand makes one revolution every ten seconds as reflected by the seconds sub dial! Then again, it's a lot more $$$$ than the 36000VPH and isn't an option unless I flip a watch (and I don't want to do that).

Thoughts on JLC:

The Master Chronograph has that classic look of the GO Senator but also has a date and all three legible dials! Wish it had a exhibition back but oh well! But I fear it's still too dressy for casual wear. Thoughts?

Here's a picture of the JLC: http://www.jaimelesmontres.com/2010/...re-master.html

[Manofsteelpt]

I love the JLC chrono... If it was 42 or 44mm I'd grab one in a min!

[MrJ320]

I also think the JLC master control chrono is a great choice, and is in the price range for a minty used one. I've had the chance to try it on at an AD and love the look and details. It's a bit lighter than I expected (not necessarily a bad thing), and although it's a bit on the dressier side I think it can also work well when worn more casually.

[capote]

Regarding GO vs. JLC I would go with JLC in this case since that model got an integrated chronograph and GO is modular. Zenith chrono's are legendary of course, but their design doesn't appeal to me.

[Sweramic]

There's a really sweet PAM356 for sale right now

[karmatp]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Iwc 3717

X3, the 3717 is a great watch, but I love my speedy pro more.

[Welshwatchman]

Try one of these beauties.

Pre-owned and as-new it represents a great purchase.

[sierra11b]

I am actually leaning toward Zenith's 36000VPH 38mm.

http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/2011/5/...d-vs-some.html

Here's why:

Pros:

1) Classic El Primero

2) Pays hommage nicely to the original A386.

3) 38mm wears well and will never go out of style

4) You don't miss anything in this tiddy little package: date is still nicely tucked away at 4:30, subdials appear to be the same size as the 42mm versions with the 3 & 9 indices pushed outward to accommodate.

5) A bargain upper-scale chronograph

Cons:

1) Subdial overlap is still there but it's not a huge deal as only a few minutes aren't visible. You can actaully use some hour indices to help as you become used to the dials and the layout of the minute hand.

2) Would be happier at 40mm but 38mm should suffice for my 6.5" wrist