Feature: Superb chronographs for LESS than £3.5k
Watch lovers will always have a place in their hearts for the chronograph. Perhaps its appeal lies in its multiple subdials, which resemble the dashboard of a racing car. Or maybe it’s the satisfaction of knowing your watch’s movement, with its intricate system of levers and pushers, is more complex than its time-only cousin. Chronographs tend to cost more, but you can find some great examples for less than £3.5k. We’ve got a soft spot for these ones…
Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope
Boasting a look of surgical efficiency to match its name, this Junghan’s Max Bill Chronoscope sounds like the kind of precision instrument you might find in an operating theatre. The slender needle-style hands, barely-there bezel and T-shaped pushers all complement each other in a beautifully designed watch that famously takes its name from the pioneering Swiss architect.
Longines Heritage L2.796.4.52.0
Renowned as one of the best and most respected affordable watchmakers out there, Longines knows how to satisfy watch aficionados on a budget. This handsome piece with a 43mm cushion-shaped case harks back to Longines’ past collections with its 1970s-inspired dive watch aesthetic. In short, if you love retro-tinged pieces, this Longines is a no brainer.
Bell & Ross V2-94
This Bell & Ross strays away from the brand’s typical square-shaped cases, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less appealing. A limited-edition model, this ‘Bellytanker’ model takes its name from the fuel tanks of old fighter planes that have been adapted into racing cars to be raced in the desert. It also features a round-shaped bronze case and champagne dial, giving it a more classic look.
Chopard Mille Miglia
Chopard’s Mille Miglia pays homage to the 1000 Miglia motor race that’s held in Italy each year. This sleek chronograph reminds us of a car’s dash, thanks to its three chronograph sub dials which can be used to make speedy calculations whilst whizzing around the racetrack. If you fancy yourself an affordable chronograph that’s steeped in motorsport heritage, this is your watch.
Frederique Constant Vintage Rally
Frederique Constant has always sought to deliver Patek Philippe-inspired designs for a fraction of the cost, while using tried-and-tested movements from Sellita (as well as in-house movements for its more prestigious lines). This handsome self-winding chronograph honours the defunct but legendary Austin-Healey British sports car brand, combining retro looks and an eye-catching dial in classic racing-green.
Hamilton Intramatic Chronograph
Get both the vintage look and the vintage feel with this manual-wind Hamilton chronograph. This classic-looking timepiece features a reverse panda dial, mushroom pushers and faux-aged lume on the hands and hour markers to enhance that 1960s Carrera vibe. It runs on Hamilton’s H-51 calibre, a heavily modified ETA movement that has also been used by the likes of Tudor and Baume & Mercier.
Baltic Tricompax Panda
No prizes for guessing what this Baltic Tricompax chronograph is paying homage to; even Paul Newman himself might have given this panda-dial beauty his seal of approval. With a 39.5mm case it’s a fraction bigger than those sought-after first-generation Daytonas but the mushroom pushers, three-link bracelet and black tachymeter-scale bezel will certainly turn heads among the vintage Rolex crowd.
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