As 2024 comes to an end, it’s time to take a look back at the most noteworthy chronographs of the year. In these works, we not only see the high-quality inheritance of classic works, but also discover some new works that bring us unexpected things. What follows are our picks of the five best chronographs for 2024, which offer something unique in both aesthetics and practicality.
Tissot PR 516 Chronograph
This watch incorporates Tissot’s more than 170 years of watchmaking experience, especially the PR 516 series launched in the 1960s, providing it with rich nutritional ingredients. The design completely continues the artistic style of the original work. The size of the case made of fine steel reaches 41mm x 13.7mm. At the same time, the shape of the case, crown, buttons, bezel and other design elements also cleverly retain the appeal of the retro style. The dial is black and decorated with baton hour markers and hands, as well as orange and blue details. Under the transparent case back, you can see the hand-wound Cal.A05.291 cam chronograph movement, which is based on the Valjoux 7753 and is finely polished. There is no upper limit on the quantity of this watch, and its price tag reaches 14,650 yuan, which is extremely cost-effective.
Omega Speedmaster FOIS Chronograph
Among all the “best chronographs”, the name Omega Speedmaster is indispensable. In 2024, the blue-gray dial of the First Omega in Space version released by this brand is even more impressive and leaves a deep impression. While this watch doesn’t bring any groundbreaking innovations, it does more than just change the color of the dial. The design changes to the device are both subtle and eye-catching, with a symmetrical case design, a black aluminum bezel spacer marked with a Base-500 speed measurement scale, and metallic Alpha-style hands. Under a sealed bottom cover engraved with a seahorse pattern, Omega’s newly designed manual winding coaxial chronograph movement Cal. 3861 is installed. This device has a power reserve of up to 50 hours and has been officially approved by the METAS Certified Master Observatory. The price is: RMB 61,000 for the belt model or RMB 63,800 for the chain belt model.
IWC Portuguese Series Dune Gold/Horizon Blue Chronograph
This year, the application of color has once again received widespread attention, and countries have pushed this trend to new heights. The Schaffhausen brand has pushed its iconic chronograph in two different directions: one with the elegance and calmness of Dune Gold, and the other with the elegance and style of Horizon Blue. Both dials inherit the excellent design concept of Portugal. Their surface diameter reaches 41mm and the thickness is 13.1mm. The design of the dial is both simple and beautiful. Among them, the Dune Beige version is made of stainless steel and comes with a black alligator leather strap; while the Horizon Blue version is made of white gold and comes with a light blue calfskin strap, which perfectly matches the overall tone of the dial. If neither of these two designs suits your personal preference, you can also opt for a version that combines 18k red gold with an obsidian black dial. Depending on the style, their prices range from 64,800 yuan to 145,000 yuan.
Angelus Instrument De Vitesse
This watch is really unique and at first glance, you might mistake it for just a simple three-hand watch since the subdials don’t appear here. But in fact, it is a true chronograph, and you can start, stop or reset the timer by simply clicking the button on the crown. The size of this table is very compact, with a diameter of 39mm and a thickness of only 9.27mm. The most eye-catching thing is undoubtedly the Cal.A5000 manual winding single-button chronograph movement it is equipped with. La Joux-Perret is the manufacturer of this famous THA movement, which is based on the cooperation of three masters in the watchmaking industry, François-Paul Journe, Denis Flageollet and Vianney Halter, and has been carefully polished and produced. So far, this watch has been launched in four different dial color options, including ivory white, ebony black, silver gray and Indianapolis blue. Each version is priced at 17,200 Swiss francs and is limited to 25 pieces.
Girard-Perregaux Laurel Titanium Chronograph
This watch successfully transforms the high-profile luxury sports watch under the Girard-Perregaux brand into a lightweight timing tool. Its case is made of grade 5 titanium, and coupled with the slate gray dial and swirled sub-dials with Cousin de Paris decoration, it presents a very understated monochromatic look that is easy to make an impact. Unfortunately, due to the dense bottom design on the back, the automatic chronograph movement Cal.GP03300-0141 installed inside is cleverly hidden, but this is also why the thickness of the case can be maintained within a suitable range of 12mm. Equipped with an integrated titanium bracelet, this watch is undoubtedly one of the best luxury sports timing devices this year. This watch is part of Girard-Perregaux’s regular series, and its sales price reaches 159,000 yuan.