5 Most Popular Chronograph Models of All Time

The chronograph is yet one of the most popular among all other types of watches available in the market.

Interestingly, chronographs are enjoying an unusual boom for the last few years. And it should not come as a surprise. Why?

The reason is simple. Chronograph watches allow wearers to enjoy the internal functionalities in a more holistic way than any other timepieces.

The dials, crowns, scales, and pointers exhibit refined creativity in the arena of design and function.

However, some models have indeed achieved the iconic status with their unique design, excellent performance and elite brand names.

Thus, here are the five most popular chronograph watches of all time. Have a look!

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

Rolex introduced a chronograph model in 1963 known as the Cosmograph. However, the brand developed the chronograph as the ultimate timepiece for motor car racers.

The brand also added the term “Daytona” to the model to highlight its collaboration with the famous Daytona Speedway, Florida.

The chronograph is today commonly referred to as Daytona. Moreover, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is one of the most famous chronograph models available in watchmaking history.

Omega Speedmaster

Introduced in 1957, the Omega Speedmaster was the ever first chronograph to feature a tachymeter scale on the bezel instead of the dial.

Omega originally designed the watch for motor car racing. But it became associated with something more significant.

Following the successful space mission Apollo 11, this Speedmaster Professional chronograph became known as the “Moonwatch”.

So what is unique about the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch?

It was the first chronograph to land on the lunar surface being on the wrist of the astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

However, the Omega Speedmaster is today available in different versions, including the Speedmaster Racing editions and Moonwatch versions.

Whether it is in the outer space or on the race track, the watch never fails to awe its enthusiast with its top-notch functionalities and impressive design.

Undoubtedly, the Speedmaster Professional is one of the most famous chronographs available to date.

Breitling Navitimer

The Breitling Navitimer is an evolutionary version of the brand’s earlier launched Chronomat.

Both the Chronomat and Navitimer feature a circular slide rule.

But while Breitling developed the Chronomat for engineers and scientists, the Navitimer was exclusively designed for pilots.

With the slide rule and chronograph function, aviators can draw up calculations such as fuel consumption and distance of climb or descent.

However, Breitling Navitimer is not only an iconic chronograph ever made but also a flagship model of the brand.

The brand has introduced many popular Breitling Navitimer references over the years that are treasured for their functionality and design.

Tag Heuer Monaco

It was the watershed year 1969 when the automatic chronograph debuted in the market. A board of watch manufacturers, including Hamilton, Breitling and also Tag Heuer worked on making the first mechanical chronograph movements.

Eventually, Tag Heuer released many mechanical chronograph timepieces along with a brand new model known as the “Monaco”.

However, while the Tag Heuer Monaco was one of the brand’s automatic chronographs, it was also the first waterproof mechanical square chronograph watch in the world.

What made the Tag Heuer Monaco stand out of others at the time was its unique square case shape.

Moreover, the chronograph got more spotlight after it was spotted on the wrist of Steve McQueen in the 1971 “Le Mans” film.

Ever since then, the Tag Heuer Monaco continues to be one of the most iconic and popular chronographs that are highly desirable among collectors across the world.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak Offshore in 1993. AP designer Emmanuel Gueit designed the model taking inspiration from the original Royal Oak of 1972.

The Piguet Royal Oak Offshore comes with a beefier silhouette that allures the younger audience more than others.

The watch features a bigger case and a large black gasket on its bezel.

Moreover, Gueit also offered a chronograph complication to power the timepiece.

The Royal Oak Offshore might not have ranked the list of the best tool watches of watch aficionados when it was introduced.

However, the sturdy proportions and hostile design of the watch made it an icon over the years. And the Royal Oak Offshore is also one of the best selling chronograph watches of the brand.

Although the brand has extended this collection with time, the Royal Oak Offshore remains the most famous chronograph model.