Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey into the world of haute horology, a chronograph with an in-house movement represents the pinnacle of traditional watchmaking excellence. That’s why we’ve created this carefully curated guide to showcase the best chronograph watches with in-house movements. From more affordable chronograph watch options to ultra-luxury masterpieces, this article guides you through timepieces that embody technical innovation, exceptional design, and the rich heritage of their creators – ensuring there’s something here for every watch collector’s budget, and certainly plenty of inspiration.
If you’re looking for an in-depth overview to chronograph watches and precision timing mechanisms, head to our in-depth article here.
5,000–10,000 euros: Accessible Icons
TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02
Let’s begin our journey by discovering the chronograph watches on the more affordable end of the spectrum, starting with a rather iconic TAG Heuer model. For those looking to venture into the realm of high-quality yet not overly expensive mechanical chronographs, TAG Heuer’s Carrera Heuer 02 is an excellent choice. Priced comfortably at 6,100 euros, this popular watch is powered by the in-house Heuer 02 movement, boasting an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Its vertical clutch mechanism ensures smooth chronograph operation, while the bold, sporty design remains true to the brand’s motorsport heritage – perfect for the modern professional who appreciates precision and style.
This decidedly masculine chronograph is housed in a 42 mm polished, fine-brushed case, featuring rhodium-plated indexes and hands alongside an iridescent dark blue dial. The combination of a blue dial and steel case is always a winning combination for a sports watch, meaning this TAG Heuer model is a nice surefire way to duck trends and stay stylish. Furthermore, the dial is protected by a bevelled sapphire crystal dome with double anti-reflective treatment for the utmost visibility.
Powering the watch is the in-house, ever-reliable calibre Heuer 02, which offers hours, minutes, seconds and date function, as well as a chronograph that features a quarter second, 30-minute, and 12-hour subdial counter. As the dial proudly proclaims, it also offers a good power reserve: 80 hours, while beating at a frequency of 4 Hz. Thanks to a screw-down caseback, the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 also offers water-resistance to 100 m.
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch (Calibre 3861)
For history enthusiasts, this watch is a tangible connection to mankind’s greatest adventure, having made its mark as the first watch on the Moon, as well as being used for all six landings and the historic Apollo 13 mission. The Omega Speedmaster is a legend within the watch world and beyond, and the modern iteration with the calibre 3861 keeps the spirit of the ‘Moonwatch’ alive while single-handedly defining the Omega brand.
This manual-winding, Master Chronometer-certified movement ensures exceptional reliability and precision. The watch is technically available for 7,200 euros upwards with a nylon strap, but I’d personally argue that this timepiece’s value starts at the steel bracelet option, available for 7,600 euros, as the bracelet, which itself has seen interesting evolutions over the decades, is an integral part of this watch’s design.
With that in mind, we can take a closer look at the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional in steel with matching brushed five-link steel bracelet and, just like the original, hesalite crystal to protect the dial. The iconic watch pays other small tributes to its past designs, featuring an embossed Seahorse medallion on the caseback. Inspired by the 4th generation Speedmaster style worn on the Moon, the chronograph watch also includes the typical tachymeter scale, asymmetrical case, black step dial with domed hands, and the famous dot over 90 on the anodised aluminium bezel ring. There are numerous books on the vast and varied designs of ‘Speedy’ models over the years – one to look out for in particular is Moonwatch Only: 60 Years of OMEGA Speedmaster by Grégoire Rossier and Anthony Marquié.
But back to the most important details for chrono enthusiasts: the movement. Powering this watch is Omega’s hallmark Co-Axial calibre 3861, leading to this watch’s status as ‘Master Chronometer Certified’. The watch’s anti-magnetic calibre is also a manual-winding movement, adding another nice splash of old-school charm. That said, the powerful calibre is incredibly innovative, having marked the first Co-Axial Chronometer movement inside a Moonwatch upon its release, while simultaneously boosting power reserve (50 hours), chronometric performance and magnetic resistance.
Breitling Chronomat B01
Moving up the scale, Breitling’s Chronomat B01 offers exceptional versatility and robust performance. Equipped with the in-house calibre B01, this watch features a 70-hour power reserve and COSC-certified precision. Its striking ‘Rouleaux’ bracelet and bold design elements, such as its unidirectional, ratcheted bezel, make it a distinctive choice for those seeking both functionality and flair. As is essential on chronographs, which rely on legibility, a cambered sapphire crystal, glare-proofed on both sides, protects the dark dial, which in turn keeps things readable with the addition of a blue central seconds.
Now let’s take a look in more detail. This watch, which has a price tag of 9,500 euros, offers a light-weight option for sporting customers thanks to its titanium case with water-resistance to 200 m. This gives the watch a lighter feel, weighing only 103.76 g (without strap). The case has a diameter of 42 mm alongside a 15.1 mm height, allowing for not only the utmost legibility, but also giving the watch a more masculine feel and look. The wearer can secure the watch to the wrist with an equally light, and thus very comfortable rubber strap, which seals with a folding buckle.
Powering Breitling’s Chronomat B01 is the brand’s famous eponymous in-house chronograph B01 movement, which offers a 1/4th second chronograph, displaying 30-minute and 12-hour subdial counters. You can read all about this calibre, as well as many of the others in this article, here. The self-winding calibre B01 boasts a strong power reserve of 70 hours, making it a weekend-proof option that beats at a frequency of 4 Hz.
Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original
Next up is the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original, available for 9,900 euros. The updated El Primero 3600 calibre, a high-frequency integrated chronograph movement, continues the legacy of the 1969 original. With its 5 Hz beat rate and historical pedigree, this watch is a perfect blend of vintage design and modern performance.
A particularly strong example of this is the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster E-Commerce Edition, introduced in 2021 and still available online to this day. Crafted in a 38 mm steel case in the same proportions as the famous A386, paired with a tri-colour silver dial in combination with the three iconic shades of grey and blue . Powered by the El Primero 3600 automatic high-frequency (5 Hz) chronograph movement with 1/10th of a second chronograph function alongside small seconds, central chronograph hand (making one turn in 10 seconds), and 60-minute/60-second counters at 6 and 3 o’clock respectively. Alongside its impressive high frequency, the watch movement offers a solid power reserve of 60 hours.
At 38 mm, the steel case of this chronograph watch has a more refined appeal than many of its competitors. Another highlight not to be overlooked is the beautifully soft grey calfskin leather with special stitching, giving this sporty watch a laidback feel. There are numerous iterations of this handsome watch (which ground-breakingly offered the first real alternative to the Rolex Daytona) within Zenith’s portfolio that are well worth looking at, whether a newcomer to the world of watches or a seasoned collector.
£10,000–£20,000: Luxury Redefined
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
That leads us to the watch that bridges the gap between the more affordable and high price point chronograph watches – while remaining arguably the most famous and most coveted chronograph in the watch world. You guessed it: the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. While prices can soar up to over 140,000 for embellished models and 16.5 million euros for one certain historic collector model, the watch model actually starts at a more modest 15,900 euros for a version in Oystersteel (Rolex’s own 904L steel, often used in aerospace) – the Ref. 126500LN. The 40 mm watch comes on a so-called ‘Oyster’ bracelet, first introduced by Rolex in the 1930s and revered for its robust nature and recognisable three-link design.
This purist version features a black dial with spray-coated counters, 18-carat applique hour markers and hands with a Chromalight display, allowing the wearer to access the time around the clock and in any conditions. The sporty model features the hallmark black monobloc Cerachrom bezel in ceramic with a moulded tachymetric scale, and once again, it’s highly resistant to being knocked about. The same goes for the case itself, with a screw-down caseback helping to offer water resistance to a good 100 m.
As for the most exciting part: the in-house calibre 4131 powers the Ref. 12500LN, and is known for its remarkable precision (-2/+2 sec/day). Rolex’s mechanical chronograph is a bi-directional self-winding movement with a ‘Perpetual’ rotor, which integrates a paramagnetic blue ‘Parachrom’ hairspring and high-performance ‘Paraflex’ shock absorbers. What is likely becoming clear is that this watch is all about resilience. In addition, the iconic timepiece’s movement offers centre hour and minute hands, a small seconds hand at 6 o’clock, the chronograph via centre seconds hand, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock. Stop seconds additionally allow for exact time setting. With an excellent 72-hour power reserve, it’s fair to say that from the design to the movement, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is a king amongst chronographs.
Ultra-Thin Marvels: A Special Mention
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT
As one of the thinnest chronographs ever created, it may not be a good clean chronograph without additional complications, but it’s only fair to give a special mention to the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT – an utter marvel of engineering that brings us back down to a (relatively speaking) lower price tag of 21,400 euros. Combining groundbreaking design with Italian flair, this titanium watch is a testament to Bulgari’s innovation and ever-more impressive watchmaking department in Le Sentier, Switzerland.
The in-house BVL 318 calibre integrates both chronograph and GMT functions in a case measuring just 6.9 mm thick. The movement itself, on the other hand, measures a mere 3.3 mm in height. Furthermore, the masterfully designed column-wheel chronograph showcases a timelessly elegant movement architecture: using a lateral clutch system, it preserves the heritage of traditional chronograph design while achieving remarkable thinness. While the column wheel is prominently displayed in the lower-left position, the lateral clutch (responsible for engaging the chronograph) is situated in the lower-right, just above the balance bridge. Measuring 37.2mm in diameter, the BVL 318 leans towards a broader design for a wristwatch movement. This scale reflects a purposeful layout, with as many components as possible arranged on a single, streamlined plane, balancing technical sophistication with aesthetic refinement. Alongside its many technical virtues, the watch calibre also offers its wearer a solid 55 hours of power reserve and beats at an equally solid frequency of 4 Hz.
£20,000–£50,000: The Collector’s Sweet Spot
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph
In this higher price range, Jaeger-LeCoultre offers a true collector’s chronograph in the form of the exquisite Reverso Tribute Chronograph, available from 27,300 euros. Powered by the in-house calibre 860, this watch combines the brand’s signature reversible case with an integrated chronograph mechanism. The Art Deco design and dual-sided display create a unique timepiece that embodies elegance and innovation. With its 49.4 x 29.9 mm dimensions, this manual-winding steel chronograph watch is a timeless classic, enduringly elegant, yet still decidedly masculine.
With the introduction of the new Manufacture Calibre 860, the Reverso Tribute Chronograph also accomplishes another remarkable dual feat: showcasing the time on both sides of its case while reimagining the chronograph display within a rectangular form. The front face, marked by understated elegance with a grey-blue sunray dial, contrasts beautifully with the open-worked reverse, a mesmerising display of horological artistry that unveils the retrograde chronograph mechanism in all its intricate glory.
While one face of the dial simply provides hours and minutes, the ‘reverse’ dial displays the chronograph seconds, including a 30-minute counter, while simultaneously treating the owner to a view of the movement at work. Alongside a 52-hour power reserve, the watch beats at a frequency of 4 Hz.
From the applied hour markers and minute track that appear to float above the movement to the blue chronograph hands and bevelled bridges, this watch also sits above those in a lower price range, as every element speaks of unparalleled craftsmanship. Versatile in style, the Reverso Tribute Chronograph is paired with two interchangeable and equally luxuriously finished straps: an en-vogue combination of leather and blue canvas, as well as an all-leather strap designed by Casa Fagliano, ensuring it transitions seamlessly between occasions.
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Chronograph
For a fraction-more, Parmigiani Fleurier’s Tonda PF Chronograph, available for 30,500 Swiss francs, is another compelling choice. Featuring the in-house calibre PF070, this chronograph watch wraps up all the luxury watchmaking essentials into one absolutely stunning Swiss timepiece, crafted to the highest level.
On some levels, we have some pretty typical chrono features: a 42 mm case and ever-popular blue dial. Taking a closer look, as one must always do in order to truly appreciate a PF watch, we discover incredible attention to detail. The watch case and bracelet shine in an unusual combination of stainless steel and platinum (solely on the bezel), while the ‘Milano blue’ dial, into which the subdial counters are subtly integrated, showcases Grain d’Orge hand-guilloché finishing, while 18-carat gold rhodium-plated appliques and 18ct gold rhodium-plated appliques elegantly indicate the time. The virtually smooth surface contrasts with the finely sand-blasted minute track, while the aforementioned counters are encircled in a slightly darker blue. An anti-reflective sapphire crystal assures readability regardless of lighting.
Over to the all-important in-house movement, the COSC-certified calibre PF070 with column wheel and small seconds, minute and hour display offers a more than respectable 65 hours of power reserve while beating at a high frequency of 5 Hz. It also offers a date window, neatly slotted in between 4 and 5 o’clock.
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph
While many remain divided on this still relatively new collection, Audemars Piguet’s Code 11.59 Chronograph, available from 35,600 euros, nevertheless epitomises modern luxury watchmaking and certainly showcases AP’s in-house chronograph movement. The manufacture calibre 4401 features a flyback function and column-wheel chronograph, ensuring precise and seamless operation.
Housed here in a steel case with a green dial but available in several handsome variations, the watch plays host to the calibre 4401. This is significant as AP’s only automatic in-house integrated chronograph movement (its direct manual-winding sibling without flyback function being the calibre 4400, introduced in 2019), also now found within the Royal Oak Offshore line. As mentioned, this integrated chronograph functions with a column wheel as well as a flyback function that can restart the chronograph without the need to stop and reset it first.
The movement, which measures 32 mm in diameter, also of course provides hours, small seconds, plus a date window. The calibre is also endowed with a patented zero resetting mechanism, which ensures that each one of the counter hands is reset to zero. Furthermore, it is also equipped with a vertical clutch system that prevents hands from jumping when the chronograph stops or starts. Audemars Piguet is keen to show off as many of the 367 components and functions within as possible; parts usually hidden from view, such as the column wheel and the so-called ‘dance’ of the chronograph hammers when the chronograph is reset to zero, are visible through the caseback, and even the oscillating weight in 22-carat gold is open-worked.
Montblanc Minerva Pulsograph
Montblanc’s Minerva Pulsograph, which has a price of 36,900 euros, was a limited edition that nevertheless highlights the brand’s rich heritage in precision timekeeping. The in-house MB M13.21 calibre is celebrated for its hand-finished details and pulsometer scale, a nod to its origins as a doctor’s watch and used to measure a patient’s heart rate. To read more about pulsometers, you can explore our comprehensive guide to chronographs and their various functions here.
In any case, the watch, with its smoked-tobacco coloured dial and warm 40 mm rose-gold case, is home to an extraordinary chronograph movement, which is visible via the caseback. The watch’s calibre MB M13.21 offers a 55-hour power reserve and glows with rose-gold coated plates, bridges, and a hand-wound lateral clutch. The chronograph watch showcases old-school payphone style indications of 3, 6 and 9 minutes on the chronograph’s minutes counter.
This watch is the work of Montblanc’s Minerva manufacture, a fascinating chronograph manufacture founded in Villeret back in 1858, which you can read all about thanks to my knowledgable colleague Joern F. Kengelbach here.
Over £50,000: Haute Horlogerie at its finest
Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref 5172G (Platinum)
Few brands command the reverence of Patek Philippe, and their platinum chronograph Ref. 5172G, carrying an 84,480-euro price tag, is a true masterpiece. Powered by the in-house CH 29-535 PS (manual-winding), the watch features unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless design. For those seeking the ultimate in ‘luxury’, a Patek Philippe chronograph is surely the pinnacle.
The redesigned iteration of its classically constructed men’s chronograph blends traditional craftsmanship with modern refinements. Anchored by a manually wound movement, the CH 29-535 PS calibre features a column wheel and horizontal clutch, while the chronograph itself is activated via guillochéd pushers and elegant three-tier lugs. Equipped with a tachymeter scale, a central chronograph hand, a 30-minute instantaneous counter and small seconds, the watch, with its sporty blue dial and white-gold case, remains both functional and stylish. Measuring 41 mm in diameter and 11.45 mm in height, the watch case is water-resistant to 30 metres and complemented by a sapphire crystal caseback, offering a glimpse into its meticulously crafted movement.
MB&F LM Sequential EVO
Time to take things up a notch with something more complicated: the MB&F LM Sequential EVO, which has a price of 168,00 Swiss francs. For those seeking something truly groundbreaking in their chronograph watch, the MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential EVO most certainly delivers. Its dual chronograph system, powered by the LM Sequential EVO calibre, virtually redefines how chronographs function.
While perpetual calendars and automatons alike are complicated feats of horology, many a watchmaker will tell you that chronographs are actually one of the hardest mechanisms to create – and the MB&F LM Sequential EVO takes these complications to a whole new level. Comprising no fewer than 585 movement components, this piece is actually a fully integrated ‘dual chronograph’ calibre, featuring the brand’s signature Legacy Machine flying balance wheel, with regulating screws and Breguet overcoil. To break it down further, the movement incorporates two column-wheel chronographs alongside a binary switch that allows for multiple timing modes: independent timing, split-seconds, sequential (lap timer), and, believe it or not, a cumulative ‘chess match’ mode. Is it your typical chronograph? Absolutely not. Is it still worth a mention? Undoubtedly.
Richard Mille RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic
As is the case with so many of the contemporary brand’s products, Richard Mille’s RM 72-01 represents the avant-garde of watchmaking. The in-house calibre CRMC1 features a unique double-clutch chronograph mechanism, combining technical innovation with bold aesthetics. Lightweight materials and a futuristic design make this watch a standout piece in any collection. As petrolheads united across the globe and headed to the legendary Le Mans race track in 2023, its sponsor Richard Mille launched one of its most iconic and revered watches to date.
The RM 72-01 is housed in a TPT Quartz case, a favoured material choice for RM. More exciting for us, however, is the dial, which presents the chronograph subdial counters in an unconventional arrangement. A glance at the three subdial counters displays the minutes at 2 o’clock, the hours at 7 o’clock, and the seconds at 9 o’clock. Furthermore, the movement visualises the position of the crown on the dial. Like a gear shift, the arrow at 3 o’clock points to one of the three positions. W stands for ‘winding’, the D for ‘date’ and H for ‘hand setting’. Unlike the basic model of the RM 72-01, which still has three numerals, the manufacture has completely dispensed with the use of numerals. These have been replaced by the pattern of the Le Mans flag at 11 o’clock and a vertical date window at 7 o’clock.
Making all this possible is the in-house calibre CRMC1, featuring what RM called at the time the ‘first flyback chronograph from the house to be equipped with a patented clutch mechanism with two oscillating gears’. This then-new type of flyback chronograph – which, by the way, Richard Mille applied for a patent for – distributes the torque between the different chronograph counters. The display and connection to minutes and hours are thus detached from the chronograph’s seconds wheel. In summary, this means that the decoupling of the chronograph function from the daily timekeeping ensures that the rate of the basic movement remains completely unaffected by the triggering of the chronograph. The in-house calibre CRMC1 offers a power reserve of 50 hours, regardless of whether the chronograph is in operation or not, and beats at a frequency of 4 Hz. Now for the painful part: the price of the watch upon its release was 295,000 euros – and it was limited to 150 pieces upon its release. However, no need to lose hope; I’ll humbly redirect you to our article on the pre-owned Richard Mille store in London, Ninety, where you might just get lucky if you’re after a limited piece.
A Lange & Söhne Saxonia Datograph Up/Down
Renowned for its unparalleled craftsmanship, the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph is a favourite amongst serious collectors. Originally launched back in 1999, the Datograph marked A. Lange’s first chronograph following the revival of the brand. Let’s get into the details by taking a look at the limited A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down in 750 white gold with blue dial crafted from silver, whose price is available only upon request, thus drawing our comprehensive list of the best chronographs with in-house movements to a close.
The L951.6 calibre, an in-house column-wheel chronograph movement, is a masterpiece of engineering and aesthetic beauty. Once again, there’s a phenomenal amount happening in this watch movement, leading to the L951.6 calibre comprising a total of 451 components. This all-important calibre was introduced in 2012, marking the launch of this specific ‘UP/DOWN’ edition.
As well as integrating a chronograph function, it also displays a power reserve indicator as well as a handsome big date at 12 o’clock. Meanwhile, the time itself is shown through the central hour and minute hands, all while being complemented by a flyback chronograph that offers a minute counter that jumps each minute. The watch features a standard crown, two pushers for the chronograph, and a corrector for quick-setting the date display.
As all watch aficionados will be well aware, it would hardly be an exaggeration to say that A. Lange truly offers the most beautifully decorated calibres on the market. This is also the case with the Saxonia Datograph Up/Down. Primarily made of German silver – in itself a special touch within the traditional watchmaking scene – each and every part has been polished, engraved, and decorated to perfection. A sight to behold, and no doubt even better on the wrist.
Conclusion
From the fast-paced aesthetics of TAG Heuer to the timeless appeal of Patek Philippe, this collection of chronographs with in-house movements has hopefully catered to discerning dreamers and diverse budgets alike – or at the very least, provided you with some inspiration. Whether your passion lies in the storied legacy of iconic timepieces, the mastery of intricate complications, or the allure of cutting-edge design, these watches embody the pinnacle of horological artistry. The magic of a chronograph watch, as with all mechanical watches, is the fact that it’s not merely an acquisition: it’s a profound statement of passion for the art of timekeeping.
