Category: Watch Reviews

The Swiss watch industry churns out 20 million timepieces annually, but that only makes up a portion of global manufacture. Value-wise, however, it contributes to around 50%. Crazy, right? So, you’re wondering who the big players are and what they contribute to within the horological world?

Well, “best” is a pretty subjective term, and there’s an endless list of watchmakers all chomping at the bit to become the next leading brand. There are low-end, mid-tier, and high-end categories – each deserving a written piece of its own.

But if we’re talking about rounding up the hard hitters that experience year-on-year success, I have 11 lined up here for you.

The watch brands I’ve chosen for this list are based on my eleven years of industry experience and data from 2023 to 2024. Of course, there will be names you think should be on this list and maybe a brand or two you believe should be further down the ladder.

But these are the names collectors are digging right now. Learn how each one has earned its place on this list of best watch brands in 2025, and jump right in!

No.1 Rolex

How can a “best watch brands” list not include the name Rolex? It may not be the most boundary-pushing of brands by today’s standards, but there is a reason for the crown logo on the dial of every timepiece, and that’s because Rolex is king.

Rolex is the most recognized watch brand on the planet, and pretty much every design it has ever created has earned itself the title of “icon.”

Rolex watches cost as much as houses, especially when it comes to auction prices (take Paul Newman’s very own Daytona watch as an example, which sold in 2017 for over 17 million dollars!). But guaranteed, if you ever find yourself stranded in a foreign country, you could buy yourself out of any situation with a Rolex.

Back in 2023, Rolex occupied 30% of the entire Swiss market, with 1.24 million watches sold. The company made around $11.2 billion, with bestsellers like the Submariner, the Datejust, Day-Date, Daytona, and GMT-Master II, proving top of a collector’s wish list. But why is Rolex the No.1 watch brand?

It’s all to do with the company’s presence across the industry and a history steeped in firsts, like the first waterproof and dustproof watch in 1926 with the Oyster watch and Rolex’s first self-winding perpetual rotor in the early 1930s.

Rolex was also the first brand to create a watch that displayed the day and date on a dial back in 1945 with the Datejust. Moreover, Rolex watches are investment pieces, with most designs retaining their value exceptionally well, if not appreciating over time, making them an appealing proposition to those who know when to strike when the iron is hot.

No. 2 Cartier

The No. 2 position used to be held by Omega but is now held by Cartier, and are you surprised? If you are, you shouldn’t be. After all, Cartier invented the first wristwatch for men, remember? The Cartier Santos – a bold, square, and kind of industrial-inspired watch for its time.

Other iconic models include the Tank – a wristwatch inspired by military tanks of WWI, and the Cartier Ballon Bleu – a bubble-like, balloon-inspired design adorned with a sapphire cabochon crown. Around 18 months ago, Cartier took up an 8% market share, selling over 3 million watches.

Even though Cartier holds the second place in this list of best watch brands in the world, the drop between Rolex and this brand is still huge. If anything, it shows what a domineering giant Rolex really is.

From a consumer’s point of view, Cartier watches are the ultimate symbol of luxury and prestige and became even more respected across elite watch collecting circles when it began putting old collectibles back into production, like the recently released A Guichets watch from the 1930s.

The Prive collection is dedicated to modern relaunched variants of classic designs like this and includes models such as the Tortue and Tortue Monopoussoir Chronograph.

No. 3 Omega

Without a doubt, Omega is one of the most famous names in the industry. Part of that global recognition is down to the Speedmaster, which became famous as the first watch that went to the moon.

Technically, though, the Speedy was initially intended for the racetrack, hence its trio of chronograph counters at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock and its black tachymeter bezel for measuring speed based on distance. Still, the Speedmaster passed all of NASA’s stringent testing criteria and became its most famous design of all time, alongside other bestsellers like the Seamaster, Constellation, and De Ville.

Like Rolex, Omega has put its hand to manufacturing its own materials and crafts some of its most covetable watches from Sedna Gold – the brand’s own 18k rose gold alloy, and Moonshine, a slightly paler-looking yellow gold with a composition of silver, copper, and palladium.

Aside from the iconic Speedmaster, Omega made history in other ways, including its first minute-repeater wristwatch in 1892 and its first pioneering watch movement, which was created for mass production in 1984.

No. 4 Audemars Piguet

If you’re unfamiliar with Audemars Piguet, you’ll at least recognize its history-shaping Royal Oak or the many inspired designs that have followed it. Audemars Piguet is one of the oldest luxury watch manufacturers in the world, revolutionizing the luxury sports watch market with its Gerald Genta-designed Royal Oak.

The highly covetable sports watch is distinguishable by its octagonal bezel and Grand Tapisserie dial. The equally popular Royal Oak Offshore followed in its footsteps – a chronograph with beefier proportions and a more aggressive aesthetic.

Despite its popularity, the Royal Oak is notoriously difficult to obtain due to its high demand and limited production. As in many cases where the thousands seek an iconic watch, production rarely meets consumer demand, which drives prices up even higher on the second-hand market.

Back in 2023, Audemars Piguet made $2.6 billion in sales and sold 51,000 watches. This gives a much clearer view of each AP watch’s retail price compared to units sold.

Audemars Piguet has a reputation to uphold and a standard to keep up with, so it’s unlikely that its watches will ever come down in retail price. Thus, we’re unlikely to see prices come down on the pre-owned market any time soon, either.

No. 5 Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe is the Rolls Royce of watches and is revered in the watch community for its high complication watches using some of the industry’s finest materials.

Patek Philippe watches are elegant, complex instruments that garner a lot of attention for their horological beauty. The average cost of a PP watch is $44,000, making this brand one of the most expensive of all time.

 Patek Philippe sold 70K watches in 2023 and retains 6% of market shares, making $2.28 billion on an average year. A combination of factors contribute to PP’s high price tags, one being the brand’s rich history and the other its excellent craftsmanship.

These watches are designed to outlive you and me, making them superb heirlooms thanks to their exquisite movements and fascinating complications.

Aside from the iconic Nautilus, which dominated the sports watch industry throughout the 1980s, the brand also experienced success with the dive-ready Aquanaut, the classic Calatrava dress watch, and the Grand Complications series, home to platinum and gold watches equipped with minute repeaters, tourbillons, and perpetual calendars.

And if you like a bit of history behind the brand you wear, Patek Philippe has an incredibly interesting one. From the invention of the keyless winding system to the patenting of its perpetual calendar mechanism, there’s a lot to appreciate and respect about this brand.

No. 6 Richard Mille

Richard Mille crafts the most expensive toys. What appeals to many is its non-conventional design langauge. Richard Mille watches don’t look like anything else on the market.

Some models are incredibly complex, while others are disruptive, aggressive, and highly sporty. These designs are built like Formula 1 cars and demand attention with carbon nanotubes and space-age materials.

If you plan to own a Richard Mille watch one day, you’d better start saving. They can top out around $250k, with lower-priced models proving barely more attainable, starting at around $171k.

Thanks to this brand’s association with high-end sports and luxury, many celebrities and professional athletes sport Richard Mille watches on their wrists, selling the lifestyle with which these high-end timepieces are most associated. It’s one of Richard Mille’s most successful marketing strategies.

Meanwhile, innovative materials like the brand’s gold-and-carbon fused cases and its silicone nitride designs sell themselves as some of the most shock-resistant materials on the market. Above all, Richard Mille watches are not just flex watches. They’re actually horological powerhouses.

No. 7 Longines

Now, we’re getting into entry-level luxury watches. Those that are both more attainable and versatile enough to wear with classic and casual attire. Longines dates back to 1832 and has a solid history steeped in precision and elegance.

The brand has a strong presence in sports, especially equestrian events. It was the official timekeeper for the Olympics in 1952 and shared the role with Omega and Junghans in 1968 and 1972, respectively.

The brand sells around 1.6 million watches annually; an average timepiece costs around $1,100. The brand makes around $1.2 billion in sales each year and is a gateway brand into the realm of affordable watch collecting.

Think about when you travel and you take a look at the duty-free section; Longine’s name is always there. The brand is synonymous with making quality Swiss-made watches and began developing its own movements from the late 1800s onwards.

Longines is also the brand responsible for creating the first wrist chronograph, as well as the first high-frequency pocket chronograph and the first flyback chronograph.

Today, Longines offers a vast range of designs to choose from, its most popular designs being the Hydroconquest, the DolceVita, the Master Collection, Spirit, and the Record collection.

No. 8 Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin is a relatively new member of the billionaires club, with $1.22 billion in sales in 2023. The watchmaker is part of the Holy Trinity, sitting alongside Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet.

It takes 3% of the market share and became a significant player in the industry when it launched the iconic Overseas watch during the zeitgeist of the sports watch.

Vacheron Constantin is under the Richemont umbrella and plays by the book. It has upheld a solid reputation in crafting beautiful timepieces, many of the classic nature, that excel in quality craftsmanship and artistry. It’s also one of the oldest watchmakers, so if brand provenance is essential to you, Vacheron Constantin has it by the bucketload.

If you’re clued up on high-end watchmaking, then designs like the Patrimony, Traditionnelle, and Egerie may be familiar to you.

The company has produced some of the most complicated wristwatches in history and followed that up recently with the 2025 release of the Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication, complete with 41 complications.

No. 9 Breitling

Breitling sells around 178k watches per year and holds 2% of the market share, with the average watch costing around $7,500. Although Breitling watches don’t tend to hold their value as well as a Rolex, they do offer great value for money. The watchmaker was an expert in crafting pilot’s watches and pioneered some crucial developments for the chronograph mechanism, including the first chronograph pusher in 1815 and the second independent pusher in 1934. The innovations helped prevent accidental chronograph activation and helped develop the pathway to the modern sports watch as we know it today.

Most tool watch collectors and sports watch fans will have heard of the Navitimer and the Chronomat. The Navitimer was the ultimate pilot’s watch instrument when it launched in the 1950s.

It was equipped with the indispensable slide rule bezel for onboard calculations like descent rate, multiplication, and fuel consumption.

Meanwhile, the Chronomat remains one of the brand’s most covetable timepieces today, with distinctive rider tabs on the bezel and the special roll-like link bracelet designed exclusively for the collection.

No. 10 IWC

Many may be surprised to see the IWC name on this list of best watch brands, as it’s quite the underdog brand. However, the Schaffhausen-based brand has begun to realize the impact of social media and the power of the secondary market.

Over recent years, the brand has dedicated more focus toward making its own materials, just as many other brands have done, and it now takes up around 2% of market shares.

IWC specializes in robust, legible pilot watches and has developed case materials and designs that testify to their environments.

Its use of Ceratanium for its cases combines the lightweight materials of titanium with the scratch resistance of ceramic to provide an ultra-tough construction that IWC specialists have mastered adding color to.

In addition to its Pilot’s Watch collection, IWC is also loved for its more classic dress watches belonging to the Portugieser and Portofino series, not to mention its popular sports watch designed by Gerald Genta in the 1970s – the Ingenieur.

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Without even mentioning the designs, it’s worth knowing that Jaeger-LeCoultre has developed some of the world’s best movements in its near-on 200-year history.

The watchmaker is renowned for its innovative designs like the Reverso, with a case that could turn in on itself, and the Memovox – the world’s first alarm wristwatch. Above all, Jaeger-LeCoultre is synonymous with in-house design.

Every component of a watch made by this company has been developed in-house, giving connoisseurs that all-important feeling of exclusivity in a wristwatch. Today, the average price of a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch is around $8000, with more expensive timepieces reaching up to around $25,000.

From the early days, experts at Jaeger-LeCoultre began working hard to miniaturize intricate movements and adapt them to fit inside smaller wristwatch proportions.

The brand developed the first watch capable of measuring a micron with the Millionometre in 1844, followed by the first mechanical wrist alarm and a diver’s watch with an advanced escapement with the 1968 Polaris watch.

Conclusion

The watch market is an ever-changing climate, and any one design’s popularity is often driven by emotion. Still, some brands have built long-standing foundations on a solid reputation and have taken years to acquire a global fanbase, with brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Omega retaining their high-up position on the horological ladder.

Interestingly, all these brands are of Swiss origin. Yet German and Japanese brands are not far behind, but that’s for another time.

All these brands in this article deserve recognition and respect for their contribution to horology. But there is always room for a newcomer, too, which keeps the watch-collecting climate so exciting and unpredictable. You never quite know what’s coming next.

A watch for hiking is a very convenient thing. There’s just something about going off-route and immersing yourself in the wild without a car or another person in sight and with nothing apart from the essentials strapped to your wrist.

Just as this kind of environment can prove dangerous, muddy, and wet at times, it can pose a risk to your watch, too, so it’s crucial that you select the right kind of tool for this kind of adventure. You’ll need to look for toughness and legibility in a watch for hiking and something that looks good with all your outdoor gear, come rain or shine. 

Remember, watches don’t need to be expensive to be fun. These days, you can spend a lot less and get a lot more out of your watch on a functional level than you used to be able to, especially when it comes to smartwatches – the new standard in hiking watches.

But it doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a watch to help you pinpoint coordination or track your progress on a new trail; there’s a whole load of robust wristwatches for hiking to explore, including both smartwatches and analog styles.

Most hiking watch guides you read today are limited to a list of the most current smartwatches. But we’re doing things a little differently.

We’re highlighting a range of smartwatch models and three-handed analogs so that you can decide for yourself which is best. And, of course, for those new to the smartwatch world, the features, and language associated with wearable technology can be a little overwhelming, so we’ll finish each listing with a simple breakdown of its key features to make the guide a little easier to digest.

The Advantages of Wearing a Smartwatch for Hiking

It won’t surprise you to learn that there are several advantages to wearing a smartwatch for hiking. They can record distances, collect data, display elevation gain, and provide details on your pace and stop time. Wearing a smartwatch while on a walk can help you gauge remaining mileage, count calories burnt, and read stats while on the fly.

Some smartwatches even allow you to backtrack on a route and guide you back to your trail should you lose your way; plus, you’ll never need a paper map again with a smartwatch’s built-in GPS functionality. Of course, wearing a traditional wristwatch has many advantages, too. But primarily, let’s look at some of the best smartwatches for hiking.

Best Smartwatches for Hiking

Whether you recognize all these smartwatch brands or not, each one has what it takes to assist you from the point at which you leave your front door to the furthest point in your journey.

They all offer impressive durability, excellent build quality, and a handful of features that enable you to become more intuitive whilst embarking on your backpacking ventures. Take a look at these best smartwatches for hiking.

Garmin Fenix 7 Pro

The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro is the way to go if you’re an extreme athlete or hiker. It has the advantage of combining GPS technology with health-related information that you can access anywhere and anytime. It also pushes an average of 2 weeks of battery life when in standard mode and 50 hours once in GP activation.

With solar-power charging, however, you can take advantage of around 3 weeks or 70 hours, respectively. The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro is an excellent watch for hiking because you can download tracks, create your own, and save new ones to your list.

Far superior to other smartwatches on the market, the battery power of a Garmin watch is what makes it stand out from the crowd. Models like this are made for supreme sports and feature cases and bezels crafted from lightweight titanium.

The Fenix 7 Pro has also been tested to US military standards, benefiting from a strong sapphire glass front and a built-in flashlight.

Price: $850

• Key Features: GPS, 3-week battery life in solar-charging mode, built-in flashlight, upgraded heart-rate monitor
• Case Material: Titanium
• Size: 47mm

Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar

The Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar is another watch aimed at mountain hikers and those who like to push the limits. It also offers versatility since you can mix and match the watch with a load of different colored quick-release silicone straps that add a pop of color to the wrist.

However, this smartwatch’s key selling feature is its GPS capabilities. The Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar is perfect for moments when you need help with a spot of mountain navigation.

It’s an all-weather companion with excellent build quality for its price point. The model’s navigation features are available offline, and with the added feature of the storm alarm, you can avoid getting into danger regardless of whether you’re running, taking a gentle walk, or cycling.

Price: $800

• Key Features: GPS, altimeter, barometer, sunrise & sunset alarm, solar charging, 60-day battery life
• Case Material: Titanium
• Size: 49mm

Garmin Enduro 2

If you’re going ultra-distance, the function-focused Enduro 2 by Garmin can get you through just about anything. Appealing to lovers of type 2 fun, this Garmin smartwatch is perfect for lengthy adventures and harsh climates.

It can take you to the brink with an insane solar power life, robust mapping features, and course tracking capability. It can run for 46 days on standard battery mode and 81 hours in full satellite system mode while running alongside your favorite tunes.

There’s also a bevy of other features like an LED flashlight, surfing features, an ascent planner, advanced pacing metrics, a VO2 max reader, and bike-focussed data. Thanks to its fiber-reinforced polymer case and titanium bezel amounting to a total case weight of just 70g, this is a lightweight, ergonomically formed smartwatch for those who aspire to go the distance. 

Price: $1,100

• Key Features: Superior solar power, ascent planner, GPS capabilities, advanced pacing metrics, course tracking capability 
• Case Material: Fibre-reinforced polymer 
• Size: 51mm

Garmin Fenix 8

There are many reasons why the Garmin Fenix 8 is so well-suited to outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and mountaineering. For a start, this is the most recent Fenix watch released by the smartwatch giant, so it comes with all the brand’s latest features and cutting-edge technology, including voice command features that can be used even when you’re not close to your phone.

Additionally, it features a flashlight for emergencies and ABC sensors, too. This model has a rugged design that goes well with all kinds of sporty outdoor gear and boasts a clear, bright, and colorful display.

As well as its long battery life, which is well suited for hiking, the Garmin Fenix 8 also features an intuitive interface with customizable options and a choice of different layouts to display all the details important to you. Its super responsive touchscreen will allow you to track your hike clearly and easily, while a host of health-related features like sleep and stress tracking metrics are great for utilizing throughout the week. 

Price: $999 

• Key Features: Built-in speaker and microphone, advanced strength training features, GPS, ABC sensors, route tracking capabilities, rugged design, voice commands, built-in flashlight, HIIT workouts, enhanced map navigation 
• Case Material: Carbon & steel
• Size: 43mm, 47mm, 51mm

Coros Apex 2 Pro

Coros is a brand renowned for cramming a lot of tools into a relatively cheap watch, so it’s a good option for those shopping for a hiking watch on a budget. It’s also respected for revamping its older models and equipping them with the latest technology, future-proofing those watches already appreciated and loved by fans.

The Coros Apex 2 Pro is hard to beat for high-end navigation housed in an affordable design. The watch is loaded with training features and health sensors, allowing you to track all the most important stats while you’re out exploring new routes. It also has dual-frequency GPS as well as topographical maps that you can access when you’re offline.

The Coros Apex 2 Pro is certainly the most advanced on the market for its price point. And if you like the thought of planning a new itinerary while you’re on the go, it can do that, too. Sadly, the watch doesn’t utilize solar power technology, but even so, it can still last up to three weeks in standard mode and can push the 60-hour mark in GPS mode.

You’re unlikely ever to need more than that, realistically. I would go as far as to say that this smartwatch gives you the most bang for your buck.

• Price: $400
• Key Features: 50M water resistance, barometer, altimeter, GPS, imports and exports routes, access to topographical maps when offline, 60-hour battery in GPS mode. 
• Case Material: Part-titanium case
• Size: 43mm 

Best Analogue Watches for Hiking

Scrambling up and down rocky paths, facing adverse rainstorms, and sliding down muddy trails requires a specific type of wristwatch. One that can sustain unsuspecting bumps and impact. Not all watches are built for this kind of environment.

Sports watches are aplenty, but for hiking, backpacking, spelunking, and anything else that requires endurance and navigating microclimates, look for a watch designed for extreme sports. Here are a handful of examples.

G-Shock Mudmaster GWG-2000

The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GWG-2000 looks and wears like a tank on the wrist. It has to be one of the most overbuilt watches on the market right now, but if affordability and robustness are two important features of a hiking watch to you, it’s worth a look.

The case is made from wear-resistant resin and features a steel bezel along with a sapphire crystal glass front. This G-Shock Mudmaster features a mud-resistant gasket construction that works alongside Casio’s shock-resistant technology to protect all the watch’s internal components, perfect for routes that take you through knee-deep mud and rivers.

Combine this with a 200-meter water resistance, and you have a watch for all weather and hiking abilities. You get an all-sensors package with this Casio. That’s the barometer, the altimeter, and the compass – they’re all there.

The Mudmaster is also Multi Band-6, meaning that it can sync the time to radio signals emitted by towers all over the world. The hybrid watch will not be as easy to read the time from as Garmin’s bright AMOLED displays. But the Ana-Digi watch is not a smartwatch. It’s arguably one of the toughest sports watches in the world, and you won’t break the bank investing in one, either.

• Price: $900
• Key Features: Solar charging capabilities, mud and shock-resistant case, radio signal accuracy, barometer, Altimeter, digital thermometer, 200M water resistance 
• Case Material: Stainless steel 
• Size: 61mm 

Seiko Alpinist

One of the most standout visual features of the Seiko Alpinist has to be its internal bezel with compass markings. Any real explorer will appreciate this advantage, and the idea of using your watch for a compass rather than your phone is far more appealing when enjoying the great outdoors.

The Seiko Alpinist is synonymous with exploration, having enjoyed a history steeped in adventure. Initially intended for Japanese explorers, its design is respected for its strong case and rugged, reliable construction.

The Alpinist watch by Seiko is primed for mountain climbing, thanks to its legible dial, equipped with cathedral-style hands, and its generous treatment of lume. Its 200M water resistance and internal bezel make it suitable for wet conditions, navigating trails, and a host of other outdoor activities.

It also looks remarkably classic when paired with a leather band, though something more durable, like a steel bracelet or rubber band, works better for outdoor pursuits.

• Price: $950
• Key Features: Internal bezel with compass, robust steel case with 200M water resistance, lume-coated hands and hour markers, tough sapphire crystal glass front, compact size for smaller wrists
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Size: 39mm

Breitling Endurance Pro

The Breitling Endurance Pro is a marvel of technical sophistication with an aerospace, cockpit-inspired aesthetic that looks different from many other outdoor tool watches on the market. What I love so much about the design of the Endurance Pro is that it’s lightweight and built for comfort.

Its Breitlight case is relatively thin and lightweight for hours of wear on the wrist. The propriety material made in-house by Breitling experts is also hypoallergenic, tough, and scratch-resistant.

Whilst it’s not exactly flashy, it has a futuristic look, combining analog and digital features into one dial. The Endurance Pro 44 models are big and bold and come in various eye-catching colors.

It’s also worth noting that you can enjoy this watch in a much more compact 38mm size. These watches are powered by COSC-certified SuperQuartz movements for superior precision. The rubber straps are pretty fun, too! 

• Price: $3,400
• Key features: Lightweight and robust Breitlight case, 100M water resistance, Thermocompensated quartz movement for ten times greater accuracy, 1/10th of a second, and 30-minute chronograph features.
• Case material: Breitlight
• Size: 44mm

Luminox LM3741 Bear Grylls Survival Master

Any product that references legendary adventurer and survival expert Bear Grylls in its title sells itself, especially since the TV presenter designed it in collaboration with Luminox. This masculine and rugged-looking 45mm black-coated stainless steel watch epitomizes strength and robustness with 300 meters of water resistance and an easy-crown ring in orange for an easy grip.

This is a watch designed for challenging outdoor conditions, so you can easily see how it comes into its own when worn during a hike. The self-illuminating gas tubes against the model’s rich black dial glow longer and brighter than traditional luminous material.

At the same time, the unidirectional rotating bezel with a countdown quadrant is ideal for measuring elapsed time while completing crucial outdoor tasks. A robust quartz movement powers this Luminox watch, while its supple rubber band is strong enough for extended wear outside.

• Price: $1300
• Key Features: 300M water resistance, unidirectional rotating bezel, carbon case, self-illuminating gas tubes
• Case material: Carbonox
• Size: 45mm

Conclusion 

You’ll pay more for a well-built analog watch for hiking than you are for a multi-functional smartwatch; that much is true. Despite there being an entire suite of features to enjoy in a smartwatch, they still lack some of the appeal that true horological connoisseurs seek in a robust timepiece.

Still, they are perfect for tracking health metrics, navigating you to safety, and enabling you to become a more intuitive hiker while exploring new routes.

The choice between the two boils down to preference. There are pros and cons for both the analog watch and the smartwatch when it comes to exploring the great outdoors. Hopefully, this list gives you some food for thought. And if you’re struggling to choose between the two, there’s no harm in having one of each.

With the mission of giving hardcore surfers a tool to measure critical information to benefit their experience, the surf industry developed action sports watches that were much more fit for high-octane water activity.

These tidal watches indicate high and low tides so that surfers know what to expect should they decide to traverse certain areas, assuring them safety and—in some cases—promising them a more thrilling experience.

The watches measure things like wave height, wave period, water temperature, wind speed, and direction, translating them into simpler terms that the average surfer can understand and correlate to their activities.

As far as technical features are concerned, the possibilities are endless, providing their wearers with an endless amount of benefits that have been impacting the surfing community for years.

Today, we will compare some of the top-performing surf watches, admiring their technical prowess and unmatched utility, examining all of the benefits they bring to the table, and examining precisely how they have revolutionized what water sports watches can be. 

History 

Before surf watches existed, surfers simply used regular sports watches or dive watches to track time. While these watches still stood apart for being able to withstand the amount of water activity, they didn’t have the specific features that surfers needed.

Before surf watches came to be, no one ever imagined a watch being able to measure the tide or give the kind of information that could impact your entire surfing experience.

The Rip Curl “The Tide” Watch was one of the first groundbreaking products that was specifically designed for surfers. This watch featured a tide chart that allowed the surfers to maximize the chances of catching bigger waves, setting them apart from other high-water resistance watches because of their utility.

The best feature was not only the accurate information the watch relayed about the tide but also the amount of information it offered for various locations. This quite literally changed the game as surfers no longer had to rely on physical tide charts for their surfing sessions.

Rip Curl is often credited for inventing the first true surf watch, as upon introducing their piece, new watches began sprouting up, eventually establishing an entire category of their own. 

How to choose the right surf watch

When looking at the benefits of surf watches, there are a few key features that you want to look out for. Firstly—and most importantly—is the wave height tracking. This is the key innovation that makes surf watches one of the most valuable tools for serious surfers.

With the ability to monitor wave height and allow surfers to select the best conditions, this feature proves to be irreplaceable, often serving as the single greatest selling point for high-end pieces. It offers real-time data, giving previously uncertain surfers a new layer of confidence before they begin their endeavors. 

A second notable feature is the tide charts that provide vital information to help surfers anticipate the best time of day to surf. As the tide changes, so does the wave formation, so knowing when the tide is coming in or out lets the surfer know the best time for riding.

Many watches come with long-term tide predictions so that surfers can plan their day in advance. For the most part, they are very accurate, but keep in mind that real-life scenarios can diverge from what the watch is projecting.

The third feature is the ability to monitor weather conditions. Things like wind direction, speed, temperature, and precipitation have been known to either enhance a surfing experience or ruin it altogether. What this feature allows is for the wearer to receive real-time weather updates, warning them of dangerous storms or harsh winds. 

With these three features, surfer watches set themselves apart from any other utilitarian piece on the market. Since they are specifically engineered to cater to a single group, they come with the most efficient and convenient tools for surfers looking to maximize their wave-riding experience.

Now, as we dive into the best surfer watches available right now, take note of how these pieces could potentially affect your surfing experience and whether or not they check any of your own preferences as you search for the next watch that will enhance your time on the tide. 

Shark Classic Tide 600

Small and simple, measuring 38.5mm in diameter, the Shark Classic comes equipped with all your basic functions in a sleek, durable black case that is capable of resisting water up to 100m.

With 600 pre-programmed global locations, the amount of information at your disposal is quite literally endless, and with high and low tide data all being able to be read from a night vision dial, this piece is extremely simple to navigate.

The aesthetic is exactly what surfers want, nothing too grand, nothing too noticeable, just a powerful, effective watch that is able to make their journey through the waves as simple as possible. 

The Shark Classic Tide 600 costs $120. 

Rip Curl Rifles Tide Watch

The alarm, stopwatch, countdown timer, and light features on this piece place all the data you could ever need for navigating the waves directly on your wrist.

The case is made from ABS-hardened plastic that has been tested at underwater pressures of 100m, and the rubber strap band ensures comfortable wear that surfers will barely notice.

This watch is the perfect combination of function and value, as the digital screen upholds its legibility under any lighting condition, and the precise tidal measurements offer impeccable surfing information. And, with 500 pre-programmed surfing locations, my hope is that you will never run out of possible destinations for this watch to shine.

The Rip Curl Rifles Tide Watch costs $159.

Vestal Brig Tide & Train

The Brig Tide & Train offers 200 preloaded locations displayed on the visually striking tide graph. This watch looks very sleek, as it seems to try and capture a different aesthetic that perhaps most surfers aren’t accustomed to.

This watch tells time extraordinarily well, displaying the date and including the standard day of the week and alarm features. The bright screen is very easy to read, and the sleek profile compliments the digital tone this piece seeks to emulate.

The bold design would look quite heavy if not for the sleek profile that tones down the bulkiness, as the raised pattern on the watchband minimizes the amount of contact it has with the skin, further serving that subtly. A very powerful product that flies much too low on most surfers’ radars. Definitely worth checking out. 

The Vestal Brig Tide & Train costs $140.

Casio G-Shock G-Lide GBX-100

The rugged appeal of the G-shock has been enthralling fans for years. This 200m water-resistant watch manages to remain fairly compact on the wrist while offering a plethora of utilitarian and convenient features that enhance your surfing experience.

G-Shock has been repeatedly praised for its commitment to high-functioning, high-withstanding pieces that exceed competition, and the G-Lide is no different.

Coming with quite a few default displays on the digital screen, the one that will appeal to surfers the most will be the tide info screen, but the others include sunset, sunrise, time of next tide event, a tide graph, and the time, supplying the wearer with all the information they need.

You can also link this watch to your phone and can preview the same notifications from your watch, which makes it all the more convenient. Overall, with what this piece delivers, the G-Lide is a standout watch that comes in at a very competitive price point that will leave surfers extremely satisfied. 

The Casio G-Shock G-Lide GBX-100 costs $160

Nixon Base Tide Pro

Available in either positive or negative high-contrast displays, this watch comes neatly delivered in a simple little package that gives you everything you need and nothing that you don’t. The default display features the time at the center with the option to toggle between a tide graph or the date display.

What comes as the notable feature is the silicone band that is extremely comfortable on the wrist, making it optimal for all-day wear.

This watch shines in its minimalist approach, becoming a niche favorite among the surfer community, and with 100m of water resistance, it delivers on all fronts. Nothing too crazy, but just enough to satisfy its fanbase. 

The Nixon Base Tide Pro costs $150

Rip Curl Search 2 GPS Smart Surf Watch

Being ingrained in surf culture makes Rip Curl a frequent contender when listing the most prevalent surf watches. It almost becomes second-hand to support a Rip Curl when hitting the waves, which brings us to our second entry for today, the Search GPS 2.

This piece features a tide tracker that records your wave count and measures your top speeds, distance traveled, and time out in the ocean, all while being able to withstand water pressure of up to 100m.

You can also connect your GPS watch to the Rip Curl Search App to view your session again through location maps and graphic charts, which is a very interesting feature, especially if you are trying to tone your skills and look at different ways you can get better at surfing.

This watch is best suited for tracking waves, however, offering some of the most accurate measurements out there. 

The Rip Curl Search 2 GPS Smart Surf Watch costs around $154

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Surf Edition

A powerful testimony to Garmin’s legacy, the Instinct 2 questions what is truly capable of digital pieces and seems to serve as a brief glimpse into the future. Garmin has truly perfected the art of smartwatches, and the Instinct 2 comes as a welcome addition to their already impressive catalog.

Teaming up with Surfline, Garmin had the vision of providing all the information surfers could ever need, whether it be checking the tide, the sunrise/sunset times, checking the weather, tracking and recording your surf session, and monitoring your heart rate and saturation levels while you’re on the water.

They accomplished all of that and more, introducing the longevity of their battery life through their solar version, with an already extraordinary stat line that proved to be the perfect combination.

I can safely say that this watch is a digital masterpiece, appealing not only to surfers but to anyone who is looking for a flawless smartwatch. The features are truly endless, and it’s no wonder that Garmin is considered one of, if not the greatest, smartwatch makers of all time. 

The Garmin Instinct Solar Surft Edition costs around $300

Casio GLX-5600

With a tide and moon graph and a moon age data chart, Casio makes a technological statement with their GLX-5600. Like the other Casio watch on this list, the GLX-5600 has a water resistance of up to 200m.

The digital-gray dial face shows the date and day, with other light functions to adjust legibility and several search functions with plenty of information for surfers of all skill levels.

Another durable titan, being able to fit on any wrist, provides a comfortable fit while being able to withstand any environment. The tide and moon functions are certainly the highlight, as casual surfers will gravitate towards this piece more than extreme wave riders. 

The Casio GLX-5600 costs $160

Suunto Core

This watch claims to have the power of an entire weather forecast directly on your arm. The Suunto Core features an integrated barometer that measures the air pressure, being able to predict the local weather and accurately inform surfers of optimal or unsafe conditions.

Even better, the Core also comes with a “Storm Alarm” that alerts you of any severe weather in the area, giving you appropriate time to respond accordingly. This safety feature has the potential to save the lives of potentially unaware surfers and is a very critical tool for maximizing fun on the water while keeping its wearers safe. 

The Suunto Core costs $199 

Polar Vantage M GPS

Stepping up the digital quality is the Polar Vantage M GPS, which pushes the limits of smartwatch innovation. This is much more than a surf watch, offering all of the surfing information you love while also adding other additions for fitness gurus as well.

This watch comes loaded with data-tracking performance, including optical sensors and heart rate monitoring, that is useful on and off the waves. It also has a feature called the “Polar Training Load Pro” that can discern whether you are doing cardio or lifting weights, providing more accurate data and statistics.

To be honest, if you are looking for a watch that is simply for surfing, you would be much better off getting a more basic piece. But if you’re in the market for a heavy-duty, highly efficient digital mammoth, then this is the piece for you. 

The Polar Vantage M GPS costs around $600

Timex Ironman

Dialing down the price is the Timex Ironman. Surfers looking for a simple watch that can keep time on the water and provide them with all the basic information need nothing more than the simplicity of the Ironman.

It features a water resistance of 100m, a chronograph that tracks your exercises, programmable alarms, a stopwatch, and a countdown timer to make it easier to time your surfs.

There’s also an integrated night mode that provides ample legibility for low-light conditions. Nothing too major stands out on this piece, but the price is too good for me not to discuss, as low-budget surfers will undoubtedly gravitate towards what this piece has to offer. 

The Timex Ironman costs $87

Garmin Forerunner 45 GPS

The Forerunner 45 boasts a built-in safety tracking feature that can send your location in real-time to any emergency contacts should a situation arise.

Due to the fact that surfing comes with various risks, some surfers deem this feature a necessity, as the watch will notice a sudden change in your vitals and send for immediate help. This extra sense of security comes hand in hand with all of the features that surfers already have, providing a new layer of safety that many feel was missing.

Since the Forerunner 45 is also a GPS watch, many programmable routes are supported and can be preloaded before setting off, and after your surf session, you can view your health monitoring statistics that can also be synced with your smartphone. 

The Garmin Forerunner 45 GPS costs $199

Conclusion

So there you have it—the watches surfers love and the watches they need, all compiled in an orderly fashion.

This is a surprisingly affordable category of watches, providing surfers with prices that don’t sound so egregious while also maintaining all of the necessary features for a well-had and safe time on the water. Many technical marvels have freshly hit the scene, and both surfers and outdoorsmen alike have more tools to use how they wish.

This market is treated with great care as brands aim to provide their customer base with all of the necessary features to enhance their adventures and add an extra spark to wherever life takes them. If you are in the market for one of the pieces, I hope this list helped you narrow down your search, and I feel confident that pieces like the ones we have discussed today are only bound to improve.

We live in a world where technology is everywhere, and it is paramount in our daily lives. Not only do you see it on your phone, tablets, and computers, but it also exists on watches. 

People are constantly busy on the roads for work, and sometimes you wish you do not have to bring out your phone to track where you’re going. Thankfully, technology has brought us this far, and GPS watches are widely available around the world so that everyone can maximize the use of this technology.

Whether you’re an avid hiker, outdoorsy guy, or just someone who just wants to track your daily activities, this list will have you covered.

History of GPS Watches

Compared to the long history of mechanical watches, GPS technology was only introduced recently. We go back to 1973, when the U.S Department of Defense was looking to invent a GPS system and started a GPS project. 5 years later, in 1978, spacecraft prototypes were sent to space to further test the uses of GPS. 

Finally, in 1993, 24 working satellites were successfully launched into space, and the first GPS was created. Since then, the GPS has been widely used around the globe, including on cars, planes, phones, and even watches.

The first ever civilian wristwatch with a GPS function is the Casio Navi series, which was launched in 1999. The functionality of the GPS acts as a secondary mobile function, and the watch actually had an accurate quartz liquid crystal display that was very popular back in the 90s. 

Not only does the Casio Navi GPS have the functionality to tell the time and a GPS function, but it also includes other features such as a blood pressure monitor, a sensor for weather forecasts, an MP3 player, and even a digital camera! This watch was truly one of the first true smart watches, as well, with it being only quartz-powered.

Fast forward to today, there are many brands of watches that include multiple functionalities, including a GPS into a wristwatch, and have gotten very advanced. Thus, there are multiple choices for you to choose which watch is the best one for you. 

Best GPS watches

In this section, we will go through 7 choices of different GPS watches from different brands. Each of them will have different functionality, sizes, and specifications depending on brand and price. 

Some of them will have a thicker and bigger case but have greater battery life and functionality, while some will have lesser software features but will have better build quality.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

Out in the wild, there is no electricity to charge your watch, but no fret, this watch will be powered and be reliable by your side. This watch is powered by solar and will have a battery life of up to 28 days if it is constantly under the sun (up to 48 hours if you are in GPS mode). If you are someone who is super outdoorsy and often on multiple-day hikes on your backpacking trips, this is for you. 

The Instinct 2 Solar probably suits most people out there with its essential features, such as an altimeter, barometer, compass, and basic smartwatch features as well. You can also track your fitness goals on this watch with its app. 

The watch comes in a 45mm case size with its case material made from mostly rubber and plastic, making it lightweight at just 53 grams and very durable on your grueling, challenging hike. 

The price for the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is $400.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Apple watch is, unsurprisingly, the most popular watch in the market, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the highest performance-based smart watch in the market. 

It fits every criteria as they have excellent battery life, great connectivity features with an Apple phone, and a very user-friendly Apple Health app. It is no surprise that the Apple watch is super popular as it is best optimized with an Apple phone.

The watch has a unique square-shaped 49mm case and an extremely bright screen. The UI is easy to use, and the screen resolution is extremely high, reaching 3000 nits of brightness.

However, the Ultra 2 suffers from battery life as it has only roughly 12 hours of GPS tracking. Thus, this watch may not suit the lifestyles of ultra athletes who want a multiple-day battery life.

The price of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is $800.

Garmin Fenix 8 Amoled Sapphire/Solar

Depending on what your uses are, you can pick the Solar version or the Amoled Sapphire. We included the Amoled Sapphire version because it has full GPS mapping on the watch with a 454×454 pixel (on a 51mm watch case) AMOLED touch screen. 

This means that it shows you every single detail on your hiking track, and it also has an extra-bright screen, which makes everything super easy to read. 

This watch best suits hardcore hikers who want to see every map detail and topo line to map out where they are going properly. The battery life is decent and can be used for up to 84 hours on GPS mode and up to 29 days on Smartwatch mode. 

If the battery life is a concern or you are out wandering without electricity for more than a few days, you can opt for the Solar version of this watch. 

The watch case for the Fenix 8 is made from carbon gray dlc titanium with a rubber strap, making it extra light and durable for extreme sports. The price for the Fenix 8 AMOLED Sapphire is $1,200.

Coros Pace 3

The Coros Pace 3 is perfect for someone who is on an ultra tight budget but still wants an affordable GPS watch that does not sacrifice too much on the important side of a watch. It is often chosen as one of the best affordable GPS watches on the market. 

With an exceptional battery life at this price point, up to 30+ hours of GPS or two weeks of normal use, this is perfectly fine for outdoor activities or just charging it every few days. 

It also includes basic everyday features such as navigation apps, health tracking, and more. However, other than that, it suffers from other features that you get from other premium smartwatches, such as music control, contactless payment, a flashlight, and more. 

Also, if you have a small wrist, this might be perfect as it comes in the smallest case size on this list with just 42mm with a LC screen. If you are looking for something that just works on a day-to-day basis with solid battery life, this might be the one for you. 

The price of the Coros Pace 3 is $230.

Garmin Enduro 3

The Enduro 3 is the top choice for ultra athletes who love to push their bodies to the limit and engage themselves in tough expeditions.

The main benefit of this watch is the superior battery life that it contains. It has the longest battery life among all the watches we included in this list. With a whopping up to 320 hours of battery life with solar charging, it is easily the best long-lasting watch. 

A similar feature with the other watches on this list is that it also has an enhanced screen resolution to accurately use your GPS tracking and the ability to track different activities. Among all the “normal” features that this watch has, the coolest feature is it has a built-in flashlight. If you’re hiking for several days and staying out in pitch black darkness, this is very handy.

With a case size of 51mm, it will wear massively, but with that size of a case, it is able to fit in a gigantic battery. 

The price for the Garmin Enduro 3 is $900.

Suunto Race

The Suunto Race is the direct competitor of the Garmin Forerunner 965 mentioned above. It has similar features such as an AMOLED Display with smooth operation, GPS functions, and more. What makes this watch slightly more appealing is the battery life, with up to 50 hours of GPS tracking and other daily use for up to 5-10 days. 

The Suunto Race has a 49mm case and even has a scroll wheel to navigate the menu systems without having to touch the screen. This improves the usability and also prevents the risk of missing a button on the menu. The only slight downside is the ability to connect to only one Bluetooth device at a time. But I think that is just a minor nitpick. 

So, if you’re after something lightweight and want something everyday that does not break the bank, the Suunto Race might be a good option. 

The price of the Suunto Race is $450.

Garmin Forerunner 965

The Forerunner 964 is not as hardcore as the other watches, but at the same time, it does not cost nearly as much. The watch is extremely lightweight and is one of the slimmest smartwatches out there. 

The 47mm case might seem small in the smart watch world, but it does pack the full package of features as well. You could use GPS, third-party apps to track your performance, health-related sensors, and other smartwatch features as well.

To display these features is the new AMOLED display that makes navigation easier with its accurate and vivid colors. The only slight downside of the watch is its short battery life. With up to 24 hours of GPS recording time, for normal daily use, it can last up to 20 days. 

However, not everyone is a hard-core Bear Grylls type of guy, and most people out there would just want a day hike or a short run around the block. 

With its light weight, it also wears extremely comfortably and is easy to wear around with its relatively smaller case size. The price of the Forerunner 965 is $550.

Final thoughts

Every smartwatch out there has its ups and downs, and there is a clear trend that can be seen in the world of smartwatches. A smartwatch that has more features and a bright screen usually suffers from bad battery life, but a smartwatch that is built bigger and bulkier will have great battery life but with less features.

This list covers 99% of the people out there who are looking to up their fitness game and push their limits, but also for those who just want to live with a smart watch for everyday activities as well. Thankfully, there are so many GPS watches out there, and we hope there is a right one out there for you. Stay safe out in the woods or anywhere you are!

Let’s face it. Mechanical chronographs are all but obsolete at this point. You don’t need a mechanical watch to time your life events by any stretch of the imagination when the phone in your pocket can do so with significantly greater precision. As a self-confessed watch fanatic, however, that doesn’t stop me in the least from admiring and cherishing these beautiful watches. 

Using a mechanical chronograph keeps track of time with a sense of poetry, not of cold electronic accuracy. You can follow along with the duration of your latest lap time or the length of your drive to work with a sense of the beauty in this moment as the heartbeat of your mechanical timekeeper ticks furiously away, hundreds of parts turning in harmony in an effort to serve you faithfully.

This concept won’t speak to many. Millions will scoff at the idea of finding elegance and poetry in their everyday routine with an expensive watch to keep guard over their fleeting moments here on Earth.

But there are those who, captivated by the beauty of these timepieces, can’t help but watch the progression of their thin seconds hand make its smooth progress over the glossy surface of their dial with rapture and awe. If you find yourself in the second camp, then read on—you are welcome here.

The Chronograph: Complex Mechanical Perfection

The first chronograph was invented in 1816 by the talented Louis Moinet, but it wasn’t until 1913 when the complication was adapted for the wrist by Longines. Today, one of the most useful watch features takes many different forms and variations, depending on its presentation and function.

Every chronograph is almost always accompanied by a set of subdials, usually either two or three. These are respectively referred to as “bicompax” and “tricompax,” which are terms invented by Universal Genève (a now-defunct watch brand that Breitling currently has plans to revive) and today applied more generally by the watch collecting community. 

The seconds hand of the watch stays at 12:00 without moving until the chronograph is started. Meanwhile, the running seconds of the actual time display are usually in one of the subdials, while the other one or two are used to count chronograph minutes and/or hours.

Still with me? Good, because it gets a little hairier. Most chronographs have two pushers on the right-hand side of the case, above and below the crown.

The top one of these starts and stops the chronograph, and the lower one resets it to zero when it’s stopped. Some, however, are “monopushers,” with only one pusher (usually set into the crown) and will start, stop, and then reset as you push it. 

Okay, the last thing to mention. There are a few extra complications that can make a chronograph even more useful if a watchmaking maison is capable of the necessary level of engineering and design required to make them work. The first is what’s known as a flyback, often popular in pilots’ watches. 

This allows the chronograph to be reset while it’s in motion without having to stop it first—thus, you can bring everything back to zero if you start a new lap or a new leg of your flight and have it continue running without any pause in the timeline. 

Another common one is what’s known as a rattrapante, or split-seconds chronograph. In this case, the chronograph runs with two hands at once, directly on top of each other, so you only see whichever one is on top. When you press stop, the lower hand usually stops and the upper continues, allowing you to time subsequent events like back-to-back laps.

The 15 Best Chronographs In 2025

Did you make it the whole way through that background context? Great! You’re now well-equipped to follow along in the list I’ve prepared for you and to explore the wide world of chronographs on your own. Let’s jump right in! Here are the 15 best chronographs, ranging from precision to new technical developments to elegance and class. 

Each of these could easily be a watch collector’s grail piece. I’ve covered all different price points here, from the accessible to more-than-the-average-house expensive. Whether you’re looking for your next poetic measurer of time or not, follow along as we explore together some of the best watches ever made in the chronograph category.

Omega Speedmaster

The Speedmaster is quite possibly the most iconic chronograph ever made and continues to be one of Omega’s strongest offerings today, which is saying something given the popularity of their other collections such as the Seamaster and Constellation. 

This is a solid mid-range watch (starting at $7,000, depending on the model you opt for) and comes with a spectacular heritage. It’s notably nicknamed the “Moonwatch” because it was the first watch worn on the Moon, and the modern versions of the watch also include the absolutely spectacular Co-Axial escapement, invented by the brilliant George Daniels to be incredibly efficient without any oil. 

Its design, including the external tachymeter bezel, black dial, and recessed subdials, has influenced all chronograph designs since its release. It’s one of my favorite watches ever and a true icon of horological history.

Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph Rattrapante

Swinging firmly to the opposite side of the elegant/sporty spectrum, the Toric Chronograph Rattrapante couples an incredibly classy design with mechanical advancement for the whopping price tag of $145,200. 

Its rich brown grenage dial is a perfect base layer, above which the polished applied logo and indices float in perfect complement. The movement is crafted out of 18K rose gold—not gold-plated, mind you, but solid gold—and features a double column wheel for its rattrapante complication. It’s one of the dressiest and most beautiful watches I’ve ever seen, let alone chronographs. 

Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX Transponder

I’ve already said a few times that several watches on this list are among my favorites, and that trend continues with this one (sorry, not sorry). The AMVOX collection from JLC was in collaboration with Aston Martin (hence the AM part of the name—the VOX comes from JLC’s famous Memovox line) but was anything but your standard automotive-inspired watch. 

You might notice that the case is completely devoid of pushers—that’s because the case itself actuates the chronograph. With a push at 12:00, the case pivots on a central axis and starts or stops the chronograph, and a push at 6:00 resets it. This makes the chronograph incredibly easy to use, especially in a racing context while wearing gloves and handling a car at high speeds through precision turns.

Jaeger-LeCoultre wasn’t content to stop there. With their Transponder model, they included a small antenna within the watch itself so that, with just a tap on the crystal, you can lock or unlock your connected Aston Martin car. No, you can’t start it from the watch—but this is easily, without a doubt, the coolest complication I’ve ever seen in a watch. Plus, the watch just looks so darn cool. I can’t fault it.

Breguet Type XX

I have a soft spot for Breguet in my heart, even though it’s a brand that most other watch fans tend to overlook. Their Type XX isn’t my favorite Breguet model, but it is objectively a spectacular and historical watch. 

It’s one of the ultimate pilot’s chronographs and was originally developed in the 1950s, when Type 20 (note the lack of Roman numerals) watches were ordered by the French Air Force to certain specifications. Numerous brands supplied these watches, including Breguet, and many also offered a Type XX as a civilian model for purchase, which had the same design. 

Every part of the dial is crafted for extreme legibility and is brightly lumed. Note as well that the Type XX is a flyback chronograph for extra functionality.

You also get automatic winding and a slick, elegant design with an iconic “big eye” subdial at 3:00. It’s not cheap—prices start around $20,000—but for such a legendary pilot’s watch from the legendary watchmaking house of Breguet, you really can’t go wrong.

Furlan Marri Nero Sabbia

The Nero Sabbia is our first budget option, an amazing chronograph choice at an affordable price from a brand known for one of the best quality-per-price ratios in the industry. At around $600, you really wouldn’t expect a watch this good. Admittedly, it does run on a mechaquartz movement, which is a little cheaper than a standard mechanical and, in this case, is sold by Seiko—the caliber VK64. 

This, however, means you get the clean sweep of a mechanical seconds hand with the accuracy of a quartz movement: in my book, that’s a win-win. The design is simple and restrained.

It’s essentially vintage without any of the overbearing vintage touches, like fauxtina that it certainly could’ve had.

The pushers are engraved with a lovely radiating pattern that Furlan Marri calls a “Tasti Tondi” style. Plus, the case size nails the sweet spot at an even 38mm. What more can you ask for from any chronograph, let alone one at this price?

Rolex Daytona

The Daytona is probably the Speedmaster’s biggest competitor for the title of most iconic chronograph ever made. Its sub-collections are also among the most popular watches ever—note, for example, Paul Newman’s personal “Paul Newman” Daytona, which is the most expensive watch ever sold at auction. 

Unlike the Speedmaster, the Daytona has automatic winding, making it a little more practical. Also unlike the Speedmaster, it has screw-down pushers, making it significantly less practical. Yes, the pushers add a little extra water resistance, but come on—does anyone really want to go about unscrewing their pushers before they use them?

While Omega has leaned hard into their “Moonwatch” identity, Rolex has chosen the racing feel for their Daytona, and it has significant ties to the racing world (starting even with just the name!). You also get more contrasting finishing compared to the Speedie, with mirrored portions of the bracelet.

This creates more of an elegant look and, with those screw-down pushers, perhaps one that feels to many to be more meant for timing the length of your board meeting than your Formula One race.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date (Ref. 26650FO.OO.D353CA.01)

The Royal Oak Concept is AP’s playground, taking a riff on their most iconic model and throwing all sorts of chaos inside its case. Quite a few lovable (or hateable, to some) watches have emerged from this collection, like the Black Panther and Spiderman models as well as the “Companion” watch designed by KAWS.

With this particular very long-named Royal Oak Concept, you don’t get any fun characters, but you do get one of the coolest chronographs ever made.

The case is crafted from carbon fiber intermingled with luminous material, so it glows in a unique pattern and style in the dark, which creates a beautiful and avant-garde look.

It’s a large wearer at 43mm x 17.5mm, but let’s be honest, you aren’t buying this watch to be discreet. In terms of complications, you get a split-seconds chronograph and GMT, so it’s just as technically advanced as it is materially. 

Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir Yellow Gold

The Tortue Monopoussoir is one of the most elegant and simple chronographs you’ll ever see. Its case follows Cartier’s Tortue collection, which is their second-oldest design after the Santos-Dumont. The shape is fluid and elegant and wears exceptionally well on the wrist thanks to its many sweeping curves and slim silhouette. 

The dial is classy and restrained with an opaline base color and pure black Roman numerals, over all of which float the blued Breguet hands. The recessed subdials feature circular finishing and appear as if they were set straight into the dial or carved out of it, with no sloping flanks merging into them.

It’s one of the classiest watches you could imagine, and only 200 were ever made, making it a true connoisseur’s watch that looks incredible yet anything but flashy about its quality and master craftsmanship.

Studio Underd0g Salm0n

At just $2,000, the Salm0n takes a totally new spin on the idea of a “salmon dial” by utilizing the full color palette of this noble fish, from its pink flesh to its silver scales. Compared to some of Studio Underd0g’s other chronographs (looking at you, Watermel0n), this one is significantly more subdued in its color palette, but I find it to be just the right amount of eye-catching thanks to the way its colors play together and stand out. 

The movement is a Sellita monopusher (caliber SW510M, in case you were wondering) and is even customized with a special bridge with the brand name on it. The case, lastly, is perhaps the perfect size for a modern watch, sitting right at 38.5mm. That number alone, more than its seafood associations, is sure to make collectors drool.

Breitling Navitimer Chronograph

Let me start with one thing: I’m not a huge fan of Breitling. Frankly, their watches just aren’t my style. In this case, however, the fact that they’re on this list should be a testament to the quality and enduring appeal of their iconic Navitimer collection, which remains one of the most iconic pilot’s watches ever made. 

Their Navitimer Chronographs start at around $10,000 and feature the dual functionality of both a chronograph and Breitling’s iconic slide rule complication, which I personally have absolutely no idea how to use.

But I know it’s useful somehow! If you’re interested, go ahead and one-up me and watch a video on it. Overall, it’s a highly functional and purpose-built watch that will be a faithful companion on any journey—airborne or otherwise.

Hublot Big Bang Unico Titanium Blue Ceramic 42mm

Confession time: I love Hublot. That’s an unpopular opinion among watch nerds. But Hublot has pushed the boundaries of watchmaking in more ways than other brands would even dream of, and they continue to offer watches that are just so dang cool. Their Big Bang Unico is one of my favorite chronographs. 

This model, in particular, has a spectacular two-tone appearance with a muted interplay of navy blue ceramic and rich gray titanium. The Unico movement inside is an automatic chronograph, and one of the best, being completely in-house as well as automatic and featuring a column wheel and flyback. 

Everything in the design screams sporty and usable, from the oversized numerals and hands to the oversized and yet strangely beautiful pushers. In particular, I love the iconic Hublot bezel.

I know there are many haters who will claim it’s a Royal Oak ripoff, but to me it feels perfect for Hublot’s identity (their name means “porthole” in French, and that’s exactly how it looks to me). It references the Royal Oak in a constructive way, not a ripoff.

Patek Philippe ref. 5270J Grand Complications

For many collectors, this is the watch. A chronograph perpetual calendar from Patek Philippe is their holy grail—and rightly so. It’s not a cheap watch (retail price is $194,190), but it is just about as close to perfect as you can get from a chronograph, or from any watch at all. Its movement is hand-finished to absolute perfection and is manual-wind. 

This sure makes it tricky to keep the calendar up to date but also allows for an unimpeded view of that gorgeous movement. The lugs are sculpted and crafted to perfection with several facets and sides.

The dial, above all, shows the quality of design and craftsmanship that you get from a Patek Philippe. There is a plethora of information displayed on its surface—from the chronograph counters and internal tachymeter scale to the perpetual calendar—but it somehow remains uncluttered and easily legible. Its faceted indices are polished and shaped to perfection. Indeed, that’s the best word to use to describe this Patek Philippe: perfection.

13. MB&F LM Sequential Flyback

The LM Sequential Flyback is a masterpiece, the work of the genius Stephen McDonnell, a mechanism that appears at first glance to be a rat’s nest of steel on the dial until it resolves itself suddenly into a harmonious whole at the press of a button. 

The “LM” in the title stands for MB&F’s “Legacy Machine” category which—believe it or not—is used for their more traditional watches. Released in 2020, this watch contains a whopping 5 different chronograph pushers instead of the usual 2 and controls two separate chronographs, each of which has a flyback function.

Plus, McDonnell added a special “Twinverter” function, which automatically swaps the two chronographs—if one hand is stopped and the other is running, the first starts and the second stops. 

The watch goes for a whopping $218,000, making it even more expensive than the Patek Philippe. In case you were wondering if your money would be well-spent, the GPHG certainly thought so: they awarded it an Aiguille d’Or, the highest prize in watchmaking.

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph

The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph is another one of the most iconic chronographs ever made, although it suffers from being significantly less appreciated compared to its cousins the Speedmaster and Daytona. Like these other two, it found its birth in racing inspiration—namely, the grueling Carrera Panamericana, one of the most dangerous races ever. 

The modern collection has seen quite a few changes from its original form, but it remains an exceptional watch. It’s best known for its “glassbox” crystal, which makes visibility of the dial and hands from any angle a breeze. I

ts internal tachymeter bezel makes the dial feel larger compared to the case, which is a new approach compared to Omega and Rolex who both put it on the outside. 

The combination of recessed subdials and elevated internal tachymeter create a great sense of depth that’s lacking in many lower-end watches. You also get some serious mechanical advancement, with automatic winding and a serious 80 hours of power reserve.

Overall, it’s the younger brother that doesn’t deserve to be overlooked as it vies for place with the Speedie and Daytona.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph (ref. 5520V/210A-B148)

The Overseas is easily the most underrated of the integrated sports watches offered by the Big Three brands—compared to the Royal Oak and Nautilus, most collectors barely bat an eye at the Overseas. They’re wrong to do so. At $35,600, this is an exceptional watch.

Take a look at that rich blue dial, crafted from translucent blue lacquer with a sunray finish that just instantly creates a powerful look of class and elegance. 

The large rehaut around the dial leads the eye right into the bezel, which is shaped with cutouts that visually reference Vacheron’s Maltese cross logo, and the links of the bracelet echo this shape design.

Everything is executed with restraint and yet nearly perfect class and charm, making the Overseas a worthy competitor to its sports watch siblings.

Conclusion

Chronographs are some of the most spectacular and intentionally designed watches on the market today. For many brands, they’re a playground for technical innovation. For others, they’re the defining piece of their collections.

They span every price point and style—a collection could easily be founded on these time counters alone. Whether you’re looking for your next chronograph here or not, I hope you left this article with a deep appreciation for the nuance and craft of each of these watches, which I know to be deeply merited.