Houses the legendary El Primero movement
A chronograph is a watch with a built-in stopwatch function, activated by pushers on the case side. Originally developed for timing horse races and scientific experiments, modern chronograph watches appeal to those who appreciate mechanical complexity and sporty aesthetics.
Important chronograph features include the type of movement (integrated vs modular), number of sub-dials (typically 2 or 3), column wheel vs cam-actuated mechanism, flyback capability, and chronograph running time. Column wheel chronographs are generally more refined but more expensive to service.
Chronographs range from dress-appropriate (thin case chronographs like the JLC Master Chronograph) to sporty and bold (Breitling Navitimer, Hublot Big Bang). Case thickness is a key consideration — chronograph movements add 2-4mm compared to time-only calibres.
Zenith watches offer outstanding mechanical substance at competitive prices. Availability is good through authorized dealers, and discounts of 15-25% are achievable. The Chronomaster Sport (Rolex Daytona's spiritual sibling) and Defy Skyline represent the best current values in the lineup.
| Ref | Variant | Market Price | Retail | Own/Yr | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03.3200.3600/21.M3200 | Sport Steel/Black | $7,000–$9,000 | $10,300 | $680/yr | 65 |