These are the best of the best chronographs of the year 2016. Discover my very personal ranking and let me know what YOU think …
What you see is a ranking of my five favorite chronographs of the year 2016. They were presented this year either at the SIHH in January in Geneva or later in Basel during Baselworld 2016.
Since so many chronographs were presented this year it was not easy to find the top 5. But after thinking a while these were the ones that matched the criteria to now be listed here.
You will find all technical information, the prices and other interesting stories of the five chronographs on the blog. Please use the search-function and find out more …
1. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona
The Rolex Daytona in steel was and is THE icon of cool. THE Chronograph everyone wants to have and wear. With the most recent facelift the myth is more alive than ever!
BRAVO! Well done Rolex!
2. Zenith Cronometro CP2
With this replica of a chronograph of the 1960s Zenith has shown that the brand has a lot of potential, much more potential than many think. We will see many more cool Zenith chronographs very soon. In 2016 the Cronometro CP2 is one of my favorites. The watch is limited to 1000 pieces.
BRAVO! Well done Zenith
3. Omega Speedmaster CK2998
The Speedmaster generation “CK2998” was first presented in 1957. The Speedmaster CK2998 was the first Omega in space, on the wrist of Wally Schirra during the Sigma 7 mission in October 1962. Today this Speedmaster is one of the most sought-after chronographs. The 2016-tribute will be produced 2998 times. For me it is a fascinating chronograph that stands out of the Speedmaster collection.
BRAVO! Well done Omega!
4. TAG Heuer Monza Calibre 17 Limited Edition
40 years ago, in 1976 Jack Heuer designed the Monza chronograph. The cushion-design is based on a design of a chronograph from 1925. The 2016 edition is clearly a new interpretation, but still uses design-codes of the original Monza. I like the Monza, it is a cool timepiece that stands out.
BRAVO! Well done TAG Heuer!
5. Breitling Navitimer 01 Limited Edition
Guys I have no idea how many times Breitling already presented a variation of the legendary Navitimer chronograph. This one is a very, very beautiful re-edition of a watch that has definitely written Swiss Watch History.
BRAVO! Well done Breitling!
Great selection!
I guess, this is the first time I totally agree with your selection as well ranking for “simple” chronographs.
Alan Adler is absolutely correct regarding the usage of tachymetres, but then the chronograph function is also barely used by anyone, except to show off.
My personal top chronograph of 2016 is the Sinn 910 Jubilee “Schleppzeiger Chronograph”. A split second chronograph with a slight vintage appearence. The movement, a modified 7750 with not only the split second extension but also a column wheel actuation and a neat finish by La Joux-Perret, in that very attractive watch for that unbelievably attractive price made it a clear must-have for me.
But the chronos that you chose, Alexander, also meet my taste. Well, with the exception of the Daytona. I respect the quality of Rolex. But I don’t follow the hype. And I don’t want a crown on the dial of my watch. But I understand that this watch wins. And no, I don’t want to start an anti-Rolex dispute since that would not lead to any result.
The Sinn you mentioned is a clear favorite of mine too and will probably be mentioned in an another category later. Here it is about “simpel” chronographs without any additional complication.
Dear Alexander,
Tell us more about these watches. Some basic specs (diameter, thickness and weight), what it is you like about them? What are their prices?
I held the Zenith a few minutes ago, but even before holding it I would have picked it first. I like the fact that the dial is limited to essential markings. And holding it, I was pleased that the head weight is under 80 grams. I also loved the bidirectional bezel. I think all bezels should be bidirectional. (Divers don’t dive with watches like this, they dive equipped with wrist computers, or cheap plastic disposables. So why burden everyone with unidirectional bezels?).
But the beautiful Zenith has one fatal flaw which prevents my buying it, it only records up to 30 minutes.
Three of this quintet have tachymeters, which I have come to hate. I’ve never used one and it’s unlikely that I ever will. I hate to pimp up a dial with useless markings. What do other readers think of tachymeters?
Alan
Alan, thank you for the comments! You will find all information desired for these watches on the blog. You simply have to use the search function. I mentioned it in the text…
Well, Alan, considering useless markings the Breitling should drive you crazy. 😉
As you most probably know tachymeter scales are a nod to the motor sport history of chronographs and are there to give a watch a sporty touch. They are relicts – like mechanical watches in general…
I worry about about some details in watch designs but tachymeters or pulsometers are okay for me.
Nice line of good looking ladies, for my date I pick number 2.