Four Chronographs That Earned their Place In History

One of the most popular complications is the chronograph. This can be explained because the complication adds extra dynamic elements to the watch. Measuring the passing of time requires an extra seconds hand, subdials to show the minutes and hours, and pushers to operate it all. Aviation, car racing, and the exploration of space are just three areas in which (mechanical) chronographs made their mark, adding to their appeal. While there are a great many to choose from, the following four have earned their place in history:

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
While Rolex already made chronographs for quite some time, it wasn’t until 1963 that they start naming them Cosmograph Daytona. The brand then had already enjoyed a close relationship with the world of racing for decades, particularly with Sir Malcolm Campbell. He broke the land speed record five times at Daytona Beach, hence the name for their famed chronograph. Its Oyster case, screw-down pushers, engraved bezel, and highly legible dial turned this watch into an instantly recognizable icon. While it will always remain a sports watch at heart, Rolex wasn’t afraid to add a generous dash of luxury. Next to precious metals are also stone dials and gemstone settings available, showing the versatility of this timepiece.

Zenith El Primero
While wristwatches with a chronograph were already available for decades, was an automatic one a quest of its own. In 1969 Zenith wrote history with the launch of their El Primero, the first automatic chronograph running at 36,000 VpH. This movement was so exceptional that it was even used by other brands, most notably Ebel and Rolex. Today it remains a benchmark in the industry, as well as one of the pillars of the Zenith collection. While many different varieties, fitted with the El Primero movement, debuted over the years, Zenith also offers it in a package close to the original. With its pump-style pushers and subdials that slightly overlap, it still hasn’t lost any of its appeal. This particular and very beautiful color combination is inspired by a previously unknown prototype that Zenith found in their archives.

Omega Speedmaster
The Omega Speedmaster will always be remembered as the chronograph that was flight-qualified by NASA for all manned space missions. It would go on to play a significant role in all six lunar missions, making it not only the first watch to be worn on the moon but also be a vital element in the safe return of Apollo 13. A legend within a legend is caliber 321, one of the most sought-after vintage Speedmaster chronograph movements, which Omega recently brought back to life. While this watch pays tribute to the past, it is at the same time a modern creation with, for example, a bezel made from polished black ceramic with its distinct tachymeter scale in white enamel. Omega also makes the Caliber 321 Speedmaster in platinum with meteorite subdials for those who want something even more exclusive.

Breitling Navitimer
With the Navitimer created Breitling a computer for one the wrist long before such devices were introduced in aviation. Thanks to the slide rule, pilots could make a wide variety of calculations, from fuel consumption to rate of climb or descent. On the ground, it was useful as well as it could calculate currency conversions or convert miles into kilometers and vice versa. This functionality wasn’t the only reason the Navitimer became so popular, as it was also a reliable, precise, and good-looking watch. Like Zenith has Breitling made a recreation of their first model available in their current collection. This watch faithfully follows the lines of its predecessor, and it even features the brand’s vintage logo. For connoisseurs, an outstanding opportunity to own a brand new piece of chronograph history.