It’s our countdown to Christmas! We have selected 10 chronographs that would look perfect under the tree this year, perfect for those who love a timing complication.
The Watch Advice team has put together a list of 10 chronographs that are perfect for timing Christmas lunch and dinner this year! Or really, for those who are just enthusiasts of racing and timing things in their lives. With so many great watches released this year, it was a hard choice, but the team has been put to the test and here are their picks.
Matt’s Picks
Hublot Big Bang 20th Anniversary Editions
This year was the 20th anniversary of the Hublot Big Bang Original, and the Nyon brand upped its game with a release of the 20th Anniversary Collection. What I loved about these was the fact that Hublot took the original DNA of the Big Bang and fused it with their modern and iconic materials, like the vibrant Red Ceramic, Magic Gold, and titanium, not to mention giving it the One Click quick change strap system.
It also updated the movement to the HUB1280 Unico flyback chronograph movement inside, which is one of the best chronograph movements on the market today, built from the ground up with some cool innovations most other watchmakers don’t include in their chronographs. They were also downsized to 43 mm from the original 45 mm, which means that they are a much more wearable Big Bang, without detracting from the wrist presence the original was designed for.
If you want something cool and stealthy, then opt for the All Black in black ceramic with a full blacked-out dial. If you want something that is vibrant and festive, then the vibrant Red Magic Ceramic could be for you. Feeling like a little bit of luxe? Then go for the King Gold, and if you aren’t all that gentle with your watches, then you probably need to opt for the Magic Gold, which is scratch-proof. And for those who just want that little bit of nostalgia and something that’s easy and light to wear, then the titanium version is for you!
Australian Recommended Retail Pricing: Starting at A$32,600 for Titanium, through to A$63,500 for Magic Gold
Availability: Each piece is limited to: 500 – Titanium, & All Black, 250 – King Gold, 100 – Red Magic, & Magic Gold. See Hublot.com for more.
Omega Speedmaster White Dial
The Omega Speedmaster is such a classic, iconic chronograph that how could we not have it in our list!? Omega now has a range of individual Speedmasters that you could choose from – from the moon phase to the two counters, the dark and grey side of the moon, to the First Omega In Space, to the classic moonwatch.
My pick, though, for this year would still have to be the Omega Speedmaster white lacquer dial in the 42 mm size, as this is just a really cool, crisp watch. While the price now is a little over $14,000, I still feel it represents good value for money when you compare it to every other chronograph out there on the market. Also, let’s not forget the pedigree that Omega has with the NASA program and the fact that the Speedmaster was the watch worn on the moon.
The white lacquer dial just pops on the wrist, and the fact that it features bridged applied indices and sunken subdials makes it a really nice-looking, photogenic watch. If I were in the market for a Speedy, this would be it.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: A$14,375 on the bracelet
Availability: Available via Omega boutiques, retailers and online at Omegawatches.com
TAG Heuer Monaco Las Vegas
Again, I’ve chosen another icon in the watch world – the TAG Heuer Monaco. Like the Speedmaster, there are a range of TAG Heuer Monaco Chronographs to choose from. The classic Gulf editions for a little nostalgia, to the Split Seconds that really ups the Monaco game. But, for something that is a little different, then I would have to pick the new Monaco 2025 Las Vegas edition, released just prior to the 2025 Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix.
I was never sold on a Monaco until I reviewed the 2024 Las Vegas model last year, and I found it a really easy-wearing watch that wasn’t the same old, same old. The 2025 model takes it up a notch thanks to the multi-coloured neon skeletonised dial, which turns into three different colours of lume at night, and this one, rather than being standard production, is limited to just 600 pieces.
The Las Vegas F1 Monaco is for racing enthusiasts or for those who want an iconic watch with some flair. The 39 mm titanium case makes it a pretty good size on most wrists, and don’t let the overall thickness fool you, as the crystal takes up a little and when on, appears only about 13mm thick. Oh, and it has the in-house TH20-00 calibre inside with an 80-hour power reserve, but overall, it is just a fun (but serious) watch!
Australian Recommended Retail Price: A$17,100
Availability: Limited to 600 pieces. Available now from all TAG Heuer Boutiques and online at Tagheuer.com
Tudor Black Bay Chronograph
I have said it before, and I’ll say it again, but Tudor punches well above its price point in terms of engineering and quality. And why wouldn’t it? After all, it is the shield that protects the crown, the crown being Rolex that is. The Black Bay Chronograph range has come a long way since its inception several years ago, starting out with its panda and reverse-panda variants, and now comes in a range of different colours and materials, such as the standard blue, two-tone and carbon.
However, I’m leaning more towards the much sought-after Flamingo Blue and Miami Pink. You can always opt for safe and sensible, or go with bright and vibrant, whichever suits your everyday mood. For me, while the white and black models are highly versatile in classic, it’s very hard to go past that Flamingo Blue, especially coming into summertime here in Australia, as it really is vibrant and stands out on the wrist.
I feel the Miami Pink was a cool release; however, the Flamingo Blue for me is where it is at. It’s a great-looking turquoise dial that really pops, and with the addition of Tudor’s Five-link bracelet, it elevates the watch as well. And yes, we know that flamingos are not blue, but the colour was taken from the turquoise waters in and around Miami, where flamingos commonly congregate.
At 41 mm and 14.4 mm thick, it sits in that not too big, not too small zone, and if you have a wrist size that is above 16cm, you should be able to pull it off well. Plus, if it is good enough for David Beckham, then it is good enough for us!
Australian Recommended Retail Price: A$9,110
Availability: Available now from all Tudor Boutiques and retailers. For more, head to Tudorwatch.com
Sam’s Picks
IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 APXGP
IWC Schaffhausen has released several new models for their Pilot’s Chronograph collection this year, with some of the more notable pieces being the stunning green-dial variant. However, what stood out the most for me was the Pilot’s Chronograph 41 APXGP.
WatchAdvice was fortunate to get the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph APXGP 41 (Ref. IW388309) with the 18-carat 5N gold case for review, and I must say it has been my favourite Pilot’s Chronograph so far. I think it was made all the more special with its feature in the F1 Movie. We had a memorable time creating a feature video (see below) with a Mercedes SLS and the IWC Schaffhausen Pilots Chronograph 41 APXGP, both stunning mechanical creations!
Celebrity status aside, what makes this model stand out (regardless of gold or stainless steel case) is the colour combination. The black and gold is a tried and tested combination that just works, delivering a beautiful contrast that is also visually appealing. Add to this the white indices and white lumed hands, and it makes for an easy-to-read dial with a classic look. The 41mm x 14.5mm case size also makes it wearable without being too overbearing, while the calibre 69385 movement with 46-hour power reserve and good rate stability (even with chronograph activated) gives daily wear practicality.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: $45,900
Availability: Available now from all IWC Schaffhausen Boutiques and retailers. For more, head to Iwc.com.au
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph – Pink Gold (5520V/210R-B952)
For any serious chronograph consideration, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph has to be on the list. This is a timepiece that combines a serious pedigree with an integrated design that is executed to perfection. The Overseas Chronograph collection features a variety of different aesthetics, combining different precious metals with vibrant colours.
The pink gold case with deep forest green dial is one of the more recent versions, and I must say it looks incredible in person. In saying that, however, I’m a big fan of the colour blue, and when executed in the right shade, it becomes very hard to look past. This is exactly what Vacheron Constantin has done with the Overseas Chronograph in pink gold with a sunburst satin-finished lacquered blue dial.
This is the type of blue that makes it hard to look away from the dial. Under light, it has a vibrant hue, really making the whole watch “pop”. In more darker lighting conditions, however, the dial becomes are deeper, navy-like colour, almost adding a different personality to the watch. What I love about it, though, is how the gold tones and blue go so well together, making it one visually stunning timepiece.
The Overseas Chronograph also comes with Vacheron Constantin’s top-tier finishing, such as the brushed and polished surfaces for the case and bezel, and for the movement, the Geneva Seal finishing, which includes polished bevels, circular graining, and a 22k gold oscillating weight. The movement is also representative of Vacheron Constantin’s holy trinity pedigree, featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch system for smooth, crisp chronograph activation and long-term reliability.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: A$144,000
Availability: Available now from all Vacheron Constantin Boutiques and retailers. For more, head to Vacheron-constantin.com.au
Zenith DEFY Skyline Chronograph Blue Ceramic
One of my favourite timepieces (not just chronographs) that I reviewed this year is Zenith’s DEFY Skyline Chronograph Blue Ceramic. I’ll be upfront and honest and say this was one of the few pieces for which I asked for an extension during the review (and was given it!) due to how much I loved wearing it around.
First of all, the full blue look serves more than just a beautiful aesthetic purpose. It was created in celebration of Zenith’s 160th anniversary this year, with blue being a signature colour for the brand. This is also the first time that the DEFY Skyline Chronograph collection has received the full ceramic treatment, which given it was only unveiled last year, makes complete sense!
But, what a way to start the ceramic journey, with a bright, vibrant royal blue hue to really set it apart from the other full ceramic chronograph models on the market (which there aren’t many of!). Colours like white, black, or grey are more popular in the world of ceramic timepieces. Creating a bold non-neutral colour such as this vibrant blue is a skill not many manufacturers have mastered, especially for a full ceramic timepiece, which includes the bracelet!
The watch is comfortable on the wrist, with the ceramic bracelet feeling like Lego blocks on your wrist (and I say this in a good way!). The case and bracelet also shine beautifully under light, but where it really comes to life, in my opinion, is under sunlight, where the vibrant blue colour gives the entire piece a dynamic, almost electric presence that makes it impossible to ignore. For my full thoughts on the Zenth DEFY Skyline Chronograph, click here!
Australian Recommended Retail Price: A$36,700
Availability: Available now from all Zenith Boutiques and retailers. For more, head to Zenith-watches.com.au
Mario’s Picks
A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down
Here are two schools of thought when it comes to a beautiful watch: beauty in excess or beauty in simplicity. But to that, I say the same thing as the girl from the Old El Paso commercial: why not both? A. Lange & Söhne’s Saxonia Datograph Up/Down is exactly that.
Grand in complexity yet elegantly understated, the Datograph makes a statement with its distinctive appearance and remarkable engineering. The Saxon brand has released some absolute bombshells in the past, such as last year’s Datograph Perpetual Honeygold, but the white gold Ref. 405.028 will always be our pick of the bunch.
And how could it not be? The blue dial, paired with white gold accents, exudes a thoroughly luxurious vibe, strengthened further by its unique layout. The brand’s famous outsized date sits front and centre, while the chronograph and small seconds subdials sit lower on the dial to draw even more attention to the headline complication.
But don’t let A. Lange & Söhne’s pride and joy fool you, because this watch is far more than its date display. The 41 mm 18k gold case gives the piece real wrist presence, and turning it over reveals exactly why the brand is one of Glashütte’s finest watchmakers.
The in-house calibre L951.6, with its sophistication and finishing, proves the Datograph Up/Down sits leagues ahead of what some might assume. From the engraved balance cock all the way to the flyback chronograph capability on top of the outsize date? It’s a mechanical flex through and through. If you were one of the lucky buggers who, say, managed to cash in on the GameStop short, or you decided to buy into Bitcoin in 2011, this is the watch you’d buy to show it.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: Upon Request
Availability: Limited to 125 pieces, upon inquiry only. For more, head to ALange-Soehne.com
Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 42mm
Breitling is one of the few independent watch brands to break into the mainstream, and that’s hardly a bad thing. They’ve done it through an excellent body of work rather than marketing tricks or chasing mass appeal. They’ve become so successful, in fact, that Breitling may now be on the verge of forming a horological conglomerate of their own. Of course, I refer to their most recent acquisitions of the dormant Gallet watch brand, as well as the legendary Universal Geneve.
But while we wait for the watch equivalent of GTA VI to launch, finally, Breitling has been hard at work ensuring their own offerings remain up to scratch. Part of that effort is the refreshed Superocean Heritage collection, extensively reworked to better suit modern expectations. This includes the chronograph variants in the Superocean Heritage B01 42 mm line.
It’s a bit like what Oris did with the Aquis lineup last year. The changes Breitling has made to the Superocean Heritage, though minimal, are all aimed at improving the wearing experience. From the revised layout of the indexes and hands to the tighter links on the mesh steel bracelet, it’s the small details that add up to a familiar yet noticeably improved package. Paired with Breitling’s in-house B01 chronograph movement, the Superocean Heritage B01 42 mm shows the brand at its best, and should be a no-brainer for anyone who loves bold, durable timepieces built to last.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: A$12,890 (Rubber) / A$13,290 (Steel)
Availability: Available now from all Breitling Boutiques and retailers. For more, head to Breitling.com
Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono
Topping off the list is a high-end yet off-the-beaten-path choice for many enthusiasts. While Chopard is often associated with its contributions to the jewellery world, the level of craftsmanship in its timepieces is second to none.
Among its extensive roster is the Chopard Alpine Eagle series. More than just an attempt to jump on the integrated-bracelet sports-watch trend, the Alpine Eagle draws inspiration from a 1970s model called the St. Moritz. Over time, the St. Moritz faded into memory, while the Alpine Eagle built a spectacular reputation of its own.
Last year saw one of Chopard’s best releases yet: an XL chronograph reference within the Alpine Eagle range. With a rubber strap and a lightweight titanium case, it’s proven a strong competitor to chronographs at similar price points, including heavyweights like AP and Vacheron Constantin.
Its addition to the collection is more than just a savvy business move, as its distinctive dial, featuring the signature eagle’s-iris texture, comes in a striking shade known as Rhône Blue. Paired with the 03.05-C flyback chronograph movement, it delivers complexity without compromising reliability, and the calibre is COSC-certified to boot.
But adding this to your collection doesn’t just highlight your eclectic taste; it also supports a good cause. Part of the proceeds go to the Alpine Eagle Foundation, which works to preserve biodiversity in the region that inspired the dial’s name.