No one can deny the beauty and complexity that chronograph watches exhibit.
The subdials and other added functionalities show how far watchmakers have come in developing accessories meant originally to simply tell the time.
So, if you want to own a chronograph watch, how much should your budget be?
A $200 budget will get you an inexpensive watch that might only last a year or two.
Raising the budget to $1,000 will get you a decent timepiece from mid-range brands who make accessories with considerable quality.
But what if you want to up the game and get something a bit more luxurious?
What amount of money should be enough to get you a one-of-a-kind watch that provides a sense of exclusivity to its wearer?
The list we’ve come up with is for people looking for luxury chronograph watches under $5,000.
We think that mid-range chronograph watches priced in this level offer reliable quality and lavish designs without costing too much.
If you have a bit of extra to spend on a chronograph watch, then read on to know which timepieces you’ll be able to afford with that budget.
Best Chronograph Watches Under $5,000
Here’s a list of the best mid-range chronograph watches you can find online.
Tissot PRS 516 Chronograph Watch T1004173720100
The black and blue contrast of the PRS 516 gives it a subdued but an undeniably sporty look.
If you’re into serious motorsports, this is the ideal mid-range chronograph watch to wear.
The 42mm PRS 516 has a stainless steel case, a ceramic bezel with tachymeter markings, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a black carbon dial, a rubber strap, chronograph subdials with 30-minute, 60-second, and 1/10th-second scales, a date window, luminescent hands and markers, and an ETA calibre G10.212 quartz movement.
Pros:
- Very affordable chronograph watch
- Carbon face and blue accents give the watch a very sporty look
- Subtle but stylish
- Water resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Subdials are hard to read
- Rubber strap can be uncomfortable to wear
- Tachymeter marking might look too big for some users
Ebel El Primero Chronograph
This is a hidden gem among mid-range chronograph watches because it houses one of the most advanced movements during its time.
Having 36,000 bph, it was a legendary feat of engineering that easily beat those found in more expensive timepieces.
The 38mm El Primero has a stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, Roman numeral hour markers, a date window, a tachymeter outer dial, chronograph subdials with 12-hour, 30-minute, and 60-second scales, luminescent hands, and an Ebel calibre 134 automatic movement.
Pros:
- Classic and elegant look with a sporty vibe
- Excellent chronograph mechanism
- Highly accurate hand movements
- Power reserve of up to 50 hours
- Water resistant up to 30m
Cons:
- Rare and hard to find
- Thin lume application
- Subdial readings can be hard to identify
Heuer Camaro 7220
Retro is never out of style, especially with watches.
The unconventional shape of the Camaro 7220, paired with chronograph subdials, give the watch a unique, eye-catching look.
The 37mm Camaro 7220 has a stainless steel case, a Plexiglass crystal, a tachymeter outer dial, chronograph subdials with 12-hour, 30-minute, and 60-second scales, tritium-filled hands and markers, and a calibre 72 Valjoux manual-winding movement.
If you want a vintage watch that’s a bit under the radar, the Camaro 7220 is the chronograph watch under $5,000 to find.
Pros:
- Elegant look for a sports chronograph watch
- Precise hand movements
- Generous lume application
Cons:
- No date window
- Small tachymeter markings
- Subdial readings might be hard to distinguish
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Chronograph 311.32.40.30.01.001
The 39.7mm Moonwatch Chronograph has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a brown calfskin leather strap, a tachymeter bezel, chronograph subdials with 12-hour, 30-minute, and 60-second scales, luminescent hands and markers, and a calibre 1861 manual-winding movement.
The Moonwatch Chronograph’s vintage look is best worn on formal occasions.
If you’re not wearing it, better put it on display using a glass box so you can still appreciate its glorious features.
Pros:
- Excellent lume brightness
- Accurate hand movements
- Clean dial layout
- Power reserve of up to 48 hours
- Water resistant up to 50m
Cons:
- No date window
- Window protrudes a bit outward, exposing the crystal to scratches and bumps
- The watch is thicker than your usual timepiece
Tag Heuer Monza Chronograph 40th Anniversary Edition
The Monza Chronograph is one of the mid-range chronograph watches introduced at Baselworld that’s a rehash of a previous model.
Its red and yellow color combination and the chronograph subdials resemble that of a Ferrari’s dashboard.
The 42mm Monza Chronograph has a titanium case, a scratch-resistant sapphire, a tachymeter outer dial, a leather strap, a date window, chronograph subdials with 30-minute and 60-second scales, luminescent hands and markers, and a calibre 17 automatic movement.
Pros:
- Legible watch face
- Large font size on the date aperture
- Vintage feel with a sporty look
- Power reserve of up to 42 hours
- Water resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- 60-second subdial readings can be challenging to see
- Tachymeter markings are a bit small
- A bit thick and heavy
Universal Geneve Climate-Proof Compax
In a time when watches are moving to stainless steel cases to make them more affordable to the public, Universal Geneve retained its use of gold cases.
What’s remarkable about the brand is that it was able to preserve its prices while luxury counterparts were increasing theirs.
The 37.5mm Compax has an 18kt yellow-gold case, a domed acrylic crystal, a leather strap, chronograph subdials with 12-hour, 30-minute, and 60-second scales, and a calibre 275 manual-winding movement.
The Compax also features a dial with tachymeter and telemeter markings.
Pros:
- Classic design watch best used as a dress watch
- It has a double case back for extra protection
- Vintage watch with precise hand movements
Cons:
- Cluttered markings on the outer dial
- No date window
- No lume on hands
Bell & Ross BR 126 Sport Heritage GMT & Flyback
The 43mm BR 126 has a polished stainless steel case, a stainless steel bezel with tachymeter markings, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, an exhibition case back, a calfskin leather strap, a 60-second subdial, a 24-hour subdial, a GMT hand, a flyback function, a date window, luminescent hands and markers, and an ETA 2892-2 movement.
If you’re looking for the perfect vintage chronograph watch under $5,000, the BR 126 is the right pick for you.
Pros:
- Clean and classic look makes reading time easy to do
- Reliable tool watch
- Water resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Hard to find as only 500 pieces of this model are in circulation
- Very tiny date window
- It’s a bit thicker than the typical watch size
Conclusion
Mid-range chronograph watches offer superior quality and luxurious styles without costing too much.
In terms of quality, design, functionality, and feel, they can be compared with watches from luxury brands. If you have a little more leeway to spend on a watch, you might want to indulge yourself with a chronograph watch under $5,000.
