Best Chronographs of 2013

Of all the complications in horology (any function other than hours, minutes and seconds), the chronograph is the number-one choice. In simple terms, the ubiquitous chronograph is a stopwatch, but it is so much more than that. No other category of watches incorporates as many options in terms of design and technology. Aficionados can choose between split-seconds, flyback, two-dial, three-dial, retrograde, column-wheel, chronometer-certified or even digital chronographs that can track time to 1/10th, 1/100th and even 1/1000th of a second. However, there is nothing like a classic chronograph from a collection that is well-known to collectors, with a history of in-house calibers (or a brand new one), from a great watch brand.

Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph, with selfwinding caliber CH 28-520 C, with a 60-minute and 12-hour monocounter at 6 o’clock. With a blue gradient dial and gold applied hour markers. In steel and 18k rose gold.

Girard-Perregaux 1966 Chronograph, with hand-wound caliber GP0 3800-001 column-wheel chronograph movement, with jumping 30-minute counter and small seconds. In pink gold, with black alligator strap.

The Calibre de Cartier chronograph in 18k gold with Roman numerals and signature railroad chapter ring and date window at 6 o’clock. With caliber 1904-CH MC, Cartier’s first manufacture selfwinding chronograph movement.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore selfwinding chronograph, with date display and small seconds at 12 o’clock. With black ceramic case and black dial with Mega Tapisserie pattern, and white gold hour markers.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, with a platinum case and rare ice-blue dial. The numerals on the brown Cerachrome bezel are coated with platinum. Rolex selfwinding column-wheel chronograph caliber 4130.