Watchmaking technology has come a long way since its beginnings. We can now access our sleeping patterns, view social media notifications, and answer calls on our watches, but sometimes, you can’t beat the classics. Stepping back a few decades to simpler times and choosing a timepiece with history and stunning design is always a good idea.
So, we’re exploring some of the best chronograph watches available here at Banks Lyon. We’re looking at our favourite chronograph manufacturers and delving into our favourite pieces from their collections. If you’re looking for a new timepiece with rich history and second-to-none design, this is the place to be.
What Is a Chronograph Watch?
‘Chronograph’ is another word for ‘stopwatch’, so chronograph watches have a stopwatch feature and a standard watch dial. Because of this, they have at least two dials, but some have more than this. So to identify a chronograph, look out for at least two and, of course, the pushers on the case.
Sometimes, a chronograph watch will have a tachymeter on the perimeter of the casing, allowing you to convert time to speed if needed.
Chronograph watches are designed for multi-use wearers. For example, if you’re looking for a watch that you can wear on the running track or on your bike and then to an evening dinner, then a chronograph may be for you.
A Brief History of Chronograph Watches
Chronograph watches were initially manufactured in 1816 as a way for astrologers to keep track of time accurately, but more notably, Breitling was one of the first brands to bring this new tech to the market. They introduced the tachymeter, which soon became a staple in chronograph timepieces, and since then, the industry boomed.
Watchmakers worldwide were implementing stopwatches into their new models, meaning that the chronograph was attracting more attention and quickly becoming the next big thing. Each brand had its own version of the innovation, providing customers with much more choices.
Now, almost all watch brands have their own line of chronograph watches, but which are the stand-out models from these collections, and what makes each of them so special?
Which Brands Offer Chronograph Watches?
Here at Banks Lyon, we have established ourselves as leading watch providers, which means we are fortunate enough to have partnered with a wide range of the biggest names in watchmaking. Of course, it’s always difficult choosing favourites, but taken from our list of brands, we have handpicked a chronograph from each watchmaker to showcase.
IWC
An IWC Aquatimer chronograph watch is a perfect example of just how far this technology has come in recent years. This model has exceptional underwater timekeeping capabilities, with water resistance up to 300m, making it an excellent choice for divers, as when parking in this sport, every millisecond counts. Not only this, but its aesthetics make it a great option for those looking for versatility, with its sleek blue rubber-covered stainless steel case and complementary blue dial.
The IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Limited Edition Watch pictured here is available from Banks Lyon for £9,800 or just £81.66 per month on 0% finance.
Breitling
As pioneers of the first marketable chronograph watches, this is a stunning example of the technological advancements within the industry. This is the Breitling
Emergency DLC-Coated Titanium-Rubber with Push Button Folding Clasp, available from Banks Lyon for £14,900 or just £124.16 per month on 0% finance.
It is powered by the outstanding Breitling Caliber 76, which is a COSC-certified SuperQuartzTM chronograph, an incredible development in the watchmaking industry. In addition, this model comes with a vast range of practical and innovative functions, such as its namesake, the authentic dual-frequency distress beacon that guides rescue operations to your safety.
Tissot
Tissot’s range of chronograph watches are built with quality at the forefront, history in every design, and affordability, making them popular for those who want to get their hands on this tech for less. The watch featured here is part of the PRC 200 range, a sub-category of the T-Sport collection built for performance. It is the Tissot PRC 200 Automatic Chronograph Watch and is available from Banks Lyon for £850 or a staggeringly low £6.91 per month on 0% finance.
OMEGA
OMEGA Planet Ocean chronograph watches are yet another example of the diving technology capable of chronograph timepieces today. The model showcased here
made history as part of the Ultra Deep collection, which reached the deepest place on Earth in 2019, allowing deep sea divers to track time by the millisecond. It has an outstanding water resistance of up to 6000m and is durable, hard-wearing, and able to tackle any environment.
Not only this, but the aesthetics of this particular piece are simply stunning. The blue dial highlights a nod to its diving capabilities, yet the stainless steel case and watch make it suitable for wearing on formal occasions. This piece is the OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep 45.5mm Watch and is available from Banks Lyon for £10,900 or just £90.83 per month on 0% finance.
Choose a chronograph watch from Banks Lyon and experience the difference this technology can make in your life. Whether you’re a diver, runner, or someone who just appreciates a quality timepiece, we’re here to help you choose the watch for you.
Get in touch with our team or visit one of our showrooms to enquire about a watch from Banks Lyon.