Your Favorite Chronograph Under $10k

omega1234 · Mar 23, 2014

This is not a what would you buy thread; I'm just wondering what the favorites are in this price range. So, the rules:
1. Street price of under $10k USD (with a few hundred dollars of wiggle room, its okay if it costs $10,200 or something like that)
2. Used or New is fine
3. Does not have to be anywhere near $10k (ex. it could be the Speedy at about $2500 pre-owned)
4. Provide a little bit of reasoning, price, and pictures

My submission is the JLC Tribute to Deep Sea Chronograph, coming in at around $9000 on the gray market, it is a gorgeous piece with a beautifully textured dial, very cool chronograph indicator, vintage aesthetic, top-notch finishing, JLC movement and prestige:

Pic from the interweb

Horologic · Mar 23, 2014

My first choice would be a Speedmaster 3570.50

But a GO Senator Sixties Chronograph is pretty cool too.

DEP21 · Mar 23, 2014

Zenith El Primero Striking 10th, any model.

little big feather · Mar 23, 2014

Daytona, in gold. Great and Iconic chronograph....Why go steel, when you can go bold and get all the squeal!!

This is of course...Used.

Nokie · Mar 23, 2014

Zenith El Primero Striking 10th, any model.

Yup.

Igorek · Mar 23, 2014

The one I covet:

HRC-E.B. · Mar 23, 2014

I really love my Omega POC, which cost me not much more than half the stated budget limit. Fantastic in all respects. Quality, legibility, functionality. The single-register chrono dial is a revelation in actual use!

Another perennial favorite is the Speedmaster Pro, at much less than half the stated budget limit. Its reasonable size, peerless symmetry and balance for a chronograph, and history make it a solid choice!

Synequano · Mar 23, 2014

Speedy pro,however I'd go for the brown dial for something different

Another choice will be Panerai,maybe pre owned Pam 275 (saw one for around $10500) cannot go wrong with in house handwound monopulsante with 8 days PR and GMT

BusyTimmy · Mar 23, 2014

Timely thread as I am considering a dressy chrono as my next piece.

The WIS in me is supposed to like the Zenith, but none of them really sing to me.
The JLC is wonderful but, as usual with most new watches, too big. The Vintage version of this watch would be my choice, but it's a little hard to find.

Not sure about the Daytona. Good movement and resale, but I think too flashy (especially in white).

Leaning towards the Portuguese Chrono from IWC

DanielW · Mar 23, 2014

I would have to say Sinn103(Ti) or Stowa 1938 in the present state my budget is in. At first I wanted a Zenith EP, which would be my pick if my budget would allow.

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estrickland · Mar 23, 2014

The Striking 10th and the Speedmaster are nice, but I vote for the Zenith A386:

One of the few really historic and iconic pieces you can get, from any brand, near this price.

mpalmer · Mar 23, 2014

If I could not flip the watch and was going to wear one for under 10k, I'd probably take the Speedy Pro sapphire sandwich despite being less than 5k.

While JLC would be better finished, but I'm a sucker for the connection to history...

Zenith El Primero would have some tempting possibilities with the striking 1/10 too..

CMTFR · Mar 23, 2014

If you don't mind pre-owned - probably, in the case of the VC you would have to choose the previous model - these two:

(pics from www)

aardvarkbark · Mar 23, 2014

Another vote for Breguet 3810 Transatlantique Type XXI, buy on ss bracelet plus strap for < $10k.

Gorgeous case with fluted case band, elegant curved lugs, sits flat on wrist, beautiful ruthenium dial with lots of detail and character, base Lemania movement with flyback.

anothernewphone · Mar 23, 2014

little big feather said:
Daytona, in gold. Great and Iconic chronograph....Why go steel, when you can go bold and get all the squeal!!

This is of course...Used.

I think you're forgetting the "under 10k" part of the thread. You can't find a decent Daytona in stainless steel under 10K at all, let alone gold. You're only going to find Zenith models with some decent wear for under ten grand.

tribe125 · Mar 23, 2014

E8ArmyDiver · Mar 24, 2014

Seiko SSC223!It's my favorite watch finish(pvd),my favorite accent/dial colors(ANYTHING orange),solar powered & I could afford to actually own one

omega1234 · Mar 24, 2014

Igorek said:
The one I covet:

Its such a clean interpretation of the El Primero, perfectly balanced and better looking than the "Original 1969".

omega1234 · Mar 24, 2014

aardvarkbark said:
Another vote for Breguet 3810 Transatlantique Type XXI, buy on ss bracelet plus strap for < $10k.

Gorgeous case with fluted case band, elegant curved lugs, sits flat on wrist, beautiful ruthenium dial with lots of detail and character, base Lemania movement with flyback.

View attachment 1430475

View attachment 1430478

Always been a huge fan of the Type XX line.

omega1234 · Mar 24, 2014

CMTFR said:
If you don't mind pre-owned - probably, in the case of the VC you would have to choose the previous model - these two:

View attachment 1430379 View attachment 1430380
(pics from www)

Great choices, as usual C.

Your Favorite Chronograph Under $10k

omega1234

Horologic

DEP21

little big feather

Nokie

Igorek

HRC-E.B.

Synequano

BusyTimmy

DanielW

estrickland

mpalmer

CMTFR

aardvarkbark

anothernewphone

tribe125

E8ArmyDiver

omega1234

omega1234

omega1234

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