The BEST Chronographs for $2000

Let's look at 2 of my favorite chronographs, both can be had for around $2k, the sweet spot for value.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Join the conversation at WatchCrunch: www.watchcrunch.com/Max/posts/my-favorite-2k-chronographs-29127

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I've seen your ads for watchcrunch for awhile now I'm going to take a peek since it doesn't look like another Hedinkoo or Frotella.

[@dukes70]

Great vid as always Max! Love both chronos because they have their own style and brand history! For a little less than Sinn 356 (sapphire) you mentioned, I love the Hanhart 417 ES! Great looking, brand history, and of course the King of Cool wore one!

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

I love the junghans. Such a clean crisp elegant understated aesthetic

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Definitely!

[@MD062010]

Recently purchased a Hamilton Khaki pilot day date auto. I'm really impressed. As one of the least expensive watches in my collection, I was pleasantly surprised with the finishing, feel, and dial. Hamilton had never been on my radar, until watching your reviews. Hamilton offers a respectable value proposition. Thank you! As for one of my favorite chronographs, it has to be the Longines Master Collection Moonphase-- It has been a part of my collection for over 8 years, and it remains one of my favorite watches.

[@Ten.to.one.handmade]

Love that Junghans! could see it sitting really nicely along side my 356 acrylic someday.

[@RickinHKG]

Nice. My SINN 356 is the salmon dial. A 50th birthday gift. Love it! Not exactly everyday wear for me, ... but definitely a forever watch.

[@OFD]

Absolutely awesome comparison. Great video 💯👍🤙

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

😊 The history of the Hamilton Intramatic chronograph can’t be beat, the design dates back to 1968-69 called the Chronomatic Cal. 11 and was one of the first automatic chronographs ever made.

[@anthonystevens8683]

A great comparison Max. The Junghans and the Hamilton are so different it's very hard to choose which one is best so I have to agree with the crunch comparison as equal. Adding the PRX chronograph to the mix would in my humble opinion added a three way tie. So I guess they all could live in the same collection funds permitting of course. The big question would be which one lands on the wrist first. For me it was the PRX panda dial. The jury is out if I can justify another chronograph so that may well be it. Another watch that might be worthy of consideration that is above that 2K limit also based on the 7753 but with a column wheel is the Logines BigEye in steel that for me is arguably the best at a glance readable chronograph.

[@andrewd7586]

I like the Junghans. But my favourite chronograph in my collection is a recently acquired Hanhart 417ES 1954, 39mm. Yes the Steve McQueen reissue. A beautiful watch.😍😎👍🏼🇦🇺

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Great call

[@JAW114]

Reminds me of the Breitling Premier which I also love… sophisticated, classy and sporty.

[@Patrick-ml1hl]

The Hamilton, hands down. From the action of the crown to the feel on the wrist, it cries out quality. And for me, Bauhaus has always represented aesthetic retrograde in the history of beauty. And as for history, please...

[@TheWayofGrace89]

Amazing video man, wow. Subscribed.

[@MrChippinator]

I agree I bought a Tag Heuer Carrera used for around that price. It’s pretty much the sweet spot, the Valjoux is such a solid movement.

[@marcgirard7551]

Great video. I like the Hamilton between these two watches but I am a big Motorsport fan. I’m really itching to try and. That PRX Chrono to see if I can pull it off

[@lexus2k3]

recently got the Intramatic and it has seen so much wrist time, just beautiful

[@alwayspooh1588]

You cannot go wrong with Hamilton, from their field to their dive watches and everything in-between, they are great bang for your buck and are well-made.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

What a lineup

[@khronokraze]

I've owned a reverse blue panda Hamilton chronograph. Really enjoyed they one ... Maybe I'll buy it back again someday? And, I've owned a Junghans Meister Telemeter Chronograph, the one with the silver dial and tachymeter and the telemeter scales around the primer. It certainly wore more compact and thinner than specs may suggest. These days, I have 3 mechanical chronographs. They could all be daily drivers imho. Under $2k.. I believe it still is if they still make them is a Farer Bernina Chronograph Sport. Excellent manual wound movement with 100m of WR. The other two are over $2k. I have a Sinn 103 Klassik 12. Super capable with screwdown pushers and crown with 200m of WR and likely negative pressure resistance as it's also considered a pilot chronograph and should handle rapid decompression. Lastly, I have a Seiko Prospex SBEC005 which has a very good column wheel chronograph and also 100m WR. The Farer is the thinnest at or under 13mm. Thank the manual wound Sellita chronograph movement which has been more prevalent in a number of relatively recent releases from Nivada Grenchen, Baltic and Nezumi to name some off the top of my head. The Sinn and Seiko are the thickest at 17mm and 16mm respectively. But, they really don't wear that big on wrist and never had any weight or dexterity issues. Quite comfortable in fact and both use case sculpting tricks to make them wear more compact and lower profile when on wrist. There are no shortage of pretty nice mechanical chronographs that range from mid-$1k to roughly $3k one can look at and choose from these days.

[@Max.Effect]

Nice video ! You should have a look to the Hanhart 417ES in 39mm (Steeve McQueen's watch !). It is an absolute winner in this price point for chronograph.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Everyone is saying that, I'll have to take a look!

[@MrDemon891]

I had exactly the problem to choose a nice looking chronograph for around 2k I bought the mido multifort patrimony chronograph with rosegold, and I'm still in love with that watch.

[@Jorg05111980]

That one looks amazing, specs are great...looking at the black one. One question: how is the anti-reflection, as in videos I often see quite some reflection on Mido's

[@megasoid]

I really like the Hamilton. You're right about the prime price point for a chronograph. Thanks for the review.

[@curwinsamuels5773]

Both fantastic options. Leaning towards the Bauhaus, just cleaner but for someone else it could be the Hamilton. Just picked up the Sinn 356 copper/salmon dial which is now my favorite daily Chrono..until the next one of course..lol..

[@WjH14]

Incredible video of these two watches. At the $2k price point I think the Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Seadiver also deserves to be in the convo. Welcome your thoughts. I was in the market for a ~$2k chrono and was about to buy the Hamilton before I saw the Nivada. Absolutely blew me away. 38mm, vintage-inspired, rotating bezel, and 9 total functions - I simply couldn’t resist.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Great choice 👍. Love vintage designs

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

Long live the Kola bear ❤

[@flow2tech]

@Walwwed Hashmi YEs!! That nivada also wheres much smaller - which i like.

[@michaelg8258]

I second that. Happen to be wearing mine now. I considered between 40-60 different chronographs at all different price points, and the Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster came in fourth, behind the big boys: Omega Speedmaster, Rolex Daytona and Zenith Chronomaster Sport. None of which I can afford. Love my NG.

[@cbl.2372]

Great vid Max, I think the intramatic chrono as well as the Chronoscope are icons in the price point.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Cheers my friend 🍻

[@nizarmurar]

Max Bill for me is the best

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yes yes!

[@joshuaryanbreen1491]

Just bought one, beautiful !

[@brettkeeler8822]

I like the classy vintage look of the Hammy over the Junghans even though I don’t have either. I just mentally haven’t gotten to a place where I can spend that much on man jewelry.😬

[@mell3109]

I love my Monaco calibre 11, iconic, versatile and robust

[@DRDURSTDRxDURSTx]

Great video! Love the intro!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Jeremy!

[@JoelTaylor-rd1iu]

Both great, and I see why the Junghans just edges it. The Tissot 1938 Telemeter. It has a truly beautiful, elegant dial which cleverly uses colour to keep it from looking too busy. A nice innovation on an often used movement. Not just retro, but based on one of their original chronograph designs.

[@steftedja]

Good review Max

[@thecartruthreport8451]

For the money, the best cream dial watch I've seen yet is the Seiko ssa447j1 on a mesh band. I love vintage new-stock also btw!

[@AdityaKhorana]

Hey max is there a link in watch crunch we can see all the crunch scores of watches you or other crunchers have reviewed?

[@YoureTerrific]

Oh, hell yes, you went to Coava in Portland.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

That place was photogenic 👍

[@tods.9947]

Best everyday mechanical chronograph for around $2000 is anything with a 7750. I have a vintage Hamilton with one and have had several in the past. For more money my favorite is the Speedy Moonwatch.

[@glassisking]

I prefer the Meister Chronoscope to the Max Bill. The concave sub-dials and dauphine hands give it a modern look with more depth and character, while staying true to the bauhaus aesthetic.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Also a great look 👍

[@faiz31887]

I recently bought a Seiko SRQ029 used for $2k. I think it's the best chrono for me. I love it. But I keep eyeing that Hamilton H. If I had both, I don't see myself picking up the Hamilton over the Seiko, though. That's why I haven't bought it.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

I own the Hamilton Intramatic Chrongraph in the blue dial and the Junghans Meister Telemeter acrylic crystal chronograph and it really is close but would tend to agree if I had to keep just one it would be the Junghans. ❤❤❤❤

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

So timeless

[@whyFINAL]

I just ordered Hamilton. Junghans is too dressy for me. Sinn 356 is too casual :-D plus its much more $with sapphire crystal and bracelet. Hami is a sweet spot and fitting my wardrobe the most!

[@Mark467]

Which strapbandits strap is that? It looks very nice on the max bill.

[@craig2100]

Great job

[@joeysanchez6777]

I daily drive the max bill chronoscope and the only downfall is the acrylic crystal. Now they make em with sapphire. Wish I would've waited

[@ehrenkrause9861]

There's so many chronographs to choose from but I've always been looking for something a little different And I don't really see much about them. That is the Doxa 200 C-graph. With orange dial and rubber strap

[@stephenglennan9963]

Marcello C Pegasus Chronograph with the green dial. 7750 movement, keeps great time. I have it it in my collection for over 20 years.

[@alvinlim2578]

have been looking for an affordable chrono for a small wrist, and suitable for daily wear - both these have been in my watchlist. While both are very nice, esp the junghans, and the green dial (or was it blue) variant of the hamilton, both have high polished bezel which is not a good thing for clumsy guy like me. So yeah, i am still looking. Closest watch which fits my checklist is the vintage Heuer CS3110.

[@therenaissancetinker2972]

Check out the speedmaster automatic 3523.80 39mm (but wears small IMO), in this price range and a beautiful blue dial.

[@joshuakaplan5726]

My favorite everyday chronograph is my racing green IWC Pilot's Chronograph 41!

[@rxl77]

Speedmaster racing 40mm - have you ever done a review on those?

[@kanjihilts-yi5mu]

Does anyone know which strap is used with the Junghans?

[@geibenbedivan3433]

Thanks for your awesome and professional work! I can’t wait for the next! My favorite chrono is the seagull 1963 (a older, pretty original version). With the Venus clone you have a cool watch and you won’t find one with a similar value for this money. What do you think about the junkers chronos? Greetings from Germany

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Greetings! I like junkers design, just wish they were mechanical

[@geibenbedivan3433]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial There are. Just have a look at the junkers bauhaus series. Guess you would like them too :) I have two of them and I love them.

[@rickliners6123]

I like the aesthetics of the Junghans. That simplistic look with the domed crystal is unique. Plus, I'm left with a sour taste on Hamilton. I bought a Field Khaki Day-date 5 years ago and it quit working. It's out of warranty and the minimum a watchmaker will charge is 250$ for any repair. The watch cost me 480$ new. I don't think it's worth even 250$ if It were running. I don't beat my watches and I rotate them. I know it's not Hamilton. I've always known ETA movmts to be solid. I just can't shake the feeling whenever I look at one in the store. You know, it's like when u buy a car and 6 months later it's in the shop. U prolly got a lemon, but it's hard to go back to that manufacturer again.

[@schmunk]

That Hamilton is a beauty, but it also looks like a scratch magnet to me.

[@Ziogeppo00]

Nice video! Just found this channel and immediately subscribed. I proudly own this watch (same reference). I got it with Milanese mesh that I dislike. Then I purchased a leather nice strap to replace the mesh. I saw in this video a racing strap; and I would like to try. By chance do you have a brand/model to suggest me that suits best with this watch ? Thank you very much.

[@tvisor8849]

Please give me some information about the rallystrap of the Intramatic

[@stephendekker969]

I have a Dan Henry Bicompax Panda (38mm), I bought this over the hamilton you are showcasing, not because of the price but it feels great on the wrist. 2000USD doesnt have to be the sweet spot.

[@nikr1d3r32]

God I wish you didn’t tell us why you went to Portlandia, now I can’t unsee it 😮😂

[@tonyvera-cruz6422]

Hi Max, you may want to add the Hanhart 417ES 39mm to your list.😊

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Good call Tony

[@idid1866]

Junghans, hands down🤸‍♂🤸‍♂

[@moma8229]

Chrono-Classic from Farer are very beautiful pieces at 2k

[@Cucndnsgdhjffmddj]

The Hamilton's beautiful but the Junghans is the one I'd love to wear. Especially with this gorgeous band. So classy with your coat. where did you get it?

[@flemmingsorensen5470]

Guinand Starfighter 2 🔥🔥🔥🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪 But both the Hami and the Junghans are sweet!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

😊👍👍

[@alanmckinnon6791]

I used to be ambivalent about Hamilton watches. Then I touched one for the first time. So yeah, the Hamilton.

[@yaaxarr8977]

My fav chrono is Longines Heritage 1963 Re-Issue

[@elgatto3133]

Sinn 903 for me for ~$2k. A Navitimer that hasn't forgotten how to be a tool.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Ooo that's a great call

[@DjKayD]

I love both watches but I found the lug to lug too long on the Hammy and not a fan of the black coating on the Junghans day/date.

[@BadGuyDennis]

I have noticed your Max Bill do not fully reset the chronograph hour register hand.

[@tods.9947]

Yes, I saw that too. Looks like the reset hammer has an issue.

[@DWilliam1]

I own the Hamilton chrono but in automatic. It looks great, but it loses close -10 sec a day. It’s also not robust. I banged it(not very hard) and had to pay almost $500 to get fixed. I’ve dropped other watches and even had one of my Rolexes run over by a car and they never stopped working. In terms of my favorite Chrono, then it has to be my Breguet Transatlantique.

[@ondreiii]

My favorite own chrono is the Audemars piguet 26315st blue panda 💙 🐼

[@trebm3]

Love my Junghans

[@sinjinadams2862]

For those out there that can't afford the $2000 price tag, you can't beat the Seagull ST19 movement. It can be had in a very nice watch for under $200, a tenth of the price.

[@JM-gy6zb]

Is it realistically repairable or do you basically treat it as a disposable watch at that price?

[@sinjinadams2862]

I would treat it as a disposable watch.

[@moma8229]

Red Carrera would be my perfect chrono if I could find one 🙂

[@gori277]

I love the look of the Hamilton but… the fauxtina doesn’t add up with the white chrono hands, the size is still off for an historic rendition /(should be a 38mm) and the obvious choice is: Seagull 1963!

[@darrenjones2070]

Hamilton!

[@vornamenachname594]

The Junghans can be had with the bracelet, too.

[@chinaman1]

in terms of looks, the Junghans is nicer. but sadly the build quality feels poorer than Hamiltons. I tried the Junghans chrono 2 years ago when I was buying the junghans max bill as gifts for my brother and his wife, and I tried out the junghans chrono and it just feels terrible. I am not sure if their current range of chronos have improved, but sadly i just no longer have a good impression of Junghans chrono anymore.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

They can definitely step up the build

[@daddyofthepaddy]

I pulled the trigger on a Junghans Meister Chronoscope after watching your video. I thank you for the excellent content, but perhaps my wallet does not...

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

My wallet concurs 😂

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

With the tons of new collectors in the hobby I have a little warning from an old dude, when I started collecting I was going crazy for vintage chronos, loved the 7750 and el primeros but service is a thing. Plan ahead before buying tons of chrono, they're often "cheap" to buy but are a bitch to service.

[@brianmckibben2300]

Economics of watches points to Quartz for value. Except for the 1963 every mech chrono is north of a grand. A good VK series quartz starts under $100.00 USD. Sure a Swiss chrono will last longer but that will buy you a bunch of Japanese chrono watches. A service alone is more than a new quartz watch.

[@brianmckibben2300]

Wow i won something on Telegram and now I just have to send Max money to ship it. what a wonderful guy

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

The Junghans is my pick of the two, but it wins it by a hair. I think there's an issue with the 6 o'clock sub-dial not resetting to the 12 on the max bill. Am I seeing that right?

[@sugondesenuts69]

Talking about a known non-chronograph guy as an intro to a chronograph video. Lol

[@Cinoism]

$2000 is definitely a sweet spot for a Chrono... unless you can get a Rolex Daytona.

[@uhohDavinci]

yeesh.. the underside of the seconds hand on the Hamilton at 4:06 is hideous! $2k for that?

[@chinhwankim]

Sinn Type 4.....mil spec

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Good call

[@chukulan]

I was with you until you gave Junghans the edge on history, then you lost me.

[@KeithBeacham]

Hand winding and fauxtina are not upgrades.

[@AGL23]

Telling me to susbscribe and immediately putting an ad on after that is just bad taste.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Sorry about all the free content you are watching 😉

[@AGL23]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial wow…. I’m glad I didn’t subscribe. Not watching you anymore.

[@user-wb4xj2um3u]

first I must say you really picked two great chronograph at the budget around 2000$, then you compared them and give them your score, I must say I don't agree with you, because they are different in style and design but if you insist I will relate to your comparison. first Design....it's irrelevant.... fit&finish I take your words... Movement- Hamilton is simply better, you can't compare upgrade 7750 to generic 7750....history is irrelevant Hamilton is Swiss watch and not an American watch. Value is great on both watches and I don't see how Hamilton is better... but you neglect to mention in your comparison is the wearability of course Junghans win in that segment....

[@sonisan2682]

G-shock is far better in all aspects.

[@snapfitness1]

While I can agree with your title ... there weren't any reasons for the $2000 statement. The video is fine but just doesn't match the title.

[@Kinegos]

I honestly can't take anyone seriously that likes bauhaus styling. They are just so ugly. I know it's subjective. But, my God, they are so bad. The max bill makes me physically repulsed. It's just gross. I can't understand it. Knowing you like that watch makes me question all the other reviews you've posted about truly good looking watches. I guess it's safe to say I really don't like bauhaus watches. I wish I hadn't seen this review lol

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

So you also must be repulsed by all of apple products, mid century furniture, much of early 2000s Audi designs...etc 😔

[@Kinegos]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial you pretty much nailed it lol

[@brianpercival1829]

👎 Thump THUMP THUMP Thump voice over music ruins videos.

[@thegorn]

I can't stand chronographs. Stupid little sub dials. Bad lum. Fat and ugly side profiles. Top heavy. Floppy. Bad water resistance. Expensive to service. Just terrible. Give me diver, pilots, gada or dress - keep your chronographs. The fad will be over soon.

[@Kylosgrande]

sounds like you need a chronograph!

[@sandsoftime3248]

hanhart 417ES no contest