The BEST Heritage Chronographs At Every Price Point In 2023 (17 Watches Mentioned)

Complete Guide To The Best Chronographs On TeddyBaldassarre.com: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
Shop The Seiko Speedtimer On TeddyBaldassarre.com:
White Dial: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Black Dial: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Shop Watch Brands Featured In This Video:
Bulova: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Hamilton: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Tissot: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Longines: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Written Content: www.teddybaldassarre.com/blog
In this video, I'll share my top picks for "vintage-inspired" or heritage chronographs based on designs from decades past. We'll start with some of the most attainable options on the market and work our way up well into the world of high horology. What's your favorite chronograph with more of a vintage style?
Watches Featured:
Bulova Chrono A: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Hamilton Chrono H: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Tissot Telemeter 1938: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Longines Record Heritage Chrono: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Videos Mentioned:
Seiko Speedtimer Review: • The Top Japanese Chron...
Nivada Grenchen & Excelsior Park Review: • Two Unique Entry-Level...
Hamilton Chrono H Review: • The New Hamilton Intra...
Habring2 Chrono-Felix Review: • One of Watchmaking's B...
Instagram: teddybaldas...
Top Articles On TeddyBaldassarre.com:
50 Luxury Watch Brands You Should Know: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
10 Affordable Watch Brands And Their Best Watches: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
Best Watches Under $5,000 Complete Guide: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...

[@Ivan-up7ny]

Seagull 1963 2:15 Bulova Chrono A 2:53 Brew Retrograph 4:35 Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver 5:56 Excelsior Park EP95004 6:30 Baltic Tricompax 6:53 Hamilton Chrono H 8:03 Tissot Telemeter 1938 9:40 Sinn 356 10:42 Longines Record Heritage Chronograph 11:57 Tudor Black Bay Chrono 13:02 Omega Speedmaster 57 13:44 Habring 2 Chrono-Felix 15:06 Zenith Chronomaster Original 16:14 Breitling Premier BO9 17:52 Brequet Type XX 3800ST/92/9W6 18:47 A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph 19:54

[@patochepatoche3731]

Lol !!! Et Yema ? La Speedgraf ?

[@nilangagarwal]

you skipped the first watch ?

[@SectorS7VEN]

@@667hodge Getting a TimeX is perfectly fine watches are just jewelry/fashion accessories that tell time which you don’t have to ball out on, but there’s nothing wrong with rewarding yourself a nice quality piece that doesn’t need to be flashy which you could mark milestones in your life. It’ll carry a story which you could then pass down to your kids as Heirloom.

[@juanmaldonado4193]

Man... the Seagull used to go for 240 bucks. Talk about inflation

[@itsQP]

Every time I watch one of Teddy B's videos, I feel complete and I know all the key information. Then he drops another video and it opens up a whole new world for me that I didn't know existed.

[@Brettington]

My first luxury watch purchase was an Omega Speedmaster ‘57 and I absolutely love it. It never leaves the daily wear rotations. I have the narrow hand instead of broad arrow hand version and it’s gorgeous. I much prefer the overall look of the ‘57 over the Moonwatch. The dial and especially the bracelet are much more pleasing visually to me.

[@Supercruze]

Great vid and great lineup of modern chronographs. Love it.

[@zhicaofang2354]

For those interested in Seiko Speedtimer panda dial I recommend looking at the SSC813 and SSC911 at the same time. I started with the SSC813 and now I wear the SSC911. SSC911 has a bigger dial and slightly different combination of color, dial design, and font, but the main advantage for me is that the SSC911 has lumes on all twelve hour markers, while the SSC813 only has four markers (3, 6, 9, and 12) lumed, making the former a more suitable daily wear. On the other hand, size wise the SSC813 may be a more versatile watch with a 39mm dial, and the dial design as well as bezel colorization might suit the taste of more traditional panda dial lovers.

[@Swiss_Army_Knife1780]

Thoughts on the SRQ043?

[@zhicaofang2354]

@@Swiss_Army_Knife1780 Didn't try the watch, but unless for real Seiko enthusiasts, for that price point I'd rather get something a bit fancier, like a Longines Spirit Chrono or Sinn?

[@Swiss_Army_Knife1780]

@@zhicaofang2354 I tried on the SRQ039, which is in the same series with a different powder blue dial with leather watch strap and clasp, at an authorized Seiko retailer. HUGE!!! It wore much larger than the dimensions suggested. At that price point, such thickness in the absence of an additional complication makes me think three times or more about this ⌚. The Longines Avigation Bigeye is a much better buy, especially with the titanium case.

[@zhicaofang2354]

@@Swiss_Army_Knife1780 Thanks for the insights! I've been saving up for a Longines and I am definitely looking at the Spirit and Big Eye chrono lines.

[@nalinseth]

Just got it yesterday can’t recommend enough unreal for money especially after discount

[@MPCooke]

Another fantastic video Teddy, fascinating insight that I could never achieve on my own and perfectly pitched. Thank you

[@salvadorsisnando10]

Teddy , you made a fantastic list of watches and I learned a lot with you . Thank you so much .

[@infinitekronos]

Love these chronographs. I always learn something new when watching your videos.

[@andersjensen1499]

Great video - personally I love this type of watches and amazing to see that even the low end ones are really nice looking watches

[@demmertp]

Some really beautiful chronographs Teddy. Thank you.

[@KeepingWatchUK]

Happy New Year, Teddy. Another class video. Not a huge lover of Chronos tbh & so only have one in the collection. A 3861 Hesalite.

[@jerryc6497]

I was just doing research on mechanical chronographs around the $2000 price range. For anyone shopping around, do not forget the Lorier Gemini, Hanhart 417 ES and the Christopher Ward C65 chrono. The Lorier uses the seagull movement, the other 2 use the Sellita SW510.

[@lukewalker1051]

We love our chronographs, so always a welcome comparison. That said, to me the best cost effective chrono at a low/affordable pricepoint is from Dan Henry, now discontinued. I have the 1964 Dan Henry Evil Panda Dial Chrono and for the price in particular, this is the best chrono available that can be found on line used. Punches way above its pricepoint and dead accurate Seiko Meca-quartz. Dan made other variants as well but the Evil Panda is my personal favorite.

[@sl8ight_yt]

All Dan Henry's pieces are a great choice!

[@sukyvirk2289]

YAY ! Love a Teddy video 👍🏽

[@robertp5123]

The Breitling Pistachio green dial is a stunning timepiece. Definitely agree that it is underrated.

[@Blayzn18]

I went with the SSC limited edition from Seiko. I thought the styling and functionality outweighs the romance of a mechanical movement. I'll take the accuracy and usability of solar quartz over the bottomless pockets you need for some of these others.

[@Rhal63]

Always good to see one of my watches in your good books. Thanks Teddy

[@thetruebatman4632]

Teddy, I love your videos and certainly your taste in watches but one thing that always gets me is when I see an incredible watch for the first time on your wrist, and then learn that it’s a 38 or 39mm case. I’m 6’4”, around 250 lbs and my wrist is just under 8”; anything under a 42 distracts me with how just out of place it looks in the corner of my eye. I actually was obsessed with the Zenith El Primero chronograph until I got to try one on during vacation last month. It’s so much smaller than I had imagined! Idk I’m not complaining but I wouldn’t be upset if you threw in a side note every now and then for us big fellas!

[@jolier1313]

Teddy, I want to say thank you for sharing your ideas on your KZbin channel and through your articles. My knowledge of watches has increased so much since I started following you. On suggestion I have is that I would like to see you do some interviews with the owners of some American microbrand companies, like Detroit Watch Company, Weiss Watch Company, and Vortic Watches like you did with RGM Watches. It seems the last 10 years have been the beginnings of an American watch manufacturing renaissance movement. These brands are definitely underrated, and it would be interesting to see you use your platform to draw attention to these companies and this movement. I can imagine in another 5-10 years, there will be a American movement manufacturer and truly 100% made in America watches.

[@mpw621]

great video. beautiful watches!

[@hach1koko]

That was exactly the video I needed, it feels like Teddy just read my mind.

[@artswri]

Great selection of pieces, really enjoyed seeing such a nice range of the market. As always your presentation is extremely well done, complete and professionally presented / produced. (But could you lean outa saying 'lean into' every 53.4 seconds - I timed with my new chronograph : -)

[@MastinoNapoletano420]

I have a Brew Metric and I love it! That Bulova is interesting. Thanks for sharing Teddy. Hope all is well!

[@jons3808]

Great video, as always!

[@XenFPV]

Love that Zenith. That and a MUT moon would be my dream two watch collection.

[@michaelhargis7036]

Two weeks ago I bought my first ever chronograph watch (Citizen) through Teddy's store. It's blueish dial is amazing. Outstanding watch for the price. Great video, all are wonderful watches.

[@AndrewKimmons]

That Breitling premier with the pistachio dial is awesome. I have a feeling it may be a love it or hate it watch. As for me, I love it. Those love it or hate it pieces are a fascinating little sector of collecting I think. Everyone has some kind of emotional response to those types of watches lol. Can make for great entertainment!

[@erikbasil2787]

Outstanding, Teddy! A great range and selection, with your straightforward and informative presentation.

[@ProfessorPesca]

The watches or the roll-necks?

[@iaincullen7646]

Great video!

[@ignaciopadilla5150]

I've seen the Bulova Chrono on the web but I didn't like it by looking at it on the pictures. It looks much better on the wrist as you showed it on this video. The Nevada Grenchen looks Awesome!

[@walcan6638]

Thanks so much for another fantastic list Teddy. Breitling Premier BO9 is the standout for me. Exceptional in every way.

[@zartan-1975]

I love the Breguet mainly for its lineage! Have not tried one as of yet but still a bucket list watch!

[@dominicdism]

Great vid, Teddy. I would love to see a commentary on accessible rattrapante chronos.

[@nastang87xx]

Black Bay Chrono S&G review coming?! I'm super interested in that piece and would love your take on it, Teddy.

[@vikrantsuri6479]

Seiko coutura is a truly underrated watch here that rarely gets a mention....chronograph, perpetual calander, alarm, solar powered (you name it and the feature is there) with a great balance of sportiness and dress styling.

[@Scrrumy]

I just recently found out about the Timex Q Chronograph and I’m hooked! I need one 🥵

[@Restinpeaceblue]

I know one day you’ll pull the trigger on a Lange, Teddy :D The honey gold Chrono definitely caught my eye; when you peruse the Lange website you can definitely find a wide array of appealing models.

[@normang663]

That breguet is so clean and understated. Love it.

[@gregsnyder4268]

I’ve got the Yema Speedgraf with the Seiko NE86 automatic movement. I think it also fits here on this list as there is some real heritage there. Another great video Teddy!

[@flow2tech]

@Greg snyder yes greg, that is a nice piece.. Love that it is 39mm for an automatic chrono

[@danemehring1029]

I’m like you Bruce, I live an active lifestyle…bought a Seiko SWR052 and used the rest of my funds for divers instead of going the Cartier route. Love the dial work on your MM300!

[@raymondkieffer]

Great video. For the same range as Habring2 I would add the Glashutte Seventies Chrono Panorama date.

[@jaybarthelotte9520]

Great choices, Teddy.

[@christopherhaas6241]

Nice selection, especially the Seagull is quite a cool piece. On the upper end of the price range, I would definitely see the Speedmaster 321 Ed White the best heritage Chrono of them all. It doesn’t get any better than this.

[@Newman8881]

Thanks for posting such a good video on KZbin. However, in your opinion, which watch is better value between Seiko speed timer SSC813P1 PANDA or Oriental Star HK0002L?

[@an_kan]

Very nice list.The Breitling and the Lange are those that stand out in my opinion. The IWC Portugieser is missing though..

[@SuperVarun18]

I would also like to suggest the Junghans Meister driver chronographs. They are reasonable and ooze the vintage classic chronograph vibes.

[@timetowatch_francois]

Thanks for sharing! Love this entire list but ... My top pick is absolutely that great lookin' Hamilton Chrono H Auto 😍👍🏼

[@jamesdinardo6520]

Love your show. Please share with us what watch you are wearing in this eposide.

[@haebichanjung3145]

Teddy what do you think about the new upgraded Seiko solar chronograph speedtimer you love? Primarily the SSC911 with its Silver/black bezel that reminds me of Zenith Chronomaster Sport. I have one, and its 41mm doesn't actually feel big at all

[@williamhill7312]

Great video

[@morgan97475]

Nice selection.

[@simke3125]

Thanks, Teddy, really nice review but honestly I have always had the same problem my Wrist is around 19cm (19,3 or so) and watches under 41mm just look like Toys on my Wrist. Would have loved some "bigger" Options. Although I just bought the Bulova Lunar Snoopy I am always looking for some nice watches 🙂

[@Crackers2549]

I'm an old timer now Teddy the ex Engineer on the RR... I have 3 Hamiltons including the automatic chrono Intra Matic with the Valjoux movement... Love that watch..P.S. Love that sea green Breitling, whoa yes, spectacular.....! Gorgeous,... .Ciao, Ciao, Greg

[@jackw4954]

Hey Teddy, in the mid 60’s I received a Croton Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver as a gift from my parents. I don’t know the story but it’s a duplicate of the Nicaea Gretchen in your video. It’s in the shop being serviced now and I just bought a Tropical rubber bands for it, as that’s the way it came new. Mine has an extra dial with the date as well.

[@arielargo]

Good list! I feel it's missing something from Yema. They have several heritage chronos that are great on the budget side and mid-tier as well.

[@isaiahgray6415]

Wearing my Hamilton panda auto chrono today! Love this watch.

[@nobetagear]

As much as I love Seiko, the Hamilton and Tudor, inverted-panda pieces are amazing looking (and I’ve never been a big chrono-guy) Awesome video, well done!

[@flow2tech]

@NoBetaGear yep.. I see that Hamilton reverse panda in my near future.

[@snapascrew]

Yupp! I searched for the Tudor black one for a while and when I finally found one it was actually the white panda and I couldn’t turn it down but the black panda is still the nicer looking of the two for me.

[@golfinguru11]

missed my favorite, the Vacheron 1955 cornes de vache :)

[@bjorne46]

A very fine list for sure. Probably too many watches out there to name, but what are your thoughts about this one? Eterna 1940 - CHRONOGRAPH TELEMETER . I've considered this one myself, but wasn't really convinced the brand is doing so well... so concerns about them going bankrupt.

[@nickthegreekpandazis6725]

I'm a chrono guy. I just love chronographs, whether it's a diver, dress, sports, aviation watch it has to have a chrono function. Loved the watches on the vid but when talking heritage chronographs there should be a few more in that list, like Rolex Daytona and TAG Heuer Monaco. Still a great vid.

[@Zion-18]

I'm not the biggest chronograph fan in the world, but I'm very glad I picked up a Seiko Speedtimer. I haven't been disappointed.

[@johnparr5879]

Informative and solid content..... Review *

[@D19944]

how would you service the seagull though? i know its not very cost effective and to throw away but what is the estimated uk cost? thanks

[@behonestwithyourself3718]

I really like the Hamilton intra matic. Would be cool if they made them with the hour counter. Hopefully someday.

[@sobohobo12123]

I think that Breitling Premier might be my grail watch. Love the dial.

[@EQ9962]

That Grand Seiko on your wrist! Wow!

[@ricardorgomez]

Fantastic choices! The thing is, I want a Bucherer chronograph in the $8000. But for now, it's too much money to spend on a watch. But on this list, I saw some great alternatives with a a similar look for much less money. And watches that I'd be proud to wear on my wrist.

[@oneone4203]

That Longines Record Heritage Chrono is beautiful, how have I not seen this before?

[@m3chris1]

Nice, have the Hamilton, Sinn and Tudor would like to add that zenith and Breitling!

[@dylanfrank4790]

The timex w chrono should be included next time teddy I think for the money it’s fantastic!!! Thank you for the video

[@whitepeppercorn]

1:28 on the 6 oclock position subdial, there's an F and E... is that a power reserve also built into the chronograph function?

[@CarlosCastillo-pp9bh]

Will you share your thoughts on the Air-King 116900? I would love to hear your opinion on this.

[@lordbogus6709]

Love that Zenith Chronomaster original, and especially that panda dial. Most vintage looking watch of them all. If I can only wear 1 watch for the rest of my life, that is my candidate. Paired well with a vintage omega or something

[@amirhernandezpreciado8516]

Teddy what´s your thoughts on the breitling top time?

[@adriansaw8329]

Hey Teddy what is the neck sweater you are wearing? Links please

[@checazz]

Another microbrand that I would consider is Corniche with their Heritage Chronograph, but I haven't had the chance to actually see them in person. Does anyone have any experience or opinion on these?

[@antonyoantonyo7005]

Thanks for pressenting watches of a good size , 38-39,5mm.

[@jonsonnenschein1253]

Love my chronographs. Three on my list are the Hamilton, Longines and Tissot.

[@peterpj32]

What are some good places for buying watch straps in person? It seems like all the suggestions I see are online stores but I would like to see the straps in person before buying.

[@Paperfiasco]

For those on a super tight budget, keep an eye out for Timex, whenever they restock the recent Timex Q Chronograph, super lovely vintage race styling under at around $200-ish.

[@Thexcalibur]

Love mine!

[@mahdibazzoun4927]

I have the seagull and I absolutely love it

[@thomaszannier1638]

I also would have selected the A.Lange & Söhne fly back chronograph. What a masterpiece !

[@karlsenula9495]

For retro look but more affordable and well appreciated by watch collectors/enthusiasts I would also recommend Dan Henry - racing themed watches.

[@brianpercival1829]

You are my video haven for normalcy. Lately had to bail out of music videos trying to be an information video. So much music over voice was difficult to hear the spoken voice. Love your presentations, straight forward information, very well presented. Some watches I have never seen. For me, today is 70 trips around the sun. Buying and watch repair the last 20 years. As it is a special day, from the safe, my Rolex Day Date Gold President 40 mm is on my wrist.

[@paulkinder8440]

I own a Furlan Marri which design wise is based on Patek Phillipe but with a Mecha Quartz movement, i also own a Dan Henry 1937 inspired by chronographs of that time period, again a Mecha quartz, i also own a Bauhaus Iron Annie but is solar powered, although you can get an automatic model, albeit around £700 UK pounds more expensive.

[@philippestrickler3461]

The best part of the production on a wide range of prices. All these Chronographs are beautiful from 300 $ to 50 000 $. i would be happy to buy , the LONGINES, the OMEGA Speedmaster, the BREITLING (green one) and the BREGUET .

[@WigsLtd]

What do you think of the frederique constant flyback chrono?

[@vandalhertz5991]

I love Baltic. I have an Aquascaphe and really happy with it. For the price i think they do a great job.

[@rjamshid]

Hi Teddy. Can you do a video on green dial chronographs please

[@alectang1614]

Sorry Teddy, but how can a list of best heritage chronographs be complete without a Heuer Carrera reissue?

[@need4speed290]

Cause it’s overpriced, not worth it.

[@alectang1614]

@@need4speed290 how is it overpriced? In-house, 80hr, column wheel, vertical clutch for less than a cam levered Speedmaster? And if anything, just as much heritage.

[@deevee8220]

@@need4speed290 Are you sure you know what you're talking about or are you the same group of dumbos who like to bash Tag? That Heuer 1964 re-edition with the Lemania based column wheel chronograph movement is a very good deal for under $5k. It is actually one of the true heritage reissues directly from the 60's, similar to the Breitling Top Time Deus.

[@need4speed290]

@@deevee8220 Lol Tag Heuer is not the kind of watch you wish to collect, like the watch itself is nice but only fans boys of Tag Heuer will want one. And their new watches are overpriced, don’t want to argue we all have a different opinions on watches so.

[@rayyantabani1636]

Everyone has an opinion these days smh

[@24934637]

I've recently acquired a Doxa Sub 200 C-Graph (Sharkhunter). I thought that it was somewhat overpriced at £2690 seeing as the basic Sub 200 is under £1000, however I was lucky and managed to snag one at the 'Christmas Sale' price of £1640, a reduction of over £1K. Couldn't pass it up at that price.

[@bbrescia8697]

Really on the fence between the Speedy57 and the El Primero .. anyone have any points or thoughts to help me out?

[@dgdave2673]

Once again a Teddy review without any mention or inclusion of Fortis! They have some excellent Chronograph models backed with a lot of history and heritage. C’mon after all they invented the first automatic watch. Not understanding why this guy keeps ignoring Fortis and there isn’t a single review of any of their watches!

[@ofb7212]

Dan Henry has multiple mecaquartz based heritage chronographs under $300. I have a 1939 ww2 military chrono and my wife wears the 1937 art deco themed chrono. Both very retro good looking and affordable.

[@tonybinky20]

Yeah I wish Teddy looked more within this price range. Ever since I saw the Tissot Telemeter, I’ve been really interested in buying a more affordable watch in the same style. Dan Henry came under the radar, but I wish there was a similarly affordable option that doesn’t rely on a battery.

[@Andrew.W75]

@@tonybinky20 He won't because he doesn't sell Dan Henry watches

[@kris6592]

@@Andrew.W75 He doesn't sell Sinn but he mentioned them............

[@Andrew.W75]

@@kris6592 He probably in the process of becoming an AD for them ;-)

[@danielgarnier7362]

Yo teddy getting swole! I see you my man!

[@docfluty]

I saw chronograph in the title and would hope to see the most underrated chrono out there… the jlc Polaris chrono

[@sanghoonlee5171]

You should have squeezed Blancpain Air Command in between Breguet and Lange. It's pretty much a direct facsimile of the 1950s Air Command, and IMO one of the handsomest chronos in production now.

[@matthewsanders6499]

Great! I'll take them all

[@tonyvera-cruz6422]

Nice video Teddy. If I may, it appears that you've missed mentioning brand a German brand that specializes mainly in chronographs. That's HANHART.

[@krasnaludek298]

Hamilton, Tudor, & Breitling (pistachio face) are excellent!