10Best: 2010 ($1,000 to $5,000)
The Victorinox Chronopro is Victorinox's premiere mechanical chronograph. It comes is a 42 mm stainless steel case, with an open caseback that affords a view of the Valjoux 7750 movement. Screw down pushers and crown ensure 100 meter water resistance. The price is excellent for a Swiss chronograph of this quality. Read more about the Victorinox Chronopro here.
Retail $1,650, Victorinox
II. Mido Multifort Chronograph
A new entry from Swatch Group's Mido brand. This chronograph comes in a 45 mm stainless steel case (shown) or a black PVD case. Being that Mido is owned by the Swatch Group, it should come as no surprise that the movement is an ETA/Valjoux 7750. It is the "top" finished movement (the top is same as a "Chronometer" - without the COSC certification) and a signature rotor. On top of having a great movement, which is visible through the caseback, the dial is quite nice as well. The dial is metal and features unique lume filled cut-outs for the hour markers, plus the dial has a striped finish (Geneva stripes). Read more about this amazingly affordable and good looking new collection here.
Retail $1,690, Mido
III. Breitling Chronospace
The all new Breilting Chronospace watch is relatively expensive, especially for quartz. However, this is no ordinary quartz, it's actually a thermocompensated SuperQuartz. In fact, this is one of very few quartz watches on the market that meets the rigorous requirements of the COSC. Many mechanicals pass the COSC test, however, quartz watches are held to an even higher standard, and this one meets every one of them. Further, it is a pilot watch that features a number of very useful functions. Digital/analog readout, slide rule bezel and very accurate timekeeping. Read more here.
Retail $4,800, Breitling
IV. Omega Grey Speedmaster
This is Omega's new Grey Speedmaster. Measuring 40 mm in diameter, the case is more traditionally sized. However, the styling is a little more modern with a bold Grey dial and a black Cordura watch strap. The color scheme of this model is great. The Omega mechanical chronograph movement is COSC certified and has a power reserve of 48 hours. It's not the average Omega look and the price is great. Read more here.
Retail $3,850, Omega
V. Maurice de Mauriac Chronograph Modern
Maurice de Maurice is a boutique brand, based out of a retail shop and atelier (workshop) in Zurich's financial district. Their specialize in customized timepieces, with robust Swiss ETA and Valjoux movements at reasonable prices. This chronograph (shown) has a 45 mm stainless steel case DLC treated case. It is also available in 42 mm or 39 mm if you prefer. The bezel is DLC, however, you can purchase additional bezels if you like, a stainless steel, gold bezel or diamond bezel are a few examples. Many high-end features are included (ceramic ball bearings, titanium screws, for example) as standard with these watches. If the "top" grade Valjoux 7750 movement is not fancy enough for you, just add a partially skeletonized 22K rotor, which you can enjoy through the clear caseback. You also have the ability to change your watch or purchase add-ons in the future. If you like to change the look of your watch, a special rubber bezel tool is optional and allows you to switch between bezels with ease (you can even switch between flat or domed sapphire if you like). Read more here.
Retail $4,200, Maurice de Mauriac
VI. Louis Erard 1931 Regulator
This beautiful regulator watch from Louis Erard has a beautifully finished case, with intricately brushed and polished details. The regulator dial features separate hour, minutes and seconds displays, as well as a power reserve function. And best of all, is its price. Available in both steel (shown) and black steel here.
Retail $2,000-$3,000 Louis Erard
VII. Raymond Weil Freelancer
The Raymond Weil Freelancer is a great timepiece at a great price. For the past few years, after a move more upscale, Raymond Weil has been creating some very interesting design. This 42 mm wristwatch is a perfect example of the new watch styles you can expect for Raymond Weil. The movement is chronograph and features a 46-hour power reserve. Available in steel or gold, with a steel or leather strap, the look is clean and the price is right. Read more here.
NOTE: Rose gold version (shown) costs more.
Retail $2,500+, Raymond Weil
VIII. Kazimon Eintausend
Kazimon is a young watchfocus is affordable high quality diver watches. Kazimon uses robust German cases with accurate Swiss movements inside. The Eintausend is waterproof to 1000 meters of 3333 feet and has the prerequisite professional diver function, a Helium Escape Valve. The dial is very simple, making is easy to read. Overall, I like the look, quality and functions of this diver. And with this price, you cannot go wrong. Read more here.
Retail $2,195, Kazimon
IX. Baume & Mercier Classima Executives XL Chronograph
The Baume & Mercier Classima Executive XL is the newest timepiece in the popular Classima collection. It features a Valjoux 7751 mechanical chronograph movement with a 24 hour indicator, moon phase and a unique day-month indicator. The subdials act as both counters and as indicators of the 24 hour time, moon phase and day-month. To tell the date, the gold central hand points to the corresponding number on the inner chapter ring. The 42 mm case is stainless steel and features a highly polished finish. The strap is alligator with a folding clasp. Read more here.
Retail $5,000, Baume & Mercier
X. Tudor Heritage Chronograph
Tudor is a brand that is manufactured by Rolex, so the quality is very good, but without the high price. Unfortunately, you do not get one of Rolex's famous in-house movements. However, many of the parts of the watch clearly have Rolex quality, in fact, this piece shares some of the features seen on the much more expensive Rolex Daytona. Tudor timepieces use ETA mechanical movements, which is great if you want Rolex looks and quality, but not the price. Oddly, they are not currently distributed in the United States (if you do a little searching I'm sure a dealer will ship one to you from one of the markets that they are officially sold in). Read more here.
Retail $3,000-$5,000, Tudor
Check out picks for best watches under $1,000 here: Most Wanted Under $1,000 Plus check back for more "Most Wanted" features soon.
