Chronograph under $10k - give me some recs

zenith el primero would be my fav too, recs are white speedy, tudor bb chrono pink, breitling chronomat chronograph

If you're hunting for a quality chronograph on a budget, I'd suggest giving the Seiko SRQ047 panda a look. Those have an MSRP of 2,500 USD, making them the most affordable new column wheel, vertical clutch chronos from a major brand out there.

Go with the Zenith. It’s something that has a lot to offer and you don’t see it on every corner. Speedy is also nice but the obvious choice for most people. I like to think different

Breguet type xx

Can’t go wrong with a speedy. Not sure of your wrist size but they have 38’s which are quite nice and come in a range of colors. I myself am patiently awaiting my own.

https://youtu.be/ZQ0-QdH2h04?si=G2rm04Et6cj2tyJ3

I am fond of this one but have not pulled the trigger because I have not seen it in person. The gold/champagne dial is the one I like. If I remember this video correctly, Harrison falls for that exact dial.

good call on the Breguet @fudrocker ; that's a brand I have never seriously considered but should take a closer look at.

@Suddenly_Monday Love those chronos. I am waiting patiently for a modern release of a Pogue. When that happens, I'm all over it.

@Wristory I've tried a few Longines over the years...have yet to find one that fits my wrist well and not a brand that really does much for me. Good thought, though.

@HenryLovesWatches I had a Speedmaster Auto in 38 and loved it. There are a lot of good Omega chrono options. def on the list.

Any Zenith ! Seriously fit and Finish, movement design and accuracy, history. Cannot beat for under $10 or even $15! You won’t regret it. I’ve had a Daytona speedy’s in many forms. El Primero all the way!

How about the Breitling Cosmonaut? The 24hr time is definitely a little different. Or go independent and check out Habring and their chronos.

For my money, if I'm looking to optimixe bang for buck, I'd probably look up a gently used Breguet type xx/xxi or a JLC Master control Chronograph

Of the three you are considering I'd go with the Speedmaster. But if you want something different but just as sporty and reliable my daily wear is Hamilton's Chronograph H. The automatic version is also nice but I like the clean look of that the hand wound version has without the date window.

Chronomasters new are typically over 10k new, many speedys are well under. ( I am not a Breitling fan) I own both omega and zenith, I would pick the speeemaster. If you decide you want a new one, message me and I can help you get favorable pricing on either.

Any Zenith chrono will serve you well and you'll be a bit different from the pack.

Zenith, but one of the Revival series for something unique. Various color and material options. Breitling Navitimer or Aviator 8.

Zenith and Breitling lose me at the janky clasp on an expensive watch.

Speedmaster. No question for me.

Without knowing wrist size...here are some thoughts...

From Zenith...a number of great options under $10k...(triple calendar is slightly over that amount if you can get it a decent discount from list)...

From Breitling...(you should be able to find a Datora 42 at a discount from list to get it around $10k)...

CF Bucherer does a really nice bicompax in a variety of colors that sells below your threshold...

Heuer has a number of great choices below $10k...

...that's probably a pretty good list...I could keep going...

Let me know if you have specific specs for what you are looking for...there is always Sinn, Hanhart, Wempe, Montblanc, etc.

My final round candidates were the speedy vs zenith. Ended up going for the Zenith for 1. Thinner/Slimmer case; 2. AND it’s an automatic 3. Panda dial. Having said that, now with the white speedy available Omega had put on more of a competition. But within Zenith would recommend a look at the Chronomaster originals vs Sport as I didn’t like Zenith going after the Daytona look.

The B01 movement from Breitling is TOP level

The Classic Avi 'Mosquito' is a cracker if you're interested in Breitling:

But for me it's the Chronomaster Original Triple Date:

... this is a 'you set 'em up, I'll knock 'em down' question for you Mel!

It’s at a lower price bracket but take a look at Sinn website

The Longines Big Eye will save you loads of cash . Its respected amongst watch enthusiasts ,it's extremely precise, and looks amazing .

I think you can't go wrong with Zenith, Speedmaster and Brietling Premier chronos. Just depends on which feels/looks best to you

Zenith a384

So many great suggestions. It’s a credit to the crunch community that so many of you have given an opinion. Let me add to this that you would be well served with the majority of the choices. Now here’s your answer. It’s the Zenith chronograph white dial on their Oem blue strap. Buy it on the bracelet and put it away. Second choice is speedmaster current model. Can’t go wrong.

Really great suggestions and exactly what i was looking for. thanks everyone! Love the recs. This would be a "special" watch so value isn't too much of the equation (no shade to Hamilton or Longines, but looking to take the proverbial step up).

I should have guess that with a name like "chronoguy" @ChronoGuy would have some killer suggestions.

Sinn is a bit too serious for my taste. They have great tool watches (had a U50) and love their niche EZM lineup (looked at the EZM12 previoulsy) but looking to expand from them.

IWC is definitely a brand I need to take a hard look at. I assumed Piaget would be out of my price point. I may also need to familiarize myself with the chronos from Glasshute Original, Blancpain as those are brands i generally don't consider (again because they are out of my usual price point).

This is the one I’m considering getting for my retirement gift to myself

If there was any doubt, this one shot answers the question.

Living up to your moniker in some style! 👌