If you want a decent mechanical chronograph today, be prepared to pay handsomely. Even the most affordable ones, usually running a Valjoux 7750 movement, will set you back around $2,000 at the least. But look at the vintage market — even where tool watches and complications are prized — and you’ll find plenty of excellent chronographs from respected marques that sell for even less. Here are three great examples from Wakmann, Seiko and Croton that have bold, sporting looks.
Wakmann Regate
What we like: The Regatte must have one of the funkiest dial designs ever conceived. The middle chapter ring features five weeks worth of days, with each week highlighted in color, and this in turn matches up with the inner-most ring that displays numbers one through 31. The idea is that you can rotate the day(s) ring to correspond with the inner ring, so you know which day of the month falls on which date. Is it all that useful? Not necessarily, but it’s a unique function nonetheless. Pair that with a gold-plated case and a chronograph and you have one wild watch.
From the seller: Gold is fully intact with some minor brassing towards the lug tips and some small surface hairlines. Watch runs well, keeps time, and chronograph functions appropriately.
