Accuracy probably doesn’t play too big of a role in most peoples’ watch purchases, and while practically speaking there’s not much reason to own something hyper-accurate, there’s an ineffable coolness to a high-performance watch. Given that only a tiny fraction of watches out there are tested for accuracy by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC), in addition to being a certification of accuracy, having “Chronometer” printed on a watch dial a badge of honor in the watch world. As such, many of the chronometer watches you can buy cost a decent chunk of change.
With that said, in recent years we’ve seen more of a push by watchmakers to offer more value for money, and a chronometer-accurate watch on the lower end of the price spectrum is a great way to do that. As such, there are a few certifiable chronometer watches on the market that you can buy for a couple of thousand dollars — some for even less. Here are six great options that won’t break the bank.
Tissot Ballade Powermatic 80
Silicon internals are progressively becoming the new hotness in mechanical watchmaking, but while most watches using the material cost thousands, Tissot offers a silicon balance spring in a watch that costs under $1,000, an exceptional value. That silicon helps achieve COSC-level accuracy, but it also bestows the Ballade with a lengthy 80-hour power reserve, meaning you can take the watch off for a few days at a time, pop it back on and it will still be running. In addition to the excellent movement, the watch comes in at under 10mm thick and features detailed texturing both on the dial and bezel.
Movement: Tissot Powermatic 80.811 automatic (ETA 2824-2 base)
Size: 41mm
Water resistance: 50m
