Three watches at three different price points: Chronograph Watches

In this edition of three watches at three different price points, we are taking a look at chronograph watches. Made for speed and timekeeping under the second, we take a look at three chronograph watches from Audemars Piguet, Rolex and the unusual choice of Kurono Tokyo. 

 

Kuruno Tokyo’s Chronograph II White “Shiro”

 

 

This Chronograph is definitely not something you come across every day, and for many of you it may not be a brand you have heard of before. Kurono Tokyo is a brand made by an independent watchmaker, so there is a high level of quality with a very low level of supply. Hajime Asaoka made the brand on the concept of having something affordable as an everyday wear for both new watch collectors and existing atelier watch owners.

 

 The Chronograph II features a bright white dial achieved by sand-blasting the dial followed by silvering to make the colour more prominently white. It features a contrasting red throughout the watch and ‘Kyudo’ arrow hands, based on the arrowheads of Kyudo style archery in Japan. It is simplistic and has purpose behind its every detail, which is something that may be overlooked by the bigger swiss brands. This attention to detail makes for a unique and pretty watch. The leather strap is a great pairing with this watch due to its contrast with the white and stainless steel case and makes it very casual and easy to wear.

 

 The watch is 38mm in case diameter with a stainless-steel case and is powered by the Japan-made mechanical self-winding chronograph movement that provides 45 hours of power reserve and is water resistant to 30 meters.

 

This watch retails for £3,050 so it is more than perfect as an entry level timepiece to the world of luxury and niche atelier brands such as Kurono Tokyo.

 

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116500LN

 

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is arguably the father of all chronograph watches. Famously worn by movie star and race car driver Paul Newman, the Daytona collection has continued to stand as the most iconic steel sports watches to date and year by year it lives up to expectations.

 

The new reference 116500LN nicknamed the ‘panda’ has all the nostalgic features with new technology to make it the ultimate chronograph watch. The cerachrom bezel in black is virtually scratch proof and is contrasted perfectly with the white lacquered dial. The sub dials with white inside and black outer rings are clean and don’t take away too much from the simplicity of the watch, with the red ‘Daytona’ adding a pop of colour on the dial.

 

The oyster case offers up to 100 meters of water resistance and is fitted on the oyster bracelet with both satin and polished finishing, with tapering near the clasp to make it extremely comfortable and more stylish than other competitor brands. The watch is driven by the in-house Rolex movement Calibre 4130 engaged by a mechanism with a column wheel and vertical clutch for an instant and precise start. The watch also offers a power reserve of 72 hours trumping the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

 

The watch can be picked up on the market for circa £37,500 Today, so if you are interested you can purchase it with us here.

 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph

 

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph is an astonishing piece of craftsmanship, with every ounce of luxury and precision etched into its design process to ensure quality of the highest level. Brushed finishing and pristine polishing stands out the most when first looking at this watch. The brown trademark grand tapisserie dial with the rose gold sub-dials makes for the perfect amount of fluidity and contrast on the dial, so it still stands out and is recognisable, but it can be just as neutral and subtle at the same time. The tapisserie pattern also adds depth that isn’t found on your typical lacquered dial. The watch is (for the average Joe) ostentatious and sexy, but this is not something it should apologise for.

 

The watch features an 18ct rose gold case and is 41mm in case size. The watch has up to 50 meters of water resistance which is not anything extraordinary, but definitely more than the average person needs. The movement, the CALIBRE 2385 gives 40 hours of power reserve and Chronograph functions as well as your day-to-day hours, minutes, seconds, and date.

 

This watch is on the market for circa £100,000 GBP  making it the most expensive, but this is justified, especially as it has a much higher retail price. This watch is available to purchase here