In this present day, where some might call it the "Avante-grande", most chronographs come in a self-wounding or a quartz movement. One famous manual wounded Chronograph that most people and watch enthusiasts know the iconic Paul Newman Rolex Daytona Ref 6263, 6265, and 6241 watches. (*rest assured, that particular timepiece made it to this list. ;).. )
Manually wound watches are more labour-intensive to service and require more of an individual approach than a self-winding (automatic) movement watch. But they are worth the effort, especially these 10 Manually Wounded Chronographs we have curated in this article.
Just a little notice. I have linked this article's pictures to the original image source. Unfortunately, all of these beautiful images are not owned by me. But someday, if I were lucky enough, I might get my hands on each of these timepieces and write an on-site review. I am also a watch enthusiast, and these beauties cost more than my savings. But still, getting to read, admire, and compile them as a list in this article makes me very happy.
Without delay, here is the list of 10 Manually Wounded Chronographs. A spellbinding timeless timepiece with one of the most fascinating movements.
Breguet Classique Chronograph
The Classique 5287 was initially introduced in 2013. Although it is no longer available in general, it is available in some Breguet boutiques. A timeless classic in every essence of the word. From its refined aesthetics, iconic hand-wound to its Lemania-inspired chronograph movement, it will be a timeless timepiece soughed by many collectors. We can ensure this timepiece will join the circuit of coveted collector's pieces and see its price desirability skyrocket.
The Calibre 2310 is known for durability, dependability, and charming architecture. The Lemania 2310 was initially known as CH 27 and later updated as the Lemania 2310. It was used in several chronograph watches, including Patek Philippe's CH 27-70 and 1142 and Omega's early Speedmaster Moonwatch. Back then, this movement was used in many of the finest hand-wound chronographs from the 1940s until each brands decided to invest in manufacturing their own movements.
Heuer Caerra Ref. 2447
This early manual-wound Heuer Carrera 2447ST, produced in the mid-1960s, is powered by the famous manual-wound calibre Valjoux 72. The watch's designers focused on functionality and readability, which makes it a perfect racing watch. The Heuer Carrera ref. 2547N, 2447NS & NT are popularly known as "panda dials" because of their white subdials and black dials. With its simple yet timeless dial in a round 36mm case, this timepiece represents the classic watches of the twentieth century and rare collector's items.
Patek Phillipe Ref.5070
The Patek Philippe Ref 5070 was launched in 1998 and became the brand's first manual-wind, pure Chronograph watch in over 30 years. It is closely related to the iconic Ref 1463, also known as the "Tasti Tondi" (or "puffy buttons"), due to its distinctive round pushers with grip-finishing.
While Ref 5070 is inspired by Ref 1463, it has no style inspiration from its predecessor. But, it has the elements inspired by another Patek Phillipe model: the Ref 2512, a split-second chronograph from the1950s that Christie's auction sold for $1.5 million in year 2000.
Rolex Daytona Ref.6263
Did you know, The Rolex Daytona Ref.6263 has a Valjoux 727 (Manual Wind) movement? A manual wounded chronograph movement produced in 1971 - 1987. The Rolex Daytona watch, is specially designed for car racers and has become an enduring symbol of the brand's relationship with motor racing. Although the original model was not called a Daytona at all, it was only in 1965 that the name started to appear on its dials. Even then, it would be many years before it became a standard.
Paul Newman was one of the celebrities that gave the Rolex Daytona a timeless fame. He came to own the ref. 6239 Rolex Daytona, which he received as a gift from his wife, Joanne Woodward. She purchased it from Tiffany's in New York and gave it to him sometime in year 1968. Around this time, Newman became famous for wearing the watch throughout his time as an actor in the 1970s and 1980s. The Rolex Daytona ref.6239 Paul Newman owned, has a Valjoux 72 or 722 manual movement of 17 jewels.
Vacheron Constantine Historique Cornes De Vache
The Cornes de Vache is a watch with an old-school vibe that's both elegant and sporty. Its movement is a hand-wound chronograph that traces its roots to the golden age of manually wound chronographs. It's inspiration is based on the outstanding: Lemania 2310, which shares the same movement architecture with the Omega calibre 321.
Vacheron has upgraded its version of this classic movement to a new innovation by adding more hand finishing and passing it through rigorous certification tests. The stainless steel Cornes de Vache watch is a more affordable alternative to the gold and platinum models, making it a more accessible option for many collectors.
A. Lange & Sohne Datograph
Launched in 1999, the Datograph was produced for twelve years (1999 - 2012). The Datograph was introduced in the baselworld just 5 years after A.Lange & Sohne promoted their Datograph (Dat(e) + (Chron)ograph) at a time when the popularity of chronographs was waning. Still, it quickly became iconic thanks to its movement architecture, finishings, irregular dial, and distinctive case design.
According to Alangepedia, in 1999, at the turn of the century, after decades passed without a new chronograph movement, a company that had only established its innovation came up with an in-house chronograph: calibre L951.1 of the Datograph Flyback. In 2007, famed watchmaker Philippe Dufour called the Datograph "the best chronograph movement ever made."
Montblanc 1858 Monopusher
The Montblanc 1858 line collections are inspired by the legendary watch manufacturer Minerva. From the 1920s till the 1950s, the Minerva watch company was famous for its exploration and military watches. The Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph watch features a two-tone dial reminiscent of vintage watches and the colours of nature. This timepiece with a telemetric scale is powered by automatic movement.
In 2006, Richemont acquired the historical manufacture Minerva (est 1858) and made it a subsidiary of Montblanc. Minerva was to produce high-end watches for Montblanc based on its famous chronograph movements.
Montblanc then decided to further expand the appeal of its Minerva line by creating watches that represent the models of the 1920s and 1930s but without the exorbitant price tags. These are achieved by evoking past designs while equipping them with perfectly decent contemporary automatic movements.
Panerai Luminor Chrono Monopulsante GMT Blu Notte
The Luminor is a charming watch combining practical and economical design elements. It has a square shape that comes from pocket watch cases of the Art Deco period. The numerals are scribed in two layers to last longer, and the top layer contains radioactive luminous paint to make them easier to read at night. The crown guard was added to avoid field repairs on stripped screw-down crowns because stripped screw-down crowns were a problem for the military preference.
Panerai is known for its straightforward watches, and the 8-day Angelus in the Egiziano is a rare exception. Just from the name, the Angeus can power-reserve and run for seven days plus a day extra. Making it one of the perks of the 1135 model.
Chopard Mille Miglia Vintage
Since 1988, the Chopard family has been sponsoring and timing Mille Miglia, a historic race that takes place every year in Italy. Each of their watch designs has unique attributes. They appeal to motorsport fans and bring in new horology enthusiasts who appreciate the refinement and accuracy of these timepieces. Some may be unfamiliar with Chopard watches because the company is best known for its jewellery. However, this matter should never concern you. Chopard makes many high-quality watches that rival the best in the industry, including those with the Geneva Seal of Approval (a mark of quality awarded in Switzerland).
Omega Museum Chronograph
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According to the article from the SSONG website, released in 2003, the Omega Museum Chronograph is one of the earliest pieces from the Omega Museum Collection. It honoured their famous Officer's watch that was produced in their 40s. The original version was powered by the Cal. 33.3 movements, one of the most iconic movements by Omega. The Omega Museum Chronograph is trademarked as the legendary timepiece and is known to be one of the best of Omega. Today, this watch will fetch exorbitant prices because of its quality and limited availability. But, a reissue is available for anyone who wants to own a piece of horological history.
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The watch comes in a case inspired by 1940s designs. It has a 37.5mm dial with a vintage-inspired design. The hour bezel is made of stainless steel and has an art deco font, while the busy dial has three displays: a tachometer, telemeter and pulsometer.
This Omega Museum Chronograph is an excellent tribute to the original watch and is a beautiful timepiece many collectors would love to own.