Russell Sheldrake
There seem to be two factions in the watch industry right now. While some people are happy to use the terms bicompax and tricompax to describe two-register and three-register chronographs, others object to the idea. As my colleague Borna has written in the past, the use of these two words has become a point of contention in recent years, so I won’t go into it too much here. But when Borna decided to follow suit and create a list of what I consider to be the best bicompax, or two-register chronographs, on the market today, I created a list of the best three-register chronographs. I thought it would be right to present it. Or the Tricompax Chronograph.
You’ll find a full range of products here, all offering something a little different. I hope everyone can find something they like. Extremely accessible and completely luxurious, these triple-register chronographs demonstrate just how diverse the world of watches is. After all, this is the typical configuration for a chronograph, and it’s what everyone thinks of when they hear the word, so it’s no wonder there’s such a wide range of variation when it comes to this product.
Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch Mission to Mars
At this point, it feels like we’ll be talking about the pre-MoonSwatch and post-MoonSwatch eras. The impact of these bioceramic chronographs is almost immeasurable, with social, cultural, and economic factors all at play. And for those who haven’t seen it yet, we recently decided to rank all the pieces from our own, completely subjective perspective. “Mission to Mars” came out on top. The bright, playful colors perfectly match the mood of this watch, paying homage to the legendary Speedmaster. What more could you ask for in an entry-level triple register chronograph? Price: $270
Seiko Prospex Speed ​​Timer Pogue SSC947
Well, from homage to homage, this time to one of our favorite Japanese brands, the Seiko Speedtimer Pogue is a Seiko legend by adding this bright yellow dial to what is already a great chronograph. Directly inspired by legendary watches. . The original Pogue spent 84 days in space on the wrist of Colonel William Pogue. It was one of the most legendary chronographs in the history of complications, and the revival of this color scheme caused an uproar within the Seiko collective at the time. It was released earlier this year. Price: $700
Tissot PR516
PRX may be getting all the attention these days, but this PR516 chronograph is a truly popular model in Tissot’s catalog. From the robust case construction to the vintage style choices, not to mention the pops of color against the monochrome color palette, this is the quintessential chronograph. And when you realize it’s powered by a hand-wound Valjoux-derived movement, it’s hard to beat at this price point. Price: $1,850
Baltic Tricompax Reverse Panda
I love reverse panda dials, so when Baltic released this vintage-style chronograph, I was immediately struck by how well they finished the dial. Minimal markings mean it doesn’t look crowded, smooth hands add an old-world charm, and mushroom pushers show that the Baltic team cares about their work and pays close attention to detail. It makes you feel that you are paying for it. The great thing is that this is available in the online store and at Discovery Studios, but they have a terrible habit of flying out the door. Price: 1,645 EUR (~1,900 USD), available from T+T shop
Longines Avigation Big Eye
It’s okay if your watch has some quirks or differences. Avigation BigEye is proof of that. With its minimal branding and large subdials at three positions, this vintage watch is a testament to the richness of Longines’ heritage. It’s very well thought out, giving it the feel of a 1940’s pilot chronograph, with a very reliable ETA automatic caliber that runs the show. No wonder it won the Revival Award at the 2017 GPHG. Price: $3,000
TAG Heuer Carrera Glass Box
This watch has quickly become one of my favorites over the past few years. The TAG Heuer Carrera Glass Box is a very clever redesign, elevating a model important to the brand while retaining all of its key elements. A domed crystal with an internal tachymeter helps clear the dial, and this effect is amplified by the minimal bottom sub. – Dial to maintain visibility. Although this watch has been released many times now, I’m still a big fan of this 39mm model with a deep blue dial. Price: $6,450
Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch
This watch was the first thing I thought of when creating this list. The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional has the perfect combination of rich history, impeccable design, brilliant specifications and a wide range of options for those looking to branch out. Omega is capitalizing on its powerful Moonwatch product, which became popular with the moon landing, and it’s very difficult to have a piece of that history on your wrist. However, I know several collectors for whom owning this watch seems like a statement of personality. Price: $7,000 (Hesalite crystal)
Zenith Chronomaster Sport
Perhaps one of the sportiest chronographs on this list, the Zenith Chronomaster Sport makes me think of races and competitions. The El Primero movement inside and the legend of its 1969 release are playfully expressed by three colored subdials in stunning shades of blue, gray and silver. Thanks to Zenith’s long-standing tradition in this field, the production of such chronographs is impeccable. It’s a great piece of engineering with a long story to back it up. Price: $11,300
rolex cosmograph daytona
Considered one of the most difficult watches in the world to obtain, the Rolex Daytona remains extremely popular among many in the collecting community. Its ties to vintage motor racing and its bulletproof construction to Rolex’s incredibly high standards make this chronograph one of the ultimate chronographs to own. While many still see this as a pure status symbol, it’s important to remember the amazingly good watchmaking that maintains this. The 4130 inside has proven to be an incredible quality movement. But if you can get your hands on an off-catalog piece, it could be one of the biggest flexibilities you can have for your next meeting. Price: $15,100
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph
There’s something about a rose gold and green dial. It seems to be the color combination that is currently taking the watch world by storm. And when Vashon Constantin decided to cleverly apply it to their Overseas Chronograph, it was a surefire candidate for this list. The Overseas line is now so highly regarded in the luxury space that it almost needs no introduction. The chronograph is a little chunky, but it has an extra layer of luxury and sportiness to it that takes it to another level for me. Price: $79,500
