INVENTED IN THE 1800S, THE CHRONOGRAPH HAS EVOLVED FROM A TOOL DESIGNATED FOR ASTROLOGISTS TO A PRACTICAL NECESSITY FOR THE MILITARY, ATHLETES, RACING ENTHUSIASTS, AND COUNTLESS OTHER PROFESSIONALS. WHETHER OR NOT YOU FALL INTO ONE OF THOSE CATEGORIES OR IF YOU MERELY FANCY ITS UBER COOL AESTHETIC THESE DESIGNER CHRONOS FROM THE WORLD’S PREEMINENT WATCHMAKERS ARE AN EXCELLENT PLACE TO START

BY MATTHEW MIZRACH

Omega Speed master Dark Side of the Moon
The first watch to be worn on the moon, Omega’s Speed master has played a part in each of the five lunar trips humankind has embarked upon since. To commemorate that history, the Dark Side of the Moon chronograph is laser ablated to represent the moon’s surface and features a black skeletonize dial and blackened movement. $9,750, leonardojewelers.com

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Fifty years after its inception, the Cosmo graph Daytona remains the most alluring (and instantly recognizable) timepiece in Rolex’s storied collection. Featuring an 18K white gold meteorite dial and a black cerachrom bezel with a tachymetric scale. $34,850, leonardojewelers.com

Breitling Super Chronomat B0144
After making its debut in the 1980s as a high performance watch for hotshots in aerobatic squadrons, the Chronomat is reinvigorated for 2022 with this bold and stately design, featuring several ceramic inserts on the bezel and a reuleaux inspired strap. Available in a coveted array of color and metal variations. $23,650, garymichaelsfinejewelry.com

Jacob & Co. Epic X Chrono Messi Rose Gold
Hailed by many as the greatest (European) footballer to ever wear a pair of cleats, Lionel Messi’s collaboration with Jacob & Co. is legendary. The ultra-high performance chronograph is a sight to behold, and undoubtedly the sportiest timepiece in the brand’s stellar lineup. $58,000, jacobandCo.com

Tag Heuer Formula 1 X Red Bull Racing
As F 1 fever grips the nation (thanks in large part to Netflix’s smash hit series Drive to Survive), you too can join in on the hype with this special edition chronograph, dressed in the same colors as Red Bull Racing and their newly crowned champion Max Verstappen. $2,000, garymichaelsfinejewelry.com

Cartier Santos De Cartier Chronograph Watch
One of the few Cartier timepieces offered with a chronograph movement, the Santos is an absolute tank of a wristwatch, featuring a 43.3 mm case and a seven sided crown set with a faceted black synthetic spinel. Satin brushed silver and sword shaped hands add to its brawny appeal. $9,400, garymichaelsfinejewelry.com

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Watch
Earning its stripes in the ultracompetitive arena of luxury sports watches, the Octo Finissimo holds the record for the world’s slimmest self-winding watch featuring a chrono and GMT function. Boasting a 55 hour power reserve and water resistance up to 30 meters. $17,200, bulgari.com

Zenith Defy Extreme E Desert X Prix Editio
Inspired by the Extreme E electric rally race that took place in Saudi Arabia at the end of February, this ultra-sleek timepiece is crafted in a robust carbon fiber case with titanium elements, and is powered by the El Primero 211/100th of a second high frequency chronograph. $27,100, zenith watches.com