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MONOCHROME’s 2022 selection is best read as six distinct answers to what a chronograph can be—not as a universal ranking. Its picks range from a hand-wound, RAF-inspired Hamilton to a dual-chronograph MB&F and a platinum perpetual-calendar Patek Philippe. The prices below are figures published in November 2022, not current offers.
How to read MONOCHROME’s 2022 picks
In its 30 November 2022 guide, MONOCHROME said it had listed more than 100 new chronograph models on its site that year before narrowing the field to six watches. That is the publication’s own count, not a market-wide tally. The selection reflects the editors’ preferences: Brice Goulard introduced it as “the best chronograph watches of 2022 according to the MONO’ team” and invited readers to share their own favorites.
The six choices cover compact pilot styling, military-inspired value, experimental timing, dual chronographs, a vintage-inspired daily watch, and a high-complication perpetual calendar. Their prices and specifications describe the 2022 article; check with a brand or retailer for current availability and pricing.
The six chronographs, compared
| Watch | Case and movement | Chronograph character | Price listed in 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Mechanical Chronograph | 40mm steel; hand-wound H-51-Si based on the Valjoux 7753 | 1970s RAF-inspired asymmetrical design; brown leather strap | EUR 1,995 |
| Omega Speedmaster ’57 | 40.5mm; hand-wound calibre 9906 | Vintage-inspired bi-compax dial, date, three dial colors plus a black sandwich dial | EUR 9,100 on steel bracelet |
| Blancpain Air Command 36mm | 36.2mm titanium; automatic in-house column-wheel flyback calibre F188B | Compact pilot chronograph with blue ceramic bezel; gold was also available | EUR 17,500 in titanium |
| MB&F Legacy Sequential EVO | Zirconium case; integrated rubber strap; 80m water resistance | Two chronographs, five pushers, Twinverter mechanism, split-seconds and lap-timer modes | CHF 160,000 |
| Patek Philippe 5270P Green Lacquered | 41mm platinum; hand-wound calibre CH 29-535 PS Q | Perpetual-calendar chronograph; green lacquer dial | EUR 189,500 |
| Jacob & Co. Jean Bugatti Tourbillon Chronograph | Case dimensions and material not stated in MONOCHROME’s 2022 guide | Two tourbillons; central retrograde chronograph indications and digital minutes; 57 pieces per colourway | USD 250,000 |
What distinguishes each pick
Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer: the accessible mechanical choice
The Hamilton is the selection’s entry point by a wide margin. Its 40mm steel case and asymmetrical design draw on a 1970s RAF-inspired watch, while the hand-wound H-51-Si gives it a more traditional interaction than an automatic chronograph. MONOCHROME called it a “sub-2K pleasure” and listed it at EUR 1,995. That description and figure are specific to the 2022 guide, not a statement about today’s retail price.
#1 Best Overall
- WATER RESISTANT FOSSIL WATCH FOR MEN: Up to 50m (165ft); this Fossil watch men stainless steel model is wearable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM
- ACCENTED GUNMETAL MENS WATCH: This stainless steel watch comes with a round gunmetal stainless steel case, with a blue sunray dial, and accents to look stylish and tell time
- WATCH BAND: This gunmetal watch for men has a gunmetal, durable stainless steel bracelet band with a secure fold-over clasp closure; links can be removed for a customized fit; interchangeable with all 22mm Fossil watch straps
- CASE & MOVEMENT: These men's watches have a 44mm case, 22mm band width, hardened mineral crystal lens that resists scratches, accurate Quartz movement, chronograph analog display & date window, three subdials, & stopwatch functionality, imported
- CLASSIC STYLE: Inspired by the simplicity of vintage clocks, our Grant analog watch has a classic appeal; Roman numerals set against a blue dial make this an irresistibly stylish dress watch, featuring a chronograph movement
Omega Speedmaster ’57: vintage cues in a smaller, thinner format
MONOCHROME positioned the Speedmaster ’57 as a smaller, thinner, hand-wound alternative with a 40.5mm case, bi-compax layout, date, and calibre 9906. The guide listed three dial colors as well as a black sandwich-dial version, and gave a 2022 price of EUR 9,100 on a steel bracelet. This is the selection’s vintage-inspired daily-watch option, rather than its most technically unusual mechanism.
Blancpain Air Command 36mm: compact automatic flyback
The Air Command is the smallest listed case at 36.2mm, made in titanium in the version MONOCHROME priced. Its in-house automatic F188B uses a column wheel and flyback function, which lets the wearer reset and restart the chronograph in one action rather than stopping, resetting, and starting separately. A blue ceramic bezel supplies a contemporary accent to its pilot-watch styling. The 2022 titanium price was EUR 17,500; the guide also notes a gold version and explicitly flags the watch as expensive rather than accessible.
Rank #2
- BOLD STYLE: This Neutra Fossil watch for men features a blue sunray dial and a chronograph movement; inspired by mid-century architecture, Neutra offers refined, yet versatile profile that's made to be dressed up or down
- CASE & MOVEMENT: 44mm case, 22mm band width, hardened mineral crystal lens resists scratches, accurate Quartz movement with chronograph analog watch display, date window, 3 subdials to track minutes, seconds, & 24-hour time, stopwatch, imported
- Dial: One of many among Fossil watches for men, this quartz watch features a round silver stainless steel case, with a blue sunray dial and silver accents
- WRIST WATCH BAND: Silver, durable stainless steel bracelet band with a secure fold-over clasp closure; links can be removed for a customized fit; interchangeable with all Fossil 22mm straps.
- WATER RESISTANT MEN'S WATCHES: Up to 50m (165ft); wearable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM
MB&F Legacy Sequential EVO: two chronographs and multiple timing modes
The Legacy Sequential EVO is MB&F’s first chronograph, but it is not a conventional single-stopwatch design. Two chronographs and a Twinverter mechanism enable timing modes that include split-seconds and lap timing. Five pushers handle the controls. The guide also notes its zirconium case, integrated rubber strap, and 80m water resistance. Listed at CHF 160,000 in 2022, it represents the selection’s experimental, mechanism-led end; it also won the 2022 GPHG Grand Prix.
Patek Philippe 5270P Green Lacquered: perpetual calendar and chronograph
This 41mm platinum model combines a chronograph with a perpetual calendar and hand-wound calibre CH 29-535 PS Q. MONOCHROME describes the green lacquer dial as an update to an established reference, making the color change the visible distinction rather than presenting it as an entirely new complication architecture. The article listed EUR 189,500 in 2022.
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Jacob & Co. Jean Bugatti Tourbillon Chronograph: the extreme complication
At the most extravagant end of the selection, the Jean Bugatti pairs two tourbillons with a chronograph whose indications include central retrograde displays and digital minutes. MONOCHROME listed 57 examples per colourway and a price of USD 250,000. It is a limited, high-complication showcase, not a practical accessible recommendation. The 2022 guide does not state case dimensions or material.
Which one fits your priorities?
- For a lower historical price in this selection: the Hamilton, listed at EUR 1,995 in 2022, is the clear starting point.
- For a compact automatic flyback: consider the Blancpain’s 36.2mm titanium case and F188B movement, while keeping its 2022 EUR 17,500 price in perspective.
- For vintage-inspired proportions and a hand-wound movement: the Omega offers a 40.5mm case and bi-compax dial; its 2022 bracelet figure was EUR 9,100.
- For unusual timing functions: the MB&F is the standout, with two chronographs and multiple modes rather than a single conventional stopwatch.
- For complications beyond elapsed-time measurement: the Patek Philippe adds a perpetual calendar, while the Jacob & Co. pushes into tourbillons and unconventional chronograph displays.
Other 2022 releases that did not make the six
The guide names several notable alternatives that were not among its final picks: the Grönefeld Grönograaf, Tissot PRX Chronograph, revamped Zenith Chronomaster Open, Vacheron Constantin Salmon QP, and Habring² Doppel38. Their omission is not a claim that they were inferior; it underscores that this was one editorial selection from a crowded release year, not a definitive industry ranking.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Stainless Steel case with Black Resin Band
- Black Dial with date window at 3 O'clock
- Luminous markers and hour hands; sweep second hand
- Anti-reverse bezel
- Water-resistant to 200 M (660 feet)
Rank #4
- Men's luxury timepieces with technical advancements and a sporty style
- 1/5 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, 12/24 Hour Time, Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Spherical Mineral Crystal
- 100 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Sources
- MONOCHROME, “Buying Guide – The Best Chronograph Watches of 2022,” 30 November 2022.
- Fratello Watches, “The Best Chronographs Of 2022 — Our Top 5 Picks From Omega, MB&F, Grönefeld, And More,” 16 December 2022, an independent year-end selection.
- Hodinkee, “The Best Chronographs of 2022,” 14 December 2022, an independent roundup focused on technical innovation and editorial criteria.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
