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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The best chiming watch depends first on when you want to hear it: at a set interval, on demand, or automatically as the hours and quarters pass. The six watches here cover all three experiences, from hourly chimes in watches reported around €4,000 to rare minute repeaters and a grande sonnerie listed at €1 million in a circa-2024 buying guide. Those prices and specifications are historical guide figures, not current quotes or confirmation that a model is still available.
What does “chiming” mean in a watch?
A chiming watch uses a mechanical striking mechanism: hammers hit springs or gongs to make sound. The word can describe distinct functions, so it is worth checking what a particular watch actually does. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s chiming-watch explainer distinguishes a chime that sounds at a set interval from a minute repeater that the wearer activates on demand.
Hourly chime: a reminder at a set time
An interval chime sounds at a predetermined moment, such as once each hour. The wearer does not ask the watch to tell the time; the watch signals the passing interval. The Christopher Ward Bel Canto and MeisterSinger Bell Hora in this guide are hourly-chime watches.
Minute repeater: hear the time on demand
A conventional minute repeater is activated by the wearer, commonly with a slider on the case. Its tones encode the current time: low notes count hours, paired low-and-high notes mark quarters, and high notes count minutes since the last quarter. Patek Philippe’s sound explainer gives a useful illustration: at 12:59, a conventional repeater can sound 12 hour strikes, six quarter strikes and 14 minute strikes.
#1 Best Overall
- Lucky Harvey Watch: This exquisitely crafted timepiece blends advanced technology with refined design, featuring a unique chiming function, an automatic movement, a hammer dial, and big date display. The Lucky Harvey limited edition hammer chiming automatic watch offers you a top-level experience of luxurious timekeeping
- Chiming Automatic Movement: Lucky Harvey self-produced hourly chiming movement interprets the art of chiming time with a micro-mechanical device. The self-developed automatic movement LH003 provides a 40-hour power reserve, frequency of 28800V.P.H(4hz), accurate timekeeping, and a pleasant chime on the hour
- Limited Edition Watch: Limited to just 300 pieces in each color, deep blue, purple, black and brown. Each watch is engraved with its unique edition number. The case back is meticulously engraved with a soundwave pattern, and the fine sandblasting in the center adds a superior texture
- Ultra-thin Watch Case: The 316L stainless steel case features a layered finish achieved through alternating satin brushing, polishing, and chamfering. A chiming switch button is located on the right side, allowing the hourly chiming function to be easily turned on and off, elegantly adaptable to various occasions
- User-friendly Design: The robust, durable tortoise shell patterned strap is crafted from 316L stainless steel and features a one-piece design to give you a comfortable and safe wearing experience. Long-lasting, luminous hands and markers ensure easy timekeeping in the dark
Sonnerie: the watch strikes automatically
A sonnerie strikes automatically rather than waiting for the wearer to activate it. In the definitions used by Patek Philippe, a grande sonnerie sounds both hours and quarters, while a petite sonnerie uses a reduced pattern and sounds quarters. A watch may combine automatic sonnerie striking with a minute repeater for on-demand time. Audemars Piguet’s chiming-mechanism explainer discusses the grande sonnerie and soundboard construction; A. Lange & Söhne’s overview of repeaters and striking mechanisms illustrates other approaches, including decimal repeaters.
Six chiming watches compared
The specifications, edition information and prices below are those reported in Monochrome Watches’ buying guide, published circa 2024. They are not independent tests, live retail quotes or confirmation of present-day stock. Case dimensions, water resistance, materials and movement details are included to help distinguish the watches, not to establish which one sounds best.
Rank #2
- Lucky Harvey Watch: This exquisitely crafted timepiece blends advanced technology with refined design, featuring a unique chiming function, an automatic movement, a hammer dial, and big date display. The Lucky Harvey limited edition hammer chiming automatic watch offers you a top-level experience of luxurious timekeeping
- Chiming Automatic Movement: Lucky Harvey self-produced hourly chiming movement interprets the art of chiming time with a micro-mechanical device. The self-developed automatic movement LH003 provides a 40-hour power reserve, frequency of 28800V.P.H(4hz), accurate timekeeping, and a pleasant chime on the hour
- Limited Edition Watch: Limited to just 300 pieces in each color, deep blue, purple, black and brown. Each watch is engraved with its unique edition number. The case back is meticulously engraved with a soundwave pattern, and the fine sandblasting in the center adds a superior texture
- Ultra-thin Watch Case: The 316L stainless steel case features a layered finish achieved through alternating satin brushing, polishing, and chamfering. A chiming switch button is located on the right side, allowing the hourly chiming function to be easily turned on and off, elegantly adaptable to various occasions
- User-friendly Design: The robust, durable tortoise shell patterned strap is crafted from 316L stainless steel and features a one-piece design to give you a comfortable and safe wearing experience. Long-lasting, luminous hands and markers ensure easy timekeeping in the dark
| Watch | How it chimes | Reported case and movement | Reported price or availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christopher Ward Bel Canto, Rosa Gold | Hourly chime; visible mechanism above the dial; pusher for silent mode. | 41 × 13 mm; grade 5 titanium; 30 m water resistance. Sellita SW200-1 base with FS01 chime module. Leather strap or grade 2 titanium bracelet. | €4,095 on leather; €4,545 on titanium bracelet. |
| MeisterSinger Bell Hora | Hourly chime with on/off control; single-hand display and chime module beneath the dial. | 43 × 12.95 mm; stainless steel; 50 m water resistance. Automatic Sellita SW200 with hour-strike module; 38-hour power reserve; leather strap. | Starting at €4,250. |
| Breguet Classique 7637 Répétition Minutes | On-demand minute repeater activated by a caseband slider. | 42.5 × 12.25 mm; 18k pink gold; black Grand Feu enamel dial. Hand-wound in-house calibre 567.2, 358 components and 40-hour power reserve; alligator strap. | €264,700. |
| Speake Marin Minute Repeater Carillon | On-demand carillon repeater with three hammers and multiple gongs; also combines a tourbillon and automaton. | 42 × 16 mm; titanium and platinum Piccadilly case; 30 m water resistance. Manually wound calibre SMAHH-02, 536 components and 72-hour power reserve. | Unique piece; CHF 360,000. |
| Hermès Arceau Duc Attelé | On-demand minute repeater; horsehead-shaped hammers strike two gongs; also has a triple-axis tourbillon. | 43 mm; grade 5 titanium or rose gold; article reports 30 m water resistance. H1926 manufacture movement, 563 components and 48-hour power reserve. | Limited to 24 per case material; price upon request. |
| Bulgari Octo Roma Grande Sonnerie Tourbillon | Selectable grande or petite sonnerie and chime or silence modes; also a minute repeater on demand. | 45 × 11.85 mm; titanium; 30 m water resistance. Manually wound calibre BVV 800, 754 components and 72-hour power reserve. | Five pieces; €1,000,000. |
Which kind of chiming watch suits you?
Choose an hourly chime for an audible interval signal
The Bel Canto and Bell Hora chime hourly rather than reciting the time on request. They are the relevant choices if the appeal is a sound that marks each passing hour. Their visual approaches differ: the Bel Canto shows its mechanism above the dial, while the Bell Hora places its chime module beneath the dial and pairs it with a single-hand display. Both have an on/off control, according to the circa-2024 guide.
Choose a minute repeater to hear the time when you ask
The Breguet, Speake Marin and Hermès models are presented as on-demand repeaters. Their reported designs range from Breguet’s caseband slider to the Speake Marin’s carillon arrangement with three hammers and multiple gongs, and the Hermès’s horsehead-shaped hammers. A more elaborate mechanism does not establish that its sound will be more pleasing to you; if possible, listen to the specific watch before deciding.
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Rank #3
- Lucky Harvey Horse Watch: Inspired by the robust shape and iconic glazes of Tang Sancai horses, this design blends their style with the energetic form of Han Dynasty bronze horses. It creates a majestic and vibrant steed, bringing the rich culture of ancient China to life on your wrist. This watch is more than just an atimekeeper; it's avessel forcultural legacy
- Chiming Watch: The new chiming automaton movement, a mechanical automaton horse, engineered to perform a precise and lifelike motion. When activated, is accompanied by a chiming mechanism, adding a subtle acoustic element that elevates the experience beyond visual craftsmanship. Each color: Limited Edition of 100 Piecess
- Exquisite Horse Dial: Hand-sculpted from S925 sterling silver, this horse is first polished to a smooth luster. Then, master artisans meticulously carve its powerful, muscular form, capturing the dynamic pose of a galloping steed. Each strand of hair is separately and precisely engraved by hand, recreating a stunningly lifelike coat
- User-friendly Design: This variant is crafted in Grade 5 Titanium Alloy, combining the strength and lightweight performance of titanium. The Luxury watch is complemented by a dome-style sapphire crystal and a titanium alloy strap secured via a pin buckle. The luminescent light appears on the hands of the hour markers, no more fear of darkness when night falls
- Classic Watch: Each watch comes with an exclusive collection brand box, ideal for collecting or as a gift. This luxury watch’s unique design and exquisite dial will make you stand out. Very suitable as a gift for your father, family, friends, husband, or someone you love
Choose a sonnerie if you want automatic striking
The Bulgari is the only one of these six described as a grande sonnerie, with selectable grande and petite modes, a silence setting and an on-demand minute repeater. This is the most functionally expansive option in the group, not simply another kind of hourly chime.
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Size, materials and everyday practicality
Among the reported figures, case diameters run from 41 mm for the Bel Canto to 45 mm for the Bulgari. Thickness is specified for four models: 11.85 mm for the Bulgari, 12.25 mm for the Breguet, 12.95 mm for the Bell Hora, 13 mm for the Bel Canto and 16 mm for the Speake Marin; the guide does not state thickness for the Hermès. The case materials range from titanium and steel to pink or rose gold, with combinations of titanium and platinum on the Speake Marin. The reported water-resistance ratings are 30 m for the Bel Canto, Speake Marin, Hermès and Bulgari, and 50 m for the Bell Hora; the guide does not state a figure for the Breguet. These are published specifications, not independent water-resistance tests.
Rank #4
- Lucky Harvey Snake Watch: The design is inspired by the Chinese snake culture, which symbolizes wisdom and good luck. Lucky Harvey combines the element of snake and the hourly chiming function with innovative automaton technology to present the effect of "snake sticking out tongue and chiming", and combines the traditional colors of red, green and gold to show the charm and auspiciousness of the snake
- Chiming Watch: The new LH012 chiming automaton movement, an innovative design that gives the watch its hourly chiming sound, and the automaton technique of the snake sticking out its tongue shows the visual effect of the snake coiling. Each color: Limited Edition of 100 Piecess
- Enamel Snake Dial: Combining enamel work with the guilloche dial, the snake's body is hand-engraved in S925 silver and baked at a low temperature to reveal the sparkling enamel luster. The ingenuity creates a watch that combines oriental aesthetics and fashion culture
- User-friendly Design: The Luxury watch is complemented by a dome-style sapphire crystal, and 316L stainless steel watch case, the strap blends fluoro rubber and leather, secured via a pin buckle. The luminescent light appears on the hands of the hour markers, no more fear of darkness when night falls
- Classic Watch: Each watch comes with an exclusive collection brand box, ideal for collecting or as a gift. This luxury watch’s unique design and exquisite dial will make you stand out. Very suitable as a gift for your father, family, friends, husband, or someone you love
Consider whether the watch fits your wrist and wardrobe, whether the dial is easy to read, and whether the strap or bracelet suits how you plan to wear it. The guide lists leather straps for the Bel Canto and Bell Hora, an alligator strap for the Breguet, and a bracelet option for the Bel Canto. Strap fit is case-specific, so confirm the attachment and dimensions before buying a replacement.
Movement and power reserve
The two hourly chimes use Sellita-based movements in the guide’s descriptions: a SW200-1 base with an FS01 module in the Bel Canto, and a SW200 with an hour-strike module in the Bell Hora. The other profiles add differing levels of complexity, from the Breguet repeater to the Speake Marin’s tourbillon and automaton, the Hermès’s triple-axis tourbillon and the Bulgari’s sonnerie. Reported power reserves range from 38 hours for the Bell Hora to 72 hours for the Speake Marin and Bulgari; the Breguet is listed at 40 hours and Hermès at 48 hours. The guide does not state a reserve for the Bel Canto.
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Best Value
Price, rarity and availability
The circa-2024 guide lists euro prices for four watches, a Swiss-franc price for the Speake Marin, and a price on request for the Hermès. It describes the Speake Marin as a unique piece, the Hermès as limited to 24 per case material, and the Bulgari as a five-piece edition. These descriptions and prices should not be treated as current availability or current retail pricing. Ask the brand or an authorized retailer to confirm whether a model is still offered, its price in your market, applicable taxes and whether a specific piece is available.
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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.
