Review – The best chronograph watches of 2025

More of a complication than a watch category or style per se, the chronograph still features prominently in brands' portfolios. With the end of the year quickly approaching, it's time for the MONOCHROME team to pick their favorite watches of 2025, and that includes the best chronographs we've seen throughout the year. Of course, lots of them in all possible price ranges and styles. From one of the most attractive vintage-inspired models to the most innovative take on this complication in years to some timeless classics, here are the best chronograph watches of 2025 in our opinion.

Angelus Chronograph Rangefinder

When it comes to finding the near-perfect vintage-inspired, slim, compact and mechanically grounded chronograph, the Angelus Chronographe Télémètre is king. In a world where most chronograph watches are well over 40mm in diameter and 13mm thick, Angelus delivers historically relevant proportions at 37mm and just 9.25mm thick. And then comes the look: a beautiful sector-divided dial available in salmon and taupe, with a single-pusher layout and uncompromising elegance and vintage flair. Flip the watch over and you'll be treated to a movement that's sleek, beautifully decorated, very traditionally designed and with a pedigree that justifies adding it to your collection (you can read the historical part here).

For more information on the Angelus Chronograph Telemeter, see our handy article here.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Chronograph RD#5

You can't talk about the best chronographs of 2025 without including the Audemars Piguet RD#5. First, let’s look at the very first Royal Jumbo with a chronograph function. But a jumbo is a very specific concept with strictly defined proportions, and combining it with a chronograph (and an automatic winding and a flying tourbillon) was a no-brainer. So here we have the RD#5, the latest in AP's research and development series, and a movement that completely redefines the chronograph interface. The RD#5 features a new clutch mechanism, pushers as smooth as a click on a smartphone, brand new kinetics for the chronograph functions and a function selector. And it's all housed in a watch measuring 39mm x 8.1mm, just like the classic Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin 16202ST, a far simpler watch with a time and date display. This is AP at its best!

All technical details about the Royal Oak Jumbo Chronograph RD#5 can be found here in our detailed article and video.

Breguet Type XX Chronograph 2075

The Type XX, possibly the quintessential French pilot's watch, was reissued in 2023 and the result sparked debate: 42 mm, modern, with a date window and a high-tech automatic movement. Not exactly what collectors were expecting. But Breguet has a new CEO and used the 250th anniversary celebrations to launch a pair of stunning watches, the Type XX Chronograph 2075. Available for now as special editions in gold (steel models for the permanent collection should appear in the future), these watches return to the original design and proportions of the 1950s Type XX, with a dateless dial and a movement with Hand-wound. The result is truly stunning in the metal and on the wrist, particularly the black version below, which couldn't be more historically accurate.

For more information about the Breguet Type XX Chronograph 2075, see our handy article with video here.

Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Burgundy

Some watches should be worn mirrored… And this is often the case with Montblanc watches with a historic Minerva movement. And while the reverse concept actually exists – check out the Unveiled Minerva Chronograph – we decided to choose a different watch for this best of it, the 1858 Split Second with a beautiful burgundy dial. And this watch is equally appealing on both sides. As is often the case with Minerva-powered watches, we are dealing with a fairly large model of 44 mm. But this steel and white gold watch made our list thanks to the stunning 38mm hand-wound Rattrapante movement based on the Minerva pocket watch calibers developed in the 1930s. The intricate and exceptionally crafted movement itself justifies purchasing one of these watches. And the burgundy dial is certainly attractive too.

To find out more about the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph, read our handy article here.

TAG Heuer Monaco Flyback Chronograph TH-Carbonspring

For the last watch in this selection, we move from the past to the future with the Monaco Flyback Chronograph TH-Carbonspring. And this isn't really about the watch, although this blacked-out, full-carbon version of the Monaco certainly has arguments. What matters is what beats inside the watch: an automatic, in-house movement equipped with a rather revolutionary solution, TH Carbonspring technology. TAG Heuer's carbon hairspring was developed as an alternative to the patented silicon hairspring and is now finally being produced. Manufacturing in the hyper-controlled environment of a laboratory is all about applying science to watchmaking. It offers high magnetic resistance, strong shock resistance (up to 5,000G) and lower mass that reduces inertia and improves isochronism. An impressive moment for the brand that lives up to the TAG part of its name.