Best chronograph watches in the UK (2026)
Our pick is the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC915: a solar chronograph with a crisp vintage-inspired dial, no battery to change and quartz accuracy. The runner-up is the Bulova Lunar Pilot, a high-accuracy quartz chronograph based on the Bulova worn on the Moon during Apollo 15. This page is for anyone who wants a stopwatch built into a good-looking watch, for timing, motorsport, flying or just the look. We compared Seiko, Bulova, Citizen, Casio Edifice and Tissot chronographs on movement, legibility, size, thickness and extra functions.
By The Watch Sorted desk · Updated 6 November 2026 · 47 products, all price-tracked
Our picks
Photo: AmazonSeiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC915P1
A good-looking solar chronograph that never needs a battery change.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Photo: AmazonBulova Lunar Pilot 96B258
The best Speedmaster alternative for the money.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Photo: AmazonCasio Edifice EF-527D-1AVEF
A lot of chronograph for the money.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.All 47 compared
Photo: AmazonOur top pickA good-looking solar chronograph that never needs a battery change.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A good-looking solar chronograph that never needs a battery change.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
Read the full review →Photo: AmazonRunner-upThe best Speedmaster alternative for the money.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The best Speedmaster alternative for the money.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical movement: this is quartz.
Read the full review →Photo: AmazonAlso goodA lot of chronograph for the money.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A lot of chronograph for the money.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
Read the full review →
A big, solid-feeling chronograph for the money.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A big, solid-feeling chronograph for the money.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a small wrist: the case is 47 mm.
The Speedtimer in a lighter, panda-style colourway.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The Speedtimer in a lighter, panda-style colourway.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A solar chronograph that you can forget about.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A solar chronograph that you can forget about.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
Read the full review →
A solar chronograph that also sets itself.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A solar chronograph that also sets itself.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A very low-effort chronograph: no battery, no setting.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A very low-effort chronograph: no battery, no setting.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A strong everyday solar chronograph.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A strong everyday solar chronograph.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
The Lunar Pilot, slightly cheaper on leather.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The Lunar Pilot, slightly cheaper on leather.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical movement: this is quartz.
A sporty chronograph that looks pricier than it is.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A sporty chronograph that looks pricier than it is.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A bold racing-style chronograph.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A bold racing-style chronograph.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
The CB5000 in blue.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The CB5000 in blue.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A smarter radio-controlled Citizen.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A smarter radio-controlled Citizen.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A capable pilot's chronograph that sets itself.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A capable pilot's chronograph that sets itself.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A big pilot's watch with every function you'll need.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A big pilot's watch with every function you'll need.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a small wrist: the case is 46 mm.
A pilot-style solar chronograph.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A pilot-style solar chronograph.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A sporty Swiss chronograph.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A sporty Swiss chronograph.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A cheap chronograph that looks the part.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A cheap chronograph that looks the part.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
Read the full review →
The Lunar Pilot for wrists that find the big one too much.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The Lunar Pilot for wrists that find the big one too much.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A cheap solar chronograph.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A cheap solar chronograph.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A fashion chronograph at a fair price.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A fashion chronograph at a fair price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A designer-label chronograph on a steel bracelet.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A designer-label chronograph on a steel bracelet.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A straightforward Seiko chronograph.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A straightforward Seiko chronograph.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A cheap chronograph with a retro look.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A cheap chronograph with a retro look.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A field-style chronograph for little money.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A field-style chronograph for little money.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A big budget chronograph.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A big budget chronograph.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a small wrist: the case is 45 mm.
A stealthy budget chronograph.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A stealthy budget chronograph.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A pilot-style chronograph.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
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.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A pilot-style chronograph.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Our verdict
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a slim wrist: at 45.5mm it's one of Tissot's largest.
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Our verdict
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a slim wrist: at 45.5mm it's one of Tissot's largest.
A Swiss chronograph diver for the price of a basic automatic.
Our verdict
A Swiss chronograph diver for the price of a basic automatic.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a slim wrist or want something low-profile: it's a big, tall watch.
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Our verdict
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you prefer smaller watches: at 45mm it lives up to the XL.
A Swiss chronograph diver for the price of a basic automatic.
Our verdict
A Swiss chronograph diver for the price of a basic automatic.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a slim wrist or want something low-profile: it's a big, tall watch.
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Our verdict
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you prefer smaller watches: at 45mm it lives up to the XL.
A Swiss chronograph diver for the price of a basic automatic.
Our verdict
A Swiss chronograph diver for the price of a basic automatic.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a slim wrist or want something low-profile: it's a big, tall watch.
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Our verdict
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a slim wrist: at 45.5mm it's one of Tissot's largest.
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Our verdict
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a slim wrist: at 45.5mm it's one of Tissot's largest.
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Our verdict
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you prefer smaller watches: at 45mm it lives up to the XL.
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Our verdict
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you prefer smaller watches: at 45mm it lives up to the XL.
A tidy, mid-sized Swiss chronograph for every day.
Our verdict
A tidy, mid-sized Swiss chronograph for every day.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a simple three-hand watch: the Gentleman costs less.
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Our verdict
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you prefer smaller watches: at 45mm it lives up to the XL.
A motor-sport chronograph with Swiss quartz inside.
Our verdict
A motor-sport chronograph with Swiss quartz inside.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want something understated: this is a busy, sporty dial.
A racing-style chronograph with real Tissot history behind the name.
Our verdict
A racing-style chronograph with real Tissot history behind the name.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical chronograph: this one is quartz.
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Our verdict
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you prefer smaller watches: at 45mm it lives up to the XL.
A tidy, mid-sized Swiss chronograph for every day.
Our verdict
A tidy, mid-sized Swiss chronograph for every day.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a simple three-hand watch: the Gentleman costs less.
A dependable, water-resistant Swiss chronograph for every day.
Our verdict
A dependable, water-resistant Swiss chronograph for every day.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a slim watch: chronographs like this are thick.
ⓘ Some links are affiliate links: a purchase may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. It never decides what we pick or how we rank it. Prices shown may have changed since they were checked.
Before you buy
What a chronograph is.
A chronograph is a watch with a stopwatch built in. The top pusher starts and stops it, the bottom pusher resets it, and small sub-dials count the elapsed minutes and sometimes hours. The large central seconds hand is usually the stopwatch seconds, not the running time, which can confuse at first.
Quartz vs solar vs mechanical.
At these prices almost all chronographs are quartz or solar, which is a good thing: a mechanical chronograph is complicated, thick and costly to service. Quartz and solar models time to a fraction of a second, and solar means no battery changes. A Swiss mechanical chronograph usually costs many times more.
Tachymeter and other scales.
The scale around the bezel on many chronographs is a tachymeter: start the stopwatch at a marker and stop it a kilometre later to read your speed. Pilot's chronographs like the Citizen Skyhawk and Navihawk have a slide rule for conversions. They are useful to a few and decorative to most.
Legibility.
Sub-dials crowd a dial, so look for clear contrast. Panda dials (white dial, black sub-dials) and reverse pandas, as on the Seiko Speedtimer, are among the easiest to read. Busy pilot's chronographs look technical but can be harder to read at a glance. A sub-dial layout that matches the seconds, minutes and hours you'll actually time makes the stopwatch quicker to read.
Size and thickness.
Chronographs are bigger and thicker than three-hand watches. The Casio Edifice models are 45 to 47 mm and the Citizen Skyhawk 46 mm; the Seiko Speedtimer and Bulova Lunar Pilot are more moderate. If you have slim wrists or wear shirts, check the thickness as well as the diameter. Measure your wrist and compare with a watch you own before buying a big chronograph.
Radio-controlled chronographs.
Citizen's Radio Controlled, Perpetual Chrono A-T and Navihawk A-T models set themselves from the radio time signal and often add a perpetual calendar, world time and an alarm. They are the most capable chronographs here, though their dials are busy.
Casio Edifice.
Edifice is Casio's steel analogue line with a motorsport look. The quartz chronographs are good value for a big, solid steel watch; they use Casio's own movements and are reliable, though finishing is simpler than Seiko or Citizen.
Using the pushers.
Don't press chronograph pushers under water unless the maker explicitly allows it, as it can let water in. On some quartz models, running the stopwatch constantly shortens battery life.
Tissot and Bulova as dearer options.
The Tissot Seastar 1000 Chronograph and Supersport Chrono are Swiss quartz chronographs with sapphire crystals; the Bulova Lunar Pilot uses a high-frequency quartz movement whose sweeping seconds hand moves more smoothly than a normal quartz tick. These sit between the Edifice and a mechanical Swiss chronograph.
We haven't worn every chronograph here. We compared what UK shops sell by the makers' published specs: movement and power source, accuracy, legibility, size and thickness, water resistance and extra functions like radio time and perpetual calendars. We favour makers with well-known, reliable chronograph movements, Seiko, Citizen, Bulova, Casio and Tissot. UK prices and stock are tracked through the day. Read our full methodology →
More buying guides
Common questions
What is the best affordable chronograph?
The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer solar for most people: accurate, no battery changes and a clean, readable dial. The Bulova Lunar Pilot is the pick if you want the Moon connection and a high-frequency quartz movement.
Is the Bulova Lunar Pilot a good watch?
Yes. It recreates the Bulova chronograph that Apollo 15 commander Dave Scott wore on the Moon, using a high-frequency quartz movement that is more accurate than standard quartz. It is large and thick, so try the size first if you can.
What is the difference between a chronograph and a chronometer?
A chronograph is a watch with a stopwatch function. A chronometer is a watch certified for accuracy, usually by the Swiss COSC. A watch can be both, either or neither.
Should I leave the chronograph running?
On a quartz watch it is better not to, as it uses more battery. On a mechanical chronograph it causes extra wear. Start it when you need to time something and reset it after.
Why are chronographs so thick?
The stopwatch needs extra gears and hands stacked over the timekeeping movement, which adds height. Quartz and solar chronographs are thinner than mechanical ones, but still thicker than a three-hand watch.
Is the Seiko Speedtimer solar worth it?
Yes, if you want a classic chronograph look without mechanical servicing. It has Seiko's solar movement, a sapphire crystal on most versions and a dial inspired by Seiko's early chronographs. It costs a fraction of a mechanical chronograph of similar style.