A Few Mid-Sized Chronos

by Watchking

There aren't many automatic mid-sized chronos out there. There are numerous quartz mid-sized chronos but most of the auto-chronos today are built around giant movements like the Valjoux 7750 or 7751 or the Lemania 5100. It is possible to make the ETA 2892 movement into a smaller chrono in the 35-40 jewel range but most companies that do this, make their cases huge. The Piguet chrono movement used by Blancpain and Breguet is not quite mid-sized but it is definitely smaller than most. If the rotor is removed from the chrono it is possible to make a very nice mid-sized chrono. If your chrono is to be your second watch then you might consider buying a vintage watch with a Valjoux 7734 movement in a small case. I have one which is a certified chronometer and chronograph in a mid-sized case. This movement was extraordinarily accurate. The need to wind up the watch is not much of a problem if it isn't being used every day. Other smallish vintage chronos used movements by Venus, Landeron and even Robot.

There are modern chronographs in square or tonneau shaped cases which are rather thick but not very wide in diameter. These auto-chronos are offered by Cartier, Harry Winston, Dubay and Muller. They are unusual and take a bit of getting used to when being used as chronographs but since they use small automatic movements with added complications they are much smaller than most round chronos if you don't mind the unusual stylish shape and gigantic prices.