Panda Dial Chronographs At Five Different Price Points
Panda dials are quite the paradox, and I believe that’s why they’re so beloved. Think about it. The high contrast provides boldness, but the overall neutrality ensures it isn’t loud. The design has been around since the ‘50s, making it a classic, yet stark black and white is forever modern. Relatedly, panda dial chronographs can be luxuriously expensive or cheap and cheerful. This is why we were able to find the best at five different price points for your consideration.
Few color configurations are as renowned as the panda. The much-coveted Rolex Daytona may have endowed the design with lore and legend. Still, the bear-inspired composition was popular long before Paul Newman was bopping around racecourses in one. Even more, it’s versatile, easy to style, and truly the most legible chrono palette.
$15,000+
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph
HIGH-LUXURY PANDA
Is there a high-luxury panda chronograph that can top the Daytona? Audemars Piguet proves the answer is yes—depending on your personal preferences. By going in such a different visual route, you can’t even compare the Royal Oak Chronograph to the Cosmograph. It’s in a league of its own.
The convention-disrupting octagonal bezel and exposed screws are all there, giving the look more power. The elegance isn’t at all compromised though, partly thanks to the fact the Tapisserie dial isn’t white but silver. This watch doesn’t use color to grab attention. Like all Royal Oaks, it uses its emblematically brawny and well-engineered build.
Price: $38,000+
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
ICONIC STATUS
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona isn’t the first panda watch, but it’s arguably the most important. Within its collecting category, it’s definitely the most grailed model, again, thanks in no small part to Paul Newman and its record-breaking auction history. Elite status aside, there’s no denying that it boasts an immaculate design.
For a watch with so many details, Rolex managed to achieve a clean efficiency that takes on the black-and-white composition so naturally. It’s a master class in balancing sportiness with refinement. Whether you go for a vintage or modern version of this standard-bearer, it’s Rolex, so you know it’ll be a lifelong acquisition.
Price: $15,500+
$5,000+
Zenith Chronomaster
A CHRONO PIONEER
Running on a current El Primero movement, this Zenith Chronomaster is a descendant of one of the founding fathers of chronograph nation. The original El Primero was the first high-frequency automatic chronograph, even used by Rolex before they went fully in-house.
Zenith is a chrono pioneer. If you’re considering a racing watch, why not turn to the masters? This particular Chronomaster distinguishes itself with touches of class, including gold accents and a moonphase complication. It adds a bit of grounded romance without relinquishing its motorsports roots.
Price: $13,400
Tudor Black Bay Chrono
VINTAGE-INSPIRED
The Tudor Black Bay Chrono is spec-forward, with vintage sensibilities. Instead of a snow-white dial, a la the Explorer II Polar, the cream-like hue gives it the same quality you might get from a perfectly worn-in sweater. The legible contrasts are still there, but this Tudor is a mellow chap. Don’t let that think he isn’t serious though. This watch runs on a COSC-certified caliber, among many other high-performance features.
Horology buffs will be happy to hear that the movement is equipped with a column wheel, which ensures adept precision, and vertical clutches which minimize friction, bringing buttery smooth operation.
Price: $5,775
$1,500+
Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph
NEO-VINTAGE AESTHETIC
Is it me, or does Hamilton always bring swank to what they do? No wonder Elvis loved them. With the stylish and dimensional fingerprint-esque pattern on the subdials and the overall neo-vintage aesthetic, Hamilton proves they know how to invoke their heritage.
The Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph is inspired by their ‘60s aviator watches and runs on a 27-jewel automatic with a 60-hour power reserve. If you want Swiss precision with good old American design (those big bold pushers make me feel downright patriotic), this watch checks all of the boxes.
Price: $2,295
Baltic Tricompax Panda
HIGH-VALUE PANDA
The Baltic Tricompax is one of the most high-value panda chronographs on the market. It’s a strong and classy manual wind, filled to the brim with charm. Just look at how the double-domed sapphire’s edge distortion brings out the character in the racetrack registers, lightly granulated dial, and dauphine hands.
At first glance, the watch seems quite textbook in the best way possible—you can wear this guy with anything. But the more you get to know him, the more distinct he becomes. And with that Sellita movement, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so. Some find manual movements inconvenient. I firmly believe it makes your watch more fun and engaging.
Price: $1,710+
$500+
Seiko Prospex SSC813 Speedtimer Chronograph
SOLAR-POWERED
One of the most dependable workhorses in Seiko’s line-up, the Prospex SSC813 Speedtimer is efficiency manifested. It’s a solar chronograph that sucks in direct or even ambient sunlight into its six-month power reserve, ensuring you almost never have to think about it. This watch is accurate, durable, attractive, and easy to use.
The domed sapphire is fun to look at from every angle, and the solar cells give the registers a subtle and fine purple undertone. You’ll have a good time pressing the strong but flexible buttons. I know I did. The reset takes its time, but it’s fascinatingly smooth.
Price: $520+
Under $500
Q Timex 40mm Chronograph
RETRO VIBES
Can a person have a lot of personality but not be obnoxious? Perhaps. But thanks to this Q Timex Chronograph, we at least know a watch can strike that balance. There’s a lot of cool factor here.
The Q application is the sun in an endearing solar system of silver-toned applications, including the lollipop-meets-Breguet second-hand, all beautifully framed by a domed dial protector. Underneath that is a polygonic, hood-lugged case that grounds the dynamic dial and houses an accurate quartz movement.
Price: $209
About Vintage 1960 Racing Chronograph
RACING-INSPIRED
If you want all of the charisma of a vintage timekeeper but none of the hassle of acquiring and maintaining one, check out the 1960 Racing Chronograph from About Vintage. The best part is you can’t even get this design from a genuine period watch.
It combines elements from the 1960s golden age of sports cars with the 1980s golden age of sportsmen. The three, six, and nine registers look snazzy yet polished next to the Bauhaus lines. And, of course, this chronograph is built with contemporary creature comforts, including an anti-reflective sapphire and a Miyota movement.
Price: $399
Yema Rallygraf Panda
LEGENDARY BUDGET BANGER
The legendary budget banger himself, the Yema Rallygraf Panda proves that icons exist at every price point. The cut-out dials, with their bloated rectangular shape, resemble a vintage car dashboard. This eye-catching and jazzy style has made this one of the most recognizable affordable chronographs ever.
It runs on a mecha-quartz movement, which provides tuning-fork accuracy with a smooth sweep and instant reset. Basically, the Rallygraf is purpose-built for gearheads, horology nerds, and fashion fans.
Price: $369
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