A selection of luxury chronograph watches for under 100 million yen

2025.10.09

We've selected five recommended luxury chronograph watches under 1 million yen. These masterpieces feature the high-quality exteriors and movements you expect from a luxury watch, while also allowing you to fully enjoy the unique controls of a chronograph.

Breitling Avi Chronograph

Written by Tsubasa Nojima
Text by Tsubasa Nojima
[Article published on January 9, 2025]


Introducing masterpieces that showcase the appeal of the chronograph, the epitome of complex mechanisms

 Among the complex mechanisms, the chronograph is a relatively familiar one. Its mechanism is to have a separate wheel train for measuring time, and by pressing the start button, power is transmitted from the wheel train for displaying time to the wheel train for measuring time, measuring the elapsed time. The stop button separates the connection and stops the measurement, and the reset button resets the hands to zero. High-end chronograph movements may also be equipped with mechanisms such as a flyback, which allows for instant resetting and restarting, or a split-seconds, which allows for lap times to be measured. Even regular chronographs are generally more complex and require more parts than three-hand movements, such as springs, levers, and cams, so they are generally more expensive.

 This time, we will be focusing on chronograph watches and introducing five models from established brands that can be purchased for under 1 million yen. Each model has a high-quality exterior that captures the essence of luxury watches, a movement that is worth talking about, and is reliable enough to enjoy using the chronograph.

TAG Heuer "TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph" Ref. CBS2210.FC6534

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph

TAG Heuer "TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph" Ref. CBS2210.FC6534
A racing chronograph with a vintage feel. It is designed based on the Ref. 2447 NS, which was produced in limited quantities in the 1960s and features a "reverse panda" dial. Automatic (Cal. TH20-00). 33 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 80 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 39mm, thickness 13.9mm). Water resistant to 100m. 935,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) LVMH Watch & Jewelry Japan TAG Heuer Tel. 03-5635-7054

 The history of TAG Heuer chronographs began in 1887, when its predecessor, Heuer, obtained a patent for an improved "oscillating pinion." Since then, the company has released many chronograph watches. The model we are introducing today features a design inspired by the Reference 2447 NS, which was released in the 1960s.

 The dial is a "reverse panda" design with a black base and silver subdials. A tachymeter is placed on the large raised flange, and it is enclosed by a domed sapphire crystal. The outer edges of the indexes and the hour and minute hands are coated with cream-colored luminous paint, giving it a vintage feel.

 The stainless steel case is compact, measuring just 39mm in diameter, and is adorned with elegant details typical of luxury watches, such as sharp lugs and pump-style pushers.

 Equipped with the automatic chronograph movement Cal. TH20-00, the movement can be viewed through the see-through case back, allowing you to enjoy every detail, including the sturdy bridge and the column wheel that controls the chronograph operation.

Breitling "Classic Avi Chronograph 42 P-51 Mustang" Ref. A233803A1B1X1

Breitling Classic Avi Chronograph 42 P-51 Mustang

Breitling "Classic Avi Chronograph 42 P-51 Mustang" Ref. A233803A1B1X1
An automatic chronograph watch with a vintage design. Inspired by the spirit of the P-51 Mustang, a plane famous in the early days of fighter jets. Automatic (Caliber Breitling 23). 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Stainless steel case (42mm diameter, 14.7mm thick). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 748,000 yen (tax included).
(Inquiries) Breitling Japan Tel. 0120-105-707

 This pilot's chronograph bears the name of the P-51 Mustang, a legendary fighter plane developed by North American Aircraft Corporation. Its classic design inherits the characteristics of the Ref. 765 Avie, which the company produced in the 1950s. The black dial features a small seconds, 30-minute counter, and 12-hour counter, while the indexes and hands are coated with vintage-colored luminous paint. The bidirectionally rotating polished bezel has 12 graduations, allowing it to be used as a simple GMT function.

 The case diameter is 42mm. The pump-type pushers and large crown improve operability and create a clean look. The crown is not screwed down, so it is also attractive that it requires less effort to adjust the time. The watch is water resistant up to 10 bar, which is sufficient for everyday use.

 The movement is the Breitling Caliber 23, an automatic chronograph based on a general-purpose machine. It is known for its high reliability and has been adopted in many models.

Sinn "613 St" Ref.613.012

SINN_613_St_F_MB

Sinn "613 St" Ref.613.012
A diver's chronograph watch incorporating numerous Sinn technologies. It features a large, highly visible 60-minute counter. Automatic (Cal. SW515). 23 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 56 hours. Stainless steel case (41mm diameter, 15mm thick). 500m water resistant. 715,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Hotta Co., Ltd. Tel. 03-5148-2174

 This Sinn diver's chronograph watch is a new release for 2025. It features a day-date display at 3 o'clock, a 60-minute counter at 6 o'clock, and a small seconds hand at 9 o'clock. Compared to the 30-minute counters found on typical chronographs, the 60-minute counter is intuitively easy to read. The small seconds hand scale is finished in gray, intentionally making it less noticeable and reducing the clutter on the dial.

 The stainless steel case is fitted with a unidirectional rotating bezel for measuring the elapsed time during a dive. This bezel uses a special coupling method that prevents it from coming off even when subjected to impact. Furthermore, the chronograph pushers feature a D3 system that can be operated underwater. The case interior is equipped with Ar-Dry Technology to prevent water from entering and to prevent water from entering, as well as Magnetic Field Protection, which provides magnetic resistance of 8 A/m.

 This authentic diver's watch is water resistant to 500m and certified by the DNV marine classification society. As a high-spec luxury watch, there are very few that can compare to this one.

Longines "Longines Spirit Flyback" Ref. L3.821.5.53.2

Longines "Longines Spirit Flyback" Ref. L3.821.5.53.2
This pilot's chronograph features a flyback mechanism and uses 18K yellow gold for part of the exterior, yet is still within an affordable price range. The elegant coloring gives it a unique character. Automatic movement (Cal. L791.4). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 68 hours. Stainless steel x 18K yellow gold case (diameter 42mm, thickness 17mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. 980,100 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Longines Tel. 03-6254-7350

 The pilot's chronograph features an elegant color scheme. Longines watches have been loved by pioneers who have been active in the air, sea, and land for nearly a century. The Longines Spirit collection was created to pay homage to that pioneering spirit.

 The dial features a matte green and brown gradation and a classic two-counter design with a 30-minute counter and small seconds hand. Five stars shine at the 6 o'clock position, signifying high precision. The use of gold throughout, including the three-dimensional Arabic numerals and hands, creates an elegant impression.

 The bezel, with its green ceramic insert, is crafted from 18K yellow gold. It rotates in both directions and can measure elapsed time. The 42mm stainless steel case features a three-dimensional finish, primarily hairline finishes with polished lug edges. The pushers and crown are crafted from 18K yellow gold.

 This model is equipped with the Cal. L791.4, an automatic chronograph movement with a flyback mechanism. By pressing the reset button while the chronograph is running, it can be instantly reset to zero and restarted. One of the strengths of this model is that it allows you to fully enjoy the complex mechanisms unique to luxury watches, even though it costs less than 100 million yen.

Norqain Freedom 60 Chrono Off-White, Ref. N2200.19S02.C01.L01

NORQAIN Freedom Chronograph

Norqain Freedom 60 Chrono Off-White, Ref. N2200.19S02.C01.L01
A chronograph watch with an appealing classical design. This limited edition model features a soft color scheme. Automatic (Cal. N19). 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 62 hours. Stainless steel case (43mm diameter, 15mm thick). Water resistant to 100m. Limited to 300 pieces worldwide. Price: 726,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Norqain Japan Tel. 03-6864-3876

 This 2025 model joins the Freedom 60 Chrono, a classic design inspired by the design codes of the 1960s. The dial is finished in an elegant off-white, contrasted with a black subdial and tachymeter scale. A date display is located at 4:30, ensuring convenience for everyday use. The dial curves toward the outer edge and is combined with a box-shaped sapphire crystal.

 The case features a vintage design with a thin bezel and pump-type pushers. The 43mm diameter adds a modern touch. A NORQAIN plate is attached to the side of the case at 9 o'clock, allowing the owner to personalize it with their favorite words or phrases.

 This is a limited edition model with only 300 pieces produced worldwide, and the words "LIMITED EDITION, ONE of 300" are printed on the case back to indicate this. The see-through case back allows you to view the automatic chronograph movement, Cal. N19.


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