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Pre-Owned Chronograph Watches

Chronograph watches combine utility with artistry, offering stop-start-reset timing functions integrated within complex mechanical movements. The most common format, the three-register chronograph, features separate subdials for elapsed seconds, minutes, and hours.

360 Watches
360 Watches

Explore Pre-Owned Luxury Chronograph Watches

Chronograph watches serve as both functional tools and symbols of technical mastery. Whether used for precise timing in aviation, racing, or diving - or simply appreciated for their mechanical intricacy - chronographs remain among the most popular complications in horology. This collection of pre-owned luxury chronograph watches highlights some of the finest examples from brands such as Audemars Piguet , Patek Philippe , Vacheron Constantin , Breitling , and IWC .

Chronographs: Form Meets Function

In addition to the three-register chronograph, the world of chronographs also includes rarer configurations:

  • Monopusher Chronographs - Operated by a single button, these vintage-inspired timepieces streamline function without sacrificing sophistication.
  • Split-Second (Rattrapante) Chronographs - Capable of timing multiple intervals simultaneously, rattrapante mechanisms are hallmarks of haute horology.
  • Flyback Chronographs - Allow the user to reset and restart the chronograph with a single push, ideal for pilots and race timers.

These diverse types of chronographs reflect innovations that span over a century. For a deeper dive into their evolution and use, explore our related articles:

Prestigious Brands, Historic Movements

This curated selection includes iconic references from Audemars Piguet 's Royal Oak Chronograph line, Breitling 's aviation-grade Navitimers, IWC 's Portugieser and Pilot's chronographs, Vacheron Constantin 's sophisticated Harmony collection, and Patek Philippe 's highly sought-after Complications and Grand Complications models.

If you're drawn to mechanically complex timepieces, consider exploring our collections of pre-owned perpetual calendar watches , pre-owned tourbillon watches , or dive watches that blend endurance with precision.

Who Should Consider Chronograph Watches

Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast seeking a rare rattrapante or a new collector intrigued by the utility and heritage of a classic three-register layout, this page offers pre-owned chronograph watches that blend horological artistry with enduring appeal.

Trust and Concierge Service

Each pre-owned chronograph watch at The 1916 Company is authenticated, performance-tested, and curated with care. Our dedicated concierge team is available online or in person to help you compare references and find the perfect complication for your collection.

Compare Chronograph Types

TypePushersFunctionsUse CaseComplexity
Standard Chronograph (3-Register)2 pushers (start/stop, reset)Measures seconds, minutes, hoursVersatile, everyday wearModerate
Monopusher1 pusherStart, stop, and reset from single buttonMinimalist style, vintage appealModerate
Flyback2 pushersInstant reset and restart with one pressPilot timing, quick restartsHigh
Split-Seconds (Rattrapante)3 pushersTracks two events at onceLap timing, advanced sportsVery High
A chronograph is a type of watch that includes a stopwatch function in addition to standard timekeeping. Most feature subdials to measure elapsed seconds, minutes, and hours.
A monopusher chronograph uses a single button to start, stop, and reset the timer, while regular chronographs use separate pushers for each function.
A rattrapante chronograph has two stopwatch hands that can be independently stopped to time separate intervals before resuming in sync.
Yes. Every pre-owned chronograph we offer is rigorously inspected and tested for mechanical accuracy and performance.
Notable names include Audemars Piguet, Breitling, IWC, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin—each offering signature styles and in-house chronograph movements.
A flyback chronograph allows the user to reset and restart the timer with a single push of a button, without having to stop it first. This function is especially useful in aviation and racing, where timing precision and speed are critical.
A chronograph is a watch with a built-in stopwatch function, allowing the user to measure elapsed time while still displaying the current time. A standalone stopwatch, on the other hand, only measures time intervals and does not tell the time of day.
Chronograph watches are worn by a wide range of individuals - from pilots, engineers, and racing professionals to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their technical complexity, sporty appeal, and historical significance.
You can identify a chronograph by its pushers on the case (typically at 2 and 4 o'clock), and its sub-dials used to track seconds, minutes, and hours. Most chronographs also have a central seconds hand that only moves when the function is activated.
It is not recommended to keep the chronograph function running continuously. Doing so may cause unnecessary wear on the movement and shorten the power reserve, especially in mechanical watches.
The three circles, also called sub-dials, on a chronograph typically represent elapsed time counters. Common layouts include a 30-minute counter, a 12-hour counter, and a continuous seconds sub-dial.