Omega Chronostop Blue

Perhaps the most eccentric Omega watch ever produced (and knowing Omega, that’s saying a lot), the Chronostop driver’s watch is undeniably charming. After all, how many instances can you name of a watch brand attempting to change the way that their customers wear a watch?

The Omega Chronostop was introduced in the mid-60s as an attempt by Omega to create a lower-priced chronograph watch targeted at younger consumers. More novelty than true chronograph, the Chronostop is only able to time events up to 1 minute. We’re sure some people found a good use for it, but to be honest, this is not the most functional chronograph ever made, but at least it’s fun to use! The mono-pusher stopwatch is started with the initial press of the pusher and then it is pressed and held to freeze the orange hand and read the seconds. When the pusher is released, the totalizer returns to zero.

The most interesting thing about the Chronostop is that it was designed to be worn on the underside of wrist. Omega advertised the Chronostrop as a driver’s watch, and pushed the idea of wearing it in that unusual fashion since the topside of the wrist isn’t easily visible while your hands are on a steering wheel.   Omega even created a special version of the watch with a rotated dial (see HERE).

This particular example is completely original, driven by the Calibre 865 manual-wound movement, and features a gorgeous blue dial with original handset in excellent condition.  Its size, dial design, and unique functionality make it an interesting conversation piece, not to mention a collectable timepiece.   If you’re looking for something fun, colorful and affordable, this is the one!

A video by Hodinkee explaining the history and operation of the Chronostop can be found HERE.

More information on the full Omega Chronostop line can be found HERE.