Fall Featured Auction: Four Chronographs Worth Your Time
October 19, 2026 | Eric Goldfisher
Many watch complications, although fun or interesting, have been outdone by modern technology. Alarms? Smartphones do it better. Depth gauges? Get a digital one for $150. Slide rule bezels? Don't get me started. But chronographs are still one of the most popular, and most useful complications out there. And while your phone is capable, whether you’re timing a race, cooking a frozen pizza or boiling an egg, nothing will be faster than reaching over to press a pusher on your wrist.
Chronographs have been part of watchmaking for generations, with designs shaped by everything from aviation and motorsports to scientific timing and everyday use. Our experts have curated 46 incredible chronographs in our 2026 Fall Featured Auction (18 being pocket watches). With estimates ranging from $200 to $40,000, there is plenty of variety for collectors at different stages of their collecting journey.
These are a few of our favorite chronographs from the auction, but there are plenty of incredible lots we won't be able to cover here. Let's take a closer look at some of the standouts.
Lot 97: Rolex Anti-Magnetic Chronograph, ref 6234 Est. $20,000 - $40,000 Some watches are special because of a unique design feature, while others have a story that makes them even more compelling. This Rolex offers both. Dating to the late 1950s, the reference 6234 is a classic pre-Daytona Rolex chronograph, with a 36mm stainless steel Oyster case and an original cream dial featuring contrasting black and blue tachymeter and telemeter scales. The result is a wonderfully balanced mid-century design that feels purposeful without becoming overly busy.
The real story, however, is how this watch came to market. Fresh from the estate of its original owner, it was recently discovered resting on a garage workbench untouched among an assortment of tools and car parts! For collectors who love vintage Rolex chronographs, this barn find is the kind of provenance that makes an already exciting reference even more memorable. View Lot 97
Lot 117: Gübelin triple calendar chronograph, w/Box Est. $4,000 - $6,000
This Gübelin is a perfect example of how understated a complicated watch can be while still offering plenty for collectors to appreciate.
The 35mm stainless steel case features fabulous horned lugs and rectangular pushers, while the original silvered dial combines applied gold diamond indices with a blue date scale and day-and-month windows at 12 o'clock. Alongside its chronograph function, the triple-calendar display adds practical functionality without crowding the design.
The original Gübelin presentation box is included, too. It's a wonderfully restrained vintage watch for the collector who appreciates thoughtful details and classic proportions more than flash or needing to wear a crown on their wrist. Sometimes the watches that fly under the radar are the ones most worth a second look.
Est. $2,000 - $4,000
For collectors looking for something a little different, this Gallet by Racine brings a distinctive look to the mix. Its 37mm stainless steel case is paired with an original silvered dial, black Arabic numerals, and a red decimal scale around the perimeter. It's a clean, legible design, with that extra bit of visual interest that makes vintage chronographs so much fun to collect.
The Excelsior Park movement adds another point of interest for mechanically minded collectors. It's a great alternative to the familiar chronograph names, especially for anyone who enjoys discovering the makers and designs that helped shape the category.
Gallet was recently relaunched under Breitling, bringing the historic brand back into the spotlight. This vintage example offers a chance to collect a piece of Gallet's established chronograph heritage before prices potentially spike.
Est. $1,800 - $3,000
Few chronographs are as recognizable as the Breitling Navitimer. With its aviation-inspired design and distinctive circular slide-rule bezel, the Navitimer has been a favorite among collectors who appreciate tool watches that became popular for being tools.
This automatic reference 81610 offers a interesting take on the familiar formula. It pairs a 41mm stainless steel case with an 18K gold bidirectional slide-rule bezel, silvered dial, and contrasting champagne subregisters. The "golden panda" combination adds character while retaining the unmistakable Navitimer look.
This lot is especially appealing since the watch includes its original inner and outer boxes, manuals, paperwork, and hang tags. There are multiple Navitimers in the auction, and this reference is a compelling option that puts a different spin on the formula.
A Few More We Couldn't Ignore
There are so many great chronographs in this auction that narrowing the list down to just four was no easy task. Here are a few interesting pocket watch chronographs plus some more wristwatch models worth adding to your watch-list.
This 18K gold Patek Philippe brings together a minute repeater, split-seconds chronograph, and 30-minute register in an extraordinary combination of complications. Triple-signed for Chicago retailer Spaulding & Co., it pairs serious mechanical complexity with a white enamel dial, elegant gold hands, and a beautifully detailed case.
Another standout from Patek Philippe, this 18K gold pocket-watch chronograph features a 30-minute register and comes with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives documenting its sale on November 6, 1928. Its matching movement and cuvette serial numbers add another noteworthy detail for collectors.
For American watchmaking enthusiasts, this Elgin is a truly fascinating discovery: an exceedingly rare, possibly unique prototype featuring an unusual central “creeper” minute recorder, a design not seen in Elgin's regular production. Its distinctive dial and unconventional layout offer a glimpse of an ambitious, highly complicated watch that ultimately never reached regular production.
Gerald Genta was never one to shy away from unusual designs, and this Gefica Safari is a terrific example. The bronze case and original green malachite stone dial make for a striking combination, and the watch comes with its original presentation box plus additional Genta-signed straps.
With its gray fumé dial, applied silver indices, and clean 42mm stainless steel case, this is a tastefully refined Zenith. It's accompanied by its original boxes, instructions, warranty card, and additional documentation.
A classic, no-nonsense pilot's watch from one of the industry's greats, this IWC pairs a matte black dial with crisp white Arabic numerals and a practical day-date display. It's a strong choice for collectors who appreciate straightforward design and legibility.
This Bulova is chock full of personality. Its multicolor blue dial, white chapter ring, and expandable stainless steel bracelet give it a distinctive vintage look, making it a fun option for collectors drawn to bolder designs and the character of watches from the 1970s.
These are just a handful of the chronographs waiting to be discovered in our Fall Featured Auction. From the classic lines of a vintage Rolex to the unusual stone dial of a Gerald Genta and the practical appeal of a a traditional IWC pilot's watch, these pieces are a reminder of how much variety one complication can offer.
Our Fall Featured Auction is open for bidding and runs through October 22, 2026, with the live close beginning at 11 AM ET. As always, every lot is offered without a reserve, and there are no buyer's premiums or bidding fees.
We’re happy to arrange an appointment for anyone interested in previewing lots in person at our New Hampshire headquarters before the auction closes. Simply email auctions@jones-horan.com, and our team will help coordinate the visit. Thinking about consigning? We are always accepting quality material for future auctions. Contact our team to see how you can get your material placed in our upcoming Holiday Spectacular this December.
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