Watches & Wonders 2026: Performance Watches
Two pushers, sub-dials, multiple hands—that’s how most chronographs can be described. But not all chronographs are created equal. Whatever the design, these high-performance watches with a stopwatch function continue to enjoy unflagging popularity—even among designers.
SINN – 936 S
The “936 S” model combines precise timekeeping with a clean, functional design. The bicompax layout of the sub-dials follows a design philosophy focused on clarity, enabling quick and intuitive reading of the displays on the matte black dial of the 100 chronographs to which this edition is limited.
Inside, the watch is powered by the in-house SZ05 chronograph movement. The 60-minute scale is positioned at 3 o’clock, and the small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock. This design allows for an immediate reading of the elapsed time, as there is no need to add up the minutes—as is typically required with a 30-minute scale.
The hour and minute hands, as well as the hour markers, are coated with white luminescent paint, ensuring clear readability in the dark. The technical features are complemented by magnetic field protection, as well as pressure resistance up to 10 bar and resistance to negative pressure.
A striking visual feature of the “936 S” is its 43-millimeter case with a black hard-coating applied to a tegimented base—a technology that underscores the watch’s instrumental character.
The rhodium-plated, skeletonized hour and minute hands—which have been additionally brushed to a matte finish—add elegant accents, while the finely crafted sub-dials for the stopwatch minutes and seconds, featuring a central grooved pattern, lend the dial an iridescent effect. The contrasting-colored seconds hand provides a functional contrast and facilitates visual orientation. (MSRP €4,150)
TAG Heuer – Monaco
More than half a century after its debut, the latest “Monaco” is equipped with the brand’s in-house automatic movement, Calibre TH20-11. In addition, TAG Heuer redefines this iconic square timepiece with an entirely new case design—one that draws heavily on the original from 1969.
The sharp, clearly defined edges have been accentuated, and the sapphire crystal now more closely resembles a true square shape, while the 39-millimeter case—which is water-resistant to 10 bar and is now crafted from Grade 5 titanium—has been elongated with gently curved sides. In addition, the case back features a smaller, round central section that curves toward the edges, reflecting a design feature of the original while also improving comfort. The dial has also been redesigned to optimize readability.
The collection is available in three color variations and features the signature TAG Heuer Monaco blue, inspired directly by the watch Steve McQueen wore in the 1971 film *Le Mans*. A sun-brushed and lacquered dark green version echoes the classic British Racing Green aesthetic. Finally, a black model features a two-tone case crafted from Grade 5 titanium and 18-karat rose gold.
At the heart of every model is the new in-house Calibre TH20-11, featuring an 80-hour power reserve. Based on TAG Heuer’s automatic Calibre TH20-00, the in-house development teams spent several years reconfiguring, refining, and testing this new movement.
It now features a Bi-Compax layout with sub-dials at three and nine o’clock and a date window at six o’clock—a configuration that pays homage to the original Calibre 11. Hence its name: TH20-11. The most obvious reference is the crown, which is positioned on the left side of the case. (MSRP €9,300 or €13,000)
Raymond Weil – Millésime The Fifty
The Swiss brand Raymond Weil is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the “Millesime The Fifty,” a limited edition of 50 pieces. It is powered by a historic Valjoux 23-6 mechanical movement dating back to the brand’s founding year of 1976.
The column-wheel chronograph movement beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of 48 hours. The hours and minutes are displayed centrally. The small seconds sub-dial is located at the 9 o’clock position, and the 30-minute counter at the 3 o’clock position.
Each caliber has been fully restored and hand-finished. The chronograph bridges and balance cock feature Côtes de Genève and a black ruthenium coating, creating a striking contrast with the blued screws.
The “The Fifty” features a 37-millimeter stainless steel case with a white gold bezel, remaining true to the historic proportions of classic hand-wound chronographs.
The dial features the signature sector dial with railway-style minute track from the Millesime collection, which is further enhanced in this anniversary model by a tachymeter scale. The center of the dial also features a relief-like “tapisserie” pattern created by alternating grooves. (MSRP: 8,650 CHF)
Hublot – Big Bang Reloaded Kylian Mbappé
The “Big Bang Reloaded Kylian Mbappé” is the first limited edition created in collaboration with soccer icon and Hublot ambassador Kylian Mbappé. Crafted from polished white ceramic and 18-karat King Gold, the 200 pieces feature a striking 44-millimeter case that is water-resistant to 10 bar. Mbappé’s motto—“Trust Yourself”—is engraved on the bezel at 6 o’clock.
The skeletonized dial is matte anthracite, ruthenium-plated, and accented with white details, giving the chronograph a technical look. The gold-rimmed number 10 marks Kylian Mbappé’s jersey number and lucky number.
The sapphire crystal case back offers a view of the HUB1280 Unico Manufacture flyback chronograph caliber, featuring a column wheel on the dial side and a 72-hour power reserve.
The watch is secured to the wrist with two interchangeable one-click straps: a gold-colored fabric strap with a Velcro fastener or a black-and-white rubber strap featuring a subtly engraved KM logo on the inside.
“This is more than just a watch. It carries a message that I live by: Trust yourself, seize your opportunity, forge your own path. The number 10 is my lucky number, my identity on the field. White and gold symbolize clarity and ambition. And with the ‘Trust Yourself’ engraving at 6 o’clock, this watch reminds me of how I’ve always played: with self-confidence, freedom, and passion,” says Kylian Mbappé. (MSRP: €29,400)
