7 of the best super accurate chronometer watches

The latest addition to Ulysse Nardin's iconic Marine Chronometer family is a 45mm model powered by a UN-118 calibre movement and crafted in the brand's innovative Silicium and DIAMonSIL materials. The dial is inspired by early Ulysse Nardin chronometers and features power reserve indicator and small seconds subdials, along with a date window, on an elegant blue sunburst pattern. With water resistance up to 200 metres and a 60 hour power reserve, this stylish timepiece is also one of substance.

POA, ulysse-nardin.com

Chopard is official time-keeper of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique and has produced a range of watches in its Classic Racing collection to mark the event. This chronograph model has a movement certified by COSC and features a retro, 1970s vibe in grey and yellow said to be inspired by the decade's single-seat racing cars and reminiscent of some of the best vintage sailing watches. The titanium case has a steel bezel and back, and the leather strap is of the perforated variety beloved of classic drivers.

£4,930, chopard.com

The original Breitling Navitimer appeared in 1952, complete with the clever “circular slide rule” introduced on the Chronomat watch during WWII to help airmen make speed and distance calculations. It became a favourite with pilots, not least because of its accuracy. This latest version is powered by Breitling’s Calibre 04 mechanism which enhances the usefulness of the watch with a GMT function. The case size has been upped from the traditional 42mm to a hefty 48mm.

£6,600, breitling.com

If you’re after a watch for life that carries a prestigious name but won’t cost the earth, look no further than the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. This steel-cased watch has been developed over the years to the point that its chronometer-certified movement is both accurate and tough, thanks to shock-absorbing components. A beautifully understated example of form and function, it looks right on both men and women and, if this one isn’t jazzy enough, it’s available with a variety of coloured dials.

£4,800, Rolex.com

The first Ralph Lauren Safari clothing collection appeared in 1984, but we’ve had to wait a while for a suitably stylish looking wristwatch to take to the bush. But the chronometer-rated RL 67 was worth hanging around for, with its shotblasted, gunmetal finish, tough, canvas strap in foliage-friendly khaki green and its no-nonsense, easy-to-read numbers. A variety of dial colours are available - including buff and camouflage - and there’s also a leather strap option and a choice of case sizes.

£2,320, ralphlauren.com

No sooner had Omega launched its Seamaster Aqua Terra wach which is capable of resisting magnetic fields up to 15,000 Gauss than Ball Watch Company unveiled its Engineer II Magneto S, which tackles the problem of magnetism in a decidedly inventive way. The case back features a clever iris arrangement, opened and closed by turning the bezel, to shield the chronometer-certified, self-winding movement from magnetic forces up to 5,000 Gauss.

£2,510, ballwatch.com

Developed from a watch made for the pilots of the C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft, the civilian ALT1-WT features an hour hand that can be set to GMT-0 (UK time) after which the internal bezel can be rotated to position any of the marked cities at 12 o’clock - the secondary UTC hand will then show the exact time in that location. Like all Bremont’s steel watches, the ALT1-WT has a super-hardened case to reduce the likelihood of damage when travelling. Plus, with Bremont appointed the official timing partner of the 35th America's Cup, it's great for yachties too.

£4,495, bremont.com