Good fun for a rather quiet Wednesday. My top 5 was a tricky one to decide on but I have narrowed it down to the following which are in no particular order. That would take me even longer to decide on!

The Autavia Siffert is a classic chronograph for me; very elegant and distinctive. I love my Siffert and it is definately a keeper.

Another one of my favourites is the Panerai Luminor 196. Not to everyones taste due to the size but I wear it to work nearly every day and it never fails to raise a little smile from me. Granted, it is a monster but you soon get used to it.

I would've loved to have included an 1133 but the budget probably wouldn't stretch that far so I would go for a 73633. I had one until recently and miss it so may look for another at a later date. I think I now prefer the grey/grey but the black subs do stand out quite well, apart from this picture...

A watch that became a 'nearly' for me is the Speedy Pro. I would have the modern or the vintage and as I say, I very nearly bought a modern manual wind as my everyday wearer but for some reason didn't click the button. Again, maybe one will join the collection in the future.

My number 5 is a Carrera, yes Mark, it's a new one with the wrong sub dial configuration, but, I had one a while back which I sold to a work mate and I have to say, she's the one that got away. The watch, not my workmate. It's a good size, and looks perfect with either a suit or civvies.

There we go, my 5 chronographs as of March 2nd 2011. Ask me again next month.

I hope there's something in here to help your friend make a decision.

David H

: Just for fun, and to help a freind make a selection, please list
: your top five chronograph recommnedations for a new collector,
: with a $5,000 budget. My friend seems to like the stainless
: steel classics, with round cases -- Speedmaster, Carrera,
: Navitimer (he likes shape of Navitimer, but not all the scales,
: etc.), IWC Portuguese, etc.

: Assume that he is indifferent, as between vintage and modern, but
: let's be sure to give him some good modern (new) choices. Some
: folks are happier walking into a store and making a purchase,
: rather than dealing with the whole vintage thing.

: Jeff