The 5 Most Accurate Watches in the World

Do most accurate watches really exist? Talking about accuracy is really a gray area where there are many factors behind the process of making accurate watches. This is especially when we talk about mechanical movements where accuracy is at stake. Compared to quartz, mechanical watches are less-accurate but that doesn’t say that they aren’t accurate.

Due to the use of many intricate parts, mechanical is more prone to shocks. In addition to that, the manufacturer has informed the wearer that mechanical movements can lose accuracy for 5 to 10 seconds per day. That will be a big matter, especially compared to quartz which claims to only lose 4 seconds per month.

In terms of accuracy, watchmakers have always put this matter as the top priority – creating movements as accurately as they could and can handle extreme temperatures, shocks, and magnetism. When looking for a new watch, accuracy becomes one important thing to consider – as the main reason to have a timepiece on the wrist is to tell the time.

To put things clearer, this article will only discuss accuracy in mechanical movements. That said, we put aside quartz for another chance and look at watches that offer accuracy at their best in this recent time.

How Do We Define Accuracy?

Accuracy is not a simple and easy thing to achieve, especially when we talk about mechanical movement. What are the most accurate watches in the world? Let’s put aside quartz first and talk about mechanical watches. There are many things that affect accuracy as mechanical watches consist of many intricate parts.

But what is actually meant by accuracy? In the watchmaking industry, we know the term “accuracy” and “precision” – they’re not the same and can’t be used interchangeably. Many people misunderstand that an accurate and precise watch is the same thing when it is not.

A watch’s performance is basically measured based on accuracy and rate stability. Accuracy refers to a timepiece that is exactly synchronized with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is a reference point for other timezones and is 1.3 seconds fast the next day. In that case, we can say that the watch is accurate to within 1.3 seconds per day.

Rate stability refers to the ability to keep the same accuracy over a certain time interval. So, it’s not about accuracy measurement but rather consistency. As such, if your watch can maintain a stable rate, then you can claim it as a precise timepiece.

For example, a timepiece has a daily rate variation of -10 seconds. The following day may be +8, then -6, then -4, and then +3. Then after several days, the watch is back and synchronized to the time standard. It means that you have an accurate watch but not a precise watch. The watch can get back to its standard time but the interval isn’t consistent.

5 Most Accurate Watches, Gnomon’s Pick

Now that we have settled on how we define accuracy, below are our top picks for the most accurate watches. Let us remind you again that the watches listed below are driven by mechanical movements.

Mido Ocean Star 600 Chronometer Black

The first list of the most accurate watches that we would like to suggest is Mido Ocean Star 600 Chronometer Black Ref. M026.608.11.051.00. The watch is driven by Mido Calibre 80 COSC which is based on the ETA C07.821 movement. It beats at 21,600 bph and has 25 jewels to reduce friction in the moving internal parts.

Mido Ocean Star 600 Chronometer Black

The movement also allows the watch to have a whopping 80 hours of power reserve. To further protect the accuracy, the movement features a silicon hairspring which helps with its anti-magnetic properties.

The main highlight of this watch is the high accuracy that Mido offers. The movement is chronometer-certified with daily deviance of just -4/+6 seconds. That makes the Ocean Star 600 Chronometer an exceptional timepiece, especially considering its price range.

Price: $1,530 USD

Ball Watch Co. Roadmaster Marine GMT Blue/Red Ceramic

On the second list, the Ball Watch Co. Roadmaster Marine GMT Blue/Red Ceramic is also one of the most accurate watches that should be on your radar. As part of Swiss manufacturing, you can always expect accuracy and this one is also an exceptional piece.

This Ball watch gains the title of accurate watches thanks to its chronometer-certified Ball’s RR1203-C movement. It features a power reserve for up to 40 hours. Built on this ETA-based movement is an in-house module that allows for an efficient GMT setting. Topping it off, Ball also equipped the movement with anti-magnetic to 4,800A/m.

Price: $2,610 USD

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150 m Co-Axial Master Chronometer

A classic timepiece from Omega that flaunts inside and out for its loyal fans. When it comes to the most accurate watches, some luxury brands have quite a lot of their collections under serious accuracy testing. The Seamaster Aqua Terra 150 m Co-Axial Master Chronometer is a steel sports watch.

The watch has undergone several tests by METAS for precision on chronometric, isochronism, magnetic resistance for up to 15000 Gauss, water resistance, and temperature. Driving the watch is the automatic movement Caliber Omega 8916 that allows for 60 hours of power reserve.

Price: $8,550 USD

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 36

Looking for a rugged chronograph with a sporty design? The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 36 would be a perfect choice, especially considering the accuracy it offers. As mentioned in the name, the watch is powered by the Caliber 360.

The brand TAG Heuer itself has been known for making the most accurate watches. They have made exceptionally accurate timepieces, such as the Mikrogirder, Mikrotimer, and the impressive Caliber 360, which is accurate to 100th of a second. Along with this reliable movement, the watch offers power reserve for up to 50 hours.

Price: $8,515 USD

Zenith Chronomaster El Primero

The last piece of the most accurate watches comes from a brand that survives the quartz crisis with its exceptional timepieces. The Zenith El Primero is an automatic chronograph released in 1969 and has been popular ever since then. As a chronograph, accuracy is the main thing to present the best time-wearing experience.

To achieve that goal, the watch is driven by the El Primero 400 movement that boasts an extraordinary 5Hx frequency with impeccable precision. In addition to the performance, the watch also comes in such a splendid and cool design. That makes the watch appears nice when worn on the wrist.

Price: $8,392 USD

Final Thought

Everyone wants an accurate timepiece but to look for one, there are certain things to consider and understand. If you want to have a mechanical timepiece with high accuracy, it definitely will cost you much as it takes many efforts to assemble one.

After all, each of you might have different tolerance when it comes to accuracy. Others also put appreciation on assembling the intricate parts as the main attraction rather than just a matter of accuracy or precision.

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