https://www.analogshift.com/products/as03730-omega-chronostop-driver-145-010

Omega made some really neat stuff in the 1960s.

Case in point: The Chronostop 'Driver' Chronograph.

Dating from 1967, this unusual model features a sideways-oriented dial, designed to be worn by drivers on the inside of the wrist. It utilizes a 60-second chronograph mechanism operated by a single pusher, ideal for timing laps or quarter-mile times while keeping both hands on the steering wheel. Go ahead, try it - we did. (Please just obey all local traffic laws!).

This particular example features a lightly polished case paired with an untouched grey dial exhibiting gorgeous patina  - hallmarks of a life well lived (a quarter mile at a time?

Originally, these models were fitted with either a leather strap or a mesh steel bracelet from the factory. This example is fitted with a later and highly unusual (read: MEGA COOL) flat link stainless bracelet with a seat-belt style clasp.

We've offered a lot of Chronostops in the past, but only a very small percentage of them feature the driver-oriented dial. This is a special and highly specialized timepiece for the collector who prefers the unusual and rarely-seen!

The Story

Perhaps the most eccentric Omega watch ever produced (and knowing Omega, that’s saying a lot), the Chronostop driver’s watch is undeniably charming. After all, how many instances can you name of a watch brand attempting to change the way that their customers wear a watch?

The Omega Chronostop was introduced in the mid-60s as an attempt by Omega to create a lower-priced chronograph watch targeted at younger consumers. More novelty than true chronograph, the Chronostop is only able to time events up to 1 minute. We’re sure some people found a good use for it, but to be honest, this is not the most functional chronograph ever made, but at least it’s fun to use! The mono-pusher stopwatch is started with the initial press of the pusher and then it is pressed and held to freeze the orange hand and read the seconds. When the pusher is released, the totalizer returns to zero.

The most interesting thing about the Chronostop is that it was designed to be worn on the underside of wrist. Omega advertised the Chronostrop as a driver’s watch, and pushed the idea of wearing it in that unusual fashion since the topside of the wrist isn’t easily visible while your hands are on a steering wheel.