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A.I. Reviews v37.5 (refreshed with Grok 4.1 Fast)
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Model Name:
Omega Chronostop Driver Sideview Steel
Watch added to favourite list
Reference:
145.010
Price ($)
$
2600
Country:
Switzerland
A.I. Rating
8.2
Crowd Rating:
1716
Watch Description
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.
Product Link:
35
39
0
0
50
Steel - 316L
Round
Acrylic
Manual
865
0
A.I. Watch Review:
# Omega Chronostop Driver Sideview Steel Review by A.I. WatchMetrics
## Watch Summary
The Omega Chronostop Driver Sideview Steel is a rare 1969 vintage chronograph tailored for motorsport drivers, featuring a left-side crown and pushers for easy operation from the driver's seat, a slim 38mm stainless steel case with bi-compax black dial and contrasting white subdials, powered by the manual-wind Caliber 865 movement offering a 42-hour power reserve and instantaneous-reset chronograph functionality, ideal for vintage enthusiasts and collectors appreciating functional 1960s racing heritage.
## Overall Watch Rating: 8.2/10.0
**History & Innovation Metric (9.1/10.0)** - Omega's pioneering role in chronometry and the Chronostop's slim pusher-activated design deliver iconic impact comparable to early Heuer autos.
**Dials & Design Metric (9.0/10.0)** - The clean bi-compax layout with applied Omega logo and tachymeter scale captures quintessential 1960s motorsport elegance akin to top Daytona predecessors.
**Material Metric (8.9/10.0)** - Stainless steel construction with detailed brushing and vintage acrylic crystal provides robust yet period-appropriate quality matching mid-century luxury tool watches.
**Brand Metric (8.8/10.0)** - Omega's storied luxury status and heritage place it firmly alongside Rolex for prestige and enduring appeal.
**Movement Metric (8.8/10.0)** - The Caliber 865 manual chronograph offers reliable performance and historical charm on par with restored Valjoux-powered vintages.
**Versatility Metric (8.2/10.0)** - Balances vintage sports utility for casual wear and collector display, though limited by era-specific water resistance.
**Complications Metric (7.4/10.0)** - Solid single-pusher chronograph with 30-minute counter performs like entry-level vintage racers but lacks advanced flyback.
**Functions Metric (7.2/10.0)** - Core timekeeping plus chronograph covers essentials adequately for a 1960s driver watch without modern extras.
**Rarity Metric (6.7/10.0)** - Secondary market scarcity elevates it above common Seikos but below ultra-limited Patek vintages.
## Total Performance Score (TPS): 9.9
## WM Collector Grade: A+
## Performance Insights: Excels in history, design, and brand prestige with strong movement execution, delivering outstanding value versus its implied price point on the secondary market.
## TPS Interpretation: Exceptional Value: The watch vastly overperforms expectations for its price with superior heritage and aesthetics in a functional vintage package.
## Watch Data
[Picture URL] - https://www.chrono24img.com/images/uhren/23254115/ba1450301-omega-chronostop-driver-1969.jpg; [backPicture] - https://www.chrono24img.com/images/uhren/23254116/ba1450301-back.jpg; [lumePicture] - https://www.chrono24img.com/images/uhren/23254117/ba1450301-lume.jpg; [Nickname] - Chronostop Driver; [Brand] - Omega; [Model] - Chronostop Driver Sideview Steel; [Country] - Switzerland; [Product Link] - https://www.chrono24.com/omega/chronostop-driver--id23254115.htm; [reviewLink] - ; [Movement Type] - Mechanical Manual Wind; [Movement Name] - Cal. 865; [# Secondary] - 45; [watchDescription] - Vintage 1969 left-side control chronograph for drivers with slim steel case, black dial, and instantaneous reset; [caseWidth] - 38; [lugToLugLength] - 44; [thickness] - 10.7; [lug] - 20; [waterResist] - 50; [powerReserve] - 42; [beatFrequency] - 18000; [lume] - Tritium; [jewels] - 17; [caseMaterial] - Stainless Steel; [watchGlass] - Acrylic; [Bezel] - Fixed Steel; [caseback] - Solid; [Crown] - Left Side Pusher; [Strap] - Leather; [Shape] - Round; [Dial] - Black Bi-Compax; [Seconds] - Small at 9; [Date] - No; [Calendar] - No; [Chiming] - No; [Chronograph] - Yes; [Compass] - No; [dateCompilation] - No; [DigitalDisplay] - No; [Dress] - No; [Field] - No; [GMT] - No; [Mechanical Alarm] - No; [Moonphase] - No; [Tourbillon] - No; [worldTimer] - No; [powerReserveIndicator] - No; [Diver] - No; [Pilot] - No; [racing] - Yes; [Skeleton] - No; [Vintage] - Yes; [StyleFormal] - No; [StyleCasual] - Yes; [StyleSports] - Yes; [StyleTravel] - No; [StyleAdventure] - No; [StyleCollector] - Yes; [StyleTool] - Yes; [StyleStatement] - Yes; [StyleVintage] - Yes; [StyleSmart] - No; [StyleCustom] - No; [TPS_new] - 9.9; [TPSgrade] - A+; [TPSimpliedPrice] - 12500;
**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v37.4 Grok 4 Fast. December 19, 2025.**
