A mechanical chronograph is one of the most satisfying complications to own, and the Mido Belluna II Chronograph M024.427.11.031.00 wraps one in a case refined enough for formal wear. Press the pushers and the central seconds hand springs to life; the rest of the time it is simply a handsome silver-dialed steel watch.

The Belluna line is inspired by London's Royal Albert Hall, and that sense of order carries over to this 42mm chronograph: two neatly placed counters for 30 minutes and running seconds, slender hands and a clean silver dial. Inside is the Mido Caliber 60, an automatic chronograph movement descended from the Valjoux family, with roughly 60 hours of power reserve and a transparent caseback to show its rotor and bridges.

At about 15mm thick it has real presence, and the all-steel bracelet with fold-over clasp matches the case for a sharp, sporty-formal look.

Belluna II Chronograph 42mm, ref. M024.427.11.031.00

• Case: 42mm stainless steel, approximately 15mm thick
• Dial: silver with two sub-dials (30-minute and 60-second)
• Function: automatic chronograph with date
• Movement: Mido Caliber 60
• Power reserve: approximately 60 hours
• Crystal: scratch-resistant sapphire
• Caseback: transparent
• Water resistance: 50m
• Bracelet: stainless steel, fold-over clasp

Formal on the outside, a proper Swiss stopwatch within.