to t he e xtreme

These adventurous timepieces run on 100% pure adrenaline. OK, that’s a lie, they have very complex mechanisms, but you catch our drift

Tag Heuer MONA CO V4 TOU RBILLON

With a complex face based on a Formula 1 engine, this hand-assembled V4 is driven by precision ball bearings and four belts the thickness of a human hair. No wonder Tag puts all those workings on display. $85,900, au.tagheuer.com

Breitling Navitimer GMT

One for the home sick traveller, this complex chronograph has two sets of hands for telling the time in dual zones and a whopping 70-hour power reserve. $11,040, breitling.com

Bell & Ross BR01

Designed to look like an aeroplane’s instrument panel, the super-macho BR01 is as comfortable in the air as it is in the sea, with a reinforced steel case letting it dive to 100m. $5,820, bellross.com

Rado Hyperchrome

This Andy Murrayendorsed ceramic chronograph is more resistant to scratches than the Scot tennis champ’s face is to cracking a smile. $5,550, rado.com

Hamilton X-Wind Auto Chr ono

The first chronograph to add a drift calculator, for working out the effects of crosswinds during flight. It’s also waterproof to 100 metres, just in case you have to bail out. US$2,395, hamiltonwatch.com

Luminox SXC Steel GMT

Booked a ticket on Virgin Galactic’s space flights? Better get one of these. Its patented gas tubes offer unrivalled luminosity, even in the darkness of space. $TBC, luminox.com

Suunto Elementum Terr a Negative Amber Watch

Tough chronograph with a barometer, an altimeter that updates every ten seconds and a 3D compass. $749, suunto.com/en-au

Tissot T-Touch Ex pert Solar

An hour in the sun is enough to keep this piece ticking for a year in darkness, also powering a compass, altitude reader, timer and barometer. $1,250, tissot.ch