mechanical automatic cronograph for running

An embedded Compass may be a plus for Trail running.

Is that really what you want?

Auto chronographs tend to be big money, at least in Swiss movement versions. The Tissots are about as cheap as you'll find in that range at $1400 new. They are also a leather or stainless strap watch that you wouldn't want to run with. Omega Speedmasters are the standard setter for chronographs and start in the $3000s new and go up from there. Even beat up used ones run into the $1500s. Again, heavy and not something I'd want to run with. Also, expensive to repair over time.

Seiko makes auto chronographs but I'm not sure how low they go price-wise. Again, not a comfortable contraption for running, same issues with weight, maintenance, etc.

If you went with quartz analog your options grow considerably. Timex makes a quartz field expedition chronograph that's $53. Even these aren't going to be very good as running watches, but at least they'll be reliable and inexpensive to buy and operate.

It sounds like you need two watches.

A $9 timex whose battery will last for five years, and your nice watch.

Hamilton makes an aluminum automatic chrono in their khaki line.

The Gentry wrote:

Hamilton makes an aluminum automatic chrono in their khaki line.

I was going to suggest Hamilton as well. They have a number of watches that were designed for military and aviation use that are still pretty true to their original design, so it's a good choice if you're looking for an automatic that is built more for active/outdoor use.

I've never owned a khaki, but I do have a Hamilton automatic and I really like it, so I would recommend the brand in general. Only possible issue is that it will probably be really hard to read the watch if you're running when it's dark outside.

All that said, I agree with the guy who said to get a Timex for your running watch and then grab an automatic for your daily wearer.

I used to only run with an automatic chronograph. A Tissot PRC200.

Problem that I had my PRC200 are the seals failed, and there was an ingress of sweat.

By luck, I had a few months of warranty left on the watch, and Tissot covered it. They basically overhauled the whole movement, retested it's water resistance, and even did a COSC calibration on it.

They did note that there was excessive wear on some components which they replaced at no cost. They even sent a generic recommendation with the repaired watch telling users not to basically play sports while wearing it. Such as running, golf, etc. Anything that can have lots of energy.

With that being said, I can also see why running is very bad idea with an automatic. I can only imagine how rough that is on the bearings, main spring, and balance spring from all of the movement and inertia. Even if the seals didn't fail, I'd likely have troubles later down the road mechanically.

Lesson learned -- don't wear an automatic watch running.

I got a Garmin FR15 for running. I leave my nice watches for wearing to work.