The automatic chronograph is where I've settled in terms of watch collecting, for me it is the final last gasp everyday complication of mechanicals before the dark ages and eventual renaissance, a renaissance that was more concerned perhaps with the less utilitarian aspects of the watch and more for the jewellery/visual aspects.
So the first considerations are obviously the first trio of Cal 11, EP 3019 and Seiko 6139; all of which have their merits and different traits. A few years after '69, there came the other two (IMO) important calibres; the Lemania 5100 and the Valjoux 7750 family.
The Cal. 11 is important, but was quickly upgraded into the 'better' Cal. 12 as we know. I too like the off-side crown arrangement and combined with the dial art of Heuer there have been a few superb examples.
The EP 3019 is perhaps the best example of 'getting it right first time' in watchmaking, a superb movement housed in equally stunning watches that are very evocative of their time.
The 6139 is interesting from a historical perspective and although restricted by its 30min counter it included day-date and a wide variety of options - so many that it's hard to pin down 'the' one that represents best this movement. (For me at least).
The 5100 for me is my main love, an integrated column wheeled Massey Ferguson of a movement, ugly and strictly utilitarian with no display back or pretence of fine art, just a pure machine with undeniably the most intuitive and readable chronograph display method. If you actually need to use a chronograph, then this is the one to get.
The 7750 is the most successful, versatile and reliable auto chrono, a workhorse that has been used by many manufacturers - the 'go to' modern movement. In terms of collecting though its ubiquity and diversity lessen its 'specialness', unfairly, but for me there is little 'heart' attraction, but a respect for its success nonetheless.

So, from a personal point of view, the EP and L5100 are top of the heap for me, neither without its detractions, but ultimately the ones I'm drawn to.

Andy

: ....I still think that this is a good place to ask a basic watch
: question which can have both a qualitative and quantitative
: answer or a combination of both. So here goes....What is the
: best automatic chronograph with date movement ever designed and
: executed/sold. Jeff is wearing a new Tag El P. Is it the El
: Primero and its modern evolution or is it something more generic
: like the modern VJ or is it the new Omega with the Coaxial
: Escapement? Taking into account everything from serviceability
: to reliability to longevity to soul satisfaction...What say you?

: JohnCote