The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word STOPWATCH
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
T
O
P
W
A
T
C
H
More clues leading to the result STOPWATCH
- Timepiece best in sample collection
- School incorporates finest temple timepiece
- Sample includes most excellent instrument
- Sample book about first-timer in race
- Sample sandwiches Kitty served up? This’ll give you time
- Timepiece: head wearing sample
- One clocks second best whisky at church
- Head wearing sample timing device
- Sample includes best timing device
- Street work — look at something taking time
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Timepiece" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case timepiece = stopwatch.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does STOPWATCH mean?
STOPWATCH noun- A timepiece designed to measure the amount of time elapsed from a particular time when activated and when the piece is deactivated.