Top 10 Best Value Chronograph Watches Under $500 - Seiko, Citizen, Bulova, Dan Henry, UNDONE & More
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ค. 2024
- In this video I take a look at the top 10 chronographs under $500 that offer the best value, features, design, and practicality, that you can find for sale on the market today, and new. I discuss what makes them special and why you should consider them.
No matter if you are after something ultra high-tech and modern, or you desire a very traditional manual wind, this list will have you covered.
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If there's an Oscar award for excellent performance in presenting watch models with such enthusiasm and flair, I would have no one else in mind but this guy here, TGV!
I remembering him saying that his day job is a director, I can see it in his editing haha, my favorite watch channel too
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Before I started to watch this video, I thought, 30 minutes... that’s too much.
I’ve watched it all.
After a few weeks watching watch videos. I’m now obsessed...
Watch out for your wallet
And same
In two weeks I've gone from not knowing the basic nomenclature of a watch to knowing the basic history of nearly every major firm, the history of the dive watch (John Mayer's interviews), what Kevin Leary and a host of other collectors value, it's crazy. I love machines. Guns, knives, cars and planes, I suppose all I needed was a global pandemic to discover the how insanely cool these things can be.
This man is responsible for me watch collecting after my death. Well with the list of watches I now want I am not sure I will live long enough to afford them all.
Isaac Ferreira to me to me pl
Yes, thank you for something affordable, going to look through this for a piece for my dad’s Christmas gift. Thank you and keep it up!
Citizen AT4008-51E Perpetual Chrono A-T is an incredible watch... It’s a 42 mm watch but God you’ll have to see it.
It’s an Eco-Drive Chronograph with an Alarm, 5+1 Time Zones, Perpetual Calendar, Radio Controlled, Sapphire Glass, ani it’s WR 200....
It’s more than just a watch, it’s a piece of art...
It’s at 479 CAD for the Titanium version = 360 USD...
Loving my Bulova Moon Watch. It’s an amazing watch, you just have to watch the chronograph in motion. It’s crazy! If you only want one quartz watch this has got to be the one!
My first watch was the Bulova Lunar Pilot and I am really satisfied by it! It is perfect, even if it looks big it wears smaller as you say.
TGV; What a wonderful review. I am proud to own two Bulova watches. The 96b251 "Lunar Pilot" which you reviewed and the 96b175 Precisionist. Both are larger cases @ 45mm and 46.5mm. I love them both as they are stunning on the wrist as well as keeping unbelievably accurate time @ 262.144 kHz. Both watches came early to my collection and I would never let them go. Thank you for a very enlightening video post. As you say "Onward and upward."
06:06 Reason for not reviewing the Casio Edifice: “Maybe there’s a time issue..”. I chortled.
The edfice line has some pretty big varieties in quality. The cheaper ones aren't really worth it but the tough solar ones are amazing. Solid metal bracelet with solid end links, 7 months power reserve that can charge from basically any light source, luxurious dials, and they sync daily with your phone to stay perfectly accurate.
I own 2 and they dominate my wrist time.
You have to be THE best watch reviewer, collector and all-round enthusiast in the world, or at least on the web. You clearly LOVE watches, and it's infectious! I must admit that I love watches with lots of complications, but don't really know how to use them all. Have you done a tutorial video on all the mathematical and fuel burn etc. functions you were describing for the Seiko? I would but the watch just to follow along! Thanks for a wonderfully entertaining walk through this underappreciated segment of the market!
At this price point, the Bulova Lunar Pilot is a no-brainer despite its size. Dan Henry and Seagull too are both incredible.
It would be mine if it had a 30-minute subdial instead of 60.
Shi Kai Lim yeah but some people have wrists that 38mm+ is too big
@@tylerotaniconlon1990 My wrist are wayy too small that I can only fit a watch with lug to lug length of 46mm. But I'm still gonna get one for its value for money and historical background. Pretty sure I'll still enjoy it on my wrist and giving people a story telling session when asked.
In black, it fits far smaller - I would say closer to a 41. Finishing is incredible.
@@vncntskl; I really think that you will love and enjoy the 96b 251 Bulova "Lunar Pilot" very much. It wears well on my wrist which is not all that large either.
awesome list!
Didn`t know you watched this channel lmao. I love your videos.
😂😂😂😂
100 points for some edifice recommendation, this is great affordable watch.... 😊
I fall in love with the Bulova " Speedmaster" type. Amazon offers it for about $300👍👍👍
always nice to see a new TGV video, makes my day everytime!
I've been meaning to add an affordable chronograph to my collection! Great timing! Thanks, TGV!
Your enthusiasm talking about watches is unbelievable... Your presentations are brilliant... The whole video editing is superb... Just wow... 👍💪😊
I agree that Casio Edifices are vastly underrated; I have the EFR-545SBDB-1BVCF. One chronograph I have that is from a brand not seen here is the Tissot PR 100 Chronograph. It is a simple design, but a great looking watch.
I got a Bulova ref 96A159, which is of course Quartz, as a present from my wife when I started collecting and I can tell you its an amazing watch for the money; 40mm, brushed case, 3 subdials as you'd expect and a beautiful gilloche type of dial in black. The leather strap is nothing great but I switched it to a NATO black strap and it just looks amazing. You can get it for around $100 bucks on Amazon.
Being following Undone and they have come up with great time pieces.
Great video! One of the most valuable I've ever viewed! Cause there are great watches out there that don't cost a fortune. I am a collector. I have five high end pieces and many more pieces of this category. I can tell you that I adore them and can't take them of my wrist easily. Thank you so much for this video cause I spotted two brands i didn't knew they existed! Keep up the good work love your channel!
Oh my, that blue and white Flightmaster!...
Great video TGV, thanks! nice selection.
I would had the Seiko SSB031, flyback mecha- quartz. I love mine.
Cheers,
watches is my new recent obsession and your channel is a true gem. Apart from learning a lot about the time pieces and history, its also very pleasant and relaxing to watch. Cheers!
For a long time I was looking for a watch and I was undecided. This video helped me make up my mind (at least from a brand point of view). Thanx a lot
The Sea-gull to me is I think the best looking military watch.
OMG. I wasn't even in the market for a watch and after watching this video I layed out $400 on one. WTF. Your very good my friend... very good...
Try Spinnaker Watches. I bought the Croft 5058-04. My new favorite watch. SOLID. I get complimented on it a lot. PS... Look at SZANTO Watches.
Santos watches
Yes, thank you for something affordable, going to look through this for a piece for my dad’s Christmas gift. Thank you and keep it up!
@@devynescatell8408 hope you found a knockout piece for your farther... you ONLY get ONE DAD so embrace it while you can..
This is the first time I've come across your channel. No matter what you were promoting, your enthusiasm & passion for your subject is engaging. Thank you for taking the time to walk us through your top ten under $500.
Last month I got an "Orient Stylish and Smart WV0071TY Solar Chronograph", and it was a great bargain. 39mm diameter, 100m WR, Seiko movement, and Made in Japan.
I was one of the guys who requested this video, thanks for finally doing it, TGV
Cheers!
So glad to hear, sorry it took so long1 :D
Thank you Abhinay,
Best regards,
TGV
Great video!! I'm so glad that I bought one of those Bulova Lunar watches! I love it. The dial is amazing! They could have made it a little smaller. It fits me great however I wish more people could enjoy it as much as I do. See you soon! Cheers.
I came across this channel looking for omega watches. For me an omega is a bit beyond my budget for a few years at least. You have really opened my mind and sparked an interest in hourology probably detrimental to my account balance.
Thank you
I bought a Fossil... used it for 4 years. Doesnt work now. Im glad im starting to learn about watches so that i dont make same mistake. Thanks man. Really nice list. Im starting to like Seiko, Hamilton and Tissot. Citizen and Casio i never hould think were good watch brands. Awesome.
The Seagull 1963 is the real dope here guys. The dial is wonderful. Crazy watch for the bucks
there is a panda dial version with a red second hand
I believe the 19 Zuan one, which I own, has an acrylic crystal. I picked that over the sapphire for the same price because I think it's closer to the original, more authentic :)
I have the 38mm 21 zuan (jewel I think) version and love it. Perfect size, looks great on a green nato, has real history behind it. Toss in the fact it's a mechanical chronograph, and it's a crazy deal at the price. Plus it's cheap enough, and they make enough of them, that you can wear it anywhere and not worry about beating it up, so on top of all the other stuff it has going for it, it has the "enjoy without worry" factor as well.
Buy one. Buy one now.
You can swap the green nato for a blue one to match the hands, or a leather nato for a different look. It's amazing
Yes I’d have to agree, it’s just so quirky and different it’s got a whole bunch of stuff going on at once it’s definitely going to be in my wrist in the very near future.
Love that Zeppelin too though lol
My Seiko SSC369 quickly became on of my favorite watches, a solar chronograph with the charms of the 411 Flightmaster (also own) but with a price of $150 not one I'm too concerned about. It's a lot of watch for the money and with a Marine Nationale strap looks flexibly stylish.
I was introduced to Bulova by this channel. They are now one of my favourite brands. I have a Accutron Spaceview, and Accutron gold day/date. Accutron II Lobster and the Moon watch. They are just amazing and deadly accurate.
I really enjoy your channel. I grew up in a small town in Illinois half a mile from the Westclox factory I started buying a few of those and that’s where hobby began for me.
"It looks the kipper's knickers".
Wow. That's a classic line. Thanks for that one.
Even though I am a Brit, I've never heard that one, maybe it's from Billingsgate (LOL). I think I prefer "The dogs b0llocks" !
I have a Eco-Drive Nighthawk and I absolutely love that tech and how long it can last without a charge. In the 12 years I have had it, I can not recall a one time it has stopped. It will be a forever watch in my collection.
I got a Citizen Eco-Drive CTZ-B8162 today. Looks awesome.
Javier Medina
Yes, I do own one and it’s a great watch. Such a beautiful time machine.
Very informative video, I'm just getting back into watches, this has been a great resource. I'm subscribed.
Thank you.
Thanks for finally covering one of my favorite genres at a very attractive price bracket. Although your favorite Flighty is hard to beat among the Seikos, I wouldn´t want to dismiss the Seiko Prospex SSC009P: Also a slide-rule chronograph, but solar-powered (officially also capable of going for 6 months on a charge) and with a very balanced layout for around $250.
Always a pleasure for you Klaus,
Interestingly, as the Flighty continues to rise in popularity, I was in fact considering reviewing that very Seiko!
Great minds obviously ;-)
It might happen one day, thank you for reminding me my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
Great alternative at least with the SNA411 getting more exclusive. BTW, that beautiful Graf Zeppelin "100 Jahre" was also sold as an automatic version with a Valjoux 7753, for 5 times the price obviously.
Steinhart ocean one, made of titanium is lit too.
I love my Seiko and Casio and thanks for the recommendation
What an outstanding video... Full of wealth of knowledge and great brands I didn't know
8:02 they still sponsor Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso Honda
I am in love with my Poljot Columbus since the first day and I am loving it more and more since.
Thank you for everything you do! Please keep up with your positivity!
I’m so happy to see you bring attention to the Citizen brand. The Eco-Drive technology is quite amazing. I have Rolex, Omega and many others in that genre but that thing never runs out of fuel.
When TGV started the count down I was saying to myself where is the FlightMaster of Seiko ?
well done TGV .
The FlightMaster SND255 is the best "inexpensive" Sliderule/Chronograph. It's small diameter make it a no-brainer.
Yes the Flighty never get tired of it...
I also personally love my Mercer Lexington chronograph with the panda dial and the same seagull movement. Had it for a while, great watch.
Will be buying myself one of the Zeppelin watches soon, pondering the auto but probably quartz and put the difference in my Hamilton 68 fund. Seagull 63 is also on my list, that movement looks beautiful and at that price you cant complain. Bulova is now on my radar too, but given the size I'll need to try this one out before committing, thanks for you vid as always!
I need that Sea-Gull in my life... my Vostok Kommandirskie arrived from Russia and I am genuinely impressed with it in terms of value for money, Sea-Gull are definitely one to "watch"
They're made by quite a few different manufacturers. Are there any you would recommend? Thanks.
@@impsire if you’re looking for a dive watch check out Steeldive on Aliexpress. For a chronograph look out for a Seagull 1963 on eBay, sapphire or perspex glass.
I absolutely love both the Junkers and The Zeppelin! I’m a sucker for the Bauhaus styling of the Junkers, and the vintage inspired look of the Zeppelin. I am going to get the DH 1964. Your number one is my number one! I enjoy wearing my flight master so much! Such a beautiful chronograph! Thank you so much for another wonderful video sir! Onwards and Upwards !
I love my Vintage GHC Chronograph with the Valjoux 7733. At this time so many chronographs were equipped with the 7733, that you can easily find this amazing movement in so many brands :)
The Seagull 1963 is absolutely wonderful. I put a custom order for an exact replica of the 1963 original (slightly different print on the dial, without the display case back).
They're made by quite a few different manufacturers. Are there any you would recommend? Thanks.
Agree, very beautiful. But honestly, it’s a piece of junk. Not for daily use.
The 1963 is a great little watch for the money.
They're made by quite a few different manufacturers. Are there any you would recommend? Thanks.
I have a Citizen C320 Navisail (Stars & Stripes, from the 2000 America's Cup) myself. It has dual timers and alarms, a countdown, and selectible time zone. I wear it almost all the time, especially on the boat or on holiday.
Undone with it’s customizable configuration looks cool! Thank you TGV for the introduction! Great vid!
All great choices, that Seagull looks like a killer piece always wanted to try one out. The Bulova is a sweet piece to. If your on a budget I'd recommend Heitis, they have a sweet chrono for 180 bucks ? I've reviewed them and the owner of the company DJ is a pretty laid back dude.
You guys out there, watch collectors! You are all very talented at getting people obsessed into getting into watch collections. Some years ago, I found myself starting my own watch collections and then with years later, I noticed that it was a big mistake as I was simply wasting my money.
I love this channel! Elegant, mature, and full of knowledge 🍷
The Lunar Pilot and 1963 are definitely on my list to be sure, but I’m really digging the Graff Zepplin though!
I just bought the Zeppelin 8680-1, with cream dial and leather strap, tho not luminescent dial, and I absolutely love it to bits! Recommend it!
Well i'm broke again ....
Very informative video !!!
And as always have a nice day !
Great video, TGV. I am a huge fan of chronographs. Many, though, suffer from being large, well over 40 mm. I have 6" wrists, but I still wear the 43 mm Seiko Men's SSC017 Prospex Analog Japanese Quartz Solar Stainless Steel Dive Watch. It's a diver, so I think it is okay being on the large side. I also have a vintage quartz Seiko chronograph under 40 mm. Just spent about $100 to get it serviced. Bought it new about 25 years ago. I always look forward to learning from your videos.
One of, if not the most useful videos I’ve ever seen. Clearly you know your craft…subscribed and will seek out your previous videos. Bravo, sir. Very impressive.
Hmmmm... Thinking hard about Hemel, Dan Henry, and Undone now... Thanks!!!
I bought the Red Star moonphase chrono with the Sea-Gull movement in it from Long Island. I had a lot of ambivalence about owning a watch with a hammer an sickle on it. I thought I had that under control, but honestly now even though it is in many ways my very favorite watch, I wish I had chosen the 1963 instead. Most of the cool, all of the class, less of the genocidal imagery. :-/ Great video. I love chronos and I'm sure I'll end up with at least a couple of these before I'm done.
Thanks TGV!
@towels towels ok boomer
@towels towels Communist simbols make it even better.
There is one in every group.
Thanks for sharing about Undone and Dan Henry ...I really into it👍
Keep it up mate
Absolutely fantastic list! I love my Swatch Irony chronograph. With its powder blue sunburst dial and stainless steel case and the contrasting satin-brushed and polished links on the bracelet, the silver and black sub-dials. it's definitely the dressiest swatch I've ever experienced and just looks and performs wonderfully. And of course being a Swatch its super affordable.
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Just getting around to this video: Great list, can't argue (much) with it. A few thoughts:
- Glad you gave Edifice a mention: my favorite of the entire line (in fact, the only quartz number in my small collection) is their EQSA500DB-1A (yeah, they *really* need to improve their model designations…had to actually look it up online to write this), which has virtually every feature your Edifice has, but with a far-less "busy" dial-in fact, it manages with just two subdials as opposed to three, giving it an almost-classic vibe IMO. Also, even though my watch supposedly has a mineral crystal, I've yet to scratch the thing, and this watch gets tons of wrist time , so it doesn't get babied.
- I know you were covering new timepieces here, but I'm giving a shout to an old number I've had for a few years, which not only was a mechanical chrono I could snag for well under $500, but one of the few automatics with a true pedigree: Seiko's 6139-7140 "blue eye." About to have it given the once-over by Seiko, while they still have the means to properly do it.
- Agree with everyone about the Bulova: fabulous design, but that case size is a total dealbreaker. What were they thinking? Make one between 40-42mm and they won't be able to keep up with demand.
- I always liked the Seiko "Flighty", from the year it was introduced, but could never pull the trigger on one, and now I know why: at first, I thought it was because of all the aviation-centric stuff I thought I'd never have use for (and didn't want to pay for), but my real objection was the "information density" of the dial: there's just a bit too much going on. Even a Breitling Cosmonaute seems a tad more legible by contrast. ('Course, as an old guy, my eyes aren't as keen as they once were, so there's that.)
Again, great job, TGV!
Awesome video TGV! So nice to see the Bulova Lunar Pilot mentioned. Any chance of you doing a review? I own the black version which has no date and the "old school" Bulova logo instead of the stylized current one. It's an incredible value for money in such a historic piece. The caseback with it's engraved coordinates of the EVA that it was worn on is also super cool. I definitely think it deserves more attention!
Thank you Alex, I have considered reviewing it.
I know a few that own them. I guess it is just a matter of time (pun partially intended)
Keep enjoying yours my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
Watching this video again, the thing is I could talk myself into buying every single watch, great list.😊✌👍
A lot of great watches! Thanks for this video. I've seen on your channel another review of Dan Henry 1964; I have just received mine a few days ago and I am already in love with it. Really stunning for its price.
am in love with the zeppelin. it's so classy i love it . thx TGV
So happy to hear that, deffo the classiest of the lot!
You have excellent taste James, glad to have you in the gentry.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
That was the best looking for me too.
For sure made me want one really bad... but the 1963 and Lunar Pilot are ahead on my list.
Great brand, highly recommend them overall!
The Zeppelin with the green dial is absolutely gorgeous. FORGIVE ME WALLET!
Thanks TGV for this very interesting video because 500$ is my personal sweet spot. Can't decide which Chronograph i should get for Christmas!
Love the content. Keep em in rotation.
Citizen radio controlled eco drive, AT4008-51E has got to be one of the best under $500 chronograph watches.
I just got the titanium version (AT4010-50E) and YES! Any version of that watch is ridiculous bang for your buck!
I love the Flight Master. Just bought one. I have 8 1/2 inch wrists and it wears a tiny bit small for my taste. But I will keep it for sure because it it so iconic. I also have the larger solar version, SSC631 I think it is. It is much larger but it is an awesome watch. Great video, as always, thanks.
After about of year of lusting after a Flightie of my own, chagrined as the price went up and up, I finally pulled the trigger today after seeing this video and your recent gushing over it in the flight watch SOTC. That put me over the edge. I simply can't live without one anymore, credit card balance be damned!
I own a bulova moonwatch for 2 months and a pusher fell out , so settled for a citizen titanium eco drive diver , built like a tank this one tbh . But the bulova was marveling to have till then
Could you do a video on historic watches? Sort of like the catalog on the Dan Henry site you showed here, but just a top 10. I'm especially interested because in one video you talked about the historic Junghans Max Bill watch which is such a beautiful piece.
Recently bought a orient neo panda from Japan a month back and its outstanding watch and at a great price
LOVE that watch, very Daytona-ish but the more classic stylish ones IMO
I was actually going to include it but I am saving it for a future video ;-)
Enjoy it Matthew, thank you.
Best regards,
TGV
Will look forward to that, was brought to the attention to orient from your channel, great watch manufacturer, fantastic build quality and affordability, on par with seiko imo and in some aspects more style
Really enjoyed your video.
Great info on watches and brands I had no knowledge of.
Think I might just have to start a collection now.
Amazing video, love the detail and energy 👍🧡
I love this list, but I'm going to have to buy about half these watches in short order or I'll go crazy.
I'm not surprised to see the Flighty at the top, but I think the Bulova might be the sleeper here! The accuracy is incredible for any amount of money spent, and it comes in brushed, polished, or black cases and with date/no date options. These seem to commonly be under $300. Strong argument for a one watch collection!
I really don’t have a problem with quartz movements, but I feel that a chronograph needs to be mechanical. Really like that Seagul.
J Olivas actually I’m the opposite. Have you ever serviced an auto chrono? They have way more parts are more likely to damage and have the highest service costs. I have several mechanical watches but my chronographs are quartz.
Excellent video I was looking forward to. I've got the Graff piece, and I must say, it's a stunning dress watch to my eyes.
Cheers
I am glad the Zeppelin has made it onto your list. Everytime i pop it on my wrist i have to look at the beautiful dial.
I think the Bulova is the standout. Correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t the second hand sweep?
Great video. Barring the bias of the flighty. Lol.
The second hand ticks twice a second, the Stopwatch second hand does 5 increments/second, the 1/10second subdial i believe ticks 20 a second. Very nice watch, rather large, nice bracelet.
Citizen Eco-Drive is always my everyday go to over having to worry I'm going to scratch my Submariner or Daytona; which are only worn for special occasions.
Mine too. Just love the way they look and they're definitely tough
Start my day with the urban gentry. awesome !
Great video. I'll be looking into the Bulova. A lot of great choices offered.
My Chinese mother-in-law arrives Thursday. Yes, she is bringing me a 1963!
You should put her on a Nato.
Tianjin Seagull 1963s are way cheaper in China. Can't wait for my grandparents to come back from China!
@@LogicKidroy nice geopolitical pun...even if it was not intended 🤣
Is she single?🤗
@@richardlyman2961 HAHAHAH
I can see Hugo hiding behind one of your clocks!
Daniel Nicholls maybe he can play where’s Hugo in each of his videos. Kind of like where’s Waldo. The winner gets a free nato strap. There’s plenty of places for him to hide, that’s for sure.
As soon as I opened the video I knew that I would see the Casio Edifice in this list ........left satisfied. Very good watches
Wonderful list.Good presention and information
Best watch channel.
Thank you Alberto, deeply appreciated my friend. Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry I must say, No snobbery True Horology.
Seiko... please manufacture more white dial flightys! I'd buy one in a second
Casio naming convention is pretty useful if you're around it for long enough, it says a lot about the watch. Starts with 1, 2, or 3 characters indicating the series (Usually followed by a hyphen). EQS seems to be the solar edifice chronographs. The # indicates the watch model, watches with the same # would pretty much have the same case, crystal, module/movement. Letters after that indicate major distinctions. An L means it's on leather, a D means it's a bracelet. A B means it's black pvd. The characters after the final hyphen indicate the colorway and region. EQS seems to be a big lineup of solar edifice watches. There's a ton of irregularities throughout the lineup of a billion watches they sell, but it's remained pretty consistent for 50 years now.