Top 10 Best Value Chronograph Watches Under $500 - Seiko, Citizen, Bulova, Dan Henry, UNDONE & More
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- Опубликовано: 23 июл 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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Хобби
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
Kiiii8pp8iiiii0ķkjiiiip
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!
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!
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...
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
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."
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.
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!
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,
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!
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👍👍👍
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..
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.
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
Your enthusiasm talking about watches is unbelievable... Your presentations are brilliant... The whole video editing is superb... Just wow... 👍💪😊
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 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.
awesome list!
Didn`t know you watched this channel lmao. I love your videos.
😂😂😂😂
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.
"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" !
The Sea-gull to me is I think the best looking military watch.
What an outstanding video... Full of wealth of knowledge and great brands I didn't know
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.
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
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.
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.
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 Junghans Form C Chronoscope is an amazingly finished. MSRP with the fantastic leather strap is $495, and can be found for much less, even brand new with warranty from an AD.
I keep wondering why hardly anyone is talking about them. None of the really good watch channels have reviewed them so far and that's a shame.
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.
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.
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!
Well i'm broke again ....
Very informative video !!!
And as always have a nice day !
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!
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 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.
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
8:02 they still sponsor Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso Honda
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!
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!
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.
Steinhart ocean one, made of titanium is lit too.
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!
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.
Hmmmm... Thinking hard about Hemel, Dan Henry, and Undone now... Thanks!!!
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.
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.
The Zeppelin with the green dial is absolutely gorgeous. FORGIVE ME WALLET!
what do you do for a living? I always see charts form the stock market on your monitor and I'm wondering if that's what you do.
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.
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!
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
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.
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
Junkers, Messerschmitt, and I thought the third one was going to be Focke-Wulf 😂
or Horten or Heinkel :-)
i got lucky with my Hamilton Pan Euro..got it for 550 bucks . Its a store display
WOW, what a cracking deal! No wonder you are chuffed! Enjoy,
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry thanx TGV . Its a lil chunky but still proportional for my 7 " wrist.. Great vid and topic btw. Im itching to buy the Seiko Flighty ..buy i gotta see it the wify approves
Seiko... please manufacture more white dial flightys! I'd buy one in a second
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 would pre-order a 39mm Bulova Lunar Pilot today if it existed, and I don't think I'm alone. Not sure if the movement really needs the extra space, but if there's any way they could squeeze it into a smaller footprint, it would sell like hotcakes. (The DLC version looks best, imo.)
OMG, so would I, SO WOULD I!!!
Are you listing Bulova!?!?
You are spot on Tim, thank you sir.
Best regards,
TGV
Unfortunately, according to Bulova the addition of the chronograph complication to the UHF movement dictates the size. I've been wearing this one as my work watch (law enforcement) for the last year and it's been outstanding. It well lives up to the accuracy claims, with mine running +8 seconds for the year. With a 7.5 inch wrist I can carry it off, but I certainly sympathize with those concerned about the size. In fairness, the original does feature a 43mm case, so it isn't exactly small either. However, it's a shame Bulova couldn't shrink it to at least 42mm.
Dude you won't be the only one. I would preorder that thing the moment it hear about it if its the same quality/pricepoint as the current huge lunar pilot. I don't even think the movement is that important considering that it is a quartz and not modeled after the Valjoux 72 that was likely used (or modified) for the real Bulova Moonwatch. But oh god imagine if they released a Valjoux 72 movement reissue of the Bulova Moonwatch sized around 39 or up to 40mm. It might be the watch of the year.
It’s a true reissue, minus the movement it’s pretty accurate to the original. I have the same problem, to big for my wrist but if it were any smaller it wouldn’t be a moon watch in my eyes. I had one and with the nylon strap it looked smaller then on a bracelet but the lug to lug is what makes it huge.
I like the size of the lunar pilot since i am a big dude 😁 and it suits perfectly my wrist but i get it not everybody likes "chunkier" timepieces, cheers
Anyone know how Bulova and Omega came so far apart in their pricing on their “moon watches “?
I'm kind of new to the watch collecting thing but I think it's probably due to the Bulova being a quartz reproduction and the Omega still having the hand-winding mechanical movement.
They're different price tiers. Bulova isn't a luxury brand, omega very much is.
@@elgatto3133 "Luxury" watch..... what is luxury in this context? A watch just tells the time, or measures time if it has stopwatch or countdown functions.
@@cmartin_ok Quality of finishing, brand reputation, complication of movement, crafting of movement, price, you know luxury stuff. Bulova's a great brand don't get me wrong, but they're not comparable to omega nowadays, and they're not trying to either.
@@elgatto3133 I can understand the concept of a luxury house, a luxury car etc but a luxury watch? It's just something that sits on your wrist and tells the time. Maybe higher quality of finishing to the parts and assembly, yes, but I wouldn't call it "luxury"... it doesn't offer any comfort to the wearer or make their life easier ! But thanks for explaining it
Best watch channel.
Thank you Alberto, deeply appreciated my friend. Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry I must say, No snobbery True Horology.
I didn't even get completely through the video before picking up a Bulova Lunar Pilot. You sir are bad for my bank account.
Sal Esposito not too bad though, I bought a Seiko Alpinist after watching his review a good few years ago, after owning it and never really liking it I sold it and doubled my money. He tends to pick up on watches that won’t lose you much money if you buy one and sell it later.
I am a proud owner of 1963 seagull 😎
Bulova ad on this video !
Really?!?! FANTASTIC!!!! Go Bulova!!!!
Thank you Alex,
Best regards,
TGV
I prefer ascetic or I say not overcoloured watches like Edifice, Breitling Navitimer watches.
Junkers are talking to me, Seagull 1963, eventually Omega Speedmaster (but much much over the price range from the video).
Mentioned Zeppelin chronograph is also too much digits and information printed on dial but this 100 Jahre font is spectacular.
And I would say beside this overwhelming dial the watch is still ascetic. I don`t know how the Germans are doing it.
S🔥E🔥I🔥K🔥O means PERFECTION
Wanted to leave RUclips because I am tired (Germany...). Saw the red signal. "Probably TGV?". YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!!!!! Can't leave RUclips now. Getting a beer...3...2...1...
Haha, you have no idea how much your comment made me smile!
Thank you Torben, I toast my vino to your beer, Prost!
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry Prost, TGV, Prost!
TorbenHasRUclips
Hah, hah - I know exactly what you mean. Wouldn’t surprise me if you are from Denmark too...
We love Tristanos videos but they arrive just after bedtime. Well in New York it’s around 6 pm...tough luck😓
Time stamp for this phrase 19:53-19:59 “This is perhaps the best Swiss-automatic GMT at $1000, without a shadow of a doubt.”
wow.. bulova really messed up by making that 45 MM.. like who tf is going to wear that shaq? such a cool watch that could have gone far though if not for it being the size of a wall clock
In making the watch 45mm, Bulova has kept with the historical provenance of Commander Dave Scott's original, which by the way actually sold for 1.6 millon USD at a Sotheby's auction a few years ago! Commander Scott happens to be a personal friend of my favorite watch maker, David Quckenbush, @ A1 Watch Repair in Tucson Arizona. He is the most knowledgeable watch maker that I've ever come across and has been responsible for my getting into watch collecting.
At 17:32, you mentioned that you haven't purchased the Bulova, yet at the start of the video, you were very explicit in saying that you owned every watch that you were reviewing. I'm sorry, but I don't understand.
I believe he has handled every watch not owned.
He said he has tried it out.
@@benko7ab Oh, thank you. I guess I assumed that he meant he owned them when he said he has handled them all personally.
seiko solar also lasts 6 months
Ryan Utz I was about to leave the same comment
Casio edifice solar also does all seem very similar to Citizen's solar tec.
Whenever I see your name pop up, I click.
Thank you Kyle, very much appreciated.
Best regards,
TGV
clicking instantly :D
You should do a video on vostok
That's not a Red Bull, that's a Toro Rosso
Dear Seiko Flightmaster Prospex automatic SBDS001 I will have you some day
It takes a confident man to wear a watch that says “junker” on it.
i have one ,junkers flugweltrekorde g38 6296/00414 i have no problem with that
because of the english similarity with junk or because of the ww2 negative connotations of the brand?
When are we gonna see a video of you saying RRRRRRRatrapanté haha. It's been a while.
LOL, it certainly has,
Hopefully in the part 4, the last SOTC ;-)
Next week!
Thank you my friend, I hope you are well.
Best regards,
TGV
I'm just a poor guy, I see this videos, I just dream about having enough money for a good watch
It takes a confident man to wear a watch that says “junker” on it.
Lmaoooooo