6 Best Chronograph Watches Under $500: Practical and Stylish

Nowadays, I think it’s awfully possible to find the best chronograph under $500 with good quality. I can tell because they’re getting popular and have been improved by adjusting both the practical and their stylish side. Well-known for its cool, serious, and masculine look, a chronograph watch evidently represents an interesting history in the watchmaking industry. 

Throwing back to the previous century, the first timepiece to be publicly marketed as a chronograph was invented by Nicholas Mathieu Rieussec, a watchmaker of the French King Louis XVII. Nicholas got an order from the king to make a watch that could record the lap time of his beloved horse races. Then, on his Majesty’s command, Rieussec created the first commercialized modern Chronograph in 1821.

Nicholas’ chronograph is composed of two faces, one of which uses the kinetic energy of the chronograph movement to move a small needle filled with ink. However, it was unsuitable for multiple uses due to its thirst for ink. Therefore, he tried to make further development by adding a re-setting feature that allowed for successive measurements to be taken without ink.

At this point, a chronograph was still just a stopwatch before finally having been miniaturized and integrated into timekeeping wristwatches in the early twentieth century.

What is a Chronograph Watch and How to Use One?

“We’re not strangers, only the introduction is missing”. I think that quotation could also simply mean “If you feel confused or less interested in this type of watch, it’s probably because you miss the introduction”. That’s why, if you’re brand new to this watch, we’re going to provide the introduction for you.

So, what is a chronograph watch? Well, it’s actually simply a watch that combines a wristwatch with a stopwatch function. It commonly uses two or three sub-dials to measure separated times. The three sub-dials are used to measure second, minute and hour separately. 

Meanwhile those with only two sub-dials, one of which is usually used for the main time’s running second.  If you see some pushers there, the top one is usually the “start” and “stop” buttons, while the bottom one is usually used to reset the timer. 

Read also: What is a Chronograph Watch? The Functions and How It Works

Things to Consider Before Buying a Chronograph Watch

What things should be considered to buy the best chronograph under $500? Personally, I think it’s never enough to only know the surface part of something. Therefore, before dropping some bucks to pick the best chronograph watches for men, I prefer to ask some of these questions as a consideration.

1. Is it Mechanical or Quartz?

It might be a debate, but I personally love to have a quartz chronograph for a more affordable option. It’s because usually features like flybacks are less expensive than mechanical ones. 

However, it’s less timeless if compared to a chronograph mechanical watch. That’s why, if you want to have them for a long period of time, I do recommend you choose the mechanical one. 

2.  Will the Size Fit My Wrist?

For some people, size probably doesn’t really matter, but for me choosing the right size of a watch is important to give more comfort. Not all chrono are giant, but commonly it has a thick size. So, if you’re the same as me, pick the best one that offers more comfort for you.

3.  What Type of Chronograph Do I Want?

You also should know that chronograph offers plenty of options, such as basic chronos, monopusher, flybacks, and many more. Each of those has its own practical functions with a specific look and style. In the end, I recommend you determine the best one based on your taste or necessities. 

4.  What are Additional Features that Increase the Value of a Chronograph Watch?

As an additional value, commonly present modern chronographs are equipped with some premium materials such as sapphire crystal, ceramic, and titanium. It’s also usually paired with various options of bracelets to adjust the wearer’s persona.

6 Best Chronographs Under $500 for Boosting your Sporty Look

We might have known that chronograph watches were initially used as a timekeeper tool. However, as time goes by, we can put the function aside and use them merely as daily accessories to complete our wardrobe. 

The fascinating sporty and masculine look of the watch will never fail to make you look sporty and more stylish. That’s why if you want to look stunningly different, we have highlighted some recommendations for the 6 best chronographs under $500 that will boost your style to its finest.

Seiko – Selection Solar Chronograph Panda

The first best chronograph under $500 on the list is Seiko Selection Solar Chronograph Panda. As a newer series from Seiko, the selection range takes pride in its multitude of affordable watches with timeless designs. Measuring 42.2mm in diameter, this watch has a lug-to-lug of 48.3mm and 12mm in thickness.

“The Panda ” characteristic is displayed by the manufacturers from the monochrome dial layout. It uses a classic 3-6-9 layout at the sub-dial, with the thickening second hand at 3, a 60-minute counter at 6, and the 24-hour indicator at 9.