Best Chronograph Watch Under 500

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Are you looking for the best chronograph watch under 500, but don’t know where or how to start looking for it? Check out this comprehensive article to get the most stylish yet budget-friendly watch for your routine use.

Indeed, for a watch that looks and feels great, one doesn’t need to spend much.

Thanks to the latest market trends, people are becoming more and more curious about using chronograph watches. It is due to their ability to measure time in multiple scenarios. 

Chronograph watches are the most functional products that allow you to time just about everything in your life.  You can even use them for tracking every aspect of your daily routine, such as workouts and cooking time. 

Another added benefit is that the chronograph feature makes them look cooler and stylish compared to a plain time-only watch. 

Due to their complexity and advanced features, chronograph watches are not cheap.  Fortunately, in this article, we will discuss some of the best chronograph watches under 500 to help you make a wise and well-informed decision.

Summary Of The Best Chronograph Watches Under 500

Best Chronograph Watches Under 500 Review

1. Bulova Men’s Lunar Pilot Chronograph Watch 96B251

Inspired by the original Bulova Men’s watches, this product boasts exclusive quartz movement with an unparalleled frequency and accuracy. 

Authentic Recreation 

This six-hand calendar chronograph comes with a stainless steel screw-back case in a silver-tone finish.

The model is powered through the brand’s exclusive, patented, high-performance UHF quartz movement. Other included design features include super-luminous markers and hands. 

There is anti-reflective sapphire glass, calendar, and tachymeter in a strong 316L surgical grade stainless steel case with a water resistance of up to 50 meters.

The watch includes two interchangeable straps, i.e., black nylon with nubuck leather patch and textured black leather. 

High-Performance Quartz Movement

The 262KHz of the watch’s UHF movements is relatively higher than the standard quartz movement. It accounts for more accuracy and precision. It features the time, 12-hour chronograph, and date, which is accurate to 1/10h of a second. 

Details

• Case Diameter: 45mm
• Case Thickness: 13.5mm 
• Band Size: 9.25 inches 
• Bandwidth: 22mm 
• Bezel Type: Stainless steel 
• Dial Color: Black 
• Display Type: Analog 
• Movement: 262KHz 
• Dimensions: 4.33 x 3.94 x 3.54 inches
• Strap: Leather  Strap 
• Water Resistance: 50m 

Pros

• Luminous markers
• Precision timing
• Three-prong quartz crystal 

Cons

• Not suitable for professional swimming

Where To Buy Bulova Men’s Lunar Pilot Chronograph Watch 96B251

2. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Chronograph Watch with Perpetual Calendar and Date, BL5403-03X

The Citizen Men’s BL5403-03X is a technological wonder, thanks to its style and precision. It harnesses the power of artificial and natural light for utmost user convenience and eco-friendly function. 

Elegant And Classy Design

This watch has a very eye-catching brown dial, a rose gold-tone case, and a brown leather strap. This refined and classy appearance makes it a perfect choice for every occasion.

There are chronograph sub-dials with 12/24 hour time, 1/20 second time, and an alarm. 

The integrated mineral glass crystal provides utmost safety and protection to the dial. The brown leather strap is manufactured from synthetic material and features a buckle-type clasp.

Some other useful features include luminous hands, markers, perpetual calendar, and stationary stainless steel bezel. 

Eco-Drive Movement

With this watch, you do not need any batteries. The exclusive, eco-drive technology controls the watch using light as a source of energy.

It converts natural and artificial lights to energy to store in a rechargeable lithium-ion cell. Even when it is pitch dark, the battery runs for months without asking for regular battery replacements. 

Details

• Case Diameter: 47mm 
• Case Thickness: 12mm 
• Band Size: 7.5inches 
• Bandwidth: 22mm 
• Bezel Type: Stainless steel 
• Dial Color:  Brown 
• Display Type: Analog 
• Movement: Japanese Quartz 
• Dimensions: 0.43 X 0.39 X 0.83 Inches
• Strap:  Croco-Embossed Leather 
• Water Resistance: 100m 

Pros

• Recharges continuously
• 100m water-resistance
• Dual-time display

Cons

• Less durability due to synthetic material 

Where To Buy Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Chronograph Watch BL5403-03X

3. Bulova Men’s 98B152 Precisionist Analog Chronograph Black Watch

This chronograph watch combines intricate details and unmatched accuracy for timeless elegance. This product is known among watch lovers for its fantastic craftsmanship and advanced technology. 

Accuracy And Precision

With this watch, the brand claims that the precisionist movement is the most accurate globally, which is quite evident by the movement’s overall performance.

It also edges out the typical quartz movement of standard chronograph watches without losing a single second at any given time of day, week or year. 

The reason behind such accurate movement is the integrated crystal. It uses a three-pronged crystal that vibrates at a high frequency as compared to a normal quartz movement. 

Extraordinary Design

The rose-gold stainless steel used across the watch works well with the black polyurethane strap and other intricate details. Moreover, there is a textured black background for the dial, whereas the inner rings, markers, and sticks have the same color as the case.

The ease of reading is also possible with the large, ideal-sized dial for men’s watches. 

Details

• Case Diameter: 44.6mm
• Case Thickness: 14.4mm 
• Band Size: Men’s standard
• Bandwidth: 24mm 
• Bezel Type: Stainless steel 
• Dial Color: Black 
• Display Type: Analog 
• Movement: Japanese Quartz 
• Strap:  Black Rubber Strap 
• Water Resistance: 300m  

Pros

• Bold architectural case design
• Convenient display
• Most accurate movements

Cons

• Too big for some buyers 

Where To buy Bulova Men’s 98B152 Precisionist Analog Chronograph Black Watch

4. SEIKO Men’s Pilot Watch Alarm Chronograph

The SEIKO Men’s Pilot Watch Alarm Chronograph is one of the most affordable products on the market for engineers and soldiers.

It is also an ideal choice for people looking for a feature-packed yet low-maintenance watch for traveling. 

Solid Performance

The accuracy here is quite strong, thanks to the brilliant Japanese quartz movement. It comes with the Seiko Hardlex crystal window to make the dial stronger compared to the standard mineral crystal. 

The chronographic piece is made of stainless steel material, and even though the casing is a bit small, the watch still packs a punch for its price.

Also, there is a safety closure and fold-over push-button clasp for added security. 

Unique And Very Sporty

The black dial face offers good contrasts against white markings on the dial and bezel. There are eight markers and luminous hands with an intense glow for convenient reading at any given the time of day. 

A small date window is present at 3’o clock for convenient date reading and setting. 

The numbers are also easy to read, whereas the gear-edged bezel features a well-made and attractive layout. 

Design

• Case Diameter: 42mm 
• Case Thickness: 13mm 
• Band Size: Standard men’s 
• Bandwidth: 20mm 
• Bezel Type: Stainless steel 
• Dial Color: Black 
• Display Type: Analog 
• Movement: Japanese Quartz 
• Dimensions: 1.65 x 0.47 x 1.65 inches
• Strap: Silver stainless steel 
• Water Resistance: 200m 

Pros

• Imported
• Three different sub-dials
• Scratch and shock-resistant dial

Cons

• Not suitable for scuba diving

Where To Buy SEIKO Men’s Pilot Watch Alarm Chronograph

5. GRAF Zeppelin Chronograph and Alarm Watch

The GRAF Zeppelin Chronograph and Alarm Watch are outstanding pieces  of artwork due to its strong resonance and contemporary design. 

Unique And Versatile

It is a 6-jewel size quartz watch that is skillfully designed and manufactured with durability, uniqueness, elegance, and versatility in mind.

Features that make this watch one-of-a-kind include a 12-hour totalizer alarm at 6’o clock position and a date display at a convenient 4’o clock position. Moreover, it has a telemeter scale and tachymeter scale. 

Timeless Appeal

The restrained aesthetics and timeless appeal are what attract most buyers to this watch. It has a 30-minutes chronograph timer sub-dial with a black central hand.

There is a silver-white dial, a stainless steel case, and Croco-embossed leather to make the watch more solid and durable. To add to its stability, the watch features a mineral crystal dial window. 

Details

• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Case Thickness: 13mm 
• Band Size: Men’s standard 
• Bandwidth:  22mm 
• Bezel Type: Stainless steel 
• Dial Color: Black 
• Display Type: Analog 
• Movement: Swiss quartz 
• Dimensions: 7.87 x 5.91 x 3.94 inches
• Strap:  Black leather 
• Water Resistance: 50m 

Pros

• Lightweight
• Exceptional performance
• Waterproof watch

Cons

• Too tight for some buyers around the wrist

Where To buy GRAF Zeppelin Chronograph and Alarm Watch

6. Men Watches BY BENYAR Chronograph BY-5140

The BENYAR Chronograph BY-5140 is another stylish luxury wristwatch specially designed for men. It gives a regal look to your personality and can complement almost every piece of your wardrobe. 

Supreme Edifice 

This watch features 100% quality glass, a tachymeter top-ring, and a blue dial. Its genuine black strap gives this product a classy and enduring appearance.

The best thing here is the multifunctional chronograph with 3 different sub-dials for second, minute, and hour. 

Scratch And Water-Resistant

Another notable feature of BENYAR Chronograph BY-5140 is that it is a waterproof watch and can easily endure heavy rain, sweat, and water splashes.

Also, the watch is round and scratch-resistant and delivers a smooth feel to the wrist. The stainless steel band is durable and flexible, so keep your wrists well ventilated. 

Moreover, the watch is made of high-quality stainless steel material. Its dial features an integrated calendar with a date at 3’o clock position. 

Details

• Case Diameter: 45mm 
• Case Thickness: 12mm 
• Band Size: 9.5  inches 
• Bandwidth: 22mm 
• Bezel Type: N/A 
• Dial Color: Blue 
• Display Type: Analog  
• Movement: Quartz 
• Dimensions: 4.49 x 3.11 x 3.03 inches
• Strap:  Blue silicon 
• Water Resistance: 30m 

Pros

• Decent design
• Classy and precise
• Comfortable to wear

Cons

• Short luminescent duration 

Where To Buy Men Watches BY BENYAR Chronograph BY-5140

7. Citizen Watches AT0200-05E Eco-Drive Chronograph Canvas Watch

This military-inspired watch is a deadly combination of a comfortable fit and a rugged look. It is perfect for any occasion and adventure as it is made to last long compared to the competitor products. 

Eco-Drive Case

The first thing buyers notice about this watch is its tool-like and sporty case. The size is good enough for most men with large and even average wrist sizes.

The lugs are relatively long with a reasonable case length and thickness. The polished bezel contrasts the satin-brushed lugs to enhance the overall appeal of the watch. 

The design of chronograph pushers is another thing to love here. They are robust similar to the ones used by IWC for their pilots, a worldwide frontrunner as far as pilot watches are concerned. 

Movement

The Citizen Watches AT0200-05E is powered using a quartz watch. However, unlike other watches available in the market, it does not need direct sunlight; simple ambient light is more than enough to power through the construction. And since it is a quartz watch, you never have to replace any batteries. 

Details

• Case Diameter: 39mm 
• Case Thickness: 11mm 
• Band Size: 7.5 inches 
• Bandwidth: 21mm 
• Bezel Type: Stainless steel s
• Dial Color: Black 
• Display Type: Analog 
• Movement: Japanese quartz
• Dimensions: N/A
• Strap:  Green fabric 
• Water Resistance: 100m 

Pros

• Very legible
• Interesting eco-drive technology
• Durable and accurate

Cons

• Not a universal design

Where To Buy Citizen Watches AT0200-05E Eco-Drive Chronograph Canvas Watch

8. Diesel Men’s Mr. Daddy 2.0 Stainless Steel Chronograph Quartz Watch

The Diesel Men’s Mr. Daddy DZ7395 chronograph watch is bold and ironic. It is the latest trend and talk of the town product. The best thing about this watch is that it is a clash of different materials and languages but with a powerful mechanical touch. 

The Movement

The watch features a three-hand quartz movement with a quartz crystal that vibrates upon the application of current. 

As far as the versatility and multifunction features are concerned, the Diesel Men’s Mr. Daddy DZ7395 has the movement built in three different sub-eyes for the day of the week, date of the month as well as 24 hours. The chronograph design offers multipurpose stopwatch functionality. 

Quality Materials And Water Resistance

The quality leather of the watch is best known for its suppleness and capacity to stay good-looking over many years.

The stainless steel bracelet is exceptionally enduring and durable; it can last a lifetime if given proper care and maintenance. Also, it has waterproof silicon straps, which makes this watch a comfortable product for daily use. 

Design

• Case Diameter: 57mm 
• Case Thickness: 14mm 
• Band Size: 28mm 
• Bandwidth: 25.5 mm 
• Bezel Type: Stainless steel 
• Dial Color: Black 
• Display Type: Analog 
• Movement: Quartz 
• Dimensions: N/A 
• Strap:  Black stainless steel 
• Water Resistance:30m 

Pros

• 100 feet water resistance
• Adjustable buckle closure
• Commanding and stylish

Cons

• Not recommended for swimming

Where To Buy Diesel Men’s Mr. Daddy DZ7395 2.0 Stainless Steel Chronograph Quartz Watch

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Chronograph Watch under 500

Styles Of Chronograph Watches 

There are three types of chronograph watches available in the market, i.e., fashion chronograph, casual chronograph and sports chronograph. 

Fashion chronograph watches are only meant to impress people.  They are available in a wide range of looks and materials to look good with semi-formal and business apparel. 

Sterling silver, gold, or titanium chronograph is sure to be an eye-catching choice for many people. 

Casual chronograph watches are primarily for routine and everyday wear.  They are both affordable, attractive and can easily be found in resilient metals like plastic and stainless steel for better function than fashion. 

If you are also looking for a chronograph watch that is useful, stylish, and budget-friendly,   a casual chronograph watch is a way to go. 

Lastly, the sports chronograph watches are for athletes and professional players.  They are manufactured to withstand the rough and tough use of an active lifestyle or rigorous athletic training.

Ease Of Use And Convenience

When buying a chronograph watch, always prioritize your convenience and ease of use.  Always go for a watch with two or three pushers to enjoy easy stopwatch functionality. 

Other convenient features that every potential buyer must look out for include luminous watch markings/faces, water resistance, and automatic winding. 

Quartz chronograph watches are usually more accurate, precise, and easy to maintain than the mechanical counterparts, but if you genuinely desire a mechanical chronograph, make sure it has some integrated power reserve for convenient performance. 

Movement

Like any other watch, it is better to consider which chronograph movement is used in your chosen model.  If the chronograph watch is fully mechanical,   you might have to wind it regularly and keep it properly serviced every few years. 

Quartz movement is a far better option as it does not need a battery swap every once in a while.

Closing Thoughts on Best Chronograph Watch under $500

There you go.  These are some of our best chronograph watches under 500.  Though every product on this list is a high-rated and best-selling product, the clear winner for us is Bulova Men’s Lunar Pilot Chronograph Watch 96B251.  

Despite its underrated popularity among buyers, it is awe-inspiring and functions just as well in almost every aspect you want.  Its highly accurate quartz movement and sapphire crystal are best suitable for people with average and larger wrists. 

The space visiting history, contrasting white hands, and appealing dark black dial make it one of the most superior products in the market.