Newest Posts About chronograph watches

Before we pull the trigger on purchasing a watch, we always take note of things like its case shape and bracelet material. However, another important component that can either make or break a watch is its bezel. Along with the dial, the watch bezel plays a pivotal role in the aesthetic of the whole model. Offering both form and function, the watch bezel is a crucial component that should not be overlooked. If you want to know more, read on as we discuss all you need to know about watch bezels, how they function, and some of the most iconic bezel designs in watchmaking history. What is a Watch Bezel?  A watch bezel is best described as a ring, affixed to the top of the watch case, that surrounds the watch’s dial. It sits on top of the watch crystal and helps to keep it in place. The watch bezel is considered one of the most versatile components of a timepiece. This is particularly because numerous variations of it exist. Watchmakers use specific materials such as steel, aluminum, and ceramic to craft the bezel. Oftentimes, the watch bezel is then treated with other metals such as gold or silver for design and durability purposes. A Brief Background on the Evolution of Watch Bezels There really is no exact date as to when the watch bezel was first created or identified as part of a watch. Nevertheless, its evolution throughout the years is quite evident. What initially started out as a fixed, decorative component soon became a way to add more utility to a timepiece. Many well-known brands like Rolex and Omega have actually pioneered a number of the innovative bezels we have today. For example, in the 1930s, Rolex was one of the first manufacturers to attach a rotating bezel to a watch, the Rolex Zerograph. At the time, the brand did not know that this ingenious complication would eventually become a fundamental part of diving watches in the future. In the same decade, TAG Heuer released a selection of timepieces featuring a variety of decorative bezels. This further cemented the idea that watch bezels were becoming a more prominent design and utility element in timepieces. Over the years, manufacturers have gone out of their way to create new and innovative bezel complications. These impressive bezels have changed the watchmaking game forever. Today, there are numerous kinds of watch bezels, all with different functions and features, for you to choose from. What Are Watch Bezels Made From?  Technological advancements in watchmaking mean that there are a variety of materials which watchmakers can choose from when it comes to crafting a watch bezel. Different bezel materials offer different advantages, which we will now go through in detail. Stainless Steel Stainless steel is one of the most prevalent materials used when creating timepieces. As such, it is little surprise that stainless steel bezels are quite common as well. There are two main reasons why manufacturers choose to go with stainless steel over other metals: durability and aesthetics. In terms of reliability and robustness, stainless steel is the most viable option when it comes to watch bezels. It is highly resistant to scratches and corrosion. A stainless steel bezel is thus able to withstand much of the wear and tear that comes with frequent use and a harsh environment. While stainless steel is prone to discoloration, it is a material that is guaranteed to last. Using stainless steel ensures that your watch bezel will remain in one piece no matter what. In terms of aesthetics, stainless steel has an appealing, lustrous sheen that is remarkably close to precious metals like silver. It also boasts a very versatile look, which allows watchmakers to experiment and play around with the design of the watch. For instance, stainless steel bezels work extremely well with two-toned watch cases. Aluminum  Aluminum bezels are also quite popular in the watchmaking industry. Aluminum is often compared to stainless steel, especially since it is just as abundant and practical. One strength of aluminum is that it is a more lightweight alternative, so it wears less heavily than a stainless steel bezel. It also mixes well with different coatings and pigments. However, a downside of aluminum is that it is known to be less sturdy than stainless steel. It is also quite reactive to different environmental exposures, and can be corroded if used for extended periods of time. Ceramic Despite being the newest material on this list, ceramic is an increasingly popular choice when it comes to making watch bezels. Ceramic is extremely robust and is known for exhibiting excellent scratch-resistant properties that exceed those of stainless steel and aluminum. This is great in ensuring the watch bezel remains pristine, even after years of use. Furthermore, ceramic is also lighter in weight, making it more ergonomic and comfortable to wear. However, ceramic has its fair share of cons as well. When too much pressure is applied to a ceramic bezel, it can be susceptible to some chipping or breaking here and there. Ceramic is also much more expensive than stainless steel or aluminum. Which Material Makes the Best Bezel?  As mentioned, each material has its advantages and disadvantages. People have to take into account different factors when deciding which watch bezel material to go with. For instance, a stainless steel bezel is a classic. It is ideal for those who prefer durable watches that age well. Aluminum bezels, on the other hand, are perfect for those seeking a more lightweight watch option. Finally, ceramic bezels are great for those who prefer stylish watches that will not suffer too much abuse. At the end of the day, your choice of preferred bezel material boils down to personal preferences. Types of Watch Bezels Now, let us move on to the most frequently-seen types of watch bezels and how they function.  1. Fixed/Plain Bezel The original watch bezel, a fixed or plain bezel is the most basic type. This type of watch bezel primarily functions as a decorative component. Aside from helping to keep the watch crystal in place, the fixed bezel does not have any additional functions or features. Watchmakers frequently use fixed bezels when they want to show off certain design elements such as embedded jewels, inscriptions, and the like. A contemporary example of the fixed bezel would be the Seiko 5 Sports SRE003K1, which hails from the popular Seiko 5 Sports series. 2. Count-up Bezel Next up, we have the count-up bezel. This type of watch bezel is more commonly referred to as a dive bezel, as it is often seen on dive watches. It showcases a scale that counts from 0 to 60 and is meant to be aligned with the minute markers on the watch’s dial. The count-up bezel’s scale is typically used by divers to calculate their elapsed time underwater. Moreover, this type of bezel follows a unidirectional rotation that goes counter-clockwise, which is used as an indicator by many divers as well. To use the count-up bezel, you have to align its zero marker – the luminous pip – to the current position of the minute hand. As the minute hand ticks, this will show you how much time has elapsed since you started diving. For example, if you start your dive at 9:20, you have to move the zero marker of the bezel to the 20-minute marker on the dial, which is where the minute-hand should be. As time goes on, the minute hand will tick forward, allowing you to keep track of exactly how many minutes have passed. 3. GMT/World Time Bezel A GMT bezel, also known as a world time bezel, is made for those who need to keep track of two different timezones. It is especially useful to frequent jetsetters. This type of watch bezel is characterized by a 24-hour scale, which is kept separate from the 12-hour display on the dial. Some GMT watches come with an additional GMT hand, while others feature rotating bezels. A GMT watch with an extra GMT hand is paired with the 24-hour GMT scale, which can be set to indicate one timezone. If your watch comes with just a rotating GMT bezel and no additional hands, however, you will have to manually turn it to your desired timezone. 4. Tachymeter Bezel The tachymeter bezel is commonly featured in sports watches and chronograph pieces relating to anything and everything automotive. This is usually a fixed bezel with a scale that has units beginning from 0 and going up to around 1,000. The main function of the tachymeter bezel is to calculate either distance or speed by using how much time has passed. In order to use the tachymeter, you need to know the distance between two points and the elapsed time needed to get from one end to another. You can then use the bezel’s tachymeter scale to calculate your traveling speed. 5. Compass Bezel A compass bezel is an important component in many outdoor watches. It aids explorers in figuring out directions, so they will not get lost. The compass bezel is marked with letter engravings that indicate North, South, East, and West. Additional markers can be found in between each cardinal direction, indicating the degrees.One interesting thing about the compass bezel is that it is reliant on the sun rather than magnetic properties. When using the compass bezel, you have to first use the sun to determine your orientation. If the sun is rising, change your position, with the cardinal direction E pointed at the sun. If the sun is setting, however, you have to change your position so that W pointed at the sun. This will allow you to tell which direction you are facing and where you need to go. 6. Countdown Bezel `a countdown bezel works in similar way to the count-up bezel. However, instead of calculating elapsed time, the countdown bezel acts more as a stopwatch. You will align your desired time limit to its corresponding marker on the dial. The countdown bezel is extremely versatile and is used by both professionals in their fields and in people’s everyday routines too. In order to properly use the countdown bezel, the zero marker on the bezel must be lined up with the time limit you are trying to set. For example, if you decide to jog around for 20 minutes, make sure to rotate the bezel so that the zero marker is at the 20-minute position on the dial. This will then allow you to keep track of how much time has passed and how much time you have left. 7. Pulsometer Bezel  A pulsometer is a very old-school bezel type that dates back to the 1920s. Serving a very practical and straightforward purpose, this was one of the very first bezel complications ever invented. It is designed to help those in the medical field keep track of a person’s heart rate. Typically, a pulsometer has a scale that counts from around 40 (left) units/pulses to 200 (right) units/pulses. When using a pulsometer bezel, you have to manually count out a person’s heartbeats once the timer starts. You can then refer to the pulsometer scale and use it to calculate the rate at which the person’s heart is beating. It should be noted that nowadays, the pulsometer bezel is a very rare type of watch bezel. The invention of smartwatches that can automatically determine a person’s heart rate has rendered the pulsometer bezel nearly obsolete. Bonus: Watches with Iconic Bezels Rolex Pepsi Bezel  The Rolex GMT-Master might just have the most famous watch bezel ever. It boasts the Pepsi bezel, which is an iconic two-tone GMT bezel. It comes in vibrant red and blue hues, resembling the logo of a soda brand, which is why it is dubbed the Pepsi bezel. Since its invention, many other watch brands have released their own versions of the Pepsi bezel. You can see this in watches such as the Timex Q Reissue and the Tudor Heritage Black Bay Ref. 79830RB-0001. Nevertheless, Rolex’s version remains the most legendary. The latest version of the Rolex Pepsi bezel has a 24-hour GMT scale and is made out of the brand’s patented Cerachrom material. TAG Heuer Carrera 160th Anniversary Tag Heuer is a brand that is known for its expertise in making tachymeter bezels. It has a long and rich history involving automobiles and the racing scene. This is probably how it has mastered the incorporation of tachymeter bezels in is watches. Take a look, for instance, at this limited edition TAG Heuer Carrera 160th Anniversary CBN2A1D.BA0643. It bears a fixed ceramic bezel in black with a tachymeter scale. Everything about this model serves as a tribute to the 160 years of the racing-inspired Tag Heuer Carrera series. Final Thoughts For those who are not that familiar with timepieces, the bezel is simply just a part of a watch. However, through this article, we have shown you just how much thought and effort watchmakers put into this versatile complication. From allowing watchmakers to exercise artistry and creativity to actually offering impressive utility, the watch bezel is definitely much more than just another watch component. It adds a lot of depth to a timepiece, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality.  Photo Credits: Official Brand Websites Hooked on timepieces? Check out this Guide on Buying the Perfect IWC Portofino watch.

When we talk about motorsports and watches, the first things that come to mind would probably be famous names like the TAG Heuer Monaco or the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. These are renowned collections based on racing and automobiles that are remarkably popular among the motorsports community. However, one automotive-inspired series that only true watch connoisseurs know about actually comes from Cartier, in the form of the Cartier Roadster.  In this article, we will take a look at the Cartier Roadster range and see if it is truly as impressive as people say.  History of the Cartier Roadster  Launched in the early 2000s, the Cartier Roadster is one of popular Cartier collections ever released. Just from its name, you can probably already guess that it is inspired by motorsports and automobiles. Racing watches are not a new concept in the horological world. However, Cartier was still able to create a line that was completely and uniquely its own by perfectly incorporating its mastery of elegance and sophistication with sportiness. One of the key reasons why this series so captivated watch fans is due to the hints of vintage elements in its design. In fact, the Cartier Roadster is based on the dashboard layout of a 1950s Porsche, giving the watch a very nostalgic, retro aesthetic. Best Cartier Roadster Models  Despite its short run, the Cartier Roadster boasts a rather extensive catalogue with a wide selection of models. These watches can be divided into three categories: the Cartier Roadster Men, Cartier Lady’s Roadster, and the Cartier Roadster Chronograph. In this section, we will take a look at some of the best Cartier Roadster models you can find in each of these categories. Cartier Roadster Men  The Cartier Roadster watches for men serve as the core of this collection. These were the original Cartier Roadster models. They consist of classic pieces that incorporate subtle, automotive-inspired elements, which makes them great accessories to wear both on and off the racetrack. One thing about the Cartier Roadster Men watches is that they are not as overtly masculine as other racing watches on the market. This is precisely why the Cartier Roadster Men is well-known for its versatility. 1. Cartier Roadster Men Ref. W62002V3 The Cartier Roadster Men Ref. W62002V3 is arguably one of the coolest watches in the entire Cartier Roadster catalog. It has a suave modern aesthetic that brings out the sophistication in any outfit it is paired with. This Cartier Roadster watch is housed in a 38mm stainless steel case and a matching three-link stainless steel bracelet. The case of this watch has a barrel-shaped design, which allows it to stand out from all the other motorsport-inspired pieces on the market. The dial of this watch has a jet-black finish, which contrasts sharply against its all-silver exterior. It has a racetrack layout and consists of luminescent sword hands, Arabic numeral markers, and a magnified date window at 3 o’clock. The Arabic numerals of this watch come in alternating red and white hues. The hour markers are painted in white. The double-digit minute markers, on the other hand, are a vibrant, striking red, giving the watch a cooler and more rugged look. The Ref. W62002V3 is driven by a Cartier Calibre 3110. Based on the popular ETA 2892-A2 movement, the Cartier Calibre 3110 is an automatic movement that has a power reserve of 42 hours. You can purchase this watch for around $6,200 USD. 2. Cartier Roadster Men Ref. W62048V3 Another handsome Cartier Roadster Men’s watch worth adding to your collection is the Ref. W62048V3. This watch is the perfect fusion of sportiness and elegance. You can easily wear this at both your fancy dinner parties and in your everyday routines. This Cartier watch is presented in a 38mm barrel-shaped case and a three-link bracelet, both made of stainless steel. Its dial shows off a radiant and rich blue sunray finish that simply draws your eye to it. It contains large Roman numeral markers in an elegant, slanting typeface, thick sword hands, and a magnified date display at 3 o’clock. Protecting the watch is a sapphire crystal with scratch-resistant properties and a 100-meter depth rating. Like the previous Cartier Roadster model mentioned, this watch runs on a Cartier Calibre 3110. Held together by 21 jewels, this self-winding movement offers quick-set date capabilities and a 42-hour power supply. Be prepared to shell out at least $7,125 USD to get your hands on the Ref. W62048V3. Cartier Lady’s Roadster  The Cartier Lady’s Roadster watches are offered in the same barrel-shaped cases as the Cartier Roadster Men. The primary difference, however, is that the Cartier Lady’s Roadster timepieces come in smaller sizes and have daintier, more feminine designs compared to the Cartier Roadsters for men. For instance, many Cartier Lady’s Roadster watches are embellished with jewels and gems, making them extra appealing to the ladies. 1. Cartier Lady’s Roadster Ref. W62016V3  One of the greatest pieces in the Cartier Lady’s Roadster lineup is the Ref. W62016V3. It offers a simple and straightforward design, making it an excellent classic piece for everyday wear. Despite its unassuming exterior, this model still exudes an air of quiet luxury that few other brands can replicate. The Ref. W62016V3 comes in a slim 31mm stainless steel case and a matching stainless steel three-link bracelet. Complementing its polished silver exterior is a lovely silver-white dial. This dial bears the classic Cartier Roadster racetrack design. It is also adorned with slanting Arabic numeral markers in black, luminous black sword hands, and a magnified, trapezoidal date aperture at 3 o’clock. Guarding this watch face is a layer of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. At the core of this Cartier Roadster watch is the Swiss Cartier Caliber 688. This is a powerful quartz movement that offers excellent precision and an outstanding battery life of more than five years. In addition, this watch is also water-resistant up to depths of 100 meters. The Cartier Lady’s Roadster Ref. W62016V3 is one of the most affordable pieces in this article. It retails at just $5,400 USD. 2. Cartier Lady’s Roadster Ref. W62026Y4 Another Cartier Roadster worth discussing is the Ref. W62026Y4. With its exquisite two-tone colorway, this watch boasts a refined sophistication and luxury that is unlike any other. This Cartier Roadster watch is even smaller than the previous model, encased in a 29mm barrel-shaped case. This is paired with a two-tone bracelet that shows off stainless steel outer links and lavish yellow gold inner links. Affixed to the top of the watch case is a yellow gold fixed bezel, which goes wonderfully with the watch’s bracelet. The dial of this watch showcases a silver-white finish with faint black lines that replicate the look of a classic racetrack. It is furnished with thick Roman numeral markers, luminous sword hands, and a magnified date complication at 3 o’clock. The nail-shaped cyclops lens of this watch is cleverly attached to its screw-down crown, creating a rather unique, protruding look. Inside this watch, you can find the same well-crafted Caliber 688 quartz movement. It offers great precision, making this watch both beautiful and reliable. The Cartier Lady’s Roadster Ref. Ref. W62026Y4 has an estimated price tag of $6,750 USD. Cartier Roadster Chronograph Now, we move on to the bolder pieces in the Cartier Roadster catalogue. The Cartier Roadster Chronograph takes this collection to a whole new level of functionality and aesthetic. Since the Cartier Roadster is a motorsport-inspired series, adding a chronograph model definitely fits the concept. In fact, the Cartier Roadster Chronograph is probably more deeply rooted in the automotive scene than the other two Cartier Roadster lines. 1. Cartier Roadster Chronograph Ref. W6206020 The Cartier Roadster Chronograph Ref. W6206020 is a striking and unusual piece for those who love eccentric chronographs. It shows off a very sporty elegance that you do not frequently see in other chronographs. The Ref. W6206020 utilises a chunky 50mm case that is made out of stainless steel, along with a black rubber strap. Despite its large diameter, the tonneau shape of this watch case means that it does not take up too much space on your wrist. As such, it can fit quite well on wrists of all sizes. Fitted on top of the case is a black-coated fixed bezel, which blends in perfectly with the watch’s strap. As a chronograph piece, the silver opaline dial of this watch is a lot busier than the other models previously mentioned. It is decorated with slanting Roman numeral markers, luminous sword hands, a trapezoidal date display at 3 o’clock, and three sub-dials in black. Unlike traditional chronograph sub-dials which have a clean and round shape, the sub-dials on this watch are oval-shaped, which allows them to fit neatly into the dial. Powering all of these features is a reliable Swiss automatic movement. If you are a fan of racing-inspired watches, this $7,525 USD model should definitely be on your radar. 2. Cartier Roadster Chronograph Ref. W6206019 In this entry, we have the Cartier Roadster Chronograph Ref. W6206019. Compared to the previous model, this version has a softer and more versatile appeal. This model sports a 49mm barrel-shaped case. This is coupled with a sleek three-link bracelet made of the same material, which gives the watch a more professional, office-ready look. The silver opaline dial comprises large Roman numeral markers, sword hands, a sizeable date window at 3 o’clock, and three oval sub-dials in white for the 60-second, 60-minute, and 12-hour chronograph counters. Like the Ref. W6206020, this watch also runs on a high-quality Swiss automatic movement. The Cartier Roadster Chronograph Ref. W6206019 costs about $7,975 USD. Frequently Asked Questions Now that we know more about the Cartier Roadster’s best models, let us talk about some of the most frequently asked questions about this series.  Is the Cartier Roadster discontinued?  Unfortunately, the Cartier Roadster is no longer in production today. It ran for a relatively short time, from the early 2000s up until 2012. Its discontinuation in 2012 caused much disappointment among fans and patrons of the collection. How do you set a Cartier Roadster watch?  The process of setting a Cartier Roadster piece is quite similar to that of other watches. In fact, it is fairly straightforward. You simply have to pull the crown of your Cartier Roadster out. Turning it either clockwise or counterclockwise will then cause the hands of the watch to move. Then, just rotate the crown until you reach the correct time/date. Is the Cartier Roadster worth adding to your collection?  Honestly, this really depends on what your preference is, especially since every collector has different factors to take into consideration. The Cartier Roadster is a well-crafted and highly-respected racing watch. One of the most appealing things about the Cartier Roadster is that it boasts elegance and sophistication you cannot find in most other motorsports-inspired watches, which tend to be more rugged. If you want something that offers a slightly different twist on the automotive watch, then the Cartier Roadster is a must-have. Modern Alternatives to the Cartier Roadster The Cartier Roadster can be pretty hard to get today, especially since it has been discontinued. As such, here are some alternative models that you can consider adding to your collection instead. 1. Cartier Drive de Cartier Ref. WSNM0004 First, we have the Cartier Drive de Cartier Ref. WSNM0004. This watch is perceived by some as the modern reincarnation of the Cartier Roadster. This Drive de Cartier watch uses a 40mm cushion-shaped case made of stainless steel and a leather strap in black. Although it is slightly larger than most of the Cartier Roadster models mentioned above, this watch’s cushion case means that it has a more compact build. This allows it to fit well on both small and large wrists. On the right side of the case, you can find a screw-down crown that is fitted with a blue cabochon spinel. This crown helps guarantee the watch’s 30-meter depth rating. The dial of this watch showcases a simple yet refined silver finish. It is filled with thick Roman numeral markers, a minute track with square markers and stick indices, a date aperture at 3 o’clock, and a small seconds sub-dial. Adding to the stylish contemporary look of this watch are its blued steel hands, which bring a pop of color to this watch face. On the underside of this Cartier watch, you can find a transparent caseback. Through it, you can admire the automatic movement that ticks inside the watch. This is a Cartier Calibre 1904-PS MC, which is held together by 27 jewels and has a 48-hour power supply. The Cartier Drive de Cartier Ref. WSNM0004 is worth approximately $6,800 USD. 2. Longines Evidenza Ref. L26424736 The next Cartier Roadster alternative we have is the Longines Evidenza Ref. L26424736. This is a classic piece that has a build and design that is quite similar to the Cartier Roadster. The icing on the cake is that it even has a more affordable price tag, catering to those with more limited budgets. This Longines Evidenza watch is presented in a slim 33mm tonneau-shaped case and a multi-link bracelet, both made using stainless steel. Complementing the watch’s all-silver exterior is its silver-white dial, which boasts an alluring guilloche finish. This dial is ornamented with slanting Arabic numeral hour markers, blued steel hands, and a date complication and small seconds sub-dial, both at 6 o’clock. Underneath this elegant watch face, you can find a Longines Caliber L615. This is an automatic movement which can last for up to 42 hours when fully wound. This watch also has a depth rating of 30 meters, which is less than what is offered by the Cartier Roadster models. If you want an affordable alternative to the Cartier Roadster, this Longines watch is just what you are looking for. It sells at just $2,400 USD. Final Thoughts  The Cartier Roadster is an excellent collection that consists of well-crafted automotive-inspired watches. It is incomparable to other models because it brings unparalleled sophistication and exquisiteness to motorsport watchmaking. Ultimately, this is a series worth checking out if you enjoy retro timepieces linked to the racing scene.  Photo Credits: Amazon If you wanna increase your watch knowledge, check out our article on the Grand Seiko SBGM221!

Seiko is one of the most well-established brands in the watchmaking industry. It has an extensive catalogue that includes many pieces famous amongst watch patrons and collectors, such as the Seiko Tuna and the Seiko Monster. One of the brand’s most iconic models is the Seiko Speedtimer. This is a cutting-edge sports watch and chronograph piece which has certainly made its mark on watchmaking history. Read on to find out all about the Seiko Speedtimer and what it brings to the table. When did Seiko make the Speedtimer watch?  The history of the Seiko Speedtimer dates back to as early as the 1960s. Originally a part of the Seiko 5 Sports collection, the Seiko Speedtimer is notable for being the first-ever automatic chronograph to be introduced to the world. Before its ground-breaking release in 1969, the Japanese brand spent over two years conceptualizing and developing the Seiko Speedtimer, ensuring that it would become the iconic watch series it is today. An In-Depth Look at the Seiko Speedtimer SSC813  Before we take a look at some of the best variants of the Seiko Speedtimer available on the market, let us delve into the Seiko Speedtimer Ref. SSC813. With its classic style, this watch is arguably the core model of the Seiko Speedtimer Solar Chronograph series. Case and Bezel  The Seiko Speedtimer SSC813 comes in a high-quality stainless steel case that promises utmost durability. It has a diameter of 39mm and a standard thickness of around 13.3mm, making it the ideal size for those with smaller-to-average-sized wrists. On the right side of the case, there is a stout screw-down crown that is surrounded on either side by two pushers. These components are vital in allowing the Ref. SSC813 a reliable depth rating of 100 meters. The screw-down crown also has deeply grooved sides, so wearers can grip and turn it more easily. Flipping the Seiko Speedtimer SSC813 over, you can find a solid stainless steel caseback that is tightly screwed down. Showing off a sleekly brushed finish, this caseback keeps the back of the watch secured, preventing any moisture or dust from getting in and damaging its inner mechanisms. In addition, the Seiko Speedtimer SSC813 also comes with a fixed bezel, which is fitted on top of its watch case. It has a black ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale inscribed on it. This tachymeter bezel is one of the most important parts of a chronograph and Seiko was able to incorporate it well into the timepiece’s rugged design. Bracelet  The Seiko Speedtimer SSC813 is paired with a stainless steel bracelet that has a three-piece link structure. The links of this watch have a semi-circular shape, while the insides of the link are flatter. This design allows the bracelet to fit more snugly on your wrist, which is exactly what you want in a sports watch. It was also constructed to have just the right amount of thickness and weight plus a low center of gravity, allowing for superior stability and comfort. Dial  The dial of the Seiko Speedtimer SSC813 is arguably the most striking aspect of this watch. The brand used contrasting black, grey, and white colors for its different components, which creates a highly-legible and easy-to-read watch face. Design-wise, this Seiko Speedtimer model is heavily inspired by the Seiko chronographs from the 1960s. This white dial comprises fluted hour markers in soft grey and sharp black sword hands. A compact date window can also be found in between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers. As a chronograph watch, this timepiece also has a handy chronograph display. Its dial features three chronograph sub-dials for its 60-second, 60-minute, and 24-hour counters. These chronograph counters all come in grey, so they stand out clearly against the rest of the white dial. A curved sapphire crystal is used to protect this watch’s face. This sapphire crystal has been treated with anti-reflective coatings, so wearers have a clear view of the dial that is unhindered by any visual or light distortions. Technical Details  The Seiko Speedtimer SSC813 is powered by a V192 caliber. This is a solar chronograph movement, which means that it is driven by both artificial and natural light. This movement has an excellent precision rate of around +/-15 seconds per month, which is a testament to the Japanese brand’s expertise in watchmaking. Lastly, on top of all its usual chronograph functions, the Seiko Speedtimer SSC813 also comes with an electric power generation display. It also possesses an overcharge prevention feature, so you do not have to run the risk of burning out your watch. Price  Despite its rich heritage and excellent craftsmanship, the Seiko Speedtimer SSC813 has a very reasonable price tag of just $675 USD. Considering it uses state-of-the-art technology while also boasting a timeless, versatile design, anything under $1,000 USD certainly seems like a good deal for this watch. Other Variations of the Seiko Speedtimer Now that we know more about the Seiko Speedtimer SSC813, let us consider some other best Seiko Speedtimer models you should not miss out on. 1. Seiko Speedtimer SSC817  First up, we have the Seiko Speedtimer SSC817. This watch offers a completely different design compared to the SSC813. It has a more retro and playful vibe, which gives it a bit more of an edge compared to the standard black-and-white SSC813 model. It is the ideal Seiko Speedtimer option for those who love timepieces that boast both modern and vintage-inspired aesthetics. The SSC817 is presented in a 39mm stainless steel case and a sporty three-link bracelet made of the same material. Affixed to the top of the watch case is a black bezel. It bears a tachymeter scale inscribed in muted yellow, which adds to the old-school look of the watch. The dial of this watch also blends well with the bezel, thanks to its textured yellow-gold finish. It is adorned with rectangular hour markers, black sword hands, a small date display, and three chronograph sub-dials in black. A curved sapphire crystal is used to protect this dial from any scratches or impacts. Driving this Seiko Speedtimer model is a V192 solar chronograph movement. On top of providing exceptionally precise timekeeping, this movement also has a solid battery life of six months when fully charged and a depth rating of 100 meters. This Seiko Speedtimer watch sells at a very reasonable price of $550 USD, making it one of the more affordable Speedtimer models. 2. Seiko Speedtimer SSC815  Next up, we have the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC815. This watch has a more masculine and sporty exterior which makes it the perfect choice for all the sportsmen in your life. Its cool colorway makes this a very versatile timepiece that is easy to pair with different styles. On the whole, this is a fail-safe option for those who want to make the most out of their watch. This Seiko Speedtimer watch is housed in a 39mm stainless steel case, coupled with a three-link stainless steel bracelet. It has a lug-to-lug distance of 45.5mm and a thickness of 13.3mm, which makes this an average-sized timepiece that can be comfortably and unobtrusively slipped under the cuff of your shirt. On top of the watch case is a sharp black bezel, with indicators in white and red for its tachymeter scale. While the dark red indicators can be a little difficult to read against the black bezel, they add a very rugged edge to the look of this timepiece. The dial of this watch, on the other hand, showcases a grained dark blue finish. It is furnished with applique silver hour indices, thick white sword hands, and a small date aperture between 4 and 5 o’clock. You can also find three chronograph sub-dials in grey and a vibrant red seconds hand, which provides the watch face with more dynamism and variety. The chronograph counters can be controlled using the two pushers on the right side of the watch case. This Seiko Speedtimer SSC815 runs on the brand’s V192 solar chronograph caliber. It has a precision rate of +/-15 seconds per month, an electric power generation display, and an overcharge prevention function. You also do not have to worry about getting this watch wet as it has a depth rating of 100 meters. If you are looking for a sports watch to use in your everyday life, this $580 USD model should definitely be on your radar. 3. Seiko Speedtimer SRQ035 Next up, we have the Seiko Speedtimer SRQ035. Released in 2021, this is actually a limited-edition model from the brand’s Seiko Prospex Speedtimer lineup. It draws inspiration from the Japanese brand’s long-time role as the official timekeeper at various sports competitions and events. In particular, this watch was designed to pay tribute to a particular 1/5th-of-a-second stopwatch from Seiko’s 1964 catalog, which explains its vintage aesthetic. The SRQ035 utilizes a 42.5mm stainless steel case and a three-link bracelet. This watch has a lug-to-lug distance of 45.5mm and a thickness of 15.1mm, which makes it slightly larger and heavier than the aforementioned models. That said, it was made to still rest ergonomically and comfortably on the wrist. Complementing the watch’s all-silver exterior is a clean white dial. It has a very straightforward layout, containing tiny dot indices, slim sword hands that are coated in lume, a subtle 60-minute track in black, and a date complication at 6 o’clock. On the outer rim of the dial, you can also find a black internal tachymeter scale which you can use to measure speed and distance. Two small chronograph sub-dials can also be found at 3 and 9 o’clock, for the 60-second and 30-minute counters. On the underside of this watch, you can find a see-through caseback, which gives you a clear view of the watch’s state-of-the-art Caliber 8R46. This is a brand-new automatic Seiko chronograph movement. It comes with a manual-winding capacity and can last for up to 45 hours when fully wound. As a limited edition model, there are only 1,000 units of the Seiko Speedtimer SRQ035 in existence. It is priced at around $2,900 USD. 4. Seiko Speedtimer SRQ039  In this entry, we are looking at the Seiko Speedtimer SRQ039. This is the newest model in the Seiko Speedtimer line, as it was only released in February 2022. It is one of the most unique pieces in the Speedtimer series, as it offers a more elegant and dressy aesthetic than the rest of its peers. This is a great option for Speedtimer patrons looking for a sports watch that would look great with formal ensembles as well. The SRQ039 sports a 42.5mm stainless steel case, paired with a handsome crocodile leather strap in black. It has the same lug-to-lug distance and thickness as the SRQ035, making it a good fit for those with slightly larger wrists. The dial of this watch shows off a gorgeous, sky-blue finish. It is decorated with applique hour indices, long sword hands, a date display at 6 o’clock, and an internal tachymeter bezel on its rim. It also has a chronograph display with two sub-dials for the 60-second and 30-minute counters, both of which come in a darker blue hue. An anti-reflective sapphire crystal helps guard this watch face, contributing to the timepiece’s 100-meter depth rating. Flipping the SRQ039 over, you will see an exhibition-style caseback. This allows you to fully admire the watch’s brand-new 8R46 Caliber. This is one of the most advanced chronograph movements offered by Seiko as it utilizes high-tech MEMS technology. It offers a precision rate of +25/-15 seconds per day and has a decent 45-hour power reserve. The Seiko Speedtimer SRQ039 retails at about $3,000 USD. 5. Seiko Speedtimer SRQ037  The last model we recommend is the Seiko Speedtimer SRQ037. With its simple and sleek style, this watch serves as a subtler and more understated take on the Seiko Speedtimer. It has a versatile design that will probably still be in style even 20 years from now. This is a great choice for Seiko patrons who want something straightforward and timeless. The SRQ037 uses a 42.5mm stainless steel case and a matching stainless steel bracelet. Both the case and bracelet are hard-coated, boasting their durability and resistance to scratches and impacts. On the right side of the dial, you can find an especially thick screw-down crown, along with two pushers for the watch’s chronograph functions. Compared to the previous models, this watch shows off a more muted brushed finish. This adds to the watch’s quiet and unostentatious style. The dial of this watch comes in a lovely and serious charcoal grey. It consists of silver applique hour indices, thick dauphine hands that are coated in lume, and a date aperture at 6 o’clock. A tachymeter scale in black encloses the dial. It also contains two chronograph sub-dials in black for the 60-second and 30-minute counters. The back of this watch is sealed shut by a thick, transparent sapphire crystal caseback. Through this caseback, you can see the impressive 8R46 Caliber that powers this Speedtimer watch. Consisting of 34 jewels, this is an automatic chronograph movement with manual-winding capacity and a 45-hour power reserve. You can purchase this watch for around $3,000 USD. This is one of the pricier Seiko Speedtimer models. How is the Seiko Speedtimer Different From Other Chronographs?  One thing that truly separates the Seiko Speedtimer from other chronograph pieces in the market is that it has such a rich history to back it up. As we mentioned earlier, Seiko was one of the brands at the forefront when it comes to pioneering the development of chronograph watches. In fact, the original Seiko Speedtimer was the first-ever automatic chronograph to ever hit the market. The fact that the Speedtimer series can trace its lineage all the way back to the start of automatic chronographs is a serious point in its favor. Another factor that makes the Speedtimer so distinct is the fact that it is equipped with highly advanced mechanisms. For instance, Seiko was able to integrate a high-tech solar-based movement into the Seiko Speedtimer. Not only did this make the Speedtimer more convenient to use for wearers, but it also proves the extent of the Japanese brand’s mastery over the watchmaking craft. Final Thoughts  The Seiko Speedtimer is a truly historic watch. It made a huge impact in the 1960s, when it was released as the first automatic chronograph watch ever, and has remained relevant to this day. Over the years, Seiko has made sure to upgrade the Speedtimer with the most ground-breaking technology available, which is why it is no surprise that it remains such a popular series today. The Seiko Speedtimer is definitely worth adding to your collection if you enjoy high-quality chronograph pieces. Photo Credits: WatchShopping Site Don’t miss out on our piece about the rugged and efficient Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V!

Ever encountered watches with excellent functionality that come at very affordable prices? If you have not, then Timex would be perhaps the best brand to check out for this experience. As one of the oldest American watch companies, Timex knows how to meet all its customers’ needs by offering reliable, diverse timepieces that can match every wearer’s style. For those who are intrigued by the brand, below is a list of the 20 best Timex watches that we have rounded up just for you. We have curated some of the best Timex watches for diving, outdoor adventures, everyday wear, and virtually any other purpose you can think of. Whatever your needs are, we have made sure that each Timex piece will help boost your lifestyle without going beyond your budget. But before that, let us get to know a bit more about Timex as a trustworthy watchmaker.  A Brief Timex History Unlike many of the big names in the market, Timex does not originate from Switzerland. Timex was actually founded in 1854 in the town of Middlebury, Connecticut and was originally named the Waterbury Clock Company (WCC). The brand wanted its products to be a perfect blend of European clock making and American craftsmanship, which they would then sell to an international market.  In 1887, the Waterbury Clock Company hit a huge milestone with its release of the Jumbo Pocket Watch in New York City. This timepiece was named after the circus showman P.T. Barnum’s famous elephant in the traveling circus. One famous patron of the Jumbo Pocket Watch was Robert H. Ingersoll, an entrepreneur who eventually became the business partner of the Waterbury Clock Company. Ingersoll helped the company by producing millions of pocket watches under his own label. Several years later, World War I began and there was a sudden demand for military watches. The Waterbury Clock Company quickly realized that there was an opportunity it could capitalize on here. In order to adapt to the demand for military watches, the Waterbury Clock Company created improvised timepieces using a small Ingersoll Midget ladies’ pocket watch with a movable crown and canvas strap. Eventually, these improvised military watches became a staple for many soldiers because of how versatile, easy to use, and lightweight they were. In 1941, with World War II, the Waterbury Clock Company ran into significant financial difficulties, much like other watch companies during that time. Nevertheless, the Waterbury Clock Company continued to help with the war efforts, creating bomb fuses and other defence-related timing defences for the US Army. As a result, the company became the largest producer of fuses and military equipment. The Waterbury Clock Company even earned the Army-Navy E Award from the United States for its efforts and eventually managed to pull through the war successfully. A couple of years after World War II, the Waterbury Clock Company underwent another huge change when Thomas Olsen, a Norwegian refugee, bought over its major stake and renamed it Timex. The brand’s new name was derived from Olsen’s favorite publication and tissue brands, which were Time and Kleenex. With this step, the company began to truly flourish in the global market, selling affordable watches and keeping up with technological advancements in the horology world. Timex’s history is also a testament to the effectiveness of marketing strategies. The brand’s slogan, “Timex Takes A Licking and Keeps on Ticking“, became immensely popular on televisions. Timex even used durability tests in its TV commercials to prove, on the spot, the sturdiness and durability of its watches. As a result, Timex gained a reputation for producing hardy, budget-friendly watches that could really take a beating. Today, Timex remains one of the top watch brands in the world, known for providing the public with accurate time displays, durable timepieces, and essential timekeeping functions. 20 Best Timex Watches for Men and Women in 2022 1. Expedition North Field – Best-Selling Timex Watch Image by: Lyst.com Case Diameter: 38 mmCase Material: Stainless SteelStrap and Lug Width: 20 mmMovement: Mechanical Hand-WoundPriced at $229, the Expedition North Field is one of the best-selling Timex watches. As an eco-friendly watch option, this timepiece has captured the hearts of many. Rather than using materials made from animal skin, Timex adopted the use of a sustainable, cruelty-free leather strap for this watch. It also showcases a luminous dial display and a 100-meter depth rating. Presented in a 38mm stainless steel case, this timepiece caters to both men and women. 2. Ironman R300 – Best Timex Smartwatch Image by: Amazon Case Diameter: 41 mmCase Material: ResinStrap and Lug Width: 24 mmMovement: DigitalThe best Timex Ironman watch that you can buy is probably the Ironman R300, which retails at $129 USD. This is the perfect watch to help you with your workouts and exercise. It helps you keep track of your daily steps, sleep, calories, and even distance when running. Its built-in guided workouts are also sure to help you reach your fitness goals. This smartwatch comes with a 25-day battery when in smart display mode and can last for up to 20 hours when using its GPS continuously. 3. Easy Reader – Most Popular Timex Watch Image by: Amazon Case Diameter: 35 mmCase Material: BRASS & LLBStrap and Lug Width: 18 mmMovement: Quartz AnalogThe Easy Reader is arguably the most well-known Timex watch for men and women with its straightforward display and affordable price. Released in 1977, it remains incredibly popular today, with a price tag of just $50 USD. This watch is offered in a wide variety of models with different case sizes. However, we recommend the Easy Reader® 35mm Fabric Fast Wrap® Strap Watch, because of its easy versatility. This watch is housed in a 35mm silver-tone case that stands out wonderfully against the stark black hands and indices of the dial. Indeed, this timepiece shows off a quintessential, timeless design that will simply never go out of style. 4. Ironman Transit – Best Timex Watch for Everyday Wear Image by: Amazon Case Diameter: 33 mmCase Material: ResinStrap and Lug Width: 12 mmMovement: DigitalThe $75 USD Ironman Transit is another popular watch from Timex. This is a practical sports watch with a soft silicone rubber strap that offers utmost comfort and durability when outdoors. It also comes with a built-in customizable alarm, a timer, and a 10-lap memory function. Even more remarkable is its Timex Pay feature, which allows you to make contactless payment with your phone. With all these features, this is definitely an exceptional watch that will make your everyday life easier. 5. Timex Family Connect – Best Timex Watch for Families Image by: eBay Screen size: 1.3″ Shatter Resistant displayMemory: 4GB internal memory (ROM)Operating System: Android NProcessor Speed: 1.09 GHz quad-core processorDo you want to spend time with your family even when you are apart? For just $192 USD, you can connect with your kids securely and privately through the Timex Family Connect. With this timepiece, they can receive your calls, texts, and video calls without the need to access the internet or any other applications. It can also share real-time locations regardless of time zones, so you can keep track of your kids. In addition, the Timex Family Connect even gives you alerts if your kids enter into any restricted places you have set. 6. Metropolitan S – Best Timex Digital Watch Image by: Amazon Case Diameter: 36 mmCase Material: AluminumStrap and Lug Width: 20 mmMovement: DigitalIf you are looking for the best Timex digital watch, then the Metropolitan S would probably be your best bet. Selling at $179 USD, the Metropolitan S possesses all the modern features you need in a smartwatch. For frequent explorers, this watch comes with a built-in GPS. Sports enthusiasts can make use of the 24/7 activity tracker and the optical heart rate monitor to keep track of their health and stats. This watch has handy a two-week battery life. You can get the stylish Metropolitan S in either a 36mm gunmetal grey or rose gold case. 7. MK1 with Military-inspired Grosgrain Strap – Best Timex Military Watch Image by: Solarmtp.com Case Diameter: 36 mmCase Material: ResinStrap and Lug Width: 20 mmMovement: QuartzHailing from the Timex Archive, the Timex MK1 with Grosgrain Strap is an outstanding military watch with a timeless design. As a reissued version of the Timex Camper from the 1980s, it comes with embroidered text, a military-inspired Grosgrain fabric strap that can withstand any challenges, a 24-hour military time display, and a handy 30-meter depth rating. With its straightforward, highly legible dial layout, this military watch is perfect for those who love simple and precise timekeeping. 8. Q Timex 1978 Reissue Date – Best Vintage-Inspired Timex Watch Image by: Dickfergusons.com Case Diameter: 35 mmCase Material: Stainless SteelStrap and Lug Width: 18mmMovement: Quartz AnalogRepresenting the old yet iconic quartz movement that the brand is known for is the Q Timex 1978 Reissue. It is offered in a variety of different colorways, but all of them boast the same retro-inspired vibe from the 70s. The specific model we are looking at comes with a light champagne dial, with an angled day-date complication at 3 o’clock. Its polished hands and hour markers are inspired by New York City’s skyscrapers, which can catch light from any angle. For $169 USD, you can get this powerful quartz watch with lovely vintage details. 9. Navi Depth – Best Timex Dive Watch Image by: Boozt.com Case Diameter: 38 mmCase Material: Stainless SteelStrap and Lug Width: 18 mmMovement: QuartzThe Navi Depth is yet another one of the pioneering Timex watches. It shows off traditional dive watch features, including a 100-meter water resistance rating, highly legible vintage-style indices, and a rugged-looking silicone strap in black. Much like the Rolex GMT watches, this watch is equipped with a handsome two-tone bezel. In particular, it resembles the popular Rolex Coke, bearing a similar the same metallic black and red elapsed time scale bezel. Of course, unlike the Rolex watch it resembles, the Navi Depth comes with a quartz movement and a much lower price point of $160 USD. 10. Waterbury Classic Chronograph – Best Timex Chronograph Watch Image by: Amazon Case Diameter: 40 mmCase Material: Stainless SteelStrap and Lug Width: 20 mmMovement: Quartz AnalogInspired by the original Timex Waterbury from the 1980s, the Timex Classic Chronograph is an impeccable, highly-functional chronograph piece with an extremely simple layout. This watch comes with a 40mm black-tone case, coupled with a matching black stainless steel strap and straightforward black dial. Standing out against the dial are white rectangular indices and sword hands, allowing for optimal readability. This watch also comes with a date complication and three chronograph sub-dials that are cleanly spaced out, for the 60-second, 30-minute, and 10-hour counters. With its versatile all-black look, you could easily bring this chronograph watch to the racetrack, or to your next formal corporate dinner. 11. Ironman T200 – Best Timex Sports Watch Image by: Amazon Case Diameter: 42 mmCase Material: ResinStrap and Lug Width: 16 mmMovement: Quartz DigitalIf you are a health nut looking for the best sports watch Timex has to offer, then look no further than the Ironman T200. With its 42mm resin case and matching resin strap, this is an extremely lightweight, easy-to-wear piece that is loved by athletes worldwide. On top of that, this sports watch offers useful sports functions, such as an interval training timer that records your tracks, lapses, and intervals, alerts for your warm-up and cool-down sessions, and chronographs counters for you to time yourself. Equipped with a 100-meter depth rating and a coin-cell battery that requires no recharging, the Ironman T200 capably fulfils every need a sportsman might have for just $70 USD. 12. Marlin Automatic with Timex Pay – Best Timex Leather Watch Image by: Amazon Case Diameter: 40 mmCase Material: Stainless SteelStrap and Lug Width: 20 mmMovement: Mechanical Automatic WindFor the best Timex leather watch, check out this contemporary version of the Timex Marlin. Selling for around $279 USD, this watch comes with a quintessential build, including a 40mm stainless steel case and a beautiful, soft leather strap in brown, and a timeless silver sunray dial. The best thing about this Timex Marlin watch’s strap is that, on top of looking elegant and being extremely comfortable to wear, it is also equipped with advanced Timex Pay technology. This allows you to make contactless transactions using the strap, which is extremely convenient for your daily routines. 13. Timex x Judith Leiber – Best Timex Watch for Women Image by: Amazon Case Diameter: 38 mmCase Material: Stainless SteelStrap and Lug Width: 18 mmMovement: Quartz AnalogAs a brand, Timex is known for catering to both men and women alike. One wonderful timepiece that is sure to please all the ladies is the Timex x Judith Leiber. A collaboration with Judith Leiber, this is an exquisite watch that brilliantly resembles the famous Rolex Rainbow Daytona. The most striking thing about the Timex x Judith Leiber is the 900 Swarovski crystals encrusted all over it, from its case and bracelet down to its dial and lugs. These crystals come in a rainbow variety of hues, giving the watch a perky flair that simply draws the eye. On the dial, you can find 12 large, colorful baguette crystals, which serve as the watch’s hour markers, along with luminous, modern-style hands. Retailing at $1,200 USD, the Timex X Judith Leiber is the most exorbitant watch on this list. It is an exceptional option for those who love to shine and dazzle wherever they go. 14. M79 Automatic Stainless Steel – Best Timex Automatic Watch Image by: Amazon Case Diameter: 40 mmCase Material: Stainless SteelStrap and Lug Width: 18 mmMovement: Mechanical Automatic WindAutomatic watches are something that is offered by virtually every watch brand today. However, if you are looking for a reliable, more affordable entry-level piece, then Timex has just the watch for you: the Timex M79 Automatic Stainless Steel. Inspired by the 1970s Q Timex, this modern automatic timepiece was upgraded with a 21-jewel mechanical movement. With its classic all-stainless steel build and its 50-meter water resistance capacity, this is a versatile watch that can be worn on any occasion, be it casual or formal. It has an estimated price tag of just $279 USD. 15. American Documents – Best Timex Dress Watch for Men Image by: Amazon Case Diameter: 41 mmCase Material: Stainless SteelStrap and Lug Width: 20 mmMovement: Swiss Quartz AnalogNeed something to complete your formalwear for your next dinner party or corporate event? Then check out the Timex American Documents. This classic dress watch for men is one of the most handsome Timex watches you can find. It is presented in a 41mm stainless steel case with a smooth, satin-brushed finish and a double-layered dial that has been printed thrice to give it an exquisite, multi-dimensional look. The Timex American Documents’ dial also boasts a simple, minimalist flair, as it comprises just simple stick indices, finely beveled silver hands, a date window at 3 o’clock, and a submerged small seconds sub-dial. On the underside of the watch, you can find a stamped and plated gold-tone caseback, which adds to the watch’s stylish classiness. This watch is worth approximately $495 USD. 16. Fairfield 37MM – Best Timex Dress Watch for Women Case Diameter: 37 mmCase Material: Low Lead BrassStrap and Lug Width: 18 mmMovement: Quartz AnalogMen are not the only ones who love wearing classy dress watches. Sometimes, women love to dress up for fancy parties too, and what better to elevate their look than a lovely ladies’ dress watch? For those seeking just that, the Timex Fairfield 37MM is the answer they need. This exquisite watch comes in a slender 37mm case made of low lead brass that has been well polished, giving it a lustrous, refined look. Adding to its elegance is its white dial, which is adorned with beautiful rose gold-tone indices and hands. These hands and indices are also coated with INDIGLO® Night-Light, allowing for optimal readability even in low-light conditions. Finishing off the watch’s dressy look is a stylish blue leather strap. You can purchase this minimalistic dress watch for women for just $79 USD. 17. Time Machines – Best Timex Watch for Kids Case Diameter: 34 mm (Kids Size)Case Material: ResinStrap and Lug Width: 17 mmMovement: DigitalFor just $25 USD, you can get this fun watch that is sure to be adored by any kid: the Timex Time Machine. Designed to teach children basic math skills and how to tell the time, this watch comes with simple, handy functions, including a countdown timer, a customizable alarm, a chronograph counter, and a 30-meter depth rating. In addition, the Timex Time Machine is also equipped with a colorful adjustable fabric band. This strap is available in various fun designs, such as flowers, sharks, lizards, pandas, and more, depending on the model you get. All of these are great for playful kids who love the outdoors. 18. iConnect® by Timex Kids Active – Best Timex Smartwatch for Kids Image by: Amazon Case Diameter: 37mm (Kids Size)Case Material: ResinStrap and Lug Width: 20 mmMovement: DigitalAn affordable Timex smartwatch for kids would be the Timex iConnect® model, which costs just $45 USD. With this watch, you can teach your child to be responsible for and keep track of their own health. Timex iConnect® comes with a health tracker that monitors their step count and heart rate. In addition, its customizable display screen and media controls make the watch more fun, as kids can play around with their timepiece and select settings that best suit them. Its multi-day battery life and compatibility with Android and iOS devices also make this smartwatch extremely convenient. 19. Timex MK1 – Best Mechanical Watch Case Diameter: 36mmCase Material: Stainless SteelStrap and Lug Width: 20 mmMovement: Mechanical Hand-windThe Timex MK1 is a vintage, military-inspired piece that showcases a lovely olive green dial and fabric strap. Housed in a 36mm stainless steel case, this watch offers a handy 24-hour time display and a reliable mechanical movement held together by 20 jewels. It also comes with quick-release spring bars, so you can easily replace the watch’s rugged strap without needing any tools. Selling at $185 USD, this mechanical watch makes for a simple and trustworthy beater piece. 20. Weekender 40 – Best Timex Unisex Watch Image by: Amazon Case Diameter: 40 mmCase Material: Stainless Steel Strap and Lug Width: 20 mmMovement: Quartz AnalogThe Timex Weekender 40 is probably the best affordable unisex watch you can find on the market. Retailing at $80 USD, this watch shows off a simple beige dial with a useful 24-hour time display. A great thing about this unisex Timex watch is that you can freely customize the case and strap. Wearers are offered a choice between a silver or grey-tone 40mm stainless steel case. The strap is also offered in black leather, brown leather, or a variety of colorful nylon designs. You can also engrave the Timex Weekender 40’s case, making it a great personalized gift for that special someone in your life. Wrap Up So, there you have it. We hope that our picks for the 20 best Timex watches will cover all your needs. Hopefully, this list has also helped you choose the perfect watch that suits all your preferences and tastes. The Timex watches above are reliable, affordable timepieces and almost all are equipped with the brand’s remarkable Indiglo® light-up dial. This is an essential feature that offers optimal legibility during low light and night use. With that said, which Timex model is your favorite? Feel free to comment below and let us know what you think! Photo credits: Timex’s official website.  If you want to read about more fun watch collections, check out our watch buying guides for different brands!

Ah, the Speedmaster — Omega’s crowning glory, the first watch to reach the surface of the moon, the Moonwatch. Generations after its conception, the Omega Speedmaster remains a truly historic timepiece and an incredibly popular name in the industry. That is why it has inspired so many other iterations, made not only for the moon, but also for Earth and its many faces. That said, forget about the Speedmaster X-33 Regatta, the Speedmaster Racing, and the Speedmaster Moonphase. Today, we will be taking a close-up look at none other than the Omega Speedmaster Reduced. Omega Speedmaster Reduced: Quick Specs Case Diameter: 39 mmCase Material: Stainless steelBezel: Tachymetric scaleDial: Black with luminous hour markersMovement: Automatic caliberFunctions: Central running seconds; 12-hour chronographBracelet: Steel or leather strap What is the Omega Speedmaster Reduced? The Omega Speedmaster Reduced has been gaining popularity in the past few years, and rightfully so. One interesting thing about this Omega watch is that it often gets mistaken for the brand’s more popular flagship model, the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. It is an easy mistake to make. Though there are differences between the two models, which we will go through in greater detail later, they do also share a few similarities. For instance, both Speedmaster pieces have the same jet-black dial with three chronograph counters located at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Their bezels are also similar, with both having tachymeters marked on the black scales. In fact, a lot of online sellers even bait those looking for an affordable Speedmaster Professional with a photo of what is actually a Speedmaster Reduced. What makes matters even more confusing is that some people might know the Omega Speedmaster Reduced by the “Moonwatch” nickname too. This confusion stems from the fact that Omega now refers to all Speedmaster watches as Moonwatches, thanks to the original Speedmaster’s legendary feat of being the first watch on the moon. But the matter is not that simple. Most professionals actually agree that while the Omega Speedmaster Reduced is an extremely nice Speedmaster model, it does not, strictly speaking, qualify as a Moonwatch. This is because, unlike the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced is not suited for the lunar surface, or for space at all. Despite Omega’s recent naming conventions, not all Speedmaster timepieces can truly be considered “Moonwatches”, and that applies to the Omega Speedmaster Reduced too. History of the Omega Speedmaster Reduced Omega released the Speedmaster Reduced in 1988. The Swiss company marketed this watch as a smaller and much more affordable version of its flagship Speedmaster Professional model. It is just one of the pieces that Omega launched as part of a bigger Speedmaster collection. As mentioned, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced is smaller than the Speedmaster Professional. As befitting its “Reduced” name, this watch has a case that measures just 39mm in diameter, slimmer than the Speedmaster Professional’s 42mm case. In fact, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced is one of the smallest watches in the Speedmaster collection. For comparison, the Speedmaster X-33 watches have oversized 45mm cases, while the Speedmaster Racing and Moonphase both come in 42.25mm cases. Notable Omega Speedmaster Reduced Models Omega Speedmaster Reduced DA 175.0032 1988The Omega Speedmaster Reduced was in production for 20 years. Those two decades inspired a variety of models. Firstly, you have the Omega Speedmaster Reduced Ref. 3510.50.00. This model, which comes in a stainless steel case and either a matching stainless steel bracelet or a leather strap, is the one that most closely resembles the Speedmaster Professional. It also showcases a stark black dial, bezel, and no date aperture. You can also find models in solid yellow gold as well as a two-tone model, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced Ref. DA175.0032. The Omega Speedmaster Reduced DA175.0032 is made from a gorgeous blend of yellow gold and stainless steel. Bracelets are also indicative of the different iterations you can get for this watch. As you might have guessed from above, the brand offers the Speedmaster Reduced with either steel bracelets or leather straps. In addition to all those, you can find Omega Speedmaster Reduced models with different dial colors. Some of the most daring designs for this watch show off brightly-colored dials in hues of yellow, blue, and green with racing details and aesthetics. Panda dials also exist in the Speedmaster Reduced universe, although they are not common. Some Omega Speedmaster Reduced pieces also feature dials with racing checkers. You can also expect to find Omega Speedmaster Reduced watches with a variety of different complications, such as date apertures, perpetual calendars, day-date windows, and even a moon phase version. That said, when it comes to the overall design of the Speedmaster Reduced, Omega’s hands are tied. The concept of the Omega Speedmaster Reduced demands that it mirrors the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, just on a smaller scale. As such, most Omega Speedmaster Reduced watches have the same chronograph layout with three-subdials, which you can also find on the Speedmaster Professional. In later years, Omega also made a small but very significant improvement to the Speedmaster Reduced. Previous Omega Speedmaster Reduced watches were equipped with Hesalite crystals. From the Omega Speedmaster Reduced Ref. 3539.50.00 onwards, however, the brand decided to upgrade to a sapphire crystal, which is more scratch-resistant. The dial was also slightly redesigned. The Automatic Omega Speedmaster Reduced Omega Speedmaster Reduced Ref. 3802.72.55 and 3534.72.00If there is one thing that sets the Omega Speedmaster Reduced apart from the Speedmaster Professional, it would be the movement that powers it. Traditionally, the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch has a manually-wound caliber. This means it needs to be wound every once in a while to keep it running. Omega turned this around by giving the Speedmaster Reduced an automatic movement. An automatic caliber winds itself using the kinetic energy from the movement of the wearer’s hand. This is the reason why many people also call the Speedmaster Reduced the Speedmaster Automatic. The Omega Speedmaster Reduced found itself in the spotlight with a number of different automatic movements. When it was first introduced in 1988, it carried the Caliber 1140. Then, in 1996, Omega changed the movement that powered the watch to the Caliber 1141. In the same year, this movement was replaced by the Caliber 1143, and finally, in 2000, Omega upgraded to the Caliber 3220. That said, regardless of all the different movement names, these are all virtually identical calibers, based on the time-only ETA 2892-A2 base movement. Only the most advanced Omega Caliber 3220 stands out for having a extended 40-hour power reserve. Omega also upgraded each of these movements with the Debois Dépraz 2020 chronograph module, to facilitate chronograph functions in the Omega Speedmaster Reduced. The use of this automatic movement gave the Omega Speedmaster Reduced a rather different look. On the dial, you will notice that the three sub-dials are spread out quite far apart from each other. These registers are set so distantly from each other that they are almost touching the minute track on the outer rim of the dial. This is yet another distinction between the Reduced and Professional watches. Since the Speedmaster Professional uses a different, manual-winding caliber, its sub-dials are placed much closer together, at the center of the dial. On the dial of the Omega Speedmaster Reduced is the inscription of the word “AUTOMATIC”, while the word “PROFESSIONAL” sits on the Speedmaster Professional. This denotes the difference in the movement that powers each watch. We will discuss more differences between the two models in a moment. Discontinuing the Omega Speedmaster Reduced Omega Speedmaster Reduced Racing 3518.50.00Omega created the Speedmaster Reduced to give people the experience of wearing a Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch for a lot less. This niche made Speedmaster Reduced quite popular in the market. It also gained much praise for its practicality and convenience, as evidenced by the self-winding movement that powers the Omega Speedmaster Reduced. In 2009, Omega announced that it would be discontinuing the production of the Speedmaster Reduced. However, this does not mean that Omega no longer created smaller Speedmaster watches. For instance, the brand started to offer the modern-day Speedmaster 38 Co-Axial Chronograph after the Speedmaster Reduced stopped production. Regardless, the discontinuation of the Omega Speedmaster Reduced led to it becoming a staple in the second-hand market. It is especially popular amongst women and men who do not want oversized 45mm Speedmaster watches. Omega Speedmaster Professional vs Speedmaster Reduced Omega Speedmaster Reduced and ProfessionalAs mentioned, there are a few stark differences between the Speedmaster Professional and the Speedmaster Reduced. Firstly, at 38.5mm, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced is a lot smaller and easier on the wrist than the 42mm Speedmaster Professional. Despite its slender build, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced is still quite a good fit for many men, since many vintage-inspired watches also carry this size. For instances, you frequently see men donning military watches that measure between 38mm to 40mm in size. Aside from the movement of the watches being different, there is also a noticeable increase in the number of jewels on the Speedmaster Reduced. The Speedmaster Reduced has a total of 47 jewels, thanks to the add-on chronograph model on the Omega Caliber 3220, compared to the 26 jewels on the Speedmaster Professional’s Omega Caliber 3861. If you are looking for a more visible difference, direct your eyes to the flanks of the two watches. Because of the larger size of the automatic movement, looking at the Omega Speedmaster Reduced from the side will show that the pushers and crown are not aligned. The pushers sit high, near the top of the watch, while the crown sits much lower and is closer to the case back. In contrast, the Speedmaster Professional’s crown and pushers are all located near the top of the watch. Omega Speedmaster Reduced AC‑MILAN ST 175.0039The comparisons between the two models have led even tiny details to become points of discussion amongst avid watch collectors. Some people even obsess over characteristics such as the look of the lugs, which makes up yet another difference between the two models. The Speedmaster Professional boasts sharp and refined lugs that just exude luxury. The Speedmaster Reduced’s lugs, on the other hand, are not quite as sharp or defined, with a less gleaming polish. Despite their poorer lustre, however, the lugs of the Omega Speedmaster Reduced work just fine, especially for its price range. There are also more differences to be found in the dials of the two models. As mentioned, the sub-dials in the Omega Speedmaster Reduced are located very far apart, almost touching the minute indices, as opposed to the Speedmaster Professional which has its dials clustered together. In addition, the running seconds counter sits on the right side of the Omega Speedmaster Reduced, as opposed to sitting on the left of the Speedmaster Professional’s dial. Pricing of the Omega Speedmaster Professional vs Speedmaster Reduced Finally, the price is the main difference between the two models. If you are offered an Omega Speedmaster Professional for a lot less than its usual retail or pre-owned market price, then you might want to check the model more carefully. You will probably end up receiving an Omega Speedmaster Reduced in the mail instead of a true Professional Moonwatch. As such, keep in mind the following price points and make sure you are not getting ripped off. An Omega Speedmaster Professional with a Hesalite crystal retails at approximately $5,350 USD. You can get this for $3,500 to $4,000 USD if pre-owned. Meanwhile, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced used to retail at $2,550 USD. Since it has been discontinued, it is now only available on the second-hand market. You can bring pre-owned versions of the Omega Speedmaster Reduced home for around $1,500 USD to $2,000 USD. Which Speedmaster Watch to Buy? At the end of the day, it all depends on your goal and budget. A new collector would typically start with the Omega Speedmaster Reduced because it is a lot more affordable. However, if you have the budget for a luxurious Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, then let nothing stop you. Ultimately, both watches have their merits and each is a worthy option for collection. Make a smart choice and think about the practicality of owning one or both. The Moonwatch Within Reach The Omega Speedmaster Reduced is a watch that will never be forgotten. This watch carries history on its back with its iconic Speedmaster name, while also achieving its goal of making the Speedmaster more accessible for everyone. It might not be a Moonwatch but it certainly is a step closer to one. Learn more about Omega and its watches. Check out our feature articles on the Omega Aqua Terra, De Ville, and Seamaster. All photos courtesy of Omega.

The Tudor Black Bay collection is undoubtedly one of the most popular collections from Tudor. In terms of watches that offer both stylish designs and incredible utility, the Tudor Black Bay definitely stands at the top of the market. The Black Bay collection is best known for its line of luxurious dive watches, but one stand-out piece that breaks the norm is the Tudor Black Bay Chrono. Classy and incredibly functional, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono is an exceptional chronograph watch effort despite being outside of the Black Bay collection’s typical wheelhouse. As a pseudo dress/chronograph watch, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono is extremely versatile, enough to be used for both fun recreational activities and formal dinner events. This is the perfect timekeeper for those seeking something that offers a more balanced bravado. Without further ado, let us closely examine the Tudor Black Bay Chrono, its specifications, history, and just what makes it so popular with modern audiences. First Impressions A first look at the Tudor Black Bay Chrono might make you think that it could not possibly be a part of the Black Bay collection. It stands out against the standard Black Bay dive watch designs, lacking the simple dial and the elapsed time scale bezel. However, this was actually an intentional choice by Tudor, as part of their attempt to branch out and introduce more diversity into the Black Bay collection, starting with the Tudor Black Bay Chrono. The Tudor Black Bay Chrono is a powerful utility watch that prioritizes both style and function, deviating from the usual bulky exteriors of the Black Bay collection. This is an excellent watch that upholds Tudor’s passion for watchmaking, showing off impressive features that exemplify utility and durability both on land and underwater. Specifications Case, Bezel, and Caseback The Tudor Black Bay Chrono Ref. 79360N-0002 is presented in an average-sized 41mm stainless steel case, which is highly resistant to scratches, shocks, and rust, making this a very durable timepiece indeed. The case also has a velvety satin finish which gives it a very luxurious sheen. Fitted on top of the case is a fixed bezel made of 316L stainless steel, with a matte black anodized disc bearing a handy tachymeter scale in white indicators. This is quite different from most Tudor Black Bay watches, which typically have unidirectional rotating bezels marked with elapsed time scales. The quintessential combination of the silver case and black aluminum bezel adds to the watch’s dignified vibe, reinforcing the Tudor Black Bay Chrono’s status as a handsome dress watch. On the right side of the case is a stout crown surrounded by two pushers. The crown is thick and comes with grooved edges to provide wearers with a better grip, while the stainless steel pushers can be used to control the watch’s chronograph functions. On the underside of the watch, you can find a securely screwed-down stainless steel caseback. This caseback prevents any moisture or dust from penetrating and damaging the watch’s inner mechanisms. In addition, it provides the Tudor Black Bay Chrono with a 200-meter depth rating, which is very impressive for a non-dive chronograph watch. Dial Image courtesy of Tudor For the Black Bay Chrono Ref. 79360N-0002, Tudor opted for the appealing, easy-to-read “panda” dial layout, which consists of two black chronograph sub-dials against a clean white dial, resembling the face of an adorable panda. This is a simple yet chic design scheme commonly found in many modern chronographs, as it is extremely popular with younger audiences. The use of the panda dial enhances the Tudor Black Bay Chrono’s refined and effortless stylishness, making it a great piece for a fancy dinner party. The two black chronograph sub-dials are located across from each other, at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions, like the eyes of a panda. The compact date aperture can be found at 6 o’clock, providing a clear view of the date that is not hindered by other indicators or markers. In addition, the dial also consists of luminous round hour markers and the iconic Black Bay snowflake hands, distinguishing this watch as a member of the Black Bay collection. The handset is also generously coated in lume, providing the watch face with a vivid green glow in the dark. Movement The Tudor Black Bay Chrono Ref. 79360N-0002 is powered by the brand’s in-house Manufacture Caliber MT5813. This is a COSC-certified automatic movement, offering excellent timekeeping precision. It also has an impressive power reserve that can last for over 70 hours, so you could easily leave this watch aside for a weekend and come back to it without having to waste time manually winding it again. Price As a collection of dressy luxury watches, the Black Bay collection generally does not come cheap, and the same is true of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono. The price of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono Ref. 79360N-0002, in particular, starts at $7,279 USD. Considering its top-notch durability, versatile multifunctionality, and its status as a groundbreaking chronograph watch in the Black Bay collection, we think that the Tudor Black Bay Chrono is certainly worth the price. Brief History on the Tudor Black Bay The Tudor Black Bay collection was initially released in 2012 as a way to reintroduce the brand’s heritage dive watches to the world, especially to newer generations. The Black Bay collection is based on a vintage Tudor diver, the Tudor Submariner, boasting the same old-school designs with modernized features and technology. It was an immediate hit upon release, and Tudor has since rapidly expanded the line. Today, the Tudor Black Bay collection offers a wide variety of divers with different looks and colorways, such as the Tudor Black Bay Blue, the Tudor Black Bay Bronze, and much more. One of the most notable watches in this range is the Tudor Black Bay Chrono. Instead of going for the standard diver route, Tudor decided to diversify the Black Bay collection even more, taking their designs to a whole new level with a Black Bay chronograph watch instead. Chronograph pieces are incredibly popular amongst all ages of men and women, which in turn allows Tudor to be more creative and establish its own take on chronographs. This prompted the birth of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono, a versatile, uniquely Black Bay creation that provides style and utility all at once. Alternatives 1. Sinn Chronograph 936 Ref. 936.010-Leather-CIVS-Blk-DSR When it comes to utility chronographs, Sinn is definitely a go-to brand. Sinn watches are popular for championing durability and longevity by using traditional German watchmaking expertise. One prime example of what the brand has achieved over the years is the Sinn Chronograph 936 Ref. 936.010-Leather-CIVS-Blk-DSR. This Sinn Instruments Chronograph piece comes in a mid-sized 43mm stainless steel case paired with a comfortable grey leather strap. Like the Tudor Black Bay Chrono, its textured black dial is straightforward and easy to read. It is adorned with two jet-black chronograph sub-dials, a date window at 6 o’clock, thick hour indices, luminous sword hands, and vibrant red seconds hands that add a splash of color to the watch face. The watch is powered by the DIN 8309 caliber, an automatic movement that vibrates at 28,800 vibrations per hour. It offers strong anti-magnetic properties and a solid 100-meter water resistance capacity. The Sinn Chronograph 936 Ref. 936.010-Leather-CIVS-Blk-DSR retails at just $3,299 USD. 2. Longines Heritage Chronograph Ref. L28144760 For those who find the Tudor Black Bay Chrono a little out of their budget, another dressy and elegant chronograph watch you could opt for is the Longines Heritage Chronograph Ref. L28144760. This watch is simple and robust without compromising its style. The Longines Heritage Chronograph Ref. L28144760 has a 41mm stainless steel case, making it the same size as the Tudor Black Bay Chrono. This is paired with a black alligator leather strap and a fixed stainless steel bezel. The white dial is incredibly simple and understated, with two white chronograph sub-dials, gold-tone dot indices, Arabic numeral markers, and slender stick hands. However, one downside to this Longines Heritage piece is that it is not quite as durable or functional as its aforementioned chronograph peers. Unlike the Tudor Black Bay Chrono, it lacks the handy tachymeter scale and date display. In addition, it is only water-resistant up to depths of 30 meters, so it can survive some heavy showers, but you will not be able to bring this watch with you to all your fun watersports activities. This Longines watch is currently priced at $2,950 USD, making it the most affordable watch on this list. 3. Montblanc Heritage Monopusher Ref. MB119952 Another watch that is worth looking at is the Montblanc Heritage Monopusher Ref. MB119952. This is a gorgeous and versatile watch, doubling as a chronograph watch and a dress piece at the same time. The watch also stands out for its use of the innovative “Monopusher” design. This Montblanc Heritage watch has a 41mm stainless steel case, with a matching steel Milanese bracelet completing its refined and professional exterior. On the right side of the case, you can find the “Monopusher”, an interesting design that combines the watch’s crown and chronograph pushers into one. This monopusher comes with some pros and cons. On one hand, it is extremely convenient, ensuring that you do not have to reach around for multiple buttons in order to turn the crown or control the chronograph functions. However, the monopusher is also quite long and can dig into the skin of your wrist, so this watch is not ideal for those with thick wrists. The dial of this Montblanc watch comes in a silvery-white hue which blends well with the stainless steel exterior. It is decorated with silver dot indices, Arabic numeral markers, and a stylish combination of silver and blued steel hands that contrast delightfully against each other. This watch runs on the brand’s in-house MB 25.12 automatic caliber, which has a good 48-hour power reserve. The Montblanc Heritage Monopusher Ref. MB119952 retails at approximately $3,099 USD. Final Thoughts The Tudor Black Bay Chrono is surely one of the best and most stylish chronographs in the market right now. It is very durable, possesses a hardy exterior and a water resistance capacity that rivals actual dive watches, and has a unique status in the Black Bay series. As a versatile dress/chronograph watch, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono is sure to satisfy your every need, so you should definitely consider adding this watch to your collection. All images courtesy of WatchShopping, unless stated otherwise. Featured image courtesy of Tudor If you are still left undecided, check out our choices for the 15 Best Sailing Watches for the Avid Sailor—it might be your best chance to find the right watch for you!

As many of us already know, an exceptional watch is always accompanied by a dependable movement. After all, there is nothing that makes your life easier than a trusty timekeeper that looks gorgeous and provides a consistently reliable performance. There are many brands out there with watches that possess stunning designs and highly capable movements. However, you might be surprised to find out that many of these watches actually contain the same age-defining Swiss caliber that packs a whole lot of history: the Zenith El Primero caliber. Hailing from a brand known for supplying top-notch movements to the rest of the industry, the Zenith El Primero is a revolutionary, highly versatile movement that many watchmakers have chosen to rely on, serving as a testimony to its quality. For today’s article, let us take a closer look at this iconic watch movement. Introducing the Zenith El Primero Movement Currently, the Zenith El Primero caliber comes in several forms. Today, we will be focusing on the El Primero Caliber 4000SC commonly found in Zenith Defy watches. The El Primero 4000SC is a modern automatic chronograph movement based on the original Zenith El Primero Caliber 400 that was released in 1969. Much like the original caliber, the Zenith El Primero 4000SC features a power reserve that can last up to 50 hours and an impressive beat frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5Hz). Held in place by thirty-one jewels, this movement has a total of 278 components, including a ball-bearing rotor made entirely out of tungsten. Apart from telling the time, the El Primero 4000SC also has chronograph, date, 30-minute, and 12-hour functions. Sticking true to the size of the first El Primero caliber, the Zenith El Primero 4000SC has a diameter of 30mm and is only 6.5mm thick. In general, there are quite a lot of similarities between the Zenith El Primero 4000SC and the original 1969 El Primero caliber. However, one thing that Zenith has improved upon considerably is the construction of the modern El Primero caliber. Zenith constructed the El Primero 4000SC with Zenithium. This is a durable, lightweight metal alloy that consists of aluminum, niobium, and titanium. Zenith utilized Zenithium on the El Primero 4000SC to bolster the caliber’s shock resistance, as well as strengthen its balance and chronograph bridge. While the incorporation of Zenithium is an excellent advancement, the contemporary Zenith El Primero 4000SC really does not stray too far from the qualities of the original El Primero 400. This just goes to show that Zenith truly knows how to make an automatic chronograph caliber that barely needs any improvement, even after decades. Brief History of the Zenith El Primero Movement While it is one of the most celebrated watch calibers, the El Primero actually had a rather bumpy and underwhelming start. In 1969, Zenith unveiled the El Primero as the world’s first high frequency, fully integrated automatic chronograph movement. Additionally, it was only 6.5mm thick. While the Zenith El Primero was not the thinnest caliber ever, it was definitely impressively slender. With such specifications and technical prowess, you would have expected the Zenith El Primero’s launch to make the headlines of the watchmaking industry. Unfortunately, it was nowhere near that. During the El Primero’s release, only a handful of local and regional journalists were able to attend Zenith’s press conference. The bad luck did not stop there. A year after the El Primero’s release, the dreaded quartz crisis took the Swiss watchmaking industry by storm. Since they were more accurate and much cheaper to produce and sell than mechanical watches, quartz-operated watches quickly became all the rage. Ultimately, the ensuing fall of mechanical watches meant that the Zenith El Primero was more neglected than ever. In 1971, the Zenith brand was sold to the Zenith Radio Corporation, a Chicago-based conglomerate that originally manufactured radios and televisions. Between 1969 to 1975, Zenith produced a total of 32,000 El Primero movements – both the model and the movement. However, in 1975, the new owners of Zenith decided to focus on making quartz watches.  As part of the brand’s new business direction, the owners ordered all previous Zenith blueprints, presses, and tools to be scrapped or sold. At first, this seemed like the end of the Zenith El Primero movement. However, Zenith watchmaker and chronograph specialist Charles Vermot, along with his brother and another Zenith employee, was able to secretly hide 150 presses, along with some blueprints, tools, and cams, including those of the Zenith El Primero. Zenith’s attempt to join in the quartz watch craze was largely unsuccessful, and the brand had little to no profit during that time. In 1978, Zenith Radio Corporation sold Zenith Watches SA. In the 1980s, mechanical watches began to undergo a resurgence. This improved situation opened an avenue for Zenith to bounce back and recover from the decade of quartz. After a few years, the brand was able to produce the Zenith El Primero movement once more. The unexpected return of the El Primero caliber was significant, as it was quickly implemented into the famous sports chronograph, the Rolex Daytona. Rolex’s use of the Zenith El Primero was a strong vote of confidence. Soon after, Zenith also started equipping the El Primero in their own watch models. Wearers were able to witness the Zenith El Primero in action for the first time through the Zenith Chronomaster see-through sapphire caseback. Today, the Zenith El Primero stands as one of the most popular movements in the industry. Now available in several variations from its base form to versions with flyback hands and tourbillons, this Swiss caliber can be found in numerous Zenith models as well as watches from renowned brands such as Hublot, Bulgari, Tag Heuer, and Panerai. At the Baselworld 2019, the original Zenith El Primero 400 was given a modern revival. The difference was that this time, it was in front of a great audience with all the media coverage a watchmaker could want. Truly, this is the breakthrough that the El Primero caliber rightfully deserves. After decades of passion and dedication, the Zenith El Primero has risen through the ranks and has become a hallmark of exceptional watchmaking. 10 Watches with the Zenith El Primero Movement Various models in the market utilize the Zenith El Primero. While this caliber can typically be found in a slew of Zenith watches, there are few models from other brands that also use the coveted El Primero movement. Listing down every timepiece with the Zenith movement would be quite a chore. So instead, we will be narrowing down this list to the top 10 best watches equipped with the iconic Zenith El Primero movement. 1. Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero A384 (03.A384.400/21.C815) Image By: Watch Shopping There is no better watch to start this list with than the Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero A384. This 50th Anniversary special edition watch is a contemporary version of the first Zenith watch to ever be equipped with the El Primero movement. It is the recreation of a timeless classic, updated with modern innovations. Housed in a tonneau-shaped stainless steel case, the Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero A384 features 50m of water resistance and a gorgeous panda dial recreated from the blueprints of the original El Primero A384. It comes with three black chronograph sub-dials, luminous silver hands and hour indices, and a bezel in black that is also marked with a tachymetric scale. Operating underneath the watch face is the one and only Zenith El Primero 400 caliber, complete with its 36,000 vph frequency and 50-hour power reserve. This Zenith El Primero Anniversary timepiece is worth $6,469 USD. 2. Zenith Chronomaster Revival Shadow (97.T384.4061/21.C822) Image By: Watch Shopping A recreation of a Zenith chronograph prototype that dates back to the 1970s, the Zenith Chronomaster Revival Shadow is a handsome watch that blends both vintage elements and contemporary design. Made of high-quality micro-blasted titanium, its matte-finished case is as durable as it is lightweight. Its black dial showcases applied silver indices and hands, along with grey subdials for the 12-hour, 30-minute, and small seconds chronograph functions. Below the dial of the Zenith Chronomaster Revival Shadow is an El Primero movement that wearers can view through the watch’s see-through sapphire caseback. To finish off the watch’s suave the look, Zenith pairs the Chronomaster Revival Shadow with a black cordura effect rubber strap. This watch sells for approximately $6,599 USD. 3. Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue (03.2434.4069/20.I010) Image By: Watch Shopping If you are looking for a military-inspired Zenith pilot watch unparalleled reliability, check out the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue. Accompanied by a calfskin leather strap in black, this timepiece features a 45mm polished stainless steel case topped with a layer of anti-reflective sapphire glass. The dial of this Zenith Pilot watch boasts a black sunray dial with vibrant yellow accents from its small second markers, seconds hand, and Pilot signature. The dial’s hour numerals are bold and pronounced and are coated in Super-LumiNova to provide improved legibility in the dark. Running the timepiece is a Zenith El Primero 4069 movement, with 254 components, a 5Hz beat frequency, and a 50-hour power supply.  This Zenith Pilot piece costs around $5,619 USD. 4. Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Titanium (601.NX.7170.LR) Image By: Watch Shopping Hublot is a brand that many enthusiasts and collectors associate with bold and unique-looking watches. Now, with this Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Ref. 601.NX.7170.LR, wearers can enjoy a luxury timepiece with the looks of a sophisticated Hublot and the reliable performance of a Zenith. This Hublot Spirit of Big Bang watch comes in a sleek, polished tonneau-shaped titanium case that holds and protects the Zenith El Primero-based HUB4700 automatic movement. Its complex skeletonized dial gives the timepiece a distinct appeal while also providing a great view of the caliber at work. For those who want to see this Zenith-Hublot movement from another point of view, you can turn the wristwatch over and look at it through its exhibition-style sapphire caseback. This Hublot watch is worth approximately $17,269 USD. 5. Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Open (03.2040.4061/69.C496) Image By: Watch Shopping Another model from the Chronomaster series, the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Open is a distinct and stylish watch that displays an open-heart silver sunburst dial. Aside from the aperture that allows you to view the emblematic Zenith El Primero movement, this watch’s dial also has sub-dials bearing the signature tri-colors that the line is known for. This watch comes in a 42mm stainless steel case equipped with a layer of sapphire glass to protect the dial and an exhibition-style sapphire caseback. You will not have to worry about this timepiece getting wet either as it is water-resistant up to depths of 100m. The watch also comes with a black semi-gloss alligator leather strap. You can purchase this Zenith piece for around $6,439 USD. 6. Zenith Defy Extreme (95.9100.9004/01.I001) Image By: Watch Shopping With an additional escapement that runs its seconds chronograph function at a whopping 50Hz, the Zenith Defy Extreme is a sleek watch that can measure time up to 1/100th of a second. Its case is made out of robust, lightweight titanium, making the timepiece both durable and comfortable to wear. Its beveled surfaces feature a mix of polished and satin-brushed finishes that go very well with the Zenith Defy Extreme’s transparent titanium dial and titanium bracelet. Below the dial is a Zenith El Primero 9004 caliber, which is fitted with 53 jewels and has an impressive depth rating of 200m. This watch fetches an approximate price of $17,499 USD. 7. Zenith Chronomaster El Primero A385 (03.A384.400/385.C855) Image By: Watch Shopping A vintage-inspired design that is also inspired by the Zenith El Primero A384, this Zenith Chronomaster El Primero A385 features a very different colorway. Its tonneau-shaped stainless steel case is paired with a rustic gradient brown dial that darkens towards the rim. Adorned with applied hands and hour indices, the watch face has submerged chronograph sub-dials in white and a white date window that contrasts nicely against the warm hues of the brown backdrop. Running this watch is none other than the wondrous Zenith El Primero caliber. Wearers who want to see this movement, along with its customized Zenith rotor, can view it through the see-through sapphire caseback. The El Primero A385 comes in a slender 37mm case coupled with a light brown calfskin leather strap. This timepiece will cost you around $6,679 USD. 8. Hublot Spirit of Big Bang White Ceramic (601.HX.0173.LR) Image By: Watch Shopping Whether you are a fan of Hublot or not, this is a striking watch that is bound to get the attention of everyone looking at it. The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang White Ceramic uses a 44m white ceramic case covered by a layer of sapphire glass. This fashionable yet durable composition ensures that the timepiece looks distinct and is highly scratch-resistant throughout its structure. The dial of this Hublot watch is skeletonized, allowing you to see the El Primero-based HUB4700 caliber in all its glory. Above the movement are luminous hour indices and sword-shaped hands, chronograph subdials of varying sizes, and a date display at the 4:30 position. Paired with a white alligator leather strap, the Hublot White Ceramic is both a reliable timekeeper and a bold fashion statement. You can get your hands on this particular Hublot piece for $21,649 USD. 9. Zenith Defy El Primero (95.9005.9004/01.R582) Image By: Watch Shopping Encased in a 44mm tonneau-shaped titanium case, the Zenith Defy El Primero is a robust and rugged timepiece that provides its with wearers style, convenience, and elegance. The Zenith Defy El Primero showcases a fixed black ceramic bezel and a polished silver dial with black chronograph subdials and luminous hands and hour markers. Layers of anti-reflective sapphire glass protect the front and rear case of the watch while also offering a clear view of the watch face and its El Primero movement. Zenith pairs the Defy El Primero with an alligator leather-patterned black rubber strap. This Zenith watch retails at around $8,000 USD 10. Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Sport (03.2280.400/01.C713) Image By: Watch Shopping The Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Sport is a highly-capable wristwatch that merges sporty looks with classy aesthetics. Its silver-tone stainless steel case stands out beautifully when matched with the watch’s dark brown alligator leather strap. The matching polished silver dial contains applied indices and hands and a date window at 6 o’clock, along with chronograph sub-dials that blend in perfectly with the silver backdrop. A touch of color is added to the timepiece with its bold red seconds hand. This watch is powered by the Zenith El Primero 400B, which differs from the original El Primero 400 in terms of the positioning of its date window. The El Primero Sport is worth approximately $7,599 USD. Importance of Beat Frequency in Telling Time The frequency of a watch is measured using two different terms: Hertz (Hz) and Vibrations per Hour (VpH). Hertz typically refers to the number of oscillations or “swings” the movement’s balance wheel makes in a single second. Each time the balance wheel does half a swing or completes half an oscillation, it is considered a vibration. As such, two vibrations can occur per oscillation. For example, if a Seiko Caliber 6R64 produces 4Hz, which is four oscillations per second, that would amount to eight vibrations a second. In an hour, 4Hz will amount to a total of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Now, why would knowing this be important? The role of beat frequency when telling time lies in the caliber’s ability to generate oscillations. The higher the rate, the more accurate time-telling will be. Most mechanical wristwatches nowadays possess a beat frequency between 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5Hz) to 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). While those numbers are considered quite reliable, a lot of work still needs to be done for mechanical calibers to match the accuracy of quartz movements. The reason why quartz movements are so immensely accurate is that quartz crystals vibrate at an astronomical rate of 32,768 Hertz. Even the most capable high-beat Zenith mechanical watch can only generate 18 Hertz (129,600 vibrations per hour). Increased beat frequencies are an interest amongst watch collectors because it determines how precise their watches are. With regards to the Zenith El Primero, its 36,000 vibrations per hour (5Hz) allow it to measure time more accurately, all the way down to 1/10th of a second. However, the rate at which a movement beats also affects its power supply. That is why mechanical watches with lower beat frequencies tend to last longer than those that produce higher. It is certainly incredible that Zenith was able to create a large number of models that operate at 5Hz, while also having ample power supplies of around 50 hours. Final Thoughts To this day, the Zenith El Primero stands as one of the most coveted and recognizable automatic movements ever created. With its impressive beat frequency, lengthy power reserve, and unyielding reliability, the El Primero continues to amaze watch enthusiasts everywhere. The Zenith El Primero has made a home in many brilliant models. However, the ten timepieces mentioned above have proven to be some of the best El Primero watches that any brand has to offer. Though there really is no such thing as a bad El Primero watch, make sure to do your own bit of research so that you can land a high-quality and high-performance timepiece that perfectly suits your tastes. Featured Image By: Zenith Watches If you’re looking for more unique watches, have a go at this article of the top 15 Russian Watches.

Did you know that Seiko was responsible for the creation of the world’s first-ever quartz chronograph? That very timepiece, the Seiko Astron, contributed greatly to the brand’s success as a renowned Japanese watchmaker today. There is no doubt that Seiko’s century of experience in watchmaking has made them one of the top watch brands alongside names such as Casio and Omega. Over the years, Seiko has become a well-established company that makes some of the best and most affordable chronographs in the market. The brand is also known for its prolificness, and it has a very diverse range of chronograph offerings, catering to all sorts of needs such as diving, formal events, aviation, and more. As such, we have gone over Seiko’s catalog and curated a list of 10 of the best Seiko Chronograph watches available today. Here is a quick overview of what you can expect in this article: Best Seiko Chronograph for Everyday Use: Seiko Brightz SAGA197Best Seiko Chronograph for a Formal Event: Seiko Presage Chronograph 55th Anniversary Limited EditionBest Seiko Chronograph for Diving: Seiko Prospex SBDL065 Diver Solar Chronograph & Seiko Prospex SSC807J1 Chronograph DiverBest Seiko Chronograph for Pilots: Seiko SNA411 FlightmasterBest Vintage Seiko Chronograph: Seiko Prospex SSC739P1Best Seiko Chronographs for Traveling: Seiko Astron 8X Series SBXB009 & Seiko Astron GPS Solar SSH001J1Best Affordable Seiko Chronographs: Seiko Prospex Chronograph SC741P1 & Seiko Alarm Chronograph SSC141Top 10 Best Seiko Chronographs for Your Needs Best Seiko Chronograph for Everyday Use: Seiko Brightz Wave Solar Radio SAGA197 Photo by Watchshopping The Seiko Brightz chronograph watches are some of the best models for everyday wear and we have picked one that is sure to meet your daily needs. The Seiko Brightz Ref. SAGA197 is a robust and professional-looking timekeeper. Despite its standard 43.6mm build, this Seiko chronograph does not feel heavy on your wrist at all, with its lightweight Diashock-coated titanium casing and bracelet. Its exterior is sleek and well brushed, with polished and trimmed central links. This Seiko Chronograph model features a bold black dial that is versatile enough to match any style, whether it is a suit and tie or a casual shirt and shorts. The majority of the dial is taken up by three chronograph sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, which can be controlled by the pushers on the left and right side of the case. At the very rim of the dial, you can see markings indicating 25 different cities, which allows the wearer to track 25 different time zones. The watch’s bezel also comes with a rotary slide rule, which you can use to do calculations such as addition, division, multiplication, and conversions. Powered by the Caliber 8B92, a solar quartz movement developed by Seiko itself, this Seiko Brightz Chronograph for your everyday needs retails at a price of $819 USD. Best Seiko Dress Chronograph for Formal Events: Seiko Presage Chronograph 55th Anniversary Limited Edition Photo by Watchshopping Seiko’s Presage collection is designed to be the brand’s line of fashionable and elegant dress watches. The quintessential Seiko Chronograph representative from this collection has to be the Presage Chronograph Ref. SARK015. It is a limited edition piece inspired by the brand’s Crown watches from the 1960s. This model stands out from the rest with its sleek, modern looks and high-tech features. This Seiko Chronograph comes in a 42.3mm stainless steel case with well-shaped lugs paired with a black Cordovan strap. It boasts an ivory tint dial, featuring double-ridged hour markers and luminous sword-shaped hands. This is contrasted with a bold and striking matte black bidirectional bezel, with rugged teeth-like edges that provide wearers with a better grip. This Seiko Presage watch is powered by an automatic Caliber 8R48, which allows the column wheel and vertical clutch to accurately function. Finally, it bears an exquisite Zaratsu polished finish, commonly found in the luxurious Grand Seiko pieces, which adds to this watch’s dressy and sharp aesthetics. You can purchase this Seiko Chronograph for approximately $3,679 USD. Best Seiko Chronographs for Diving: Seiko Prospex SBDL065 Diver Solar Chronograph & Seiko Prospex SSC807J1 Chronograph Diver Photo by Watchshopping For this section, we offer two excellent Seiko Chronograph dive watches that will make excellent underwater companions. First up is the Seiko Prospex SBDL065 Diver Solar Chronograph, which belongs to the limited edition Prospex Black sub-collection of dive watches from Seiko. This Seiko Chronograph dive watch is highly durable, with its 44.5 stainless steel case that is coated in a hard black layer, designed to support safe and convenient diving in the deep seas. This Seiko Prospex model is a solar chronograph, with a dial designed to display maximum legibility during deep-sea diving. Its hour markers come in large geometric shapes that are generously filled with LumiBrite, allowing the watch to stay brightly lit up even when underwater. Its luminous hands also come in silver and vibrant orange to better contrast against the watch’s black dial, so that wearers can read the watch face more easily and quickly. As a top-notch dive watch, this Seiko Chronograph has a secure screw-down crown and caseback, which contribute to its substantial 200-meter water resistance capacity. This Seiko Chronograph diver has a price tag of $929 USD. Photo by Watchshopping The next dive chronograph from Seiko we are looking at is the Seiko Prospex SSC807J1 Chronograph Diver. This is yet another limited edition piece that is inspired by Japan’s famous Iriomote Island. Most professional divers have probably heard of this island before, as it is home to an abundance of marine life and is a popular destination for diving. The watch’s island green dial is representative of the island’s scenic greenery and ocean depths. This Seiko Chronograph watch has a bulky stainless steel case that measures 13.7mm in thickness and 44.5 mm in diameter, so it will feel quite substantial on your wrist. Its green Sunday dial has large sword-shaped hands and bold hour markers in the form of geometric shapes, all of which are coated in LumiBrite. At the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock markers, you can find three small chronograph sub-dials in grey that blend in well with the vibrant green backdrop. This Seiko Prospex watch typically comes with a stainless steel bracelet, but you can also opt for a green silicone strap that is highly resistant to saltwater and does not retain moisture instead. Powered by a Caliber V192, a solar quartz movement with an accuracy of +/-15 seconds per month, this Seiko Chronograph dive watch has a solid 200-meter water resistance capacity. It retails at a fairly affordable price of $789 USD. Best Seiko Chronograph for Pilots: Seiko SNA411 Flightmaster Photo by Seiko The Seiko SNA411 Flightmaster is one of the best chronographs for pilots in the market. Reliable, masculine, and very affordable, the Flightmaster has almost everything you need in a pilot’s watch. This Seiko Chronograph pilot watch has an exterior made entirely of stainless steel, with a sturdy stainless steel case that measures 42mm in diameter and 13mm in thickness. The watch’s black dial is busy and jam-packed with features, as it comes with three chronograph sub-dials, a tachymetric scale, luminous hour indices and sword-shaped hands, and a date display at 3 o’clock. A bright yellow seconds hand also helps add a splash of quirkiness to this otherwise monochrome watch. It is also equipped with a slide rule bezel which works as a handy navigational tool for calculating speed, distance, and height. This Seiko Chronograph pilot watch runs on the brand’s Caliber 7T62, which is a quartz movement that gives excellent precision and a water resistance capacity of 200 meters. You can purchase this aviation watch for a very budget-friendly price of $255 USD. Best Vintage-Style Seiko Chronograph: Seiko Prospex SSC739P1 Photo by Watchshopping If you are a fan of quintessential looks, check out the vintage-inspired Seiko Prospex SSC739P1. This solar-powered Seiko Chronograph has an old-school and timeless look that is sure to elevate your style, no matter what you are wearing. This Seiko Prospex watch boasts a 44mm stainless steel case with a layer of hard black coating, improving the case’s durability and allows for less visible scratches. Its vintage vibe is enhanced by a brown calfskin leather band, which is one of the most comfortable strap materials for watches. This watch also boasts a dark green dial that blends well with its three light grey chronograph sub-dials. Its white sword-shaped hands and organised Arabic numeral hour markers are heavily reminiscent of old-school military dial layouts, adding to the watch’s classic aesthetic. These indices and hands are also coated in LumiBrite paint for improved visibility at night. The Seiko Prospex SSC739P1 is powered by the Caliber V176, which is a solar-charging quartz movement that has an accuracy of +/-15 seconds per month. You also do not have to worry about using this vintage-influenced piece outdoors, as it has a handy 200-meter water resistance rating, and its battery can last up to 6 months without being charged. You can purchase this Seiko chronograph watch for approximately $429 USD. Best Seiko Chronographs for Travelling: Seiko Astron 8X Series SBXB009 & Seiko Astron GPS Solar SSH001J1 Photo by Watchshopping With regards to the best Seiko chronograph watches for travelers, there are two great options available. The first is the Seiko Astron 8X Series SBXB009, which was picked because its features and build are all extremely helpful for travelers. This model has a sleek black titanium case with fairly large size of 44.6mm. This is paired with a smooth three-link bracelet with no sharp edges, so it will fit comfortably on your wrist. Like the case, the bracelet is made of lightweight titanium, so this watch will not feel too heavy despite its larger size. Keeping the watch’s all-black theme consistent, the Seiko Astron 8X also comes with a sunburst black dial with silver accents on the luminous indices and hands. This model features automatic time adjustment, depending on which time zone you are in. It also has an in-flight mode if you need to avoid any interruptions from electronic devices during your travel. On the bezel, you can find a litany of airport codes marked. These indicators guide you in setting the time for 39 different time zones, making this the perfect Seiko chronograph for frequent travelers. All these functions are made possible by the watch’s GPS Solar 8X82 movement. This multifunctional Seiko Astron watch retails at around $2,229 USD. Photo by Watchshopping Another chronograph that is great for traveling is the Seiko Astron GPS Solar SSH001J1. With this watch, your international travel experience is guaranteed to be hassle-free. This titanium chronograph watch actually bears very similar specifications and functions to the previous Seiko Astron model, but this is an upgraded piece that belongs to Seiko’s 5X Series. It has a smaller case size of 42mm and is powered by a Caliber 5X52 GPS solar movement instead. As such, it has unique functions including a perpetual calendar (up to February 28, 2100), power save function, and a reception result display. You can purchase this Seiko chronograph for $1,999 USD. Best Affordable Seiko Chronographs: Seiko Prospex Chronograph SC741P1 Photo by Watchshopping If you are working with a limited budget, here’s a high-quality yet affordable Seiko Chronograph option for you. The Seiko Prospex Chronograph SC741P1 is a 2019 Special Edition model that was released for the brand’s “Save the Ocean” campaign, an environmentally-friendly initiative aimed towards promoting marine conservation. This Seiko Prospex watch comes in a 43,5mm stainless steel case and a matching three-link bracelet. In keeping with the campaign’s theme, this watch features an ocean-inspired blue dial and a two-toned blue-and-grey bezel. Its gradient blue dial is a reflection of the seas, with a pattern of thick wavy lines that resemble ocean waves. The handset of this watch is also designed to look like the shape of the caudal fin and dorsal fin of a shark. On the dial, you can find three contrasting black chronograph sub-dials, along with bold hour markers in the form of white geometric shapes. On top of its stylishness, the affordable Seiko Chronograph is also the perfect companion for outdoor adventures. It is equipped with a 200-meter depth rating, a Hardlex mineral glass for greater dial protection, and LumiBrite coatings on the hands and indices for improved visibility. Powering this timepiece is the V175 quartz calibre which is a solar-powered movement that can go for six months without recharging. You can purchase this useful and budget-friendly Seiko Chronograph timepiece for $489 USD. Photo by Seiko Another affordable chronograph option is the Seiko Alarm Chronograph SSC141. This model comes in a 42.5 mm stainless steel case with a deep blue dial, featuring luminous silver indices and sword-shaped hands. On the very edge of the dial, there is a tachymetric scale, which allows you to easily keep track of elapsed time. The bulk of the dial is taken up by three sub-dials, which can be found at the 6, 9, and 12 o’clock markers. These include the 60-minute counter, a split time measurement, and a 12-hour alarm. This solar-powered watch is run by the Caliber V172T and has a price tag of approximately $375 USD. Seiko’s Innovation with Chronographs The 1940s–1960s Photo by Seiko Along with many other brands in the industry, Seiko started creating chronographs equipped with Japanese technology. The brand’s first chronograph was developed in the 1940s with a pocket watch design. In 1969, Seiko chronograph watches surpassed Swiss-made pieces when the brand released the Caliber 6139, which is the first-ever automatic chronograph movement. This caliber was equipped with a column wheel and a vertical clutch, which was a huge improvement for tool watches since it allowed for more accurate time measurements. In fact, the column wheel and vertical clutch are still essential components in high-end chronograph pieces today. Seiko’s 6139 series, also known as the Speed-Timer, was considered the brand’s quintessential vintage watch. It was designed with a chunky 40mm case, with an aluminum tachymeter bezel, a winding crown, and chronograph pushers located on the right of the case. It was offered in various dial colourways, such as blue, yellow, and silver. Its watch face also featured a day and date display, along with a 30-minute sub-dial at 6 o’clock. The 1970s–1980s Photo by Seiko In the following decade, Seiko launched the 0634, which has the distinction of being the world’s first digital quartz watch with a chronograph. The 0634 watch is essentially a multi-functional digital piece with an internal light for luminescence in poor lighting conditions. This milestone led other brands to start developing their own quartz digital chronograph watches as well. In 1982, Seiko also created the world’s first portable television watch with a chronograph complication. Aside from its chronograph feature, this watch was also fitted with a tuner, headphone jack, alarm, and calendar. This unique creation was quite an achievement, not just for Seiko but also for Japan, as a country of advanced technology. A year later, the Japanese brand released yet another quartz chronograph, but with more innovations. This was the world’s first analog quartz watch with a chronograph function, designed by the famous Italian car designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro. This groundbreaking piece was a result of Seiko’s expertise in quartz technology and mechanical chronograph watchmaking. The 2000s–present Photo by Seiko In the early 2000s, Seiko showed their mastery in making chronographs yet again when they released the Spring Drive Chronograph collection. This was a selection of watches with the ability to display elapsed time more accurately, with a precision rate of +/-1 second a day. Since then, Seiko has only continued to enlarge their catalog of chronograph offerings, equipping them with more state-of-the-art technology and stylish designs. Seiko Chronographs: Multi-Function Timepieces for Everyone With over 100 years of experience in watchmaking, Seiko has gained credibility as a brand and as an international watchmaker. Ever since the invention of quartz watches, Japanese watches have been dominating the market with their advanced technology and keen attention to detail. The same, of course, applies to the chronograph watch market. Seiko chronograph watches prove that you do not need to spend thousands of dollars just to satisfy your desire for a well-crafted, reliable chronograph piece. Featured image by Lucas D. of Unsplash.com Can’t get enough of chronographs? Check our full list of chronographs watches and see which one suits you best. 

The world of horology holds a diverse cast of luxury watchmaking brands that champion accuracy and timeless designs over anything else. These companies mostly hail from Switzerland, Germany, the United States of America, and Japan. That said, there are quite a few watch companies, not from the aforementioned countries, that is criminally underrated by the general public. For instance, the Seagull 1963 chronograph easily comes to mind. This is a classic Chinese watch that holds significant value in terms of its history and intended usage. Indeed, if you are an avid watch collector, you may already be aware of the Seagull 1963. The horology industry and the military have often affiliated themselves with each other throughout the years. The same can be said with Rolex, Alpina, Casio, and many more renowned watchmaking brands. In many ways, being affiliated with the military boosts a watch’s historical significance, making it a more valuable investment. Others argue that being trusted by the military is a testament to the reliability and quality of a watch and its maker. This is why the Seagull 1963 deserves recognition from more than just long-time watch connoisseurs.  The general design of the Seagull 1963 watches follows one specific blueprint. The sizes may vary, the color scheme may have certain twists and there may be several options available for straps and bracelets, but the main structure of the Seagull 1963 remains the same. This allows the Seagull 1963 to preserve its value throughout the years, showing the world just what made it popular back during its initial release. First Impressions The Seagull 1963 has a very simplistic and minimalist design that gives us a retrospective look into a fraction of Chinese History. Some who are unaware of its origins may shrug it off and deem it a cheap mechanical watch. In reality, however, the Seagull 1963 is far from being a mediocre watch, despite its affordable price point. Furthermore, a large number of collectors and watch connoisseurs have an undeniable soft spot for vintage watches. Even if a watch has a very low price point, all that matters is its heritage and historical significance. With that in mind, the Seagull 1963 is a definitive vintage watch that has slowly but surely evolved over the years. Not much has changed in terms of its style, but there were several reissues of this watch as the years went by. These reissues provide more modern takes on the Seagull 1963 without taking away most of its original charm. One of the Seagull 1963’s most notable designs is its off-white dial. It adds more to the Seagull 1963’s vintage aspect, as it still maintains the classic 1960s demeanour.  All in all, the Seagull 1963 is a great watch that caters to both beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike. The affordability of this watch makes it accessible to those who are on a tight budget. Plus, the Seagull 1963 is a breath of fresh air since Chinese watches are quite rare in the watchmaking industry. Sampling a variety of watchmakers from across the globe gives us a chance to indulge in their cultures for a little bit—adding to the appeal of the Seagull 1963. Specifications Looking at the Seagull 1963, you may be led to believe that it is a simple quartz watch with limited features. In reality, it is actually an incredible tool watch with robust functionalities. This should be expected since the Seagull 1963 is trusted by the Chinese airforce to the point where extreme confidentiality was enacted during its production. Let us take a closer look at the detailed specifications of the Seagull 1963. Case, Crown, and Case Back The original Seagull 1963 (Prototype 304) has a 38mm stainless steel case with an 11mm or 14mm thickness, depending on the crystal used. The case was made smaller and lighter to provide more comfort to the pilots. It may be a little too thin for some, but the NATO or leather straps that come with the Seagull 1963 adds to its comfort. The 38mm diameter and 11mm thickness provide a proportionate design scheme that allows for god compatibility on any wrist size. The caseback is screwed down to protect the inner mechanisms of the watch from the water. On the newer variations, the caseback now has a see-through crystal, allowing wearers to look inside into and see how the watch’s movement operates. This is a now-common design found in a number of modern luxury watches. The Seagull 1963 also has a 30m water resistance. Keep in mind that this watch has a very thin case, so having 30m of water resistance is already an incredible feat. The scratch-resistant crystal also adds to the protection of the watch. There are many variations of the crystal throughout the production of the Seagull 1963. These crystals can alter the dimensions of the watch since some models come with a domed crystal and others with a flat one. The domed crystal adds 3mm of thickness to the watch, granting a total of 14mm in thickness. This variation is actually the original crystal that was used during the Seagull 1963’s initial production. The flat crystal, which maintains a more standard surface compared to the domed crystal, is only 1mm thick. The crown of the Seagull 1963 is also screwed down to prevent water from going in, although it is unusually placed on the left side of the watch. As usual, the hands can be adjusted with the un-screwed crown. The same procedure is used to wind the Seagull 1963 since it is a hand-wound mechanical watch. The two buttons beside the crown are used to control the chronograph sub-dials. These buttons are used to start and stop the timer as the wearer pleases.  Dial The dial of the Seagull 1963 is probably its most defining feature. The slim profile of the stainless steel case perfectly complements the clean off-white color of the dial, without any unnecessary styles or embellishments that encumber the legibility of the watch. The off-white dial itself provides a clear view of each numeric character on the dial. The Seagull 1963 has gold-plated applied indices. It has numeral markers for all of its even numerals, but its odd numerals take the shape of triangle markers. The gold-toned hour markers blend well with the off-white dial and are a very popular color combination in the watch industry. The minute and seconds markers can be found on the outer rim of the dial. These markers may be small, but they are still visible and easy to read.  The two chronograph sub-dials are positioned at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock. The size of these sub-dials is just right, not too small as to be unreadable and not too big, so the dial doesn’t look cluttered. As for the designs of the dial, there is a red star with a gold outline below the 12th-hour marker along with the words “21 Zuan”, which translates to “21 Jewels.” This pertains to the embedded jewels found on the calibre movement used in the watch. Chinese writing can also be found on the bottom part of the dial, which is only natural considering its country of origin. These characters spell out “China”, and under it reads “Tianjin Watch Factory.” Calibre Movement The calibre movement used in the original Seagull 1963 that was released in 1961 was the Venus 175 caliber. This movement was commonly found in watches that were manufactured during the 40s up to the 50s. Given that the Venus 175 caliber is quite outdated in the modern age, the Tianjin Watch Factory has changed the caliber movement used to the new ST19. The Seagull ST19 caliber is a hand-wound mechanical movement that is used in the reissued versions of the Seagull 1963 watch. Not much has changed in regards to the functions and features offered, but the reliability and accuracy of the ST19 caliber movement allow the Seagull 1963 to keep up with its modern contemporaries.  Oddly enough, the Seagull 1963 chooses to highlight the number of jewels used on the dial instead of the caliber movement used. The reason behind this design is still a mystery. On top of that, the Seagull 1963 can last up to an impressive 45 hours when wound to its maximum capability. Winding a watch may not be a significantly time-consuming activity, but it can prove to be a hassle if you forget about it, so the relatively long 45-hour power reserve is very handy. Indeed, the ST19 calibre movement is definitely a huge improvement on the Venus 175 caliber in terms of reliability and utility. Notable Variations Did you know that there are several variations of the original Seagull 1963 watch model? Most of them vary in size, color scheme, and even manufacturer. The Tianjin Watch Factory may be the main manufacturer of the Seagull 1963, but they are more lenient than they seem when it comes to their products. They have allowed the distribution of the Seagull 1963 from several vendors. Aside from that, the Tianjin Watch Factory has even allowed third-party companies and watchmakers to create new Seagull 1963 watches, with the same name and design. This is an almost unheard-of move, especially for a watchmaking company. With that in mind, here are a few notable variations of the Seagull 1963. The Seagull 1963 38mm (Original) When it comes to reissues or tribute watches, most watchmakers would strictly follow the original blueprint of the watch being reintroduced. That way, the heritage of the reissued watch is clear, even through its design. Of course, some watchmakers love to add their own modern twists when creating a tribute watch. This practice can sometimes leave fans divided. Some may want a part-by-part remake of the original watch, while others welcome the idea of change. It is a tricky situation that can happen in any industry. That is why the Seagull 1963 38mm reissue is a great example of a remake done right. This reissue stayed true to the original that was released for the Chinese Airforce. It retained the 38mm stainless steel case along with the domed crystal that contributed to its 14mm thickness. The weight of the Seagull 1963 38mm reissue is not a concern either, as it remains the same as that of an 11mm Seagull 1963 watch. The reissued Seagull 1963 also maintained the same off-white dial with gold-toned applied indices, and black minutes and seconds markings. The chronograph sub-dials can also be found at the same 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions, with both chronographs being operated through the two buttons located beside the screw-down crown. Despite being manufactured by different vendors in China, the Seagull 1963 remake did not undergo any change whatsoever across vendors. The ST19 calibre movement is found inside every piece of the Seagull 1963 remake, the same 30m water resistance is also present. The Seagull 1963 38mm reissue is an excellent utility watch, and the only real challenge is finding a reliable vendor that manufactures it. The Seagull 1963 Panda As the name suggests, the Seagull 1963 Panda is reminiscent of the famous Chinese national symbol, the grand panda. In this reissue, a number of features were changed while keeping the base design intact. Instead of going for the original 38mm case, a larger 42mm polished stainless steel case was used for this version. The polished stainless steel blends well in the modern era of horology, where polished stainless steel tends to be more popular than just stainless steel alone. The Seagull 1963 Panda also uses a black and red NATO-style strap to provide a more unique design that sets it apart from the original.  The dial of the Seagull 1963 is a pearlescent white, a sharp and glossy color that matches the silver-toned appliques and hands. The minute markings are still in contrasting black, located at the outer rim of the dial, which makes them easier to read. The chronograph sub-dials, on the other hand, are colored black to complete the panda motif of the watch, as it resembles the endearing black eyes of a giant panda. The Seagull 1963 Price Range As mentioned before, the production of the Seagull 1963 branched out to several third-party vendors across China. This made it difficult to acquire an authentic Seagull 1963 model due to the inevitable rise of counterfeits and cheap knockoffs. Such instances also led to negative reviews from patrons who received fake Seagull 1963 pieces of cheap quality. Some of these reviews have reported that the crystal falls off easily after a single impact, while others received an unsecured caseback. These problems are all the result of fake sellers hawking counterfeit Seagull 1963 models. That said, there are still reliable sources of an authentic Seagull 1963 watch to be found online. Renowned online stores should definitely be your top choice when looking for this sought-after watch. Lucky for you, the price range for the authentic Seagull 1963 is really still quite affordable. In fact, the highest price for this watch is $560 USD, which is manufactured by a certain watchmaker called “Sea-Gull.” The prices for these watches may vary, but as long as you can get your hands on a genuine model, the quality remains consistent. Some buyers have reported getting authentic Seagull 1963 models for as low as $334 USD. As for the Seagull 1963 Panda version, its retail price is $339 USD, which is quite budget-friendly for such a well-designed watch. History Prior to becoming the Seagull 1963, this watch went through several name changes. The Tianjin Watch Factory was founded in 1955 with a fairly limited budget and manpower. This factory would soon expand and attempt to create the first Chinese watch available for export. This company was initially named “WuXing”, which translates to “Five Stars.” This name, however, was short-lived and was ultimately changed to “Dong Feng” during Mao Zedong’s rise to power. The word “Dong Feng” means “East Wind”, signifying the headstrong principles and lofty goals of this watch factory. In 1961, the Tianjin Watch Factory was given a mission that would change the course of its production. With official permission to develop a watch for the Chinese Airforce, the Tianjin Watch Factory started manufacturing numerous prototypes with corresponding serial numbers for each pilot. This was done to ensure a structured system and promote confidentiality throughout the military. This development was called “Project 304.” This codename was used as part of the confidentiality agreement between the company and the military. From its launch to the completion of the project in 1963, over 30 prototypes were issued by the company. This prompted the coining of the name “The 1963” as the official name of the watch. Over the years, the Tianjin Watch Factory continued its horological innovation and proceeded to garner attention from all over China. In 1974, the company started exporting its watches, which led to another name change for the sake of appealing to other nations. The Seagull 1963 was selected as its official English name. It is rare for a watch company to produce just one watch with a single design that still manages to hold such historical significance. Considering the high regard the Seagull 1963 continues to be held in, it is truly a classic timepiece that is both affordable and a great addition to collections. Final Thoughts The Seagull 1963 is definitely a classic watch that definitely deserves greater recognition and respect. There are two main reasons why a lot of people might be conflicted about getting this watch. The first one is the presence of an overwhelming number of counterfeits and knockoffs that managed to infiltrate the market, largely due to the fact that there is no single manufacturer for the Seagull 1963. Second is the lack of official information on the Internet that highlights more of the Seagull 1963’s history.  That said, there is no doubt that the Seagull 1963 is a great watch with a very interesting heritage. From its honourable purpose as an official aviation watch intended for the Chinese military, the Seagull 1963 definitely soared the skies with glory. It is true that the original Seagull 1963, made by the Tianjin Watch Factory, is no longer available or is extremely rare to find. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a great watch to add to your collection, the Seagull 1963 remake might be an excellent one. It is affordable and has a particular nostalgic charm—the perfect vintage utility watch for the modern connoisseur. If you are looking for more classic watch designs, check out our Top 5 Japanese Dress Watches to find the best dress watch for you. All images courtesy of Seagull 1963

There is a common misconception amongst people that nice watches all have to come at exorbitant prices, while more budget-friendly watches are of poorer quality or are useless. Of course, that is not at all true. You can find timepieces in all kinds of styles, with varying quality and price points as well. In this guide, we will be introducing you to chronograph watches that are easily available, have great value for money, and are priced under $2,000 USD.  30 Chronographs Under $2000 USD 1. Nomos Glashutte Club Campus 38 This Nomos Glashutte watch has its origins in Germany, made by a very small manufacturer that has gained a lot of popularity over the years. The entire series of Club Campus is worth having a look at, as it is made up of authentic, high-quality materials. You can get this chronograph watch for around $1,650 USD. The manual display on this watch shows the hours, minutes, as well as seconds. If you are about to buy a chronograph watch for yourself, then do have a look at this amazing Club Campus 38 chronograph timepiece! 2. Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph This Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph watch was first introduced in 2011. It is considered a great and unique chronograph with excellent quality. Although it has been 8 years since this watch came out in the market, it has retained its value quite well. With two sub-dials and a date display, this model has quintessential elements that give off a vintage feel. The retail price of this watch is just around $2,000 USD, which is extremely affordable for a timepiece like this, so this is one that you should definitely get your hands on quickly. 3. Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Oris is a brand known for offering a great collection of watches at very affordable prices. The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date was introduced in 1938, but even after more than 80 years, it is still an iconic chronograph. True to its name, the main feature of this watch is its oversized, which makes it extremely easy for pilots to grip and turn, even while wearing gloves. This chronograph watch is truly a great masterpiece and is available at a very affordable price of $1,750 USD. 4. Mido Multifort Chronograph If your budget is quite limited and you cannot afford a very expensive watch, yet you want something which is unique and classy, then go for this Mido Multifort Escape watch. It is priced at around $1920 USD, which is quite affordable. Besides its price, this watch’s durability, features offered, and other components altogether make it an excellent chronograph timepiece. It has a 66-hour power reserve, along with a self-winding movement and a tachymeter indicator. So, what are you waiting for? Put your hands on this amazing Mido Multifort Escape watch and become the proud owner of an excellent watch! 5. Seiko Presage SRQ025J1 Over the years, Seiko has been very successful in the promotion of its luxurious collections of watches, including the Seiko Presage. The main aim of the Presage line is to introduce the latest, modern versions of old-school classic Seiko watches released in the past. In 2016, Seiko introduced chronograph watches, which were inspired by Seiko’s own 1913 chronograph designs, to the Presage collection. One outstanding model is the SRQ025J1, which boasts a classic stainless steel case, dark brown leather strap, and elegant white watch face with three chronograph sub-dials. This is a must-have for your watch collection, as it is great for everyday wear. The best part is that you can get it for just $1,800 USD.  6. Sinn 103 These Sinn chronograph watches promise timepieces with great features that come at perfectly accessible prices. Available at a steal price of around $1,800 USD, the Sinn 103 chronograph watch has a ton of handy features, including luminescent white hands that complement the watch’s glossy black dial. If you are in search of a model that is reliable, durable, and very budget-friendly to boot, then this is the chronograph watch for you.  7. Frederique Constant Classics Quartz Chronograph These Frederique Constant chronograph watches have a great reputation for not only possessing the best of features but also for being light on the wallet. The Classic Quartz Chronograph, available for around $915 USD, is the perfect piece for both everyday and formal occasions. It is not only elegant but also quite reliable as well. This chronograph’s patterned white dial boasts Roman numerals and sleek Breguet-style hour markers, along with the three standard sub-dials. This is probably one of the best chronograph watches in terms of quality, authenticity, and, most importantly, price, making it quite the package! 8. Alpina Startimer Pilot Quartz Chronograph Big Date  Alpina is a Swiss brand with over a century’s worth of experience in the watchmaking industry. They were a key figure in the rise of Swiss sports watches back in the 1930s, and remain a respected innovator in the horological world today. A perfect reflection of their expertise can be seen through the Alpina Startimer Pilot Quartz Chronograph. It is a well-crafted timepiece, priced at around $1,080 USD, with all the qualities one would want in a chronograph model. One of the best things about it is how it is so easy to read because of the large, visible counters on the dial. Overall, it serves as a simple yet classy chronograph piece that is definitely worth its price!  9. Bulova 98A252 Men’s Archive Series  Bulova is an American brand best known for providing quality timepieces at relatively affordable prices. Through the years, they have mastered the art of consistent innovation, and have numerous milestones to prove it. While their current catalogue consists of a variety of watches with different features and functions, one of their most interesting models is the Bulova 98A252. This timepiece can be found in their Archive series. It is a chronograph watch that draws inspiration from some of their most iconic divers back in the 1970s. Priced at around $500 USD, this model has quite a distinct chronograph layout, with 2 sub-dials inside a surfboard silhouette. This is a great pick if you want something a little more unique compared to the standard chronograph displays.  10. Citizen Chandler Chronograph  Citizen, as most of us know, is a company that offers more sustainable, green timepieces. A good number of their models are equipped with their Eco-Drive technology, which means they run on light energy. As if that is not impressive enough, the Japanese brand was also able to incorporate this technology into a variety of watches with different functions, and not just simple time-tellers. For example, this particular Citizen Chandler is a chronograph piece that takes inspiration from military elements. It has an H500 caliber that is powered by all forms of light, which means it does not need any batteries to run. If you want a rugged outdoor chronograph watch, you can get your hands on this for just $295 USD.  11. Victorinox FieldForce Sport Chrono 241891 Victorinox is a Swiss brand that is known for providing a variety of quality products, from cutlery to timepieces. The watches they offer are made of high-grade stainless steel which boasts superior durability.  When it comes to watchmaking, they promise utmost precision and reliability, which is clearly seen in their pieces. The Victorinox FieldForce Chrono 241891, for example, is a very classic yet contemporary chronograph model. Retailing at around $575 USD, it is both versatile and multi-functional, which means you can use it on all sorts of occasions. Whether you are going on an outdoor adventure or crashing a party, this chronograph watch will prove to be a worthy companion.  12. Orient KU00004B Orient is another watch company that offers timepieces boasting high-level Japanese craftsmanship. Their current catalogue consists of over 500 models that vary in design, specs, and function. In fact, the Orient KU00004B is just one of the many chronographs they have in their arsenal. This sports watch, in particular, is a classic option that would go well with any ensemble. It boasts a straightforward chronograph display with 3 sub-dials and a date window. With a price tag of around $95 USD, this is definitely recommended for those who want a safe and simple piece.  13. Zodiac Grandrally Quartz  Zodiac may be an unfamiliar brand for some, but they have actually been in the industry since the 1880s. This brand is all about showcasing the art of Swiss watchmaking through the creation of precise and innovative timepieces. Over the years, they have amassed their very own selection of both classic and unique models that will not disappoint. For example, Zodiac’s Grandrally Quartz watch is a distinct chronograph piece inspired by automotive sports. Its dial layout is based on the dashboard of race vehicles, which gives it a very sporty and quirky look. Priced at around $495 USD, this one is perfect for all those who like automotive-inspired watches.  14. Ikepod Chronopod White Horse 013 Next up, we have Ikepod, which is a Swiss manufacturer that offers bold statement watches. The concept of their brand revolves around making unusual, avant-garde pieces that are bound to last a lifetime. They want to show the watch community that good watches can be affordable and ooze with creativity at the same time. This is something you can evidently see with their Chronopod White Horse 013. With a price tag of approximately $860 USD, this model has quite a straightforward chronograph layout contained inside a striking disc-like case. The Chronopod is definitely ideal for those who want a minimalist yet distinct timepiece!  15. Hamilton Khaki Aviation X-Wind Auto Chrono  Hamilton is home to some of the most iconic timepieces out there. Whether you are looking for military-inspired watches, digital models, or even chronographs in different styles, you will surely find what you seek with this Swiss-American brand. Their Khaki Aviation X-Wind Auto Chrono, for example, is a rugged and powerful-looking chronograph watch for pilots. Its sophisticated looks and impressive features make it appealing to both aviation professionals and watch enthusiasts. If that is not enough to intrigue you, this model was also worn by actor Liam Hemsworth’s character in the movie Independence Day: Resurgence (2016). Retailing for a little over $1,700 USD, this chronograph watch is perfect for all those living an adventurous lifestyle.  16. Casio Ediface EQW-T650DB-2AJF Casio is a very popular brand best known for its vast selection of affordable watches. Despite the low prices, each and every model they have is guaranteed to be of good quality. One of the best things about this brand is the diversity of its pieces when it comes to design, functions, and specifications. This is why it really is no surprise that they offer their own range of high-performing chronographs as well. For example, the Casio Edifice EQW-T650DB-2AJF has a simple three sub-dial chronograph layout, with the sub-dials placed just slightly off-center, which adds to the sophisticated vibe the watch has going on. Priced at around $399 USD, this piece makes for a versatile option, especially if you are on a strict budget.  17. Citizen Luke Skywalker  Next up, we have another watch from Citizen. Aside from showcasing impressive technological prowess, the Japanese brand is also known for its collaborations with different companies and firms. They actually have an ongoing partnership with Disney, which explains the concept behind this particular piece. The Citizen Luke Skywalker is a chronograph watch with a Star Wars-inspired design. The sub-dials feature elements from the iconic movie franchise such as a lightsaber, the Rebel Alliance symbol, and a galaxy background. Retailing at around $375 USD, this watch is the perfect chronograph piece for all the Star Wars fans out there.  18. Junghans Meister Chronoscope  Junghans is a German company that offers an extensive range of Bauhaus-inspired watches. Aside from their reputation as a minimalist brand, they also have a long and interesting history with the aviation industry, which is a testament to their technological prowess. That being said, they also have a couple of chronograph watches that boast very classy aesthetics. The Junghans Meister Chronoscope, for example, serves as the perfect sophisticated and multi-functional watch. The chronograph display, paired with its overall classy exterior, makes it versatile enough to be used for both casual and dressy affairs. If you are a fan of the elegant/minimalist design, you can get your hands on one of these chronographs for only $1,900 USD.  19. Tissot T-Sport Seastar 1000  Tissot is one of the most established Swiss brands in the market. They have a very rich history, which has helped in cementing their reputation as a trusted source of quality timepieces. Much like others on this list, Tissot also has an extensive catalogue in their arsenal that consists of a variety of chronographs. One of the best chronographs they offer is the T-Sport Seastar 1000 which has spectacularly vibrant and robust aesthetics. With its bold orange hues, it is the perfect example of a trendy and contemporary sports chronograph. Priced at $495 USD, this one is recommended for those who want a fun and rugged chronograph timepiece.   20. Maurice Lacroix Aikon Chronograph Maurice Lacroix is a relatively young luxury brand that was only founded back in the mid-1970s. They have made a name for themselves in the watchmaking world as both creative and technical pioneers. This reputation is clearly reflected in each watch they offer as they boast excellent Swiss craftsmanship. Maurice Lacroix’s Aikon Chronograph model serves as a perfect example of their expertise. This limited edition piece showcases very sporty yet elegant aesthetics, with its rugged all-black exterior complemented by beguiling blue accents. The best part is, on top of its refined exterior, it is also equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as its quartz movement, which boasts unparalleled precision. If this chronograph watch has caught your eye, you can get it for approximately $1,500 USD.  21. Rado Hyperchrome Chronograph  Up next, we have a piece from yet another Swiss luxury watch manufacturer called Rado. Even if you are not familiar with watch brands, you have probably heard of Rado at least once or twice in your life. They offer a vast selection of timepieces that run across 16 different collections. Under their Hyperchrome line is a lovely chronograph model that screams classic luxury. It is marketed as a versatile and multi-functional piece that will serve its purpose well regardless of the circumstance. Retailing at around $1,600 USD, this is the perfect chronograph for those who enjoy quintessential, sporty, and vibrant watches.  22. Luminox Navy SEAL Chronograph  Luminox is a Swiss brand best known for offering a diverse range of military and outdoor watches. They put a lot of effort into ensuring that each and every piece can withstand even the harshest of environments. Since they focus on providing the highest forms of durability and functionality possible, it is only expected that they have their own selection of impressive chronographs. The Navy SEAL Chronograph 3581, priced at $595 USD, makes for an ideal multi-functional outdoor watch. It has robust and tough aesthetics, which makes it extra appealing to all the explorers out there. If you want a reliable companion on your adventures, then this chronograph watch is definitely one to check out!  23. Hamilton Jazzmaster Chrono Quartz  Next up, we have another lovely chronograph from Hamilton. Unlike the previous model from the brand, the Jazzmaster Chrono Quartz offers a more classic and sophisticated style. It still exudes that sporty vibe, but it also feels more like a dress watch compared to the Khaki Aviation Chrono. Regardless, this model boasts an equal level of quality and functionality. Priced at around $865 USD, this piece is recommended for those who want a more classy and snazzy chronograph watch.  24. Skagen Ancher Chronograph  Skagen is a Danish brand that focuses on showcasing the Nordic way of life through its products. Since minimalism and sustainability are prominent lifestyles in those countries, Skagen’s timepieces also revolve around these concepts. The Skagen Ancher Chronograph, for example, has quite a sleek and minimalist exterior that is actually made from recycled materials. One of the best things about it is that the focus is really on the chronograph display, because the watch is minimalistic and does not have many other unnecessary elements. Retailing at around $155 USD, make sure to check this chronograph out if you want a more minimalist or sustainable alternative.  25. Timex Standard Chronograph  Timex is one of the most popular brands that offer really affordable timepieces. They are a go-to for many who want laid-back watches that could easily mix with different outfits. Their current portfolio consists of different kinds of models, such as digital watches, military-inspired pieces, chronographs, and many more. The Timex Standard Chronograph, priced at $109 USD, oozes retro vibes through and through. The chronograph dial contains a lot of vintage elements like its overall off-white color and slim yet slightly rounded font, which give it a more classic and casual feel. Since chronographs tend to be a little overwhelming, this is a great option for those who want something more relaxed and easygoing.  26. Farer Seagrave Monopusher Farer is a British watch manufacturer that prides itself on creating unconventional yet well-crafted timepieces. As an independent company, their commitment to providing only high-quality products is evident from their entire watchmaking process. A perfect representation of this is their Seagrave Monopusher model, which is a more avant-garde take on chronographs. One of the sub-dials is noticeably bigger compared to the other, which adds an unusual visual sensation to the whole piece. Retailing at a little under $2,000 USD, this piece is ideal for those who like subtle yet radical chronographs.  27. Tag Heuer Formula 1  TAG Heuer is one of the most highly-regarded luxury watch brands in the industry. They are home to countless iconic collections and models that always seem to catch people’s eyes. A cool thing about this Swiss manufacturer is how they have probably mastered the art of making chronographs through their involvement in the racing scene. In fact, one of their most popular lines is the Formula 1 series, which consists of its fair share of chronographs as well. This particular piece serves as a tribute to certain motor-racing icons like Gulf, which explains its vibrant blue and orange exterior. Retailing at around $1,900 USD, this chronograph model is a must-have for motorsports timepiece enthusiasts. 28. Orient KV0403S Here we have another piece from Orient that has a slightly different vibe compared to the other model previously mentioned. This chronograph has more of a quintessential and refined exterior, which gives it a very subtle vintage vibe. Moreover, the placement of the sub-dials actually plays a big role since its symmetry makes it look a lot more elegant and pleasing to the eyes. With a price tag of around $140 USD, this serves as an affordable chronograph watch for vintage enthusiasts out there.  29. Yema Speedgraf  Yema is a French watch company known for its timepieces which draw inspiration from different institutions and fields. Under their motorsports category, they have a collection called Heritage Chronographs. This range is home to the Yema Speedgraf. This Yema Speedgraf chronograph watch is a vintage-inspired piece that draws its influences from iconic chronograph models in the 1960s. Despite its unassuming exterior, the understated dial design and layout catch the interest of people in a very subtle way. If you are hooked on this piece, you can get your hands on one for only $1,500 USD.  30. Hamilton Ventura Chrono Quartz  Lastly, we have another watch from Hamilton. Seeing as this is the third piece from the American brand on this list, it goes to show that they truly offer a wide variety of chronographs that will not break the bank. The reason why I just had to include this chronograph watch is because of how eccentric and fun it is. Chronographs tend to be relatively straightforward and can sometimes be intimidating, so finding a genuinely unconventional piece is like a breath of fresh air. The Ventura Chrono Quartz, priced at around $1,080 USD, serves as a radical and distinct alternative, making it perfect for those who want something different.  Final Thoughts  After reading through all that, hopefully, you are convinced that there are numerous chronograph watches out there that are perfectly affordable. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars to get a quality piece, and the 30 budget-friendly chronographs above serve as just a glimpse of what the market actually has to offer.  If you’re really interested in chronographs then don’t miss out on our article on the Sinn 356 Pilot Chronograph!  Photo Credits: Official Watch Websites