Last updated on July 26th, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Watches have always been traditional and a must have for many people. These are timeless timing pieces, especially a best chronograph watch under 500 that becomes a must have as soon as you set eyes on it. Along with being tool watches, they are glamorous and very handy when it comes to accurate timing detail.
What to consider before buying:
Movement:
- There are three types of movements, namely quartz, mechanical and mechanical-quartz.
- If it is fully mechanical, you will have to wind it up regularly and get it serviced after a few years.
- A quartz watch might need swapping of batteries.
- A hybrid is a good option but this feature usually comes with technical problems.
Sub dials:
- There are two types of sub dials, BiCompax and TriCompax.
- They have an impact on the look of the watch and on how the chronograph will be used.
- Chronographs with two sub dials are BiCompax and chronographs with three sub dials are TriCompax.
- The best chronograph under 500 has/ more number of sub dials because this results in more features or characteristics.
- This sub dials usually control, minutes, seconds, hours or even one hundredth of a second.
- Watches with only two sub dials will definitely not have as much information as the chronograph with three sub dials.
- Every sub dial varies in accordance to the brand, model or the type of watch.
Pushers:
- The buttons are usually placed on the side.
- They let you turn the watch on or off.
- An automatic chronograph under 500 will have a tactile and click worthy pushers.
- Cheap watches don’t have swiftly push-able buttons.
Material:
- The crystal is the transparent cover that goes on top of the dial. Preferred crystal materials are sapphire crystals or mineral glass. Mineral glass is more common, relatively cheaper and does not break. Sapphire crystals are a bit expensive; require a lot of force to be cracked and are highly scratch resistant.
- The construction of the frame is preferred to be on stainless steel. Other strap material incudes silicone and high quality leather. The bracelet link and the watch case should both be of quality material as well.
Dial illumination:
- The time should be readable even in dark.
- Casual and sport watches usually have this feature.
- A light is activated from the inside to make the reading eligible even in dark.
- Japanese watches are best known to have this illumination quality.
Top 7 mens chronograph watches under 500
1. BEYNAR
Features:
- Made up of stainless steel bracelet
- Has quartz watch movement
- Black dial color
- Available in silver color
- Has a date calendar
- Separate knobs to adjust calendar and time
- Has a reset button
- Comes with a start/pause button
Here we have the best chronograph under 500 with a very versatile and elegant design. The stainless steel bracelet has the width of 2.2 cm and length of 22 cm, along with a strong glass screen, black dial and a top ring. It can resist water up to the depth of 30 meters and sweat or rain does not affect this automatic chronograph under 500. Moreover, it is scratch resistant, it does not crack and its flexibility keeps the hand ventilated. There is a built in calendar inside the dial alongside the number “3” on clock. The insides of this mechanical chronograph watch handle the precise movements of the ticks and the caliber is a proper powerhouse. It has a very solid feel to it and the bands are comfortable enough to be worn easily.
Pros
- Affordable and in budget
- The movements are smooth and continuous
- It comes with an added calendar
Cons
- The calendar date tends to be illegible for people who have eye sight problems.
2. FOSSIL MEN
Features:
- Available in rose accents color
- Has black dial color
- Quartz watch movement
- Made up of leather material
- Has strap/buckle closure
- Water resistant
- Has complimentary engravings
FOSSIL MEN is one of the best mechanical watches under 500 with a quartz Crystal that moves whenever a current is applied. The movement has three different sub eyes for 24 hour time, date of the month and day of the week. It is multifunctional in the sense that it has stopwatch functionality as well. It comes with different types of straps for use. Moreover, this best automatic chronograph uses high quality leather that is soft to the touch and it does not fade over time. The issi one straps are water resistant and the acetate watches are light weight and durable. The water resistance of the whole watch has three phases. From being able to withstand splashes to being used for swimming, this automatic chronograph watch is capable of all.
Pros
- Works well for business meetings and casual days.
- Has beautiful build quality
- The leather band is soft on the arms.
- Durable and precise in timings
Cons
- The tin box is sometimes damaged.
3. TIMEX
Features:
- Available in brown band color
- Has a black dial
- Has quartz watch movement
- Leather brand material type
- Adjustable straps
- Measures up to 1/20th second
- Has 43 millimeter brass case
- Available with black brass class
You have come to the right place if you’re in search for the best chronograph watch. It has been inspired by the old vintage watches that had numerical in increments of five up till sixty. The straps are adjustable and can be changed in accordance to what you need. It comes with leather straps and double layer fabric slip thru straps. Both of these are durable and versatile at the same time. Being the best budget chronograph, it has indiglo backlight and a battery life of up to 5 years. It is water resistant in up to 100 meters of water and the scratch resistant mineral glass makes it worth buying. The time it showcases is very accurate and the crown has two functions, namely turning on the light and to modify the time and date. The reset option is always available in case you go wrong somewhere.
Pros
- Cheap and affordable
- Durable
- Tells the time accurately
- Water proof
- Comfortable to wear
- Light to tell time in the dark
Cons
- The finish of the bracelet isn’t smooth
4. BULOVA
Features:
- Has black band color
- Black dial color
- Japanese quartz watch movement
- Polyurethane used for the band material
- Has a case diameter of 46 mm
BULOVA promises to give an affordable mechanical chronograph with a case diameter of 46mm. It is accurate to every second and precise when it comes to telling the time. The stainless steel has been finished with black and rose-gold and it has been given a curved style to enhance its beauty. The multiple layer carbon fibers work wonders as well. It comes with durable black rubber straps and a stainless steel buckle for ease of use and the luminous rose gold over the black surface gives a very clear cut and authentic time reading. The continuous sweeping second hand beats 16 times in one second and the architectural case design gives off a very bold vibe. As one of the cool watches under 500, it has a 24 hour track, a screw back case, a patterned black rubber strap and a screw down crown.
Pros
- Water resistant in up to 300 meters of water
- Aesthetically appealing
- Has a curved mineral crystal
Cons
- It is a bit heavy.
5. MEGALITH
Features:
- Available with a black band color
- Has black dial color
- Japanese quartz watch movement
- Band Made up of stainless steel
- Has 3 functional sub dials
- Choreographs up to 1/10 of a second
- Water resistant
- Luminous design
If you’re in search for mens watches under 500, then this is the right place. The water resistant material works for rains, hand washed, occasional splashes etc. It is not suitable for swimming or diving purposes. The dial scale itself and the hands are luminous to ensure accurate time reading even in darkness. It also has an added feature of calendar date display. The Japanese quartz movement help keep the track of time good and the stainless steel band is adjustable and soft on the wrist. The entire watch is made up of immaculate quality, especially in this budget. This best quartz watch under 500 fits perfectly on your wrist.
Pros
- The strap can be cut in accordance with your wrist fit
- Uniquely designed
- Works for all occasions
- Very light weighted
Cons
- Complicated link adjustments
6. YUNIK
Features:
- Available in black band color
- Has black dial color
- Made up of stainless steel material
- Band material is rubber
- Has case thickness of 7 mm
- Has a digital display type
- Comes with quartz watch movement
- Water resistant
YUNIK is the store to look in if you’re searching for mens chronograph watches fewer than 500. This is a very unique sports watch that is also categorized under chronograph watches. It has a minimalist designs with ultra-thin straps that are easy to carry. The display showcases high numbers on light making it very clear to read. The black dial is large and easy to use. Silicone straps are comfortable to wear and soft to touch. Being one of the best automatic chronograph watches, it has an LED backlight and can tell 1/100th of a second digitally. It also comes with an auto calendar, hourly Alan and an alarm clock. Moreover, being water and shock resistant also adds up to it being the best mechanical watch under 500.
Pros
- Looks very elegant and versatile
- Affordable and cheap
- Durable and long lasting
Cons
- None found
7. BIDEN
Features:
- Available in gold band color
- Has blue dial color
- Stainless steel used as the band material
- Case thickness of 10mm
- Has analog for the display type
- Mineral used as the dial window material type
BIDEN surely makes the cut under top watches under 500 because of its 3D metal scale time mark that makes it easy to read. The watch case is durable and the watch itself has a multi-functional design. The sub dials are entitled to stop watches, date calendars and time accuracy. This watch is capable of working for 3 years straight and the band is comfortable to wear for everyday use. This best watch under $500 is also equipped with link remover. It is daily life waterproof but not suitable for swimming or diving.
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Equipped with a calendar
- Adjustable calendar and time
- Has a reset button
Cons
- Has a little bit of weight
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have given you a list of best mens chronograph watches that are a must buy if you are a watch enthusiast. The watches we have enlisted aren’t only automatic chronograph watches; they also all fall under budget and are not expensive. Moreover, the detailed buyers guide will help you find the perfect match for you. Get yours on amazon now!
FAQS:
- What are the best watches under 500?
A lot of watches are best mens chronograph watches e.g. FOSSIL MEN and BEYNAAR. - What is the best chronograph movement?
ZENITH EL PRIMERO is the best automatic chronograph. - How long do chronographs last?
They last for more than 3 years. - What are the three circles on the watch?
These are three dial to register the time lapse. A second dial, a minute dial and an hour dial. - Is it bad to leave chronograph running?
It eventually will run out of oil and result in wear and tear. - Can you run a chronograph all the time?
Yes you can, but it is preferred not to do so. - Can a chronograph be automatic?
Yes, as they depend completely on kinetic energy then. - Is the second hand on a chronograph watch supposed to move?
Unlike a traditional watch, these hands are only supposed to move when the pusher buttons have been pushed. - Are fossil chronograph watches any good?
Yes, they are. A lot of variety, designs and options are available in fossil men watches. - How do you read chronograph watches?
Chronograph watches are like a traditional watch. Everything comes displayed on the screen, e it digital or not.
