Top 11 Best Affordable Chronograph Watches [List & Guide]

Top 11 Best Affordable Chronograph Watches

If you are looking for an affordable chronograph watch, you have come to the right place. Chronograph watches are a popular watch type that has existed for many decades, and they are particularly popular because of their sporty but also practical nature.

Chronograph watches have several different purposes, but the main use is to measure elapsed time in different ways. Chronograph watches that are equipped with tachymeter scales can also measure average speed or distance via the chronograph hand, using the bezel.

Generally speaking, what distinguishes a chronograph watch is the fact that it has three chronograph sub-dials on the dial as well as two chronograph pushers on the side of the case but different types of chronographs also exist, for example with two sub-dials.

There are tons of different chronograph watches and designs from all kinds of different brands out there, and in this article, we have listed some of the most popular watches that have received the best reviews and ratings, and are offered at affordable prices.

What is a chronograph watch?

A chronograph watch is, according to Wikipedia’s definition, ”a specific type of watch that is used as a stopwatch combined with a display watch. A basic chronograph has an independent sweep second hand and a minute sub-dial; it can be started, stopped, and returned to zero by successive pressure on the stem. More complex chronographs use additional complications and can have multiple sub-dials to measure seconds, minutes, hours, and even tenths of a second.”

Many more modern chronographs also have tachymeter bezels which allow you to measure speed or distance.

Chronographs are built to function as stopwatches and have a seconds hand that starts and stops when you activate it. It also displays elapsed time in subdials.

Chronographs have increased in popularity over the years due to their visually appealing design and sporty nature. Their functions can also be convenient to have on a watch.

The purpose of a chronograph is to measure the time, and this is done via the sub-dials which are placed on the dial. Depending on how the chronograph is designed, it offers different time measurements, so this is something worth taking into consideration when buying your chronograph. But for example, with a chronograph, you may be able to measure when 30 minutes have elapsed, or when 24 hours have passed. There are several occasions when this time-measuring function can be useful.

Quartz VS automatic chronograph

One big difference between chronograph watches is the movement that powers them.

A quartz watch is a watch that has a movement that is powered by batteries. When the battery runs out of battery, it is replaced. However, there are also quartz movements that use Solar technology, in particular those from Citizen, Seiko, and Casio, which means that the battery inside the movement is powered by ambient and solar light, thus removing the need for replacing the battery which can be very convenient.

An automatic chronograph is a watch with a mechanical movement that features a rotor. When the watch moves, for example on the wrist, the rotor rotates and generates mechanical energy which winds the mainspring, thus creating energy to power the movement.

Mechanical is simply a watch that is manually wound and, unlike, an automatic watch, does not have a rotor that generates energy for the movement. Both quartz and automatic watches have pros and cons. Quartz is known for being more reliable, more robust, and more affordable to service and maintain.

On the other hand, automatic watches are practical since they do not require you to change the battery. But most importantly, they are highly popular amongst watch enthusiasts who appreciate fine watchmaking and craftsmanship. Automatic watches are powered by complex mechanical movements that contain lots of different parts and require skill and expertise to manufacture.

Deciding on the best chronograph watches

There are a large number of different chronograph watches on the market which come in all shapes and forms. With that said, how do you choose one that suits your style, taste, and preference?

The fact is that there are a number of differences between these watches that will help you narrow down your alternatives. To help you make your decision, here are some questions you should ask yourself:

• How big should the watch be? – Do I want a large or a small watch?
• Should it be quartz, automatic, or mechanical?
• What is my budget?
• Do I want a classic or modern chronograph?
• Do I want a monochrome, discreet chronograph, or do I want something bright and bold?

Without further ado, let’s dig into our list of the best affordable chronograph watches.

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Best Affordable Chronograph Watches

---

Citizen Thin Blue Line Chronograph Eco-Drive CA0291-59E

This is one of the most popular chronograph watches from Citizen. The watch has a classic and sporty design with a monochrome look, apart from the fact that it has a blue line across the dial, which can be a nice touch of color.

The watch looks very sporty and aggressive, which many people will enjoy, and its name ”Nighthawk Chronograph” is certainly something that reflects this. The watch has a water resistance of 200 meters/660 feet and features a tachymeter scale.

It is equipped with a 1/5 second chronograph which measures up to 60 minutes 12/24 hour time. It also has a date window at 3 o’clock. Another nice feature of this watch is that its movement is solar-powered, meaning you won’t have to replace the battery. It is presented on a sporty brushed stainless steel bracelet with a safety fold-over clasp with a push-button release.

The case measures 42mm in diameter.

All in all, it is a great chronograph if you want something sporty and different that stands out from the crowd, without compromising on quality and durability, as well as the price.

Specifications

• Crystal: Mineral glass
• Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
• Functions: 1/5 second chronograph which measures up to 60 minutes 12/24 hour time, date window
• Movement: Solar-powered quartz
• Diameter: 42mm

---

Bulova Marine Star Chronograph 96B256

The Bulova Seastar chronograph is a very popular watch from Bulova. It has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 44mm and of course a chronograph function. The thickness measures 12.2mm. The movement inside is the B612, and this is a 1/5 Second Chronograph that measures up to 60 Minutes, 12/24 Hour Time, and date.

The watch is water-resistant to 100m/330 feet which means you can go swimming with it, but it is not suitable for diving.

Furthermore, the watch also has a quartz solar movement which is powered by light, thus removing the need for replacing the battery.

What stands out about this watch is certainly its striking blue dial with discreet orange accents. It is a really beautiful dial that stands out from the crowd and looks very vibrant and modern. The sub-dials are positioned at the classic 3, 6, and 9 positions on the dial and are beautifully balanced.

Specifications

• Functions: 1/5 Second Chronograph which measures up to 60 Minutes, 12/24 Hour Time, Date.
• Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
• Thickness: 12.2mm
• Diameter: 43mm
• Crystal: Mineral glass

---

Seiko Flightmaster SNA411 Pilot Alarm Chronograph

This popular chronograph from Seiko is a watch that is packed with functions and has a lot going on. As the name suggests, it is a pilot’s watch with an alarm. What first catches the eye is its very busy dial, so let’s unfold what its purpose is.

First of all, it has a 42mm stainless steel case with a Hardlex crystal at the top. The watch is powered by a Japanese quartz movement and the water resistance is 200m/660 feet.

The watch has a date window positioned at 3 o’clock, and the bezel has a gear edge. It is also rotatable, allowing you to measure different units. As mentioned, this watch is also equipped with an alarm, which can be a handy feature, and the chronograph sub-dials are positioned at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock. The dial is mostly black with white print but also has yellow accents for added contrast and sportiness.

This is a watch that has a lot going on, with plenty of different functions. If you want a pilot-inspired watch with a lot of functions, this is a great option.

Specifications

• Diameter: 42mm
• Crystal: Hardlex
• Water resistance: 200m/660 feet

---

Citizen Avion Eco-Drive

This is another aviation-inspired timepiece but with a lot less going on. It has a clean, elegant, and classic design which makes it suitable for everyday wear, but also formal occasions.

What makes this an aviation watch? Well, the fact that the main focus is put on legibility, with white painted markers is done in a pilot-watch-style. The watch has large white painted markers with white numerals for optimum legibility.

The chronograph markers are positioned at the classic 3, 6, and 9 positions, and with a date display between four and five o’clock.

The watch is presented with a 45mm stainless steel case with mineral glass on top. It is powered by a Japanese quartz movement. The water resistance is 100m/330 feet.

It is a 1/5 Second Chronograph that Measures up to 60 Minutes, 12/24 Hour Time, and date.

Specifications

• Functions: 1/5 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, 12/24 Hour Time, Date.
• Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
• Diameter: 45mm
• Crystal: Mineral glass

---

Seiko SPC129P1 Neo Classic Alarm Perpetual Chronograph

This is a beautiful and elegant quartz watch made with a traditional and refined design. This makes it perfect for more formal occasions as well as everyday wear. The name ”Seiko SPC129 Neo-Classic” certainly reveals what it is all about.

The watch features a 45mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 12mm. It has a beautiful white dial, elegantly contrasted by rose gold-tone hands, markers, pushers, and crown. As a perfect match to this, it is presented on a brown embossed leather strap.

It features an alarm, day indicator, tachymeter scale, and chronograph sub-dials.

This is the ultimate watch for a sophisticated class in a chronograph format.

Specifications

• Crystal: Hardlex
• Thickness: 12mm
• Diameter: 45mm
• Functions: day indicator, tachymeter scale, and chronograph sub-dials.

---

Tissot Men’s Chrono XL Swiss Chronograph T1166171104701

Tissot is a popular brand that has been around for decades and is most appreciated because of the fact that it is a Swiss watch brand with great know-how for making high-quality Swiss timepieces that offer great value for money.

This is a beautiful, elegant, and minimalistic chronograph with a touch of sportiness. With that said it works exceptionally well for everyday wear.

The watch is presented with a beautifully crafted stainless steel case which leaves all the room for the dial with a thin bezel and relatively short lugs. To make it sleeker, it does not feature crown guards either. The case has a diameter of 45mm and a thickness of 11.02 millimeters. It is presented on a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp with push-button closure.

It has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet.

Its clean and elegant case design together with its beautiful and well-balanced blue dial makes it a timeless and understated classic.

Specifications

• Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
• Diameter: 45mm
• Thickness: 11.02 millimeters
• Movement: Swiss quartz

---

Seiko Neo Sports Chronograph Quartz SSB355

This affordable chronograph is perfect for those who are looking for a big and sporty timepiece with a great presence on the wrist.

The case has a diameter of 48mm with the crown and 45mm without the crown which makes it rather big and chunky. The thickness measures 14mm.

Printed on the fixed steel bezel, we have a tachymeter scale that works together with the red-tipped chronograph hand. The sub-dials are positioned at the classic 3,6,9 positions.

What adds to this watch’s sporty appearance is of course its carbon fiber dial. Another detail that is also nice is that the sub-dials are raised and in different levels which provides depth. 

It has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet and a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal at the top. It is presented on a sporty stainless steel bracelet with a Fold Over Push Button Release clasp.

Specifications

• Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
• Diameter: 45mm
• Thickness: 14mm
• Crystal: Hardlex

---

Seiko SNDC31 Classic Chronograph

If you are looking for a simple and classy chronograph, this is definitely a great option. This watch features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 38mm and a classic case design and a thin polished bezel. Its moderate case size makes it suitable for many different wrist sizes, but also discreet enough for formal wear. The thickness of 9mm is also rather slim.

It features a beautiful cream-colored dial with black Arabic numerals and minute markers around the outer rim. It is equipped with a date display at 3 o’clock.

As for the chronograph, it has three sub-dials displaying: dual 60 second / 12 hour, 60 minutes, and 1/20th of a second. It is powered by the Seiko caliber 7T92 quartz movement. On top, it has a Hardlex crystal.

The water resistance of this watch is 100m/330 feet. 

Specifications

• Diameter: 38mm
• Movement: Seiko caliber 7T92 
• Thickness: 9m
• Water resistance: 100m/330 feet

---

Seiko Chronograph SSB299P1

A bold and sporty affordable chronograph from Seiko, powered by a quartz movement.

The watch has a large 44mm steel case with a fixed stainless steel bezel. The bezel has a painted tachymeter scale which works together with the red-tipped chronograph hand.

The watch has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet and a very sporty appearance. Not only does it have a large and bulky case, but also a beautifully textured dial with lots of attention to detail. The chronograph sub-dials provide depth and contrast to the rest of the dial, making it much more interesting. The battery life is about 3 years. The red accents on this watch add to its sporty nature.

Furthermore, we also find a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock. All in all, it is an affordable and masculine chronograph that isn’t for everyone, but if you have large enough wrists to pull it off, it is a great watch for the money.

Specifications

• Diameter: 44mm
• Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
• Crystal: Hardlex
• Movement: Quartz

---

Citizen Military Field Chronograph AT0200-05E Eco-Drive

This is unarguably one of Citizen’s most popular chronograph watches, and in fact, watches in general.

The watch has a very appealing military-inspired design with a matte black dial, large white-painted Arabic numerals, and an emphasis on legibility. It has large hands with luminous material applied to them, and a date window at 4 o’clock. The red contrasting chronograph hand also adds to its sporty nature. And to go with its military-inspired theme, it has a green canvas strap.

Another great feature of this watch is that it is solar-powered, meaning you do not have to replace its batteries. 

The stainless steel case measures 39mm in diameter which makes it suitable for a lot of different wrists by not being too big. The water resistance is 100m/330 feet. On top of the case, it uses a mineral crystal.

For the price, there are actually very few watches that are better than the Citizen AT0200-05E Eco-Drive.

Specifications

• Diameter: 39mm
• Crystal: Mineral glass
• Movement: Solar-powered quartz
• Date window and chronograph functions

---

Seiko RECRAFT Series Quartz Chronograph SSC667

Last but not least, we have the Seiko Recraft SSC667. This is a beautiful chronograph from Seiko that is extremely popular and offers great value for money for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, it is part of the Rectaft series, meaning it has a retro-inspired funky design. This is first noticed with its cushioned-shaped steel case with a diameter of 43.5mm. The case stands out from the ordinary and is actually really refreshing from all of the regular traditional case designs.

The watch is also solar-powered and has a 6-month power reserve when fully charged. It is powered by a Japanese quartz movement and a 24-hour indicator. The water resistance is 100m/330 feet.

Last but not least, its beautiful baby blue dial with a sunburst finish really stands out from the ordinary and is extremely beautiful to look at. Between 4 and 5 o’clock, we also have a date window, which can come in handy.

Specifications

• Diameter: 43.5mm
• Solar-powered quartz movement
• Power reserve: 6 months when fully charged
• Water resistance: 100m/330 feet

---

Buyer’s guide to buying an affordable chronograph

As you have seen above, chronograph watches come in all kinds of different shapes and forms. It is also a function that is widely used by essentially all kinds of different manufacturers, from affordable to expensive. For example, you can find affordable chronograph watches from Seiko, but you can also find extremely expensive chronographs from Patek Philippe. With that said, this is a type of watch and a function that is not only limited to those who have a ton of money for their watch budget.

Furthermore, chronograph watches are available in all kinds of different designs and executions. Some watches are extremely tough and sporty, perhaps built as dive watches, while others are designed to work as elegant dress watches. With that said, there truly is a chronograph for everyone, regardless of budget, taste, and preferences.

Movement: As discussed, chronographs are available with different movements. Quartz, automatic, or hand-wound. As a matter of fact, there are also digital chronograph watches that offer the same functions as a chronograph, but without sub-dials since the information and timekeeping are presented on a digital screen.

Style: When making your choice, you need to consider the style and type of watch you want. Ultimately, this depends on your taste but also how you intend to use it. Do you plan to wear your watch on formal or casual occasions? Choose your watch accordingly.

Function: as mentioned, different chronographs have different timing functions. Therefore, it is wise to consider if you need any particular timekeeping duration and then see if a watch offers that or not.

Why buy a chronograph?

The fact of the matter is actually that most people do not buy a chronograph because they need the timekeeping function. Most people buy them because of their style and design. There’s no denying that chronograph watches have distinct and stylish aesthetics with a more functional impression.

But despite the fact that most people do not use the chronograph function today since they have their phones for more convenient and accurate timekeeping, it continues to be one of the most popular functions in watches. Ultimately, this has to do with the look and style that chronograph watches have.

But it’s still worth keeping in mind that if you remember to use it, the chronograph offers some very convenient and practical functions that can be used n many different occasions throughout the day. For example, if you boil an egg, you can simply activate your chronograph to know when it is ready. This is just one example of how the chronograph can be convenient in your everyday life.

In addition, due to the coolness factor and history of the chronograph – having been used and worn by some of the most iconic individuals in the world, chronographs get a unique appeal.

Why are chronographs so expensive?

This is a common question that people have. The answer is that chronographs do not have to be expensive, as seen in the list of watches above. Chronograph watches are available in all kinds of different price ranges. But in general, chronographs cost more than non-chronographs due to the fact that they have an added complication to their functionality. The chronograph mechanism is quite a complex one – especially if it is done with a mechanical movement, and so naturally, this will be reflected in the price.

The good news is that regardless of your budget, you can find a chronograph.

Are there automatic chronographs?

Yes, there are plenty of automatic chronographs on the market. But as mentioned, since the chronograph mechanism is quite complex when it is done with a mechanical movement, the price is usually set accordingly. Therefore, automatic chronographs tend to be much more expensive than quartz chronographs, and not a lot of affordable watch brands focus on making them due to their increased cost.

Are most chronographs quartz?

When it comes to affordable chronographs, the answer is definitely yes. But when it comes to more expensive and even luxury watches, the vast majority of chronographs are mechanical. A lot of people who buy chronographs are watch enthusiasts and watch nerds. Therefore, watch brands cater to the wants and needs of these individuals by making mechanical chronographs in the first place.

Types of Chronographs

Chronographs come in different styles and designs, but they are also designed for different purposes, or rather usage areas, which partially has to do with the history of the chronograph. Originally, the chronograph was made for racing. This is why a lot of chronographs have tachymeter scales. But in 1969, Omega became the first watch to be worn on the moon – and it happened to be a chronograph, which changed a bit about how people viewed chronographs.

Furthermore, in areas such as the military, a chronograph function may be useful. With that said, in all of these different areas, a chronograph may be useful. And the result is that chronographs can have vastly different designs depending on how they were intended to be used, or more correctly, for what.