1. Best overall
Citizen Zenshin Chrono Silver Dial (CA4610-85A)
A titanium solar chronograph with sapphire and 100 m for $466.90.
CA4610-85A · 42.5 mm · Solar · $466.90Current price at Watches of America
Best Chronographs Under $500
Our pick is the Citizen Zenshin Chrono for a titanium, solar chronograph. If you want a Swiss movement, the Tissot PR 100 Chronograph is the sensible choice, and the Thorn T026C is the cheapest in the list at $179.
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2. Best Swiss entry
Tissot PR 100 Chronograph Green
A 40 mm Swiss quartz chronograph with sapphire and 100 m for $381.93.
T150.417.11.091.00 · 40 mm · Quartz · $381.93Current price at Watches of America
3. Best blue dial
Tissot PR 100 Chronograph Blue
The same PR 100 chronograph with a blue dial at $386.60.
T150.417.11.041.00 · 40 mm · Quartz · $386.60Current price at Watches of America
4. Best on leather
Tissot Chrono XL Classic Green
A 45 mm Swiss quartz chronograph on a leather strap with sapphire at $418.50.
T116.617.16.092.00 · 45 mm · Quartz · $418.50Current price at Watches of America
5. Best for fans
Citizen Star Wars Rebel Pilot Chronograph Black Dial (CA0761-06W)
A solar chronograph with a tachymeter dial and Rebel details at $345.90.
CA0761-06W · 44 mm · Solar · $345.90Current price at Watches of America
6. Best titanium
BODERRY Goldace Titanium Chronograph (Blue, FKM)
A titanium mecha-quartz chronograph with sapphire at $159.
BD-Q09-01B · 40 mm · Quartz · $159Current price at BODERRY
7. Cheapest
Thorn Watches T026C-R5030D Chronograph
A 38 mm racing chronograph for $179.
T026C-R5030D-Chrono · Variant 48942832058676 · 38 mm · Quartz · $174After codeBefore code$179Save $5 at THORN Watches
8. Best hand-wound
BODERRY Voyager Chronograph Cerulean Blue / Titanium Bracelet
A hand-wound titanium field chronograph at $369.
BD-M02TBC-03B · 40 mm · Hand-wound · $359After codeBefore code$369Save $10 at BODERRY
How we chose.
We compared the movement type, the crystal, water resistance, case size and price, and favoured watches whose chronograph layout is easy to read. Specifications come from each manufacturer’s official page and prices from the store listing on the date shown in each review. How we choose.
Discount code.
Watch Ritual’s supplied code at Watches of America is SEBASTIANBASSOL for 10% off. Confirm that it applies to your exact watch at checkout.
A few good questions.
What is the best chronograph under $500?
Our pick is the Citizen Zenshin Chrono. For a Swiss option, the Tissot PR 100 Chronograph starts at $381.93.
What is the difference between a quartz and a mechanical chronograph?
Quartz chronographs are more accurate and cheaper; mechanical ones offer the movement feel but cost more. Under $500 almost all are quartz or solar.
How do I use a chronograph?
The top pusher starts and stops the timer and the bottom one resets it. Our chronograph guide explains the sub-dials.
Keep reading.
- chronograph watches explained
- citizen zenshin chrono vs tissot pr 100 chronograph
- tissot prc 200 vs chrono xl
Checked October 17, 2026. Prices change; each review shows the date checked.