Top 7 Affordable Alternative Chronographs To The Omega Speedmaster In 2022 - $100 To Luxury Watches
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- In today's video we return to a Gentry favorite concept that first debuted on this channel in 2014, with a long overdue update on affordable non-homage alternatives to one of the most iconic chronographs of all time-the Omega Speedmaster. Perhaps you fancy something that's a little more low-key, or a watch that's a bit more fun and flamboyant? Or maybe you just want something that's less predictable. This video has you covered, from low cost and functional options to luxury vintage sweet spots on the used market. We'll take a look at watches made famous in movies, off the radar cult favorites, masterpieces of industrial design, and space proven watches that have truly been in the stratosphere-and that you can actually own. Join me for a return to a classic Gentry format, and don't forget to add your suggestions and nominations in the comments. Let's help out as many watch enthusiasts as we can with some great options for those with an itch for a Speedy, or something even better.
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As a big fan of chronograph watches, this video really hits the spot. Your production value with the many macro shots show off these timepieces to their best advantage. The 22 minutes just flew by. Please keep up the excellent work. Cheers, Tim
I really loved this entire list! There is life outside Speedmasters. Sometimes the watch community is too rigid and do not enjoy the enormous variety of alternative models, and brands, in every price range. That video is a great reminder!! Well done TGV!
Thank you so much Henry, I deeply appreciate that.
Best regards,
TGV
I was pretty disgusted when Omega decided to charge 1000 dollars for 15 dollars worth of saphire crystal.
Bro, don’t forget about the AR coating.
I agree with your comment. For me, this is why I didn't purchase the "new" Speedy. As much as I like it.
As someone who has spec’ed out watches before, I assure you that there are good crystals that cost $300 wholesale. A simple, quality AR crystal would run like $80 if you had high volume.
I think a better criticism would be the cost of bracelet links, or the cost of a leather strap.
Finally some recognition for the Citizen Promaster Tsuno. I've owned 2 of the Stainless Steel dial variations and the LE Super Titanium. This is an incredibly precision high quality timepiece and a worthy descendent of the 2100 chrono models. Great review UG!
I am a Big Fan of Breitling, but eben if you would talk just about boring Rolex - i would click the Video. Why? Because your Intros are so fantastic, such a great art. The composition of pictures and Sound ist absolutely PERFECT. Thank you for every single of the. THANK YOU!!!
A good way to end a busy day, thank you TGV as always 👍
Thank you Dave,
Best regards,
TGV
Ah, more Speedy vibes already on the channel, very nice. BTW, the friend who accompanied me when I bought my Speedy asked me afterwards how much more expensive a watch would have to be for me to prefer it over the Moonwatch. I had to think about it for a while, but right now there is none. At the moment there is literally no other watch I´d rather have than the Speedmaster, which is of course what a grail watch is all about. That doesn´t mean things can´t change in the future. 😋
Perfect way to end a weekend. Loving the Stoney TGV! 🦖
Just bought a panda Hamilton as my first chronograph a few weeks ago and absolutely love it
Just yesterday I fell in love with the Explorer 1 and now wstching your alternative videos. The Smiths Everest looks dangerously appealing 💪🙏
I am not into chronographs, but damn that Fortis Stratoliner is absolutely gorgeous.
Can we all take a moment to appreciate the high quality editing on this video. Well done my friend 👍🏼
You ARE the OG Bud! Thanks
I’m certainly a fan of the Seiko and it’s history as I have over 50 vintage Speedtimers (yes it’s a sickness). I also have some other unique chronographs that would be fun to see an UG review on that are alternatives to the Speedy that include a Carl F. Bucherer Annual Calendar chronograph and the Montblanc Nicholas Rieussec GMT monopusher chronograph that you can get used for less than a Speedy.
Thanks TGV for your regular (and high quality) content. We don’t deserve you!! :)
Thank you so much my friend 🙏🙏😀
Best regards,
TGV
Nothing to add regarding watches, but I just wanted to say that 9:43 is some of the best editing I've seen on UA-cam - almost like a Top Gear episode!
Thank you Elvijs, very kind of you to say.
Best regards,
TGV
Omg! The Longines chronograph is stunning! Breitling, Fortis, Seiko, Bulova definitely get my attention as well. Thank you for another excellent video! What a great way to start the week.
Remember commenting on a previous video. Truly believe the Orient panda should be included. Its just a absolutely stunning watch at an amazing price point. Love these videos.
I've owned a Straton Daily driver chronograph for almost 2 years and I am massively pleased with it! It has that vintage racing chrono a' la Hamilton or Breitling Top Time look for a fraction of the price. Straton is a great little indy watch company with wonderful customer service.
8 Years and 500K! I'm waiting for the watch to celebrate this very important landmark. Congratulations!
Congratulations on 8 years and thank you for all that you do!!!
Yeah as cool as the new moonswatches are, I just can’t justify them as being good value lol, the movement inside is pretty barebones and there’s so much about the build quality that doesn’t justify $260 or however much they retail for. Glad to see a list like this finally
Yeah. I wish it had a mecha-quartz, if it was id consider paying 300-400 for it but meh. Nothing wrong with quartz intrinsically, just not my cup of tea.
But, it says Omega on it.
Have you actually worn one...🤨
@@kutark
True.. if Omega makes a meca quartz version of their moon watch, then it will just make Pagani Design redundant
Every watch you showed was epic. Each time I thought the next one will not be so good... and then it was as good if not better. I agree with Fortis - stunning watch. Their design at the moment is surpassing everyone else.
TGV, I like the new Seikos but I prefer my vintage 7t34-6A00. Nice small size and great looks.
Greatly appreciate all you do sir. Thanks to you I am now a happy owner of a Squale 1521 which I love. Excellent video, love this format. Wishing you continued success - onward and upward. 🙏
Stunning production there and subject coverage of course. Thank you very much 🥂
I was actually looking at the Hamilton back in 2020, but found a deal on a speedy auto and jumped on it after watching one of your older videos 😍
Agree with you on Fortis - got a pc-7, and there is a solidity to it that even some of my veryyyy well known pieces have a hard time beating.
Great to see this format back👍
Love all the Sub Dials..
I would love to someday own a Breitling Premier B01
Great video TGV, Ive been busy bingeing on watch content and then this just appeared! Still the best TGV. Love the Seiko Speed timer, in fact I had forgotten all about it lol. All the best from England
Thank you Barry!
Best regards,
TGV
I thought Fortis would be your no 1 on the list and their new offerings look great. Surprised but not surprised as you didn’t include either the Longines Avigation big eye or Spirit Chronograph, but hey for some reason no one ever talks about Longines. I believe they’re one of the biggest sellers in the Swatch group (behind Omega no doubt), but oh you did give them a quick shout at the end!
I recently purchased the Lunar Pilot. I have an 8” wrist, and agree this watch is big!
The new Stratoliner looks like an amazing watch. Very cool. Nice picks 👍
I own a Speedy Pro, caliber 1861 with hesalite. It's the only chrono watch I own. In fact, I'm wearing it while watching your video. As much as I like looking at other chrono watches, I can't help thinking of them as a "Speedy Jr." Oh no... I'm a watch snob.
That Longines Tuxedo looks so classy! I hope you'll be able to review that one day
Don’t forget the Omega x swatch collection
Great video. Some others that come to mind are…..Oris Aquis Chrono, Sinn 103, Yema Speedgraf, and you mentioned one of my favorite brands..Hamilton.
I discovered Fortis thanks to your videos dedicated to the brand. I am in love with the Cosmonaut with Lemania 5100. The job they have done with the new Stratoliner really deserves to keep following their developments. Among these watches I own the Lunar Pilot. Having a wrist of 16.5 cm, the Lunar Pilot scared me at first, but then my passion for space stories prevailed over fear (and I must say that I can wear it without seeing it too bulky on the wrist...but perhaps it is always the passion for space stories that convinces me that it is smaller on the wrist haha). Great video, as always, Tristano!
So happy to hear that, thank you for sharing that. Excellent comment.
Best regards,
TGV
Currently in love with the new gen monte carlo. If I still am after this year I may need to make it my first chronograph. Great video tgv!
The Bulova Lunar Pilot deserves to be near the top of the list. The average wrist size of an American man is 7.25 inches. This is my wrist size and it fits me perfectly with the bracelet.
I would recommend you check out the Certina DS (Double Security) Blue Ribbon Chronograph reference C007.417.11.051.00. It features 330 meters of water resistance with a helium escape valve. The crystal is domed sapphire with double AR coating. While it is a quartz ETA caliber 251.262, it's a Swiss made piece that is built like a tank and very versatile with the inclusion of the second chronograph function along with a uni-rotating bezel and outstanding luminescence on the bezel.
You chose seven absolute winners, TGV. I'm especially drawn to that gorgeous Hamilton mechanical.
The Orient Neo 70s Panda Chronograph is another great solar option.
Tag heuer did some popular formula one chronograph ca1212-1 in the 90s . Although they were quartz, they were built well. Mines going strong after 23 years. And they still do the models in different forms today. I do think the plastic bezel was quite unusual and unique too at that time.
Good evening TGV, great choice of watches you present here. May I throw in the Seiko SSBs? I own a Seiko SSB027 Mecaquartz as my grab and go watch
Best regards!
YESSSSSS!!! Excellent suggestion, thank you Heiko, I hope you are well
Best regards,
TGV
My personal pick would be a Parmigiani Fleurier Tondagraph GT , those things just look so amazing.
Just only 3 times as much as a manual wind speedy 😂 still a good value piece imo. Parmigiani is definitely undervalued
I LOVE this video series. I have the Citizen Tsuno which is a bit of a weird and clunky one, but it’s incredibly fun and delightfully different.
My favorite chronographs? The Casio Oceanus line. The large second hand ticks normally, but will switch to chronograph mode when engaged. My least favorite part of regular chronos is the second hand staying in place until you use it. Add on top of that titanium cases, tough solar movement, multi-band 6, they are incredible watches!
I was recently gifted an Oceanus. It's rapidly become one of my two or three favorite watches in my collection. What was really cool was pulling it out of the drawer after not having worn it for a couple of weeks, and soon as it got some daylight it reset itself from EDT to EST. Neat feature for an analog watch.
Some nice watches there. For an affordable Chrono I like my Accurist retro racer
My number one choice would be Sinn 903
Yung Pooda SLIIIDDDD on his verse.. 💪🏽
Seiko SRQ025 is my favorite under $2k. It is simple and has a column wheel chronograph that looks pretty good for the price. I will take this over a 7750 any day of the week, and the watch is truly good quality. Seiko does not get the cred it deserves for chro graphs.
For Quartz, I think Seiko Astron or Citizen Attesa are wonderful choices, and Casio Oceanus is great as well. Old Porsche Design Quartz models are starting to get expensive. That was a secret go-to cool Chronograph for years, but I guess people are catching on. It is a shame.
For el Primero models, check out Movado. These used to be cheap, but Hodinkee keeps fucking it up for the rest of us.
There is am inexpensive chrono. Assemble in Detroit Michigan by Detroit Mint. They use a manual wind Seagull movement. The also offer the watch worn by Brad Pitt in Once upon a time in Hollywood
Seiko 6138, 6139_ and poljot Russian chronograph, favre luba chronograph automatic are also some alternative
The SSC813P1 is on my short list because the perfect size aside from being handsome AF.
Would have loved to have seen Bulova Curv, Victorinox maverick or 1/100 and the great, Girard Perregaux Laureato!
One affordable alternative that wasn’t mentioned is of course the Omega Swatch Speedmaster itself. But as you haven’t reviewed it I understand that’s why it wasn’t on the list. Looking forward to you getting a hands on with the moonswatch though, your review will be brilliant I am sure. It’s also not really an alternative in the same sense. As it’s an Omega.
If you want a Omega Speedmaster then you should keep saving your money until you’re ready for the purchase. Don’t spend money on any substitute because you’ll still lusting the iconic Speedy! I went that route and now happy with a 1861 Speedy on my wrist! :)
Excellent list!
I'm still debating on the Zenith tipo cp2 43mm Cairelli recreation or a Heuer Monaco Calibre 🇲🇨 11.
@Chris Rock Yes 👍 I remember us chatting on John Ps video about Zenith. I know you love the brand as I. Both the Monaco 🇲🇨 and Cairelli have a great history 👍 but the in house El primero is hard to refuse. To bad The Heuer Monaco 🇲🇨 dosen't come with a real Calibre 11 instead of the Selita
I thought Kenissi made the in house movements for Tudor according to Kenissi .. ?
If you are going to do a submariner alternative video, the new Christopher Ward C65 Aquitane might be worth a shout? Sorted out the perennial logo problem, and has a sapphire bezel insert like a fifty fathoms.
Hey TGV. Thank you for another wonderful video. Regarding the Seiko Speed Timer, where do you get your pricing from? I can't see it online for anywhere under $675. I'm based in Ireland and the cheapest I can find it is closer to €700 unfortunately.
👍 GREAT& BEAUTIFUL VIDEO' THANKS !! .
I own the Panda Seiko Speedtimer. Great watch….the only time I had to pay retail price for a Seiko.
Entertaining show like alway.i have some what of a blue collar watch collection and the bulova lunar pilot is most definitely in it. Great history,Excellent movement,and a look like no other.All at a great price. Good show ,thank
Love the Hamilton!
TGV, how about the Yema Rallygraf? That really reminded me of the speedy and I bounced to get it :)
What brand is the sweatshirt in this video? I’ve seen these, but never been able to figure out what it is
Amazing picks TGV I’d have them all if I could! 😆
Cheers, much information.
Where did you get that DeLorean? I was searching and found out there is a DMC watch! I'm sure you knew that.
Loving that shirt, TGV. Brand and “model”?
Stopped by to see if the Dan Henry made the list. a little disappointed it was only in passing. Many of these 'affordable' options are more expensive than a used Speedmaster.
The Dan Henry has enough of its own design features to stand apart and it feels like a truly affordable alternative.
is it better to keep winding a watch? or is it ok to leave it unwind?
20 years ago I bought a Seiko quartz chronograph 7T32 as a graduation gift. At a distance the watch looks like a Speedy. 20 years later it remains a weekend beater and sits comfortably among watches 20X its price. That is the beauty of Seiko.
TIMEX has made some really bad watches lately but with their Q it looks like i will finally add a TIMEX to my collection!
Did I get the first comment? Nice, also good video. Keep up the content!
Thank you Troy! O&U!
Best regards,
TGv
Very nice watch, specialy the blue dail version, but to expensive.
Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph
Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver 4:51
Citizen Promaster Tsuno Chronograph Racer Eco-Drive AV0070 57L
Breitling Navitimer 8:31
Seiko Flightmaster Pilot Alarm Chronograph 200m Men's Watch SNA411P1, Seiko Speedtimer Solar Chronograph SSC813P1 SSC819P1 Caliber V192
Tudor Heritage Chrono, Tudor Oysterdate, Tudor Black Bay Chrono 14:10
Fortis Stratoliner S-41, Fortis B-42 Official Cosmonauts Chronograph
Longines Heritage Classic Chronograph
Casio Men's EF527D-1AV "Edifice"
Vintage Heuers can also be sourced for much less than a Speedy.
I've developed a fascination, nay - an obsession, with affordable bull heads .... I've gathered the original Citizen you featured here with silver dial, a strange green dial Pulsar with an ever stranger strap and even a Fossil with a bicolour blue/silver dial. All very charming.
But TGV, you forgot one of the real classics - 1963 SeaGull! These absolutely have to be the best bang for buck mechanical chorographs around.
I don't Balme you, they are so different. As for 1963, had this been a top 20, deffo in there!
Thank you Alan, awesome comment.
Best regards,
TGV
Bulova Lunar Pilot, Sugess 1963 Chronograph, etc.
Hey there Gentry, I see you are a man of great quality.
I actually emailed you today and it lead me here! Therefore I would love to speak with you on huge quick opportunities.
I heard you usually reply so just let me know 😉
Hey TGV, what's the name of your intro song if I may ask?
I want to suggest the seiko 5 ssa335!
You have forgotten the black sinn space choro.
Saving Sinn for the next one 😉
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Hey TGV, whats the ref number of your Cosmonaut?
Another choice for a bullhead could be a detroit mint.
Nivada Grenchen chrono master?
I like this video but I'm assuming he's never home but cheap watch in his life and sometimes are the best
I can't believe those videos that got me into this hobby are 8 years old. Keep up the great work.
But I felt that this list went the wrong way a little. I expected more flight and less racing - I wish the Bulova Lunar Pilot, Flighty, and Citizen Navihawk were on the list.
I was really excited when I read about the new fortis space tested chrono but those dials are terrible.
🆙🆙🆙Thanks for the feedback,
Expect more videos very soon
Hit me up🔝🔝🔝
Jaraisyn Qazaq👍👍👍!!!
Those Citizen Bullheads are an intersting watch and would love to pick one up someday. Also those Breitlings are timeless but all those polished surfaces would drive me nuts keeping clean.
Bulova Lunar Pilot. Obviously.
Love the video, and agreed wholeheartedly on the Montecarlo. When I dared to speak out against the myriad of snowflake hands on the BB Pro, I was trolled ad nauseam by the passionate BB fanboys 😎. I own a Heritage Ranger, which I adore as an authentic tool watch; and a reissued 1971 blue oysterdate Monte would be at the VERY top of my wish list. Cheers, TGV.
That's a pretty great collection of watches you compiled there! I own a Lunar Pilot myself, as well as a Citizen-- though mine is a Promaster Sky in Blue Angels-trim, it does share the build quality and Eco-Drive technology with the cool Bullhead you mention.
One watch I own and half expected to make the list wasn't on it though-- the Seagull 1963. While I wouldn't want to compare Seagull to brands like Hamilton, Seiko or Breitling, the watch itself does have some credentials and horological significance. It's also, by a huge margin, the most affordable mechanical chronograph on the market. I'm not sure you have experienced it first-hand, but if not I think you might quite like the 38mm version.
Cheers and keep up the good work!