The Best New Vintage Inspired Military Chronograph Under $300? - Dan Henry 1945 Watch Review
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- Опубліковано 4 лют 2025
- Following my last critical review of a Dan Henry watch I purchased, I return to this much loved brand to see if the quality has improved with an exclusive premiere of the Dan Henry 1945 Chronograph, a watch inspired by one of the most underrated (but highly acclaimed by enthusiasts in the know) watches of World War II. Is Dan Henry's tribute to the Jardur Bezelmeter-which was famously worn by Robert De Niro in the excellent 1998 film Ronin-another hit or a miss? Join me for another independent, in-depth review where I discuss the positives and negatives of this 2022 affordable release from a legend of the microbrand watch world.
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This review of this Dan Henry watch made me look at the brand again with a new set of eyes which resulted in me making a Dan Henry watch purchase. The Urban Gentry youtube channel is solidly the best in sharing the History of the brand, the artwork used, as well as the history of the movement. Your review of every watch is reliably good and I particular appreciate your review style which is tactfully fair, and has an artistic tone to it. Your love of watches is contagious!!!
I love this watch. I especially like the black dial version. I got an email from Dan Henry this past week about this offering. The price really surprised me being so affordable. Honestly I would be really surprised if Dan would be upset about your very honest review. Surely if he knew anything about you he would know that very honest and up front and truly that’s why I and so many more people take your reviews and critique to heart. Good point on the lighter strap, it might be a good idea to check on Hugo.
Dang it TGV. I really didn't think I would put a Dan Henry in my collection and I also don't like jumping on watches to quickly. Your review and the fact I love my pilot watches just caused me to pull the trigger. The black one really is an awesome looking watch!
So I received my 1945 and I have to say I am very happy with it. The quality really does exceed the price point. The 41.5 mm diameter size was a good decision. I know the original Jardur Bezelmeter was smaller but it would look small on larger wrists.There is a lot going on with the face, it can be a bit of a challenge to read. Good decision on a sound review.
One obstacle that DH seems to face for going mechanical is his focus on chronographs. If he introduced a vintage-inspired 3-hander with a Miyota or Seiko movement he could possibly hit a price range similar to the LACO Fliegers and thereby retain his moderate pricing approach. BTW, a watch review referencing both "Dunkirk" and "Ronin" is an achievement in itsself. 😉
Excellent point and I could not agree more. A weems style 3 hander would be my dream DH watch, call it the 1941 and in a 36mm size. As for your taste in cinema, outstanding my friend! Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Honestly though, Dan probably wouldn't have any resistance if he were to create some automatic 3 handers. There are so many vintage pilots watches from the late 30s-mid 40s he can reference. Id love to see DH go super against the grain and release a 31-34mm piece too
He just released the 1975 Skin Diver, which use the 9015 movement and cost 450 US dollars.
I agree. I wish the brand would also release a square/rectangle watch to match up with the ladies watch they recently made.
I really appreciate your coverage of Dan Henry watches! They are absolutely beautiful while yet remaining affordable. The glimpse of the 1937 was a complete stunner! Excellent video thank you.
While he definitely has a thing for chronographs, I would love to see Dan Henry do some vintage inspired field watches. Lot's of material from various decades and wars to pull from.
🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 YESSSSSS BEST IDEA SO FAR. Thank you.
Best regards,
TGV
Totally agree. A three hander would be a welcome addition
Nice idea - would be ideal as a DH mechanical movement watch as well.
I’d like to see a GMT!
As soon as I saw this watch on the Dan Henry website, I went straight to UA-cam and looked for a review of it from you. Glad to finally see it published, the review is great and the watch is outstanding! Cheers!
Thank you so much my friend!
Best regards,
TGV
Dan Henry watches are such a nice blend of aesthetic historicity with modern operations. His website, however, is the real treasure! What a resource of information.
👏👏👏👏
So true my friend, thank you John, I could not agree more.
Best regards,
TGV
Thanks TGV for the great review again and with a reference to a 2 awesome movie. You are one of the reviewers who knew the importance of what the watch would look outside in natural light and I thank you for that. I haven’t watched any of your videos recently since you announced you don’t know where the channel is headed, but I’ve watched some of your collaboration with Marc.
After learning about Dan Henry watches from you, I purchased the 1937. It’s one of the favorites in my collection. Looks good in dressy situations….or with a t-shirt and shorts.
I was hoping you would post a review of this watch soon. I've been admiring Dan's work and like so many of his pieces that it was hard to choose. I was leaning towards the 1964 Gran Turismo but THIS is love at first sight.
So happy to hear that Chris, enjoy!
Thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
Long time fan here, fantastic video as always! You’re intro videos are the best in the business! About to pull trigger on the 1937, just re watched your review on it! One of those watches I never stop thinking about. Many come and go but only the special stay in your mind. Keep up the great content.
So, so, so excited to see your review on this piece! Dan told me he was working on a really cool vintage pilot watch, but this is absolutely fantastic! Rather surprising turn of events to see the this is NOT a limited edition! Apparently, only the automatic pieces will be limited editions from now on. This takes what can be had for less than $300 to a whole new level! As always, TGV, you produce the best videos in the watch world available and this was no different. Thank you, my friend. Onward and upward! Be well!
It is gorgeous I got it today in the mail. However way to big even for my 7" wrist so is going back to Dan tomorrow.
Been waiting for this video ever since it was announced. It's such a beauty, hoping to add it to my collection!
Your editing skills never cease to amaze me TGV. Those intro's are always very tastefull.
Thank you so much Duncan, extremely kind of you to say.
Best regards,
TGV
Another top quality professional review of a stunning affordable watch TGV. Thanks
Good review TGV. Learned a lot about DH and Jardur. Keep ‘em coming. Onward & upwards. 🍻
Thank you TGV for another great watch review!! I love learning about all of these micro watch brands like Dan Henry!! Very interesting!! Stay healthy and well as always!! (Nicholas)
Just bought a Dan Henry, didn't know they existed...thanks.
I'm tempted to buy the lot thank you very much.
Im sold! This will be my next aquzition. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Hello Hugo.
Cant wait to get the notifications those close ups are more satifsfying than you know what lol Keep it rolling and winding
The all black is stunning. Have a panda Speedie so luckily that itch is scratched. Great show as always, 👍🏴
Thank you for the dandy review. I ordered a no date black dial the day they were released and it arrived yesterday. Swapped out the strap for a regimental NATO that matches the colors. Makes for an eye-catching combination.
Great video TGV. On a side note - can you please stop flashing that Cartier... you're making me really, really, really want to get one. Dare I say it, it's one of the best watches I've ever seen on your wrist - and I've been here since almost the very beginning! Have a great week ahead my friend!
Superbly put together video. A well balanced review. I'm in!
Definitely Dan always seems to make some great designs. Most things vintage usually gets a thumb's up 👍. Thanks once again for a very informative review sir
Always a pleasure my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
Hmm, I will be busy again, to have it on my collection. Good info again, always so helpful and insightful. Great intro also.. Two thumbs up.. 👍👍
Thank You for all of your videos that you did.
Great review, love Dan Henry watches, waiting for my 1945 black version this week 👍🏻
Another brilliant video. Thank you, Tristano. Dan Henry keeps producing key pieces that are unique. I own the 1972, thanks to you, and I might be looking at the black dial 1945 in the future.
I got it today sadly sending it back tomorrow. Its gorgeous however be prepare it is big and it wears bigger more like a 43.The 22mm lugs dont help I have a 7" wrist so most watches will work for me but this one I can't do it.
I think these go beyond timepieces into works of art. Beautiful. Great review btw.
Here we go, lovely jubbly!! Saw these pop up on Instagram and immediately grabbed my interest! Thanks TGV!
Thank you Paul!
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry Thanks for the effort you put in sir! Amazing everytime My little boys love watching all of Hugo’s appearances too! You’re a legend
Ronin.,,,one of my all time favorite movies, for many reasons. And glad to see you’re still enjoying the Dan Henry line. I have two, the 1970 automatic compressor diver and the 1964 Gran Turismo chronograph you gave me years ago. I wear them both frequently and get lots of enjoyment out of them. Incredible value and very well-made, in my opinion.
I’m a big fan of DH watches. I bought the first release of the 1962. This one has my attention and those cathedral hands are stunning! I’ll be adding one to my collection.
A really splendid review, I must say. I bought the day of release and received mine yesterday, and it has not left my wrist -- quite a feat since I normally switch out watches 3+ times a day (I have over 400, so it's only fair to give them time!😅). I selected the silver subdial version (the so called Evil Panda), and I'm very happy with my choice.
I had noticed the ghost position, but it does not bother me, knowing the likely efficiencies of standardizing elements of the components.
Fantastic work on the history, the Jarpur relationship, and great use of B roll!! 🙌🏼 It was a pleasure to watch.
Really fantastic watch for the price. Expect nothing less from Dan Henry now, they really know how to hit those vintage vibes.
I really like this vintage presentation and the stylings, especially the black-dialed model. Good on Dan Henry for supporting a customer with a product issue! Another crackin' opening sequence.
I have such a soft spot for pilot watches. Hanhart, IWC, Orfina and of course The Rolex Pepsi GMT and the Zenith tipo cp2 43mm Cairelli recreation Ok brotha time to watch the video 😎 🇮🇹
So glad to see it shares the same movement as the 1963 model!! I use the 1/10ths sub all the time. The size is great, everything is easy to read at a glance. I’ll be ordering this with the silver sub dials. I find that of the micros that I’ve added to my collection, DH offers a lot of watch for the price. Thanks for the review TGV!
Dan Henry does it again. Another beautiful watch and a great review.
Love it...so close to just instantly hitting the order button for that one. If it was 39-40mm it would have been a done deal. Going to have to think on it. Thanks for another great review!
Dan Henry is sharpening his game further and further 💪 He has understood watches, I see 🙏
I love my Dan Henry Watches. I bought the 1964 which is my birth year. At 38mm it was smaller than what I was used to but after wearing it a few times it opened me up to wearing smaller watches in general. I do like this model and while I can appreciate the quartz keeping the costs down I think offering an auto option as well would make a lot of sense.
Thank you for inspiration TGV. Stay healthy all of you. Many greetings from Germany.
Hello Hans, thank you my friend, stay healthy too!
Onwards and upwards.
Best regards,
TGV
Really cool intro edit with the movie and watch. I’ve always loved watches but your passion really got me excited for them. Your videos have really helped me over the years making me feel part of the watch family you have built with your UA-cam. Thanks again for the free content! ✌️
Thank you so much Jake, I truly appreciate that kind of support nd inspiring words.
Onwards and upwards!
Best regards,
TGV
Ordered one myself today, looking forward to getting an excellent chronograph with a telemeter scale!!!
Got my 1945 yesterday and most say that its good value for money. Very quick/good customerservice (living in Sweden) so I ordered one more yesterday.
Since I placed an order before your review, I have to say that I was not disappointed when it arrived and agree to most of your comment, but I choose to ordered the panda version since I have to many watches with black dial.
The intro clip was superb.
I was looking for a DH, the previous one didn't really push me to buy one, mostly because the other model were more related to racing, since I am an airline pilot I dig the spitfire on the back and I'll find the use for the chrono during my flights.
Thank you TGV, because of you, DH will be on my wrist in a couple of days !
Thanks for the elaborate and helpful review. It's a very good looking watch. I wish it were 100m WR because I don't like removing my watch when going for a dip. Maybe Dan Henry will come up with a Navitimer hommage one day?
It looks amazing and a fantastic review, as always! Though I do wish it had a VK series Mecha-quartz (like the 1962-64) rather than this Miyota. The original 1963 had the same movement, I believe, and I didn't love it.
I found Dan Henry here and have 0257/1962. Thanks for another review
Yes, love Dan Henry watches. And I just got another Seiko chronograph too, a SBTR029. Has an ice blue dial similar to a platinum daytona.
Always thought German pilots wore IWC and British wore Breitling. Dan Henry I guess is a homage to days gone past with modern construction and design. Btw Great presentation video. 1 of the Best horolgy channels
Thank you so much, you are very kind.
Best regards,
TGV
As always thanks for the positive and negative side of the watch. I would prefer a slightly smaller diameter but I might be pulling the trigger on this one.
Thanks for a great video TGV, I really like these reviews as however much I love learning about Rolex and other high end watches this Dan Henry is actually something I could actually own. Thanks again.
Thanks for the great review and video. Cheers!
You had me at genuine Hugo skin strap!
🤣🤣🤣
Thank you Jay,
Best regards,
TGV
Love Dan Henry as a brand, it gives me personally the chance to own great watches at an affordable price, I just wish he would come out with something other than chronographs, his dress watch and the 1970 are gorgeous but I wonder if we will ever see another attempt at something that's not a chrono. Thanks for the video, great job as always.
The 1/10 th seconds sub dial @ the three is FAR more useful than the idiotic 24 hour sub dial……it solves a problem that does not exist. Bravo Dan and thank you TGV for continuing to feature this brand. I will buy the 1972 soon because of your honest review and positive outcome and your update on it. That watch has a 12 hour sub dial. A truly useful dial if you for example, fly airplanes.
Great video, as always.
This movement, I think, works better than the Seiko VK64. The 24h register has always bothered me.
I’ve never really considered a Dan Henry but I really like the look of the black version of this and it’s recreation of the Jardur, albeit a little bigger. I’m also surprised at the affordability of his watches, and having checked out the others in his range, I always had the idea they were a lot more expensive; there are some really nice watches in his portfolio. The 1945 is not for me at this moment in time, mainly due to budget restraints, but it is going in my wish list (in second place) as a future purchase.
Great review…..👌🏻
Thanks for another interesting and informative video. Listening to you talking about this DH homage/tribute watch, the finishing quality, upping the game and the Moonswatch, all I could think about was Chinese watchmakers - it felt like the elephant in the room. Im not sure these themes can be covered fully now without acknowledging what's been achieved in such a remarkably short space of time by Cronos, San Martin et al. Maybe the time is right to feature one on the channel for comparison purposes - the San Martin SN095-G-X would be a good companion to these Dan Henrys. Thanks again and take care.
I'm spellbound since I received my DH 1945. I haven't slept in three days ... Can't take my eyes away from that dial.
👏👏👏
Hearing such enjoyment makes me happy. May it continue and thank you for sharing!
Best regards,
TGV
It's a good-looking pilot chrono watch, but the lug-to-lug is a bit large my wrist size. I'd love to see DH do a vintage-inspired field watch that is somehow set apart from the typical field watches we see a lot of. Maybe recreating an obscure field watch design from the 30's or 40's. Looking forward to seeing more releases from DH in the future.
Ronin, what a flick. The best ever car chase in a motion picture.
The original Gone in 60 seconds, Dirty Mary Crazy Larry, Vanishing Point the original and then Bullit with Steve McQueen and Smokey and the Bandit part 1.Ronin is #6 on my list of the best car chase sequences
just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in
Be careful if you are in the UK …you will pay a 30% premium from import duties! Trust me, I just got stung!
Does the very defined taper have a specific purpose or is it entirely stylistic? Have seen it on a lot of pilot watches but never understood it.
At about 9:40 it seems that you equate tachymeter with tachometer? I was confused by that. But great review, thanks for sharing it with us!
Great attention to detail and design. I do admire Dan Henry but for me I would prefer automatic movements. Excellent review 👏 👌
How anyone identified de niros ronin watch just amazes me. Honestly hats off TGV. One of my favourite movies, reminds me of pulp fiction in one way.... What's in the case? Nice watch but I agree should be 38mm. I am really looking forward to some more watches from Dan Henry.
I love quoting De Niro from the Ronin film The Best Things In Life Comes To Those Who Wait.
Great take TGV. Agree 100%. As good as it looks, it's sadly to much of the same old, same old. And I love Dan Henry. I have a 1970 on the wrist right now and the 1964 in the drawer. I hope he exhausted the chronograph side of things and comes out with another legendary non-quartz 3-hander. I was so hoping this one would of been a classic field or flieger watch from that same period. In that case, I would already be waiting on the delivery of my 3rd Dan Henry.
Really dig the intro TGV.
I had to get it, I think it's great and the first dan henry I find perfect. Guess we are all different, great review though with valid points.
TGV, you should review Dan Henry’s new release, the 1975 Skin Diver, and it has a option of a Seiko VH31 quartz movement or the Miyota 9015 automatic mechanical movement, you should review both the quartz and automatic mechanical version.
As we are on the subject of re-creating old watches, it would be nice to hear your thoughts on the Favre-Leuba collection, they have been making timepieces since. 1737.🤔
I've been pondering his other 12hr bezel chronograph for awhile now, but just kept going other directions. This one just might finally get added to my collection.
I have eight DH's but this won't be the ninth. Just a bit too large for me - 2mm less lug-to-lug would probably have had me pulling the trigger however. Whilst a change of design ethos would be welcome, it's difficult to criticise Dan given the value proposition that his watches offer. An excellent and thought provoking review.
Very tempting. An attractive quartz telemeter with 2nd time zone tick a few boxes for me. Plus a Ronin reference?? Might need to save a few quid for this one.
My favorite drop of the week from the watch g.o.a.t. often imitated never duplicated
Nice review of a handsome military chronograph.
You have mentioned Omega in this great review - are you going to review Moonswatch and Omega Specialities CK 859 watch?
Rarely see second hands that thick with full lume, but for a tool watch made for high intensity situations, it makes sense
Your conclusion was, frankly, exceptionally well said. I quite like this watch myself and I'm going to mull over getting one. As a writer and historian I'm very much into names and nomenclature, and these micro brands with odd names strangely never seem to work for me. Obviously there's nothing wrong with "Dan Henry" as a name, there's something... oh, less than inspiring about it. But still... that watch is amazing.
Thank you so much Phil, interesting point about the name, I have never really thought about it.I guess that is because I met the man himself, incredibly cultured and interesting chap, so never thought twice.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry Of that I have no doubt, any friend of yours would have to be!
Nice shout out for Ronin. One of the best thrillers.
It's like Breitling and Hamilton had a baby with military background. That bezel in particular screams WW2. Well done
Thanks for the review, I just grabbed the black , no date.
TGV, love the channel and kudos to you for really connecting the dots between hobbies, personal style and character. No expectations, but wondering if you know offhand of a cool vintage or new pulsation watch for around $1k? My vet was very kind in helping me through a difficult time w my best four legged friend and want to return the favor.
good show as always.
Just bought this watch but with the silver and awesome strap plus i bought the 1972 due to being my birth year!
Agree TGV -- would be nice to see Dan try a mechanical movement even though that does push up the price. Other microbrands are coming in well under 1,000 bucks for very decent watches. (Have you see Astor + Banks for example. I bought one recently and was very impressed),
Ronin is horribly underrated. One of my personal favorites, and some of the best car chase scenes in film imho. Watch is nice too. 🤣
Agreed John Frankenheimer the director is one of the best. My favorite film 🎥 from him is Black Sunday 1977 with Robert Shaw and Bruce Dern
If Timex has done it whit automatic, Mrs Dan Henry's can also make it happen with automatic, I think Dan H, miss the opportunity when a came out with this piece, but does just my opinion,I would love to own one if a was automatic...great content as always my friend 👍👍.
Very nice homage. No doubt gonna be a good seller.
Gorgeous! Must have this DH.
Awesome video as always TGV! I gotta ask, where did you get your little model airplanes? Thanks!
Thank you Matthew, mostly from from flyingmule.com, great store and selection, they are also on ebay.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry Thank you!
TGV, you sparked my interest in DH watches and I now own six of them. I appreciate your honest reviews as I'm certain Dan does too.
These watches have saved me from spending large amounts of money on vintage pieces (I have a few) that require a lot of care and I would be afraid to wear very often. Well done!
So, so, so excited to see your review on this piece! Dan told me he was working on a really cool vintage pilot watch, but this is absolutely fantastic! Rather surprising turn of events to see the this is NOT a limited edition! Apparently, only the automatic pieces will be limited editions from now on. This takes what can be had for less than $300 to a whole new level! As always, TGV, you produce the best videos in the watch world available and this was no different. Thank you, my friend. Onward and upward! Be well!
If your friends w!with Dan Henry please ask him to not put his name on the dial.