The Best Value Pilot Chronograph Under $300?: Dan Henry 1963 Review & Watch Unboxing
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Dan Henry is without a doubt one of the best microbrands in the watch world. It’s a brand that’s become successful by offering beautiful, great-value watches based on vintage classics, but reborn for the modern world.
Today we take a look at the Dan Henry 1963-a commemorative re-release of the brand’s very first watch to celebrate their five-year anniversary.
What makes this watch so special? How does it compare to the rest of the Dan Henry lineup and my personal favorite-the 1962? And could this be the best new pilot watch under $500?
Join me for a double unboxing and mini-review including positives and negatives to find out: Is this the best Dan Henry watch yet?
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Think so highly of Dan Henry! Guy who could create a microbrand that only men of his means could purchase. Instead, he focuses his vintage inspired designs on ordinary guys and makes watches we can buy. I have a Dan Henry 1970 and love it! Fantastic watches for enthusiasts!
Much respect for Dan Henry and TGV! Another great vid, TGV!
Thank you so much and very well said about DH. 🙌🙌🙌
Best regards,
TGV
Yes indeed Dan is sharing the love with all out there with vintage homages at affordable prices!
I so love videos like this as they cater for people on every budget and don't make people on a certain budget feel any inferior to any other collector
A great example of how to honor a watch, giving a respectful meaning to the always controversial "homage" term. Another pleasing small doumentary, TGV! Thank you!
Another very useful video, as I’m about to order my first Dan Henry
Thank you TGV for another v professional in depth review
I look forward to more Danny Hacker north London chow
How do I always forget about Dan Henry?! Thank you so much for this video!
I´ve probably said it a couple of times already, but I do think Dan Henry shows how a homage should be executed. No blunt copy but distinctive pieces with clear inspiration from famous predecessors. Plus the quality and the modern twist. And as always, great video by TGV!
I am split on dh. The design is almost a direct copy with small changes. Nothing genuine. They look good only because the originals that they copied were designed beautifully.
@@10secondsrule I totally hear you on that. I keep trying to come up with differences compared to Pagani Designs (basically a copy of the original but with different logos), and it's hard to justify a 3x price variation. There are some Dan Henry that are a tad bit more unique, but also not quite enough to justify, IMO.
I love Dan’s watches, but there’s no denying the 1963 is a clear copy of the Breitling AVI 765 Co Pilot.
Great review as always Sir. I own the original 1963 and so glad I do. Instead of the truly worthless 24 hour dial it has a 1/100 of a second dial which IS useful. I just had a very brief correspondence with Mr. Henry. My next Dan Henry is the Maverick just released. FINALLY, a 12 hour totalizer on the 9:00 position! I am hoping I like it even better than my 1963. Thank you for what you do for our watch community TGV!
Hi All, ordered the 1963 and it arrived today. I opted for the 40mm blue dial with brushed steel bezel and it's gorgeous!
For anyone debating this watch I say go for it, I have a feeling you won't regret your purchase.
I personally love the mustard strap it comes with, but it's a bold statement. So I got a few straps to go with it when I want to be a bit more subtle (coffee leather, black leather, and a black NATO with gray stripe).
I highly recommend this vintage looking watch for fellow enthusiasts out there, especially if you don't have funds for an actual Breitling vintage copilot.
Hey TGV,
Just wanted to thank you for all of the effort you put in to your high quality and highly informative videos over the years. The knowledge, manners, etiquette, and fun times that I have learned from your videos have been priceless. Thank you for all you've taught us not only as a content creator and watch enthusiast, but as a true gentleman and humble human being.
Kindest regards,
xRibbit
🙌🙌🙌 You just made my day, thank you so much. I am deeply deeply honored.
The kindest regards right back at you.
Best regards,
TGV
Well, TGV, it is 2 am but I got to watch the video! Super long day but worth it. Anyway, thank you for the overview of the new 1963. I am super super stoked about this one from Dan Henry! I am planning on purchasing this one. I have the 1970 Maverick, and my wife and I love the 1937s we own. Hers is darn near her daily watch. This one is pretty special for me, as a pilot, and I agree it really elevates Dan’s brand. I would point out the size difference incorporates different movements as well. The larger version has a Miyota movement, and if I remember correctly, the sub dials function differently. Either way it is a firecracker of a piece. I am still incredibly torn over the 1962…I just think 4 DHs might be enough….but then again….are there ever enough. As always, my friend, excellent, excellent work. Thank you for the heads up regarding the thickness. Be well……I am finally going to hit the sack. Back in the blue tomorrow. Onward and upward, my friend. Goodnight (good morning😏?). Looking forward to the next one.
I appreciate the time that you put in your attention to detail and eloquence certainly gives a good product for those who wish to invest the time in listening and watching. Thank you.
I was without a doubt terribly mean, terribly mean to you I’m hyper critical but yet I consume a lot of content. It’s been the height of my ignorance, and arrogance do you have ever criticized anybody else without turning the flashlight of life towards myself. A loose tongue and closed ears will cause you to never ever be able to come out of the cave it was true 2000+ years ago when our friend so crates lol Socrates said it. You need to know that you produce a good product and I know there’s people around you that have made that possible don’t forget that. This would truly be an acknowledgment of my human fallibility and if I May ask for that luxury which I have no right to ask for an acknowledgment of my humanness. I would say this would be me kneeling waiting for the steel of the sword and I can give you nothing else. My most warmest regards.
My name is Marcelo, I'm from Brazil and I'm passionate about watches, especially vintages from the 60s and 70s. Congratulations on the channel, very good and I really enjoy your videos about vintages.
I'm from Sao Paulo and I've known Dan for a long time, a nice person, educated and visionary. His collection is really fantastic and very comprehensive.
hug Marcelo
Very tasty watch. Just ordered a Maverick from them last week. Might have to add one of these or that GORGEOUS 1937 to the collection as well. I’m an airline pilot, usually I wear my Navihawk, Flightmaster, Casio Royale or Stuhrling Pepsi to work. The second time zone complication to read Zulu time at a glance is super useful when reading flight plans, clearances and weather reports. Love the channel!
Late to the party for Dan Henry - knew little about him and the brand before hand - saw the FB advert pop up in my feed and thought Whoah! Love the look of those, but are they any good? You answered that question in spades - they are a compelling package at this price point and love the back story of the company.
Thanks TGV! Been an avid follower of yours for the best part of 5 years now - you've inspired many purchases of mine. Once I get through the exam period, definitely time to celebrate with a Dan Henry! Cheers
Young men of today can truly benefit from the culture and knowledge of the gentry lifestyle. Very informative sub review of the 1963 Dan Henry.
Always relieved to hear your reminder about the amount of effort that goes into planning, design, manufacturing, etc. for not only watches but art, music, film... the list goes on. I've recently learned to respect the work that goes into making all these things happen even if it's not something I particularly like.
Dan Henrys watch collection site is priceless!
Thank you for a GREAT video as always TGV. I think you have got me getting ready to pull the trigger and buy a Dan Henry. You put them on my radar years ago but I think I'm going to pick one up this week or next. Thank you as ALWAYS for ALL you do for our watch community.
Thanks for reviewing a watch that does a lot right without breaking the bank. Sometimes you want to wear a watch and not worry that it will get dinged up. This would be the watch for me in my everyday wear.
Amazing watches. I haven’t given Dan Henry a look but I’ll have to. The Blackbird is my favorite plane ever. So fast it’s evasion maneuver was to simply accelerate. We used it to send a message to our enemies. If someone was giving a speech or having a parade. We would send in a Blackbird. The plane would drop down and boom them. Breaking the sound barrier over their heads. Just to let them know we were there.
This is cool. My first base (Beale AFB) was called, at the time, the Home of the SR-71. Practically all of them were at that base. My second day at the base at dusk, it took off. I could still see the plane but also the 'flames' coming out. The first and only plane I ever fell in love with. A couple years later, I got an incentive flight where we refueled the SR-71 in flight. I was in the boom pit (the boom is where the fuel travels from the refueler to the plane getting filled) of the KC-135 when the SR-71 flew up to the refueler, hooked up and filled up. When done, the connection was released, the SR-71 dropped down, gave a thumbs up to us and went over to the SECOND refueler to get the second half of his fuel needed.
My Dad was a SR pilot; I may need to look at this for a gift. Thank you, Great review as always.
My 1963 should arrive today. The black dial with a stainless bezel and the date complication. Dan does an amazing job designing his watches. This will be my third. The other two being a 1939 and a 1964.
I bought an original black face / metal bezel 1963 a few years ago. I had a couple of times the crystal had broken without me being aware of it taking any impact, so I don't know whether it was an issue with the older sapphire coated crystals, or if some grit or a burr under the bezel or something and started a scratch. Anyway Dan Henry sorted me out with an exchange of the watch case for a new one with fitted newer saphire crystal, so it is all good. I like the watch a lot
Great video TGV. I own the OG 1963 and still love wearing it in my current rotation.
I’ve just recently become acquainted with your channel. After breaking and wearing out my smart watches (3 of them) I’ve come full circle on my choice for watches. I love the reviews and the history of these pieces. I’m starting to warm up to the Dan Henry’s and the thought behind their reproduction pieces. I also thank you for your honest reviews (I actually like the more substantial sized watches). Cheers to you and your channel!
Love Dan Henry. I wear my 1964 evil panda often. Would love to see a late 60's Rolex/Omega/Blanc pan diver amalgamation with 200m wr from him. I'd buy it day 1
Right after I watched this review I went out to my mailbox and low and behold my 1963 got here a day early. I love the look and quality of the DH watches but best of all I'm not afraid to wear them to work.
Which when you work 6 days a week, gets way more wrist time and enjoyment than say my speedy or yema gmt
Haha fantastic timing, pun partially intended. Congrats on the 1963, enjoy it! As you so rightly say, they are so easy to wear without any worrying.
A speedy and Yema GMT too, you classy thing!!!
Best regards,
TGV
What fun! Great watches with real heritage at a price point actual people can afford.
This is a great design resource. As an artist, I respect design approaches that fully acknowledge and embrace their lineage and influence. Making all that research available is an honorable act. If there were a watch from the collection I'd buy a version of...the 1969
Universal Aero-Compax. It reminds me of the art direction of Woody Allen's Sleeper...with a sprinkle of Clockwork Orange. Thanks for sharing, TGV.
I own virtually every dan release. I purchased the no date in blue and it arrived yesterday. One day on the wrist and as usual, I enjoy it. I agree that the style is s bit redundant. However, a solid purchase.
I have had a mechanical automatic watch for a long time and have recently purchased a quartz and I absolutely love it. I understand the romanticism of mechanical, but dont understand the snobbery of looking down at Quartz. Just being able to pick up a quartz and know its going to be dead accurate and on time when running out the door to catch a train/plane is invaluable. With my automatic I always have to check to make sure the time is accurate and adjust it which is a hassle. Quartz definitely has its place and is at the heart of some excellent watches like Dan Henry.
Amazing video. love how you point out what Dan Henry is trying to do with these historical homages and he always delivers. Also live that you never scoff at quartz movements after all it's still amazing technology and reliable. There is something great about having an incredible time piece that you set and forget able to pick up at any moment and be on your way. Also that black bird on the back just reminded me how much I love going to the intrepid gotta go back soon
4:31 - an SR-71 on the back. Definitely YES!
I love aircraft like that... I know it's weird, but on every computer that I had, I set some photo of XB-70 as the desktop background :D
10:45 - or just use a digital watch - for cave exploration, I think I'd use a G-Shock anyway ;)
Always enjoy your content
Thanks for all the effort and research
🙌🙌🙌🙌 Thank you, you are awesome.
Best regards,
TGV
Icould give you another reason for a 24 hour dial.
For example in nothern norway where you have the midnight sun who never actually sets in the summer and in the winter when it doesnt rise up at all.
Keep up your good work with this high quality and very informative videos.
Best regards from a watch entusiast in norway.
A person could make an entire collection of Dan Henrys. It is so cool that he does this. Oh, and yes, there is nothing like the Mighty 'Flyty'!!!
These are goood looking watches. For my wrist size I needed the 42mm x 49/50mm lug to lug. I opted for the Hemel Air Foil chronograph. The seagull movement is holding up good!
Just bought one after watching, been looking for an affordable chronograph with a bold presence. This one checks all the boxes.
I own a couple of Dan Henry watches. The 1970 and the 64 Evil Panda Tricompax. Both are very fun, great looking pieces which have held up very well over the two or three years I've had them. They're like vintage without the stress 😂I think now would be the perfect time for a new diver release. There are a lot of expensive reissues being released like the Squale "Galeazzi" the Bulova Mil Ships. I think an affordable alternative would fly off the shelves.
I think the best value chronograph under 300 bucks is the Alpha Daytona. Looks absolutely stunning and it has essentially a Venus 175 column wheel chronograph movement built by Seagull, which has the rights and the original machines that movement was built with.
Very nice indeed sir!!! 👍👍👍 I am more than just considering something from good ole Dan Henry thanks in no small part to your reviews of them. Thanks to all you do my good man... CIAO
Again......in the jet my friend....I will be buying this one for sure! Can't wait to watch your video as soon as I get to the hotel tonight. Thanks, TGV. Upward and onward, my friend!
Haha, fly safe my friend. Wheare are you flying today if I may ask?
O&U brother!
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry Today is rather easy, short, and quick... Pensacola, FL to DFW, and end up in Little Rock, Ark tonight. Not glamorous today, but beats working for a living!!😁 Wouldn't trade it for the world! Be well, brother!
Another great review my friend! I may need to pick one up. Can we ever expect an interview between you and Dan soon?
Thank you so much and that is a terrific idea. I will see if I can meet him the next time he is in the USA.
Maybe I will try a zoom call or something? It tousle be so much more fun in person, maybe I need to visit Brazil!!!
Best regards,
TGV
That is a good idea. That would be a fascinating chat.
That is a great idea! Dan is a terrific guy and I'm sure he'd be up for it!
Very nice. I've had my eye on the 1972. Thanks!
Having been born in 1957 I would like to see an homage to my birth year. Some interesting choices. Thanks for another infotaining video!
T,
Always good to see a new video from you. This brand is just not for me but of course, I enjoy learning about all sorts of different watches. Best as always. Matthew
Matthew, he's alive!!! Great to see you in the comments. I beg to differ, I could see you with the all black 1970 diver easily.
Thank you for the comment, O&U!
Best regards,
TGV
I saw Dan Henry's post on Instagram on the release of the 1963 and was just waiting for your review. It's an amazing piece for sure!
Great brand. Very good finishings in every model reviewed so far. Greetings from Brazil, Dan Henry's homeland!
Is the black dial with steel bezel has any diference with the previous version of it? The cristal has the same form?
I love the honesty! Another great review, as always.
Love the outtakes at the beginning.
Your videos always have a good mix of total professional video creating, but mixed with the reality of the real TGV
Thank you so much Sam, I highly appreciate that. Have a great week my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
Great content as always, TGV! I’ve been thinking about purchasing a Dan Henry for a long time. Probably it would be the 1962. But I always save the money for something “better”. Your videos always push me a bit closer to the purchase!
Nice one TGV, a bit late to the party today as it had ticked over into bedtime last night. Another great video. Looking forward to next week's already 👍👍
Another great upload tgv.
I like the bloopers at the start 😊😂
I just admired this wonderful "1937" model. I wonder if somebody could mod this lovely thing and put something like a Valjoux 7733 inside !? WHAT a wonderful piece this could be 😄😄😄
This video entry is - seriously - a piece of art and real eye - candy IMHO. The work of a man who admires art. I like these D.H. chronographes and appreciate this versatility .......IF I ONLY COULD make friends with these quartz movements😢😢😢
Great video for such a cool affordable brand. What I don't understand is why Dan doesn't make a limited run of these designs with Swiss mechanical movements similar to the way Kyle does for Straton. Small batches of 25 to 50 watches for each of these designs with mechanical movements would likely sell really well. I'm just full to the gills with cool VK63/VK64 chronographs. It would be wonderful to have some of these great designs with full mechanical movements.
Che bello sentirti parlare in italiano!!!! Lo parli benissimo, bravo!!!! I'm really pleased that your italian improve so fast! You're pronunciationis perfect!!! Nice nice watch, this blue dial is gorgeous!!!!
So I wanted to buy the Mrs a watch, my choice (as she is a "medical professional") was the Boldr Venture Field Medic which would (even though she cannot wear a watch in work as they have to be clean from the elbow down) have been a wonderful gift, she had other ideas and wanted to go another way and decided (because she is litterally as dotty and mental as they come) that she loved the Swatch Die Glock which is basically a cow watch with a cow bell on it.
She loves the thing. I know you would never do it but it would be hillarious if you did a comparison of the two.
Great show T . Mr H does certainly know how to make a true vintage inspired watch!!! I haven’t embraced a Mecca Quartz yet I have to be honest but this is a tempter ! This ones slightly too big and too thick! 200 bucks though!!!!;)
Thank you Russell, I am sure it will happen one day, I could see you with the 1972, that watch is amazing. As a Top Gun/Cruise fan I'm actually considering it. We will see, I'm holding off until I get back my 1521 before the end of the year.
Anyways, gonna email those dates. Thanks for the comment fratello. Catch up soon,
Cheers,
T.
I've gone for the 40mm blue dial/blue bezel no date. Really looking forward to its arrival. I suspect that DH are a Marmite brand but they hit the spot for me - he's in a niche of his own - a brilliant philosophy. Excellent review as always - love the background piano too.
Kinda wished i had gone for a Dan Henry before i got the Tissot V8 chrono..still like my Tissot though, even tho its quartz.
In your outtake montage i was reminded of days in the watchtower being interrupted by the NYPD. Happy days.
Good work fella.
Love my Dan Henry 1970 diver. I have even taken it scuba diving which was great fun. I can report the shade of orange on my version really pops underwater. All of his designs have a certain flair. What more can you ask for. Thanks TGV for another great review.
The benefit of the 24hr dial is you have a 24 hr watch, which gives a completely different feel for the time of day. You actual feel where you are in the whole day. I liked the feel enough to buy a Vostok 24hr watch, which has been a learning experience in military time keeping.
As always informative and entertaining content. Thank you. Jeff/Boston MA.
Welcome back! I need to turn my notifications back on!
Dan Henry comes out with another awesome watch, and TGV comes out with another awesome video. That is what we in the industry call, a "two-fer"!
Another great looking watch done by Dan Henry, although I’m more in the market for a vintage diver now (hint to Dan, the 1970 could do with a brother), the value is absolutely here, no doubt. I remember when choosing my 1937 I spent some time looking at this model, although I felt the size was just a bit too large. I can see the new size opening up the watch to more. Thanks again for a very enjoyable video, keep it up!
Bought the 1970 and thoroughly enjoyed it. The 63 is a nice looking piece and might be worth a purchase eventually. Although the Seagull 63 is calling to me.
I really love the SR-71 caseback :D If you know the history of this aircraft, that's an interesting conversation starter on top of an interesting watch!
I'm pretty sure the caseback on a wristwatch has the absolute least conversation starter potential 😄
Bravo TGV, you're truly independent and it shows. That's why you have loyal viewers for years including me, you criticize the watch respecting the potential buyer as good as the manufacturer.
I have a first edition 1963, black dial with a steel bezel. I love that thing, looks so good. I don't find it too thick honestly (I also have a 6.5" wrist) and actually love the way the old plastic crystal looks... Not as durable of course but still I'd have a hard time deciding which I prefer.
Great comparisons and as always a great share.
I may have to consider getting one….
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more.. 😂
I just binged watched every dan henry review in the urban gentry a few days ago !
Great videos, past and present. Looking forward to future ones.
Hey TGV thanks for the videos...just bought my first watch in about 15yrs...Oris Aquis Cherry Red, its lovely!.
WOW, congrats and what a flipping cool choice, that red is to die for!!!
You have great taste, enjoy and thank you for sharing.
Best regards,
TGV
I highly recommend looking up Zeppelin chronographs from Germany! I think they are the best pilot chronos under $300! Very similar to this, but with my bias. ;) So much functionality and great styling in their watches.
Lovely piece. Would really like to see a diver from the 50’s. More Blancpain that ‘the Crown’ Superb episode, always a joy. Class 👍🏴
Thank you TGV for the video. Very nice, like always. I don't understand the discussion between quartz and mechanical watches. Just different type of tehnology from my point of view! I have quartz, mechanical automatic/manual watches and I love all of them.
yea I wish this one was a little thinner. that's my only gripe. love the attention to detail all around by Dan as always!
I didn't know of Dan Henry, always a great feeling when you find out something new 👍🏾 🖤
I have the 42mm black bezel version. I want the smaller version now. This watch addiction is something else!!!
TGV I have a question, may you please let me know of what you think about budget brands like Starking and Vostok? It would be very interesting for me to see you review these brands. Thank you again for another wonderful video! Stay healthy and well! Have a Great Day! Nick 👍🏻❤️👏🏻🌎
Thank you Nick, great question. Starking I don't know so it is unfair for me to say anything, however I know Vostok and have experienced several. Great history, cool designs, very unique watches. However, they are not the most reliable and have a history of very bad QC. If you find a good one, enjoy, go for it, but for me, it is far too risky for me to recommend for my audience. Sure, this could happen to any watch/brand, but I try to recommend only the best, I would hate to see people who worked hard saving for a watch for example, and not be satisfied. I hope that makes sense.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry Thank you TGV! Have a Great day! Nick.
Great watch! I simply need one! 42mm in black for me!!! Great video as always and so incite full! The Blackbird, perhaps the greatest of the Skunkworks aircraft!
Good video, seriously considering a Dan Henry.
So cool that Timeline Watch page, thanks for the tip TGV!
I am looking to pick up a budget Chronograph watch. I already own a Seagull 1963. Seeing that you have experience with both the Seiko Flightmaster and Dan Henry watches which would you recommend? I have a 7.25-7.5 in wrist. I wear watches between 36mm and 45mm.
What's the bezel action like on this one? I have the initial release and the bezel's pretty free wheeling.
Good question, I added a quick note in the video about it, you may of missed it, but it's excellent, VERY little play and solid feeling. I guess it was a big improvement over the original, I hope that helps.
Thank you Patrick,
Best regards,
TGV
I have yet to add a Dan Henry to my collection but I've always loved the designs.
That blue is truly a vivid color. I might have to pick one for my birthday. Dan Henry always coming up with nice-looking cheap watches. How much better does it get?
Just looked at his catalog and I'm definitely getting his speedmaster watches. I always wanted one and I'm glad it's not that expensive.
I love it. 💕 It's good to have different sizes options.
Thank you, and you are so right about the different size options, more brands should do this!
Best regards,
TGV
Great review! Looks pure class at a reasonable price. Thanks.
Keep up the great work!!
Good video and great content!
Neat! Love love love the Blackbird caseback. 😍 Marc's Tomcat got some tough competition now.
I love the sandwich dial as well & the nod to the Breitling with the asymmetrical sundials was a nice touch, not my cup of tea, but nice nonetheless.
Excellent work like always, sir.
Great looking watch. I fancy the blue myself.
The Seagull ST19 is used in the Lorier Gemini which I own and thoroughly enjoy. It's a cracking movement and would love to see Dan use it. I guess it comes down to how the movement is sourced, cased, and regulated/tested. Obviously this adds some complexity and undoubtedly cost but I think worth it in the end.
I would also like to add the Lorier Gemini is very accurate. Over a 15 day period, I observed a rate of +2.3 seconds per day