7 Affordable chronographs that won't break the bank

A watch collection can be as expensive as one could possibly dream up. Vintage Patek Philippes, a closet of Cartier, bidding in an auction for Steve McQueen's TAG Heuer or Paul Newman's Rolex. But not everyone has the budget or even the taste to justify such an extravagant hobby.

Enter the under-$500 chronograph

For those looking for a more accessible entry point into the world of chronographs, under $500 offers a sweet spot where you can find watches that are sporty, summer-ready, and anti-gaudy. Here are seven picks that fit the bill, ranging from Timex to Orient, and everything in between.

Timex Waterbury Heritage Chronograph ($299): This is the kind of watch you can get and never think about again. It's well-made, not too big or too petite, and easily swappable with a new strap. We also love it with a bracelet. And if you're using a chrono as a tool watch, an always accurate quartz movement is an upside for more than the price.

Tissot PR100 Chronograph ($425): If you need a chronograph to wear with a suit, this is the one to get. Despite the sporty connotations of a chronograph, this one doesn't have a tachymeter, so it makes the whole thing more understated. Plus, a day-window makes it a bit more office-ready.

Swatch I New Chrono ($194): The Swatch I New Chrono is techy, sporty, and not trying to be anything other than a classic chrono. The waterproof blue grid strap is a fun option to have around. This is a perennial favorite, though we have our fair share of favorite well-priced Swatches.

CITIZEN Eco-Drive Chronograph (Now 7% Off $319): Citizen makes a host of well-priced chronographs, but we like this one for what it brings to this list. It has a field watch feel with large minute numerals, a paper-white dial, and dressed down leather strap. Typically a chrono—if it's not trying to dress up—leans towards racing or pilot watches, making this a pleasant swerve.

Seiko Essentials Chrono SS GRN (Now 30% Off $285): Seiko watches are reliable, and it's one of our favorite brands to look to for something that's just around $200. With a sunburst green dial on a bracelet band, the Essentials Chrono feels like classic Seiko with a little extra personality with the green face. It's substantial and well-made but doesn't feel too precious.

Orient RN-TX0305S Contemporary Chronograph ($270): Orient's solar-powered chronograph is a quiet pick for the real watch lovers. The brand flies largely under the radar without a lot of hype, putting out well-made watches absent of the fanfare they, quite frankly, deserve. We love the panda dial contrast on the white watch face.

Fossil Neutra Quartz (Now 18% Off $170): Fossil's Neutra Quartz watch is pared down and quiet, reading a little less sporty than some other designs. The tonal dials are a little harder to see—certainly not as functional if you're trying to keep time on the high seas—but is that what we're doing in this watch? Probably not. So for the chronograph option that you may or may not need, it's a solid choice that doesn't feel overly sporty.