Sleek Black Chronographs For Under $300.00
A well styled black chronograph is the Aston Martin of the watch world. It’s no clunky old Rolls or some flashy fire engine red Ferrari. Subtle but still unavoidably eye catching, and masculine without being “that guy” who tries too hard. But unlike an Aston Martin, you can get a slick looking black chronograph at a price that won’t level your 401k.
These three each lean in a slightly different direction, but can be worn with just about anything. Leave your pick (or another unmentioned alternative) in the comments section below…
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Leaning Dressed Up: BOSS Black Bold Croc Chronograph – $295.00
Nice Pushers. A bit larger for small wrists at 44 mm (that’s an estimate since its unlisted but a stainless steel band white dial sibling is available via Amazon) the BOSS Chronograph is a looker. The texture outer ring, the flight dial numbers, and the pointed hour hand w/ squared off minute hand are all sharp details. Nice red dipped secondhand too. This will be at the top of many an affordable watch lover’s “want” list.
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Balancing Sport and Dressed Up: Tissot PRC 200 – $275
(reg. $450)
It’s hard to find anything wrong with this one. Sold direct by Amazon, at a great price, and extremely well reviewed. With 50 customer reviews it has 4.5 out of 5 stars. You put fresh air in a bag for free on Amazon and out of 50 reviews more than a few will find something to whine about. The case diameter is a nothing short of perfect 40mm, but be warned, this is a thick one when it comes to depth. Can be worn with a suit, but might be tough to slip under a close fitting shirt cuff.
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Leaning Rugged: Swiss Military Hanowa Soldier Chrono – $180.00
(reg. $375)
Not as high end as a Swiss Army or Victorinox, but certainly not the bargain basement Swiss Legend
Which one would you wear? Cast your vote below, or make your case for a write in. One note: The Endless extra 20% off select accessories sale
Great post, Joe. I love the BOSS and the Swiss Military is pretty sweet as a casual option too. The Tissot just seems too thick and too shiny to me personally. If it were my pick, I’d have to take the BOSS I think.
Cheers,
Ben
I have the Tissot with the steel wristband and it is by far my favorite timepiece. It’s sizeable and eye-catching without being gawdy. I get compliments on it everytime I wear it. I try to save this watch for days when I’m on the dressier end of business casual, but definitely feel that it’s a solid watch that can be worn whenever, especially as a guy becomes a little older and more mature.
What do you guys think of Orient? I have seen them mentioned here before, and they seem like solid affordable mechanical watches. Although not a chronograph, I have my eye on http://www.orientwatchusa.com/cft00004b-p-103.html which is steep for 600, but can be had for 49% off more often that not.
I have the Tissot with steel band (like Paul) and I also love it. I had a stranger comment on it in a restaurant – he asked if it was a Brietling. Not bad to have a $300 watch mistaken for a $3000 one. It’s just so crisp looking!
Tissot hands down.
@ Brock: I’m kind of divided on Orients. They are true amazing value watches especially their signature mako automatic divers but their marketing is very weird. Their regular price are a joke and they constantly have the 49% sale plus some daily special. As such, don’t make the decision by the amount of discount. Overall, Orient is like a less successful sister of Seiko but still worth considering.
I have the black silicone armani watch you posted here.. http://dappered.com/2010/09/six-stainless-steel-watches-under-300/
Have to admit that of all my clothing/accessories it gets the most compliements…shame its not on nordstrom’s site anymore
You could buy so much for 300 bucks – how about a computer or cellphone that can do thousands of things that include telling the time? So hard to justify that much money for a unitasker like a watch.
I’ll take one as a gift though 🙂
@Al
Watches are timeless and classy. Yes they are for telling time, but the also make a statement and no outfit is complete without a proper watch.
I think the watch I linked is a great deal for around 300, like you said the retail is a joke, but a partial skeleton automatic mechanical watch that is well made… not a bad price.
Have to agree with Jeff and Paul as well. Also have the Tissot with the steel band and get compliments all the time. Great looking piece and definitely worth the price.
I love having an amazing timepiece. It’s the perfect accessory for any outfit. I personally have an invicta (purchased off of hautelook). It’s on a great sale, unfortunately not from Hautelook, and looks similar to the above for $100. http://www.chickdowntown.com/detail.asp?iq=1&bo_products_id=&bo_products_variance_id=92005
The Orient is a nice alternative to the Citizen and Seiko pilot watches. 600 is a bit steep, but the 49% coupon brings it to about 300 and you get another free watch with the coupon 🙂
I’ve been searching for a black on black on black watch (even with dark or obscured dial, numbers, etc). Anyone know of any that are reasonably priced and have a pretty classic appearance?
Classic as in dress, sport, somewhere in-between? These are sport: http://dappered.com/2010/08/bl…/ And here’s a few others. All different styles and price ranges:http://www1.macys.com/catalog/…http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bu…http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mi…http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/di…http://www.amazon.com/Invicta-…http://www.fossil.com/webapp/w…Some of these are starting to remind me of a certain Spinal Tap cover. But… are any of those kinda close? They’re all over the board. Seems like blackout watches aren’t as available anymore…
I meant dress, I should have specified. That Burberry one is great. Now I just need to come up with the $295…
After drooling over the Tissot watch, I went to ebay and found a handful for $140. Thinking too good to be true I did a bit of research and found this:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f62/how-spot-fake-tissot-prc-200-a-339622.html
Bottom line: Stick with a reputable dealer and avoid the $140 knockoffs from china