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For some strange reason, it seems that panda dial watches are almost as rare as a real-life panda. You are unlikely to find a panda dial watch in the zoo, but at the same time it is quite difficult to find an affordable panda chronograph anywhere.
There are certainly a lot of higher-end brands that specialize in producing panda dial chronographs such as Hamilton. However, these watches generally start from $1500, which is not too expensive in the world of luxury watches. But if you’re only looking to spend a couple of hundred dollars on a watch, it can be difficult to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Popularised during the 1960s, there are a variety of collectors and enthusiasts who seek out all watches panda dialed. This is likely due to the stark contrast between the white dial and the black subdials. There is something both mesmerizing and alluring about the sharp difference between black and white. Something which is rarely seen in a world where most watch dials are a singular color.
Not quite as popular are reverse panda dialed watches. Which are inverted color schemes of normal panda dialed watches (black dial with white subdials). These models also have collectors but are generally both less available and slightly less popular.
Table of Contents
7 Best Panda Chronograph Watches Under $200
Orient
Orient are well known for their quality watches for very low prices. As the Seiko-owned brand makes their watches and movements in-house, you are always guaranteed a level of craftsmanship that has not relied on 3rd parties to finish the job.
With that being said, this watch is quite a controversial addition to the list, as it is not quite a chronograph. The watch features 3 subdials much like a chronograph. But it does not have a stopwatch feature. Instead, the pushers control the day of the week and date of the month. It should be noted that you can get an Orient panda chronograph for a little over $200, but the non-chronograph model displayed is slightly under budget.
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Invicta Speedway
The speedway is actually quite understated for an Invicta watch. It has a case size of 39.5mm, which is not small, but Invicta is well known for watch cases reaching almost 60mm.
Although Invicta is quite a controversial brand, if you look past the MSRP to the real price of the watch, you can often find a real bargain. Selling at well under $100, the speedway has a miyota movement, which is not top of the line by any means. But for a panda dial chronograph, this is not too bad at all.
It should be noted that Invicta also make an inverse panda dial speedway watch found here.
Check The Price Of Invicta Panda Chronograph Watches On Amazon
Stuhrling Formula i
Perhaps not strictly a panda dial, the Sturhling version of this chronograph is close enough with a black and silver color scheme. Although they have cleverly called this watch a “formula i” model. They’re not fooling anyone, we all know what they are up to.
In all honesty, at the top end of the budget, you’re pretty much paying for the design. If you are looking for something similar to a Daytona chronograph or a silver-based panda dial, this will be the best option for you since there is really not much available in this color scheme. However, the Orient listed above is much better value for money if you’re directly comparing the two.
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Citizen Eco-Drive
Anyone who is familiar with the Japanese brand will know that Citizen offers incredible value for money. Their watches are not the best in the world. But in terms of bang for your buck, they are near the top of the rankings amongst Casio and Seiko.
This particular panda dialed chronograph is particularly good value since a typical Citizen Eco-Drive would have cost you around $200, to begin with. Unusually, this model also has domed glass, which is a nice change from the usual flat sapphire crystal. This is perhaps to add to its 1970’s styled dial – it works very well.
Check The Price Of Citizen Eco-Drive Watches On Amazon
Seiko
You may complain that this Seiko watch is not technically a panda dialed watch since its subdials are not completely black. That thought may be correct, but this is the closest thing you’ll get to a Seiko under $200 with a panda dial. When Seiko does release a new panda dialed chronograph, it typically sells out very fast due to the popularity and reliability of the brand.
You are able to pick up more expensive Seiko panda dial chronographs. Although these are usually the more bulky and expensive watches in the Seiko arctura range.
Check The Price Of Seiko Watches On Amazon
Benyar
Benyar is a Chinese brand that offers the cheapest panda dial chronograph money can buy. Also if you’re interested, they also offer an inverted panda dial watch for around the same price.
The movement is really not bad in this watch, it is a miyota quartz, which is both accurate and reliable. Benyar will not be winning any awards for their quality or innovative skills, but you can’t take away the fact that they offer this watch for a fantastic price. It really is far, far cheaper than anything else you will be able to get your hands on at under $50.
Overall, when buying this brand you know what you’re getting. Nobody is expecting a Rolex daytona, or even a Seiko. So keep your expectations low and Benyar will surpass them!
