Great thread over at WuS about sub-$500 chronos. I second the notion that the Swiss Army chronos are killer and very inexpensive. Hamilton should be down in the $500 range as well.

There are some Swiss Army 9G 600 Chronograph going on ebay now for $450, they have the valjoux 7750 movement. You don’t often see that caliber movement at that low price. There is a massive thread in the affordable forum here talking about them.

Which chrono watch under 500$ – Watchuseek Watch Forums

Detailed discussion of Swiss Army Watches over at WuS. I’ve actually been quite impressed with some of them, especially their newer mechanical line. What’s your experience been?

Good value for the money and they have gotten serious. They have
been selling mechanical watches for some time and have a three year
warranty.

Opinion — Swiss Army Watches – Watchuseek Watch Forums