Seiko Essentials ChronographvsVario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Seiko Essentials Chronograph at true scale

Essentials Chronograph

Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph at true scale

Empire Tachymètre Chronograph

Diameter

40mm

38mm

Lug-to-Lug

45.8mm

n/a

Thickness

11.5mm

11.5mm

Water Resistance

100m

highest

50m

MSRP

$415

$328

lowest

Movement

Seiko 8T63

Seiko VK64

Case

4 specs
Diameter
40mm
38mm
Lug-to-Lug
45.8mm
n/a
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
100m
50m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Dial Color
n/a
Black

Movement

1 specs
Caliber
Seiko 8T63
Seiko VK64

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$415
$328
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Seiko Essentials Chronograph

Owners widely praise the Seiko Essentials Chronograph for its beautiful and fun dial, with one noting the green dial and gold hands, and another finding the dark greenish dial less impressive than black. The watch is considered a great first watch, comfortable for active wear due to its lightweight nature, and enjoyable for its chronograph function. One owner reported the orange stripe on a stopwatch button expanded and fell off in heat, while another found the 40mm case wore smaller than expected. The Seiko Essentials Chronograph is considered beautiful for its price, especially on the grey market. On balance, owners rate the Seiko Essentials Chronograph highly for its attractive dial and comfortable wearability at its price point.

From video reviewers

The watch is praised for its impressive execution and value at its price point. Its 50-meter water resistance is cited as a potential limitation.

Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph

Owners widely praise the Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph for its elegant, art deco-inspired tuxedo dial and its value as an affordable chronograph option. Some owners note a criticism regarding the differing fonts used for sub-dial and perimeter markers, and the absence of a traditional running second hand in favor of a 24-hour sub-dial. The Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph features a Seiko VK64 MecaQuartz movement, a sapphire crystal, and measures 38mm in diameter. Overall, owners rate the Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph highly for its attractive design and accessible price point.

From video reviewers

The Art Deco aesthetic is a key strength. The Seiko VK64 meca-quartz movement is also consistently mentioned.