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.

Essentials Chronograph

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 specsCrystal & Dial
1 specsMovement
1 specsPricing
1 specsReviews
Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.
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.
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.
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.
The Art Deco aesthetic is a key strength. The Seiko VK64 meca-quartz movement is also consistently mentioned.
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