Jessica Lane
Let's face it: At this price point, you can't expect a sapphire crystal, a mechanical movement, brushed surgical steel, and Horween leather. Hence, the question becomes this: Is the BENYAR chronograph worth the forty-or-so bucks you'll pay for it? In short, I believe the answer is yes. Only a couple of downsides to what is otherwise a fine product for the price.Let's start with the chronograph. Unlike some budget watches where the subdials and pushers are merely cosmetic, this BENYAR has a fully functional one-hour chronograph. As an added bonus, the chrono can also track split time. Simply press the lower pusher while the chrono is running. The hands will stop, but the chrono continues tracking the time. Press the lower pusher again and the hands will fast-forward to the current time. This alone is worth the asking price, in my opinion.The BENYAR is a remarkably nice-looking watch, frankly better overall than I expected for the price (see photo). That being said, I am rather disappointed to find that the markers do not line up with the lume pips on their outer parameters. This is most notable at the 7 and 8 positions on my watch, but given the BENYAR's modest price point I'm surprised the dial is as good as it is. In addition to the outer edges of the hour markers, the hands are lumed as well, but the lume is nothing spectacular. Not an issue for my purposes, but it might be for yours. Subdial hands are also a little hard for me to see, but that speaks more to my tired eyes than the watch itself.Strap (22mm) is on par for the price, IMO. It is stamped "Genuine Leather" on the inside and has a stamped carbon fiber-esque pattern on the outside, which doesn't look bad at all. Strap does not have quick-release springbars, so you'll need a tool if you want to replace it. I've purchased more expensive watches with straps far inferior to this one (I'm looking at you, Vostok).Despite Benyar's "waterproof" claim, I wouldn't use this pup (or any watch rated at less than 100m, for that matter) anywhere near water. You're probably okay washing your hands or under your sleeve in the rain, but that's about it. Go for a legitimately waterproof watch, not something like this, if waterproof is high on your list.So, why four stars instead of five? First, as I mentioned above, the hour pips do not line up with the printed rectangles, especially on the lower part of the watch. Second, there's absolutely no 'snap' to either chronograph pusher. They are extremely mushy, in my opinion, and while I couldn't start and stop the chrono by bending my hand into the watch, I believe someone with larger hands might be able to do just that.In sum, I think you're getting what you're paying for with this watch. Nice looking (if you don't look too close), and the fully functional chrono with split is a nice feature with plenty of bang for the buck. If you need to go sporty/dressy without breaking the bank and can live with a slight but noticeable imperfection in the dial, then this is not a bad choice.
