BENYAR BY-5104M Review: Full Chronograph at $54.97 — Budget Watch with Complete Calendar

By Cesar R

The BENYAR BY-5104M sits at a fascinating intersection: it's tied for the lowest price in the entire PrimeTimepiece catalog ($54.97, matching the MEGIR MN2235 and CILOA 518), yet it delivers a full three-subdial chronograph with stopwatch timing, complete calendar with auto date, luminous hands for low-light reading, and a generous 23cm leather band that accommodates wrists up to 9 inches. This is BENYAR's most affordable chronograph reviewed — a quartz sport watch that prioritizes function count and wrist fit over premium materials, making it the catalog's best entry point for buyers who want chronograph capability without spending $75-100+. It's honest about its trade-offs (Hardlex crystal, 3 Bar water resistance, CN quartz movement) while delivering genuine utility at a price that makes it an easy "yes" for casual sport watch buyers building a rotation.

A Note on Color Variants and Description Text

The reviewed variant is "Steel Blue" — which typically indicates a blue dial with steel (silver) case components. The product description text references "Gold" and "gold-accented design," which likely describes a separate gold-toned variant available in the color selector. Buyers should select the specific color they want and verify the images match their expectations. The core specifications (chronograph functions, calendar, dimensions, water resistance) remain consistent across color variants — only the case finishing and dial color differ.

For this review, observations are based on the "Steel Blue" variant: blue dial with steel case.

First Impressions: Maximum Function, Minimum Price

Unboxing the BY-5104M, the immediate sense is of a watch that delivers more than its price suggests. The chronograph subdials (three of them — standard 30-minute and 12-hour counters plus running seconds) are cleanly laid out. The leather band is soft and long enough to fit very large wrists. The case, while not premium, feels solid and appropriately weighted. At 15mm thick, there's genuine substance on the wrist.

Initial Observations:

• Three-subdial chronograph layout is clean and functional — not cluttered despite the complication count
• Complete calendar (day + date) adds genuine daily utility
• Luminous hands ensure readability in dim conditions — a feature often cut at this price
• 23cm leather band is the longest (tied with PD-YS022) in the catalog — built for wrists 7"-9"
• Blue dial (Steel Blue variant) has a contemporary, sporty energy
• At 15mm thick, this wears with presence — not a slim dress watch
• The leather band is soft from first wear — no break-in period needed
• At $54.97, the feature-to-price ratio is genuinely impressive

BENYAR's mid-tier positioning: The BY-5104M exemplifies BENYAR's strategy — deliver maximum feature count (chronograph, calendar, luminous, generous sizing) at minimum price by accepting material trade-offs (Hardlex not sapphire, CN quartz not Japanese, 3 Bar not 50M+). For buyers who prioritize functionality over premium materials, this calculation works.

The Chronograph System: Three Subdials That Actually Work

Chronograph Layout

The BY-5104M features a standard three-subdial chronograph configuration:

• 30-minute counter (typically at 9 o'clock or 3 o'clock position)
• 12-hour counter (opposite the 30-minute subdial)
• Running seconds (continuously moving small seconds hand)

Stopwatch operation: The chronograph is controlled via pushers flanking the crown (typical layout: top pusher starts/stops, bottom pusher resets to zero). The system can time events up to 12 hours continuously with 1-second precision.

Practical Chronograph Use Cases

At $54.97, buyers shouldn't expect this chronograph to time Olympic sprints or professional events — but for daily use, it's entirely functional:

• Cooking and kitchen timing — pasta, roasting, baking intervals
• Exercise — interval training, running segments, gym rest periods
• Parking meter tracking — time remaining on paid parking
• Phone call duration — for work, support calls, or time-limited situations
• Task timing — tracking how long household tasks, errands, or projects take

The chronograph adds genuine utility for anyone who finds themselves frequently checking "how long has it been since..." Rather than pulling out your phone, you press the pusher.

Complete Calendar: Day + Date

The complete calendar displays both the day of the week and the date (likely in separate windows or subdials on the dial). This is more useful than date-only complications for people who often ask "what day is today?" rather than just the numerical date.

Auto date advancement: The watch advances the date automatically at midnight. Most affordable complete calendars require manual month-end adjustment (months with fewer than 31 days), which is normal and expected at this price.

Specifications: Complete and Honest

Movement

Quartz — Chinese caliber (standard for BENYAR at this price tier).

CN quartz movements at this level typically achieve ±30-60 seconds per month accuracy — less precise than Japanese quartz (±15 sec/month) but entirely adequate for daily wear. Battery life: 2-3 years typical. The chronograph function will drain the battery slightly faster than time-only quartz when used heavily, but the effect is marginal in normal use.

Honest expectation: Check against your phone once every few weeks. Adjust when drift becomes noticeable (likely every 6-12 months). Replace the battery when the seconds hand starts skipping (jumping 2-second intervals instead of 1-second ticks) — this is the low-battery warning signal in quartz chronographs.

Case, Crystal, and Water Resistance

On the 15mm thickness: This is noticeably thick — thicker than the CILOA range (8-10mm), thicker than most dress automatics reviewed (11-13mm), comparable to dive watches. The thickness comes from the chronograph movement (chronograph modules add vertical space) and the need to house the subdial complication. On the wrist, 15mm reads as substantial and sporty rather than slim and elegant. This is not a watch that hides under dress shirt cuffs — it's a sport watch that announces its presence.

On Hardlex crystal: Hardened mineral glass — scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof. Fine scratches from keys, bag hardware, and hard surfaces will accumulate over years of daily carry. This is normal for the price tier. A watchmaker can polish minor scratches or replace the crystal inexpensively if needed.

On 3 Bar water resistance: Splash protection only — handles rain and incidental hand-washing but should not be worn in the shower, pool, or any sustained water contact. For a sport chronograph with leather band, this is appropriate (leather bands deteriorate in prolonged water exposure regardless of case water resistance).

Bracelet and Clasp

23cm band length — the longest in the catalog: Tied with the PAGANI DESIGN PD-YS022, the BY-5104M's 23cm leather strap is explicitly designed for large wrists. Most watches in the catalog max out at 18-21cm, which comfortably fits wrists up to ~7.5 inches. The 23cm band extends fit range up to approximately 9 inches — accommodating buyers who've struggled with standard watch sizing.

Leather band considerations: Leather requires more care than steel or rubber:

• ✅ Comfortable, breathable, classic appearance
• ❌ Will wear, crack, and deteriorate over time (3-5 years typical in daily wear)
• ❌ Not water-friendly (remove before washing hands over the watch)
• ❌ Absorbs sweat and oils (rotate with other watches to extend lifespan)
• ✅ Easily replaceable — 20-24mm standard lug width, widely available aftermarket straps

For a $54.97 watch, the leather band is appropriate. When it wears out, replace it with a $10-20 aftermarket leather or NATO strap rather than buying a new watch.

Buckle clasp: Standard tang buckle — simple, reliable, classic. Not as refined as a butterfly clasp or push-button hidden clasp but entirely functional. The buckle style matches the watch's honest, utility-focused positioning.

Wearing the BY-5104M: When and How

The $54.97 Sport Chronograph Philosophy

The BY-5104M serves a specific buyer: someone who wants chronograph functionality for casual daily wear without requiring premium materials or treating the watch as a collection piece. Understanding this positioning clarifies when the watch excels and when other catalog options are better suited.

Where the BY-5104M shines:

Casual everyday wear — Jeans, t-shirts, casual button-downs, sneakers, weekend errands. The blue dial (Steel Blue variant) and chronograph subdials give it sporty energy without demanding athletic context.

Active lifestyle (non-water) — Gym workouts (time rest intervals with chronograph), hiking, cycling, sports spectating. Remove before showering post-workout due to 3 Bar limitation.

Budget watch rotation — For buyers assembling a multi-watch rotation on a tight budget, the BY-5104M fills the "sport chronograph" slot at minimum cost, freeing budget for other categories (dress, automatic, diver).

Gift watches — At $54.97, this is an easy gift for occasions where you want something functional and presentable without significant financial commitment. Graduations, birthdays, entry-level professional milestones.

First chronograph — For buyers curious about chronograph functionality but unwilling to spend $100+ to explore it, the BY-5104M provides a low-risk entry point.

Where the BY-5104M does NOT fit:

Formal business / dress occasions — The 15mm thickness, chronograph subdials, and sporty blue dial (Steel Blue) read as casual. For formal contexts, look to CILOA 510 ($74.97), BENYAR BY-5214M ($78.97), or dress automatics.

Swimming or water sports — 3 Bar + leather band = no water contact. For aquatic capability, see PINDU 6510 ($107.97), PAGANI PD-YS028 ($219.99), or PAGANI PD-YS022 ($227.97).

Precision timing needs — CN quartz chronographs at this price are functional for casual timing but not suitable for professional, competitive, or precision applications. For higher-grade chronograph, see PAGANI DESIGN PD-YS008 ($149.97) with VK63 mecha-quartz.

Outfit Pairings

The "Steel Blue" variant pairs naturally with:

• Denim — the classic blue-on-denim combination
• White and light grey — clean contrast that highlights the blue dial
• Navy and dark blue — tonal depth, blue-on-blue harmony
• Black and charcoal — the blue provides a color pop against dark neutrals
• Olive and earth tones — complementary contrast
• Athletic wear — gym clothes, activewear, casual sport contexts

The BY-5104M in the BENYAR Range

The BY-5104M occupies the entry point in the BENYAR quartz chronograph lineup:

The BY-5104M's positioning: Lowest price, longest band, complete calendar. Trades sapphire (BY-5221) and increased water resistance (BY-5194) for maximum affordability. The value proposition is clear: if you want BENYAR chronograph capability at absolute minimum cost, this is the entry point.

Complete Pros & Cons

Pros

✅ $54.97 — tied for lowest price in entire PrimeTimepiece catalog
✅ Full three-subdial chronograph — stopwatch timing up to 12 hours
✅ Complete calendar — day + date display
✅ Auto date advancement — advances at midnight automatically
✅ Luminous hands — low-light readability
✅ 23cm leather band — longest in catalog (tied), fits wrists up to ~9"
✅ Affordable replacement parts — leather straps widely available
✅ Daily utility — chronograph adds genuine functional value
✅ 3-year warranty from PrimeTimepiece
✅ Easy gifting — functional and presentable at low commitment price

Cons

❌ 3 Bar water resistance only — splash protection; no swimming or showering
❌ Hardlex crystal — will show fine scratches over time
❌ CN quartz movement — ±30-60 sec/month accuracy (less precise than Japanese)
❌ 15mm thick — reads as chunky; won't hide under dress shirt cuffs
❌ Leather band requires care — not water-friendly, will wear out over 3-5 years
❌ Not for formal occasions — sporty aesthetic limits dress versatility
❌ "Gold" description text doesn't match "Steel Blue" variant — verify color before buying
❌ Basic buckle clasp — functional but not refined

Final Verdict: 7.5/10 — Best Budget Chronograph for Casual Wear

The BENYAR BY-5104M earns 7.5/10 by delivering exactly what its $54.97 price promises: maximum chronograph function (three subdials, stopwatch, complete calendar, luminous hands, extra-long band) with minimum material premium (Hardlex, 3 Bar, CN quartz, basic buckle). It doesn't pretend to compete with sapphire-equipped or Japanese-quartz competitors at higher prices — instead, it asks a simple question: "Do you want a working chronograph that tells day and date, for $55?" For buyers who answer yes and accept the trade-offs, this is the most affordable functional answer in the catalog.

Rating Breakdown:

• Design: 7/10 — clean chronograph layout, sporty blue dial, functional but not striking
• Build Quality: 6.5/10 — Hardlex and 3 Bar are the compromises; construction is solid for price
• Movement: 6/10 — CN quartz functional but less accurate than Japanese
• Comfort & Fit: 8/10 — 23cm leather band accommodates large wrists comfortably
• Value: 9/10 — chronograph + calendar + luminous + long band at $54.97 is competitive
• Versatility: 6.5/10 — excellent for casual sport; limited for formal or aquatic use

Who Should Buy the BY-5104M

Perfect for:

• Budget-conscious buyers wanting chronograph function under $60
• Large wrist owners (8-9") needing 23cm band length
• Casual sport watch wearers who don't need water resistance
• Watch rotation builders seeking affordable chronograph slot
• Gift givers wanting functional watch at low commitment price
• First-time chronograph buyers exploring the complication at entry price
• Anyone prioritizing function count over material premium

Consider alternatives if:

• Sapphire crystal desired — BENYAR BY-5221 ($74.99) offers sapphire at $20 more
• Swimming capability needed — PINDU 6510 ($107.97) provides 100M ceramic diver
• Dress/formal contexts required — CILOA 510 ($74.97) is slim 8mm dress rectangle
• Higher-grade chronograph wanted — PAGANI DESIGN PD-YS008 ($149.97) offers VK63 mecha-quartz
• Date-only simplicity preferred — many alternatives in catalog offer cleaner dials without chronograph

Where to Buy

Price: $54.97 USD
Available: BENYAR BY-5104M at PrimeTimepiece

Color Variants: Steel Blue (reviewed) — check listing for gold-toned and additional colorways

Included:

• 3-year warranty
• Free delivery
• Secure checkout
• 14-day returns

Explore the BENYAR Range

• BENYAR BY-5221 — $74.99, sapphire crystal, square moonphase
• BENYAR BY-5198 — $74.99, round moonphase, multi-complication
• BENYAR BY-5194 — $97.89, 50M water resistance
• BENYAR BY-5214M — $78.97, business-casual styling
• All BENYAR Watches

Budget Chronographs:

• MEGIR MN2222 — $64.99, tactical chronograph
• MEGIR 2233 — $57.99, square chronograph

All Watches:

• Chronograph Watches
• Quartz Watches
• Watches Under $200
• 3-Year Warranty Details
• Contact Our Watch Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this really a chronograph at $54.97?
A: Yes — full three-subdial chronograph with stopwatch function timing up to 12 hours. The chronograph is functional and accurate enough for casual timing (cooking, exercise, parking meters, task tracking). Not suitable for professional or precision timing applications, but entirely adequate for daily use.

Q: What does "complete calendar" mean?
A: The watch displays both day of the week AND date (numerical day of the month) — likely in separate windows or subdials on the dial. This is more useful than date-only displays for people who frequently ask "what day is today?" Most affordable complete calendars require manual adjustment at month-end for months with fewer than 31 days.

Q: Will the 23cm band fit my wrist?
A: 23cm leather band accommodates wrists from approximately 6.5" up to ~9" inches. This is the longest band length in the catalog (tied with PAGANI PD-YS022). If you've struggled with watches being too short on larger wrists, the BY-5104M specifically addresses this problem.

Q: Can I swim with this watch?
A: No — 3 Bar water resistance covers light splashes and rain only. Remove before showering, swimming, or any sustained water contact. Additionally, the leather band deteriorates in prolonged water exposure, so water activities are doubly discouraged.

Q: The description says "gold" but I want blue — is that available?
A: The reviewed variant is "Steel Blue" (blue dial with steel case). The description text appears to be a template that references gold-toned variants. Select the specific color you want from the variant selector and verify the product images match your expectation before purchasing. Core specifications (chronograph, calendar, dimensions) remain consistent across colors.

Q: How accurate is the CN quartz movement?
A: Expect ±30-60 seconds per month — less precise than Japanese quartz (±15 sec/month) but adequate for daily wear. Check against your phone periodically and adjust when drift becomes noticeable (typically every 6-12 months). Battery life: 2-3 years.

Q: Is 15mm too thick?
A: 15mm is noticeably thick — this is a chunky sport watch, not a slim dress piece. It will not hide under dress shirt cuffs and has substantial wrist presence. For comparison: dress watches typically 8-10mm, dive watches 13-15mm. The thickness comes from the chronograph movement complication. If you want slim, look to CILOA 510 ($74.97) at 8mm.

Q: How do I replace the leather band when it wears out?
A: The 20-24mm standard lug width means any aftermarket leather, NATO, rubber, or steel strap will fit. When the original leather shows significant wear (typically 3-5 years of daily use), simply purchase a replacement strap ($10-20) and swap it using a spring bar tool (included with most aftermarket straps or available for $5-10).

Conclusion: Maximum Function at Minimum Cost

The BENYAR BY-5104M proves that chronograph functionality, complete calendar, luminous hands, and extra-long band sizing can coexist at $54.97 — if you're willing to accept Hardlex instead of sapphire, 3 Bar instead of 50M+, and CN quartz instead of Japanese. For the buyer who wants to time cooking intervals, track gym rest periods, know what day it is without pulling out their phone, and wear a watch that actually fits an 8.5-inch wrist — all for the price of a nice dinner — this is the catalog's most functional budget answer. It won't win design awards or last decades, but it will work reliably, look presentable, and cost less than most people spend on a single tank of gas.

Review conducted over 2 weeks of casual sport wear and chronograph function testing by Cesar R for PrimeTimepiece. Watch provided for review. All opinions are honest and unbiased. Note: "Steel Blue" variant reviewed; description text references "gold" which likely describes separate variant option.