Best $260 Omega Speedmaster Alternative? - Dan Henry 1962 Watch Review 

Yay!! An old school TGV review on a piece I can actually afford!

I'd been on the hunt for an inexpensive racing chrono in a panda dial for years. Nothing ever quite checked all the boxes 'till this came out. I picked up the panda dial with date and got it in the mail yesterday. Here are a few thoughts. -For the price ($260 last I saw on DH site), this is definitely worth it. I suspect there will be lots of purists that don't care for homage watches or quartz pieces, but very few of us are able to go out and pick up a Speedmaster or a Paul Newman Daytona. -There are a few negatives. The movement itself is so-so. The pushers are a bit stiff and don't have a solid feel to them when used. I feel the hands are a bit too squared and angular. Also, they tend to disappear when in front of the subdials. The tiny bit of lume helps a bit, but having some sort of trim along the hands would've helped with legibility. The lume is kind of fun to look at for the few seconds it lasts but isn't terribly practical. -As for the positives, there are plenty. The overall size is nearly perfect. For my 6 1/2" wrists 39mm gives just enough wrist presence without feeling too small or overwhelmingly massive. I love the tachymetre being on the outside of the dial. It frames the dial beautifully and is much more legible than if under glass. The case design and the curving of the lugs in really well done. Nice mix of brushed and polished finishes. My favorite part is definitely the subdials. I like the small size and the mix of markings on them. Gives them almost a airplane cockpit feel. The contrast of the sort of paper white color of the dial to the blackness of the hands is nice and gives it a "crisp" feel to the watch. The straps are very comfortable and although not the best of leather are certainly better than anything Seiko puts out for it's inexpensive pieces. I love that you get two straps with quick release springbars. Yes, a bracelet would've been nice, but I'm not sure it would've been in keeping with the sporty nature of the piece. The domed crystal is great and provides some nice distortion when viewed at angles. -How does it compare to the 1964? I have the "evil panda" version of that watch and find them to be different enough to make owning both practical. The 1964 feels a bit dressier with it's beautiful bracelet, silver hands and markers, and less busy subdial design. The 1962 feels sportier--more like the watch you'd wear driving your Porche 911 around tight bends in the Italian Alps while the 1964 feels more like something James Bond would wear under a nice suit as he pulls up in his Aston Martin to a high stakes poker game. -For the price, both watches are great value. I will also say that I actually appreciate that both the 1964 and 1962 are quartz movements. In a few years I'll spend a few dollars on a new battery and I'll still have running watches. Contrast that to those with Seagull movements or higher end mechanical chronographs who a few years from now might be sending in their watches for expensive servicing. I have plenty of mechanical movement watches to get my fix in, but the expensive nature of a mechanical chrono makes it impractical for me.

I just want to say that... as a 20 years old, I started get into watches recently. I learned a lot from you, thank you. Recently got a Orient Sun and Moon, my first automatic watch that I bought for myself. There's only more to come.

Speedmaster and a Daytona had a quartz baby

Your intros really sell your videos and make every watch feel special.

I enjoyed the intro and segment, it reminds me why I enjoy your content so much. You make sure that we never forget our past and history. You keep it in the forefront and that to me is very respectable and important, whether horology, art, people of influence, etc... You keep it all alive with passion and pizazz. Thank you, my friend, all the best. U/O I hope Philly is treating you well. 🍷

I was waiting with bated breath for this to be released and I purchased a Panda no date as soon as it went live on Dan Henry’s website. It’s going to be a perfect companion to my 1964 Evil Panda. TGV’s review has made me want it even more. I can’t wait to have this on the wrist. Bravo!

The blue and orange looks stunning. So fresh and dynamic.

This will be my third Dan Henry. Love them and unbelievable value for money.

TGV, thank you for getting me into watches. Cheers from Germany, wearing my Laco Aachen 42.

I would like to see a comparison between the 1964 and 1962

Super underrated brand. Just bought one and I love it!! Feels 10x more expensive than it is

Great job TGV highlighting yet another significant DH achievement. Thx TGV

Great review, it gives me more respect for the Dan Henry brand. Hello from Johannesburg South Africa

Great stuff, mate. We live in a Golden Age of watches, for sure, with Dan Henry being a great example. The classic style watches became collectable for a reason, they just looked good. Now they symbolize the era when men pushed cars and planes to their lethal limits.

My blue one is on it’s way! Love Dan Henry!

this has nothing to do with omega or dan henry but I’m only 17 and I’ve been into watches since my uncle gave me my first when I was 10 and yesterday I just bought my first Citizen: the Perpetual Calendar Chronograph. So I just want to say thank you TGV for being my go to watch man about any questions or concerns I had about any watches or anything I need to know because I just love this watch and I love this channel. thank you very much

I couldn't help myself and had to put in an order for a no date Panda before they sold out. It should be a nice contrast to my 1964 Silver no date GT. Thanks for another solid review and enabling my bad habits, again!

Just pulled the trigger on the Panda. The Daytona is my dream watch. As soon as I showed my Fiance this, she immediately fell in love with it and insisted I buy it. Would never have known about this brand without your channel so once again, thank you and keep up the fantastic work!

Man.. you make such good videos! You could convince me to buy anything... Absolutely love the channel and your energy in every one of them! I will continue to watch your videos as long as I can!

Please continue doing this kind of material too, very nice one again, thanks.

Good to see the white gloves again!! The white dial is definitely nice! Cheers!

Damn, that's handsome. I wish I had the budget for this, great value for something that would make me feel like a million bucks

Damn TGV!!! I had to buy two! Got the 1962 Panda and as no Panda collection is complete without an Evil Panda...got the 1964 too! Can't wait to get my hands on them... I was on the lookout for some nice Pandas! Love Dan's clean design!

The Seiko VK63 is nice. I have it in a Seiko SSB033P1 and is accurate to +3 seconds per month.

Great looking watch again from Dan Henry. I have the 1964 evil panda no date for about 4 months now and I absolutely love it. It is extremely classy and goes with anything. The fact it is a meca quartz and the chronograph sweeps somewhat like an automatic makes it a lot more special to me, as does the imprint on my wrist of the DB5. I was looking for a for me affordable watch that would be reliable, for watch enthusiasts and not too big for my tiny (similar to your size) wrists. Also the fact that the watches are limited means that I never saw anyone else wearing one. Don't think I could have been happier for the money, thanks for another great review!

I have a 1964, and hope to add a 1962 to the collection before they run out. Dan Henry is a fine gentleman, and a class act - I had a lovely email conversation with him about my 1973 Omega Chronostop, among other things.

The way I look at it, Dan Henry is someone who loves vintage watches - and he just desperately wants to share this obsession with as many people as possible. Hence the affordable price. I'm excited to be picking the 1970 soon!!!

Hi TGV! I’m glad you are doing so well,. I’m still a great admirer of your channel. I remember your first video on the channel :) Never let anyone bring you down. You got to keep going. You are great role model👍 Your friend, Darko

I'm impressed everytime you show one of Dan Henry's watches. I'd never heard of him before. They're sleek, with an understated elegance and vintage look.

Good evening TGV, nicely done review. I love the Meca-Quartz concept, my Seiko SSB027 is a watch I truly love and adore. The Evil Panda really looks great, a watch that suits a Bond villain perefectly 😉 Have a good evening, best regards.

Thanks a lot TGV for this review and for introducing me to the Dan Henry brand. I went ahead and ordered a 1962 and a 1963! Love your content and your style. Keep it up! Greetings from Belgium! Kind regards, Wim

Just got the 1964 a few weeks ago as a late birthday gift from my father. I might have to get this one myself at some point. The Speedmaster is one of my grail watches, and this would satisfy the urge to just keep buying watches in a vain attempt to live up to the feeling of having a speedy.

I can atest to Mr Henry's down to Earth persona and an incredible care he has towards his clients or even potential clients which I was. I've asked a question via his website and although I know Dan Henry watches is a micro brand I didn't expect to hear from the man himself. Yes, Mr Dan Henry in person answered my email within maybe 2 hours I've sent it. Definitely a cool guy.

Great review, think I will grab one of these. Astonishingly, the price of the 1962 has not gone up one dollar since this video was made in 2019!

First time I've ordered a watch before you reviewed it. Incoming panda (no date) tomorrow. Good to see it up close in this video.

brother, your production qualities are outstanding. i've been looking at dan henry for a couple weeks. even wrote him and he replied within an hour in the manner you describe him to be. yes, it's a quartz but it's a good one. my biggest issue was the sapphire coated crystal. why not sapphire solid, i ask my self. self says, see what the urban gentry thinks. now i've downloaded your app. and my next purchase will be dan's 1962 evil panda. with many bows...

You got me with the Sterling Moss intro whom I remember watching race. Then you got me with this Dan Henry watch. My next for sure. Beautiful video and beautiful watches. Thanks.

Long time "watcher" You're still the best PS Best of all love the watch I agree the panda is my favorite Al

Dan Henry will most certainly be the next on my list. Thanks TGV, your work is always top notch!

The panda is definitely my favorite of the three. And I’m a complete trollop for a double domed crystal lol

Excellent review. Much appreciated! I'll take the Panda with Date and the natural leather strap... Just added it to my wish list. Thanks!

Thank you for the informative review. I've been struggling with what kind of watch I should buy and It has been months now, and I feel that this review helped me considerably. I've just purchased the 1964 silver, with tachymeter, 60-min chronograph and 24 hour indicator. I've been looking for something elegant and noteworthy and this did it for me. Also, NYC transplant here. Moved to Tokyo a couple years ago, and it was cool seeing you move to PA. I've had a great time in Northern Liberties and Kensington with my family there. Please stay healthy and keep up the good information.

First quartz watch that's tempted me for a very long time! Especially love that white dial...

I ordered the panda no date after watching this video. Thanks for another great video brother!

Just bought one...thanks heaps for the heads up. Had no idea !!

Thanks to your channel I am building a list of wristwatches to collect. The 1964 Just made the list. It's a must for me as an automobile enthusiast.

Thanks for sharing the history of horology with us. I've always enjoyed watches, but until I found your site never appreciated the history. Your insights are awesome and have re-ignited a passion for watches in me!

My 1962 panda is on the way, can't wait to add it to my collection next to the 1964 evil panda and the black pvd 1972. Dan has done some great work with his brand, and also provides excellent customer service!

That polish break on the lug😨 it's flawless

So, ordered a white version with date complication when this video went live. In the meantime I changed my order to a black version without complication. Without problem this was possible. I got it yesterday, and I am very happy with the watch! The steel hands looked better than I thought, A lot better actually. I though ordered a steel bracelet (speedmaster style off course) for the watch.

The Speedmaster is my all time favorite watch, and my grail, so this DH definitely speaks to me but it is almost too much of a homage for me. For me to scratch the Speedy itch I am anticipating the Stratton Classic Driver, it has its own styling cues imo while still using some of the Speedy flare. That being said this DH is very nice. I’d have a tough time deciding on second thought.

Picked it up on the release day after getting the 1964. Cant wait for delivery!

Just waiting for Dan to make a 36mm Explorer homage

Soooo thanks to you and your channel I have the watch bug. In May I owned a whopping zero watches. Now less than 3 watches later I've got 9. had the 1962 panda on my radar for most of that time. Told myself I wouldn't be buying anymore watches for a while but this video is reaaally making it hard to resist lol. Thanks for the extensive review. This will definitely be my next watch.

Wow, what a watch for the value! I love the look of these they look unbelievably classy and punch well above their weight. After watching this review I went over to his website and saw the unbelievable dress watch Dan offers as well, I'll definitely be looking into picking one of his designs up in the near future. Wonderful review as always TGV! Best, R

thanks for the review. I'm the owner of 1962 model from danhenry watches and I like it.. but never believed the story about the collector named Dan Henry in real world.. I've never been able to find any info about Dan..

TGV very nice review. It is clear you understand and appreciate what Dan Henry is acomplishing and you hit it on the head about Dan Henry building watches for watch geeks by a what geek good luck with your latest watch project and remember there is always rooms for creative people like Dan Henry, my wallet thanks him every time he creates something

I watched this video 3 times before finally pulling the trigger on the panda with no date 😃

I bought one on the 16th of July and it was gone for 10 months because it was sent for repair 2 times. First time when i got it because of a defect and a second time directly after its long awaited return for the same exact issue. Now it finally arrived in the mail for a third time and still has the same exact issue as the first time it was sent in for repairs. Asked for a refund now because i am not sending it in a 3rd time just to get it back broken again and then having to pay all costs myself if i want to get it fixed because my warranty is void due to all the shipping time.

Everytime I watch one of your videos, which is by the way very well done. I always have the tendency to buy them. Just can't seem to stop the watch buying craze now. Some day I really must decide one to keep for the long term. The more I wear them, the more I can't bear to let them go...bought a SARB033, an SKX013 ever since I started watching your videos. Couldn't really afford a Navitimer, so now I need to look for alternatives.

I pretty much immediately ordered the Panda no-date after release. CAN'T WAIT!!!

Didn’t even finish watching the review. Evil Panda on the way. A Speedy is in my future, but too much of a trollop to not have a stable of fun, classy and affordable watches.

Greetings from New Zealand! It’s good to have the tabletop reviews back. Hope the move to Philly is going well.

My Panda arrived yesterday. It’s perfect! The size of the watch is right. All of the detail from movement assembly to case finishing makes it look like a much more expensive watch. You get all you’d want in a vintage watch with modern trouble free parts. This is a winner, and doesn’t disappoint. I was quite pleased with receiving two straps. I thought the black would look the best, but the vintage tan steels the show!

Great review Tristano - just ordered the evil panda thanks to you!

I've a watch from a different time that I've fallen in love with it has a Spitfire on the back and I love it. Thanks for the channel

Just ordered my panda no-date. Did I need another watch. Hell no. Did I want this one? Hell yes. I do want to find a 20mm rally strap for it, one of the straps with the three large holes. I think that would really complete the "racing" look.

Love your review. Hope everyone who read this having a nice day 😁

Dan Henry really nail the design.. But for the price and movement...Parnis also used the same movement but with homage (more like steal) design of Daytona and Bellytanker. Hopefully you can review Parnis because they are weird ha ha

Hey TGV, thought you might find it interesting. I am the 1190th owner to a new Dan Henry 1962 white panda after watching this show. I just got it and love the watch. Thanks!

The Hamilton Intra-Matic would be my preferred racing chrono, but I don't feel comfortable with spending that much. These Dan Henrys are just gorgeous, think I might go for one of them instead. Thanks for introducing me to this brand, TGV!

Completely beautiful... May have to buy one to scratch my itch until I can buy a real Speedy. My only bother is that they're only available in Quartz movement.

RIP Sir Sterling Moss Great photos and intro, as always

I have a 1964 on it’s way to me now, a 1962 in blue may be my next purchase

First time getting the watch after watching your review. Can't wait to receive it. Another quality review!

Thank you so much TGV! I’ve been watching your videos for about a year. I’ve learned so much and really appreciate your hard work and efforts in helping newish watch collectors like myself. My most recent purchase of the Dan Henry 1962 is thanks to you. What a watch for the money!! I’m staggered by the quality. Makes me question why others aren’t as good. Why others cost way more? Thank you TGV! Please don’t stop your terrific videos!

Im in love with my 1964, this looks gorgeous as well.

Thank you for this video. Refreshing to see some good quartz watch content.... as somebody who is into quartz watches. Would love to see more like this. Great job.

I had a chance to drive an AC Cobra in the late 1989’s. The car would get insanely hot from the engine, but it was the fastest thing I ever experienced until the Tesla. I think that is the car displayed in the video.

Stirling Moss - absolute legend. Fantastic intro TGV, and a cracking review 👍🏻

Thank you for the excellent review! Got my Dan Henry 1962 Evil Panda Chronograph (No Date) today. Amazingly sexy yet affordable. It's going to become my new daily watch.

Hello! I was asked by a non-horological friend last year to find him a cheap(ish), good watch for everyday use that he could use for a long time. I said Dan Henry and now he has a 1964 adorning his wrist. So I extend you the thanks that he has. I’m sure he’ll want this new one as well. It looks spectacular! All the best, Tom

I agree that that is an astonishing price. That's a hell of a nice package.

Impressive watch for the money ! Thanks for the presentation

Thanks for the in depth review TGV. I just ordered the Panda with date. It will sit nicely in my Chronograph collection next to the speedy. Keep up the good work

The 1964 will leave a mark on your arm of the Austin. Now I can get the Maserati imprint too.

This is a nice option, enjoying a cup of Tea and while watching your video I took a second and checked on Dan Henry's site and their military chronograph it's quite interesting to me.

Probably the best intro I've seen on this channel

Great close-up look by TGV at a gorgeous watch. These kind of watches have cured me of any desire to buy expensive mechanical chronographs. This is because buying a mech chrono is like giving yourself a big BILL for future servicing of the movement.

Love your table top reviews ahh classic music in the back ground relaxed tone , i sit in my ready room with a glass of rum and just soak it up. The world is right . Thank you.

Awesome review!! Glad to see the tabletop reviews again!!!! Kudos to you Sir!

The fact that this is quartz is what really makes me want this watch, I was thinking about trying to get a Maen Skymaster but the fact that its automatic and nearing a thousand dollars has put me off. I do like Mechanicals but the expensive matenince puts me off.

Loved the "bolt action" reference 👌...just ordered a 1964 yesterday. Thanks for sharing. Excellent video.

Nice that you review it so soon! Thanks Tristano 👍✌

You have put me in quite the quandary, for about 20 years I’ve had one watch, a Rolex turn-o-graph and only recently have been considering adding a sporty watch to my one watch collection. I had almost decided on the Omega speed master racing, which I like better than the moon watch…then I saw your video on affordable chronographs and was taken by the Nirvada, which can be had new for much less than what a speedy would cost, now I see this video of the Dan Henry 1962 which looks very much like both the speedy and the Nirvada but for pocket change compared to what those would cost…now I have no idea which way to go…

Yay, thanks for the at home style review - much appreciated

Really enjoyed this review and information - so much that I went to Dan Henry's site and inquired about a "sold out" military chronograph. In my email, I mentioned this channel. Within 30 minutes - I received an email from Dan (he commented on your fantastic videos) explaining that it was a limited edition. Anyway - I was impressed that he took the time to email a "Watch Junkie" at 5:30 AM - the personal interaction has me considering another model. I really enjoy your channel!!

My ultimate Grail is the Nina Rindt UG and I look forward to catching one of these for time :)

Just stumbled across this video... watch ordered within an hour! Stop doing this to me TGV... I also got my WW2 Omega and Seiko Alpinist because of your videos!