The Best Affordable Vintage Inspired Chronograph Around $200 - Dan Henry 1939 Review

Dan Henry is an extremely interesting brand that has become an increasingly hot topic among watch enthusiasts. Named after a prolific collector, the Dan Henry brand draws inspiration from his own vast and impressive collection. The result is a series of watches based on some of the most iconic timepieces from the 30s, 40s, 60s, and 70s but still with their own style, just enough to set them apart. Today we take a look at the 1939, and as the name suggests, this has elements of some of the most iconic chronographs of that era. With hints of the legendary Longines calibre 13ZN and cues from the Tissot calibre 33.3, along with many more, it is quite possibly the classiest chronograph in its price range. As we all know, these classic watches from the 30s and 40s are notoriously expensive, rare and risky to buy, so what happens if you want the look without the risk? No matter if you are a seasoned watch connoisseur or just getting into watches, this is a serious value proposition to consider. How is this all achieved for such an affordable price, and what are the negatives? Today, we find out!
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[@rickewilde]

Your intros just get better and better.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Rick :D Best regards, TGV

[@innesspendier12]

The Urban Gentry That Dr Dre beat tho ❤️

[@Km0577]

Rick wallace indeed

[@jj-hi7ub]

The Urban Gentry Hey Tristano. Can you tell me which movie is that in the intro, please?(first 2 seconds)

[@Km0577]

JJ same

[@stratonwatchco]

DAMN! That intro :) perfect contrast with the Dr. Dre back track!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Kyle :D Best regards, TGV

[@arnulfovasquez7583]

Without this channel I would not have known the existence of this watch. What a deal!

[@JohnCharlesHallett]

Really enjoyed this review. Dan Henry's watches are great, you can feel his passion through his designs. Funnily enough I chose to wear my 1939 this morning, it gets lots of wrist time. Sometimes I find myself just idly staring at the beautiful dial. I also have a fantastic 1963 and am waiting for my 1970 to arrive. I would add that their customer service is second to none, they offered the perfect solution to two small problems I had. Highly recommended.

[@nilsleucht2494]

Youre Intros are made really great recently. Thanks for all the effort you put in every video. I would be very pleased too see you keeping up this quality. Nils

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Nils, always appreciated. Best regards, TGV

[@root6403]

Thank you mate , i have never heard of Dan Henry until now but i am glad i did thanks to you. Definitely going to get one to add to my modest 4 watches collection.Love your videos and your passion.All the best to you.Greetings from Southampton.Cheers

[@Snorp798]

Love what Dan Henry is doing. Just wish the sizes were smaller. A vintage inspired chronograph such as the ones you showed should be no larger than 38mm IMO.

[@theurbangentry]

That would be wonderful, the only issue then being the million comments saying I wish it was 40mm!! LOL Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@11shore2]

The Urban Gentry the Mercer Lexington and Baltic bi-compax are hand wound column wheel chronographs that are under 40mm. Vintage inspired. Under $600

[@Mhonlumo1]

Wd have got it in a jiffy if not for the size. Its too freaking big.. :D

[@ogbsquared]

He keeps the ratio consistent by having the larger band size than most modern watches would have for the case size. It’s more in the modern taste as most vintage watches are too small for most.

[@mrki412]

Probably you are right, but after wearing few larger watches I can't adopt to anything smaller then 40 and my wrist is 6.9 inch.

[@2GoldensTosa]

Great, thoughtful review. Love your channel when I have the time to sit and view. Keep 'em coming!

[@rmaciel69]

Absolutely stunning watches!!! I just bought a Tissot Everytime, and I love it. Dan Henry are definitely in my line of sight for next piece thanks for this TGV.

[@Yankee3164]

Grazie Tristano! I'd been eyeballing this brand, specifically in love with the silver dial 1939, and here you are reviewing the watch for me!

[@privatedecker2point0]

That’s the last time I wait a day to watch on of your videos! The watches are all sold out again! ;) Cracking good intro as always TGV, you’re doing an increasingly excellent job with them!

[@markusf.7954]

Wow, just started checking out your channel again after a while, due to the current reignition of my watch obsession. I remember enjoying most of your videos back in the day, but i have to say, you really stepped up your game in terms of video quality. Especially that intro is so pleasing to look at. Great great work.

[@andrewd7586]

I just received the 1939 black face DH + the 1970 with the orange chapter ring! Both stunning pieces but I absolutely adore the 1939! What a watch or watches! Great price & fantastic service from Dan Henry! Will hopefully add a few more yet. Great review as always Mr TGV! G’day from Down Under😎👍🏻

[@dnyaneshginde4616]

Hi TGV....i have never been a watch guy until recently. However things are very different now and I am in love with watches so much that I need to always have one on my wrist. Watching your channel has inspired me and taught me a lot about watches. I like how you present your videos and your honesty. Keep going, all the best and I hope we can continue to enjoy your videos for many more years to come. Regards, DG

[@hellbringer42]

What a phenomenal intro! Visuals and the tunes all just fit together so well. Keep it up!

[@bubbab7792]

For the price and look of vintage, you cannot go wrong. Nice presentation TGV. Great intro, you have a gift.

[@cedrichadley2564]

WOW! Tristano, you're the man, man! Keep those intros coming! Really really well done, nice cuts, near perfect synchro with the beat... I'm in awe =) And the review, well, as always: Yours are the best :) -C

[@alfredsfunvideos4270]

TGV...great intro and perfect music selection!!! Keep up the great videos, reviews and all you do for the overall watch community. Hater will be haters but you are humble sir!

[@MrShanebizzle]

Just got the 1937 and LOVE it, so backtracked to this older review. Thanks TGV stay classy as usual and happy new year

[@pstamaria]

Thx dude. That Black Dan Henry is really to die for! Brilliant review dude.....

[@salyon28]

Thanks for the review on this one! I came across these just the other week and have been giving myself some time to make sure I wanted to pick one up. You convinced me haha. I have a couple vintage pieces but nothing as fragile or complicated as a bi-compax chronograph. This will fill the need I think.

[@irulemuch]

I have the 1939 black chronograph and I love it, it's the closest to the Tissot Janeiro I'll be able to afford, and it looks amazing on the wrist. By the way your intros are amazing

[@HarveyMushman]

Same here! I love the Tissot Janeiro, but this little Dan Henry makes up for it. Glad to see someone with the same inspiration for the 1939.

[@terryholt9581]

Got my first watch cause of you. Listening to you talk about watches peaked my interest. Had been in the market for something classy to wear for work. Got the orient esteem open heart dress watch. Love watching those moving parts.

[@niallmurray9725]

Excellent review, the intro was also one of my favourites to date! I noticed these pop up on the UGWC page a few months ago and was drawn to the black version, I immediately looked them up on the internet, but was put off buying one because I was weary of the quality, but after watching this would buy one now in a heartbeat. Mucho respect the brand, a gorgeous watch, at a good price point with a touch of class, look forward to see what else they bring out 👍

[@tw2210]

Great intro. Great video. It's all great - as always! The black dial looks nice.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Tim :D Best regards, TGV

[@nac24444]

Thanks for another great review I was not aware of this brand until now and just purchased the black one ! Keep up the great work TGV !!

[@1megaelements]

Quickly becoming one of my favorite channels.

[@erikslettmyr7236]

That intro, my god, marvellous!!! Just marvellous!!!

[@lucaportelli2528]

well done as always! just bought my first vintage its a favre leuba from the early 70's chuffed to bits

[@fleetmanager3988]

Best intro so far, was a great review. Beautiful watches.

[@gregpidgeon1167]

I'll check these out. Your production and intro is superb. The best in the horological world.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Greg, very kind of you to say and I am deeply honored. Best regards, TGV

[@williamtawiah7971]

I just have to give credit where credit is needed this channel has over 1,000 subscribers yet he takes his time to read the comment and find the ones that he likes that's real hard work and dedication

[@mikepgh09]

Midnight here, light snow outside and sipping a nice bourbon enjoying your excellent reviews. Dan Henry is my new favorite micro brand. I must have the entire collection! Believe I'll be starting with the 1962 Panda followed by a black 1939.

[@molnie1]

Hi there Tristano! Got to tell you: Your intros are getting so, soooo awesome! I imagine you hosting a watch talk show after seeing this!!! Well done man! And also, that Dan Henry 1939 ... i think i'm gonna pull the trigger on it :) Best regards, João

[@abdelmercifulgaming7890]

amazing intro hahaha 👍🏻 love you man

[@AY-xu8oy]

Thoroughly enjoyed your review! A very interesting choice!

[@Crisnav83]

Love the intro. Pure class as always.

[@Darko8997]

Hi TGV! I’m so glad that you and the channel are doing so well. Congratulations on your collaboration with Squale. What is your long term goal with the Urban Gentry channel? I mean you have already achieved so much. Best regards, Darko

[@theurbangentry]

Haha, thank you Darko. This is merely the beginning so much more to come. Stay tuned my friend, too much to even go into! But thank you for supporting me for so long. Best regards, TGV

[@MrJohnnnnnnyyyyyy]

Darko8997 b

[@DrakeNmedia]

Wow, blown away by that intro. Great video as always TGV. Trying to resist the black 1963

[@tisape890]

Love your intros man! You have a knack for film making. I can see your talent clearly.

[@edwardfarrell4158]

Love these watches been trying to find a chronograph around this price great video

[@williamtawiah7971]

The intros on the videos are just stunning I know that hard work and dedication goes into these videos with regards to the urban Gentry

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you so much William. Deeply appreciated, onwards and upwards! Best regards, TGV

[@TisNotReallyMe]

Long time lurker new subscriber! Loved the intro, not as drawn out as some of the others. Great camera work, lighting and commentary (as we have come accustomed to!).

[@barrymcauley2591]

Best intro yet dude! Slickness personified

[@pltorok0515]

Historicity, word of the day. I’m going to fit this into conversation tomorrow some how, some way. Beautiful watches btw! Always a pleasure watching your reviews!

[@isabellacammalleri8489]

Great video Tristano . A great watch for a great price ! I would love to see a tour of your study back in England . I hope to see interesting things coming but I'm very sure that you will make intersting content in the next time .Greetings from Germany . Best regards Alex

[@eliassalmi3930]

Found your channel about 3 weeks ago and i love it! Also i just bought my first watch the seiko skx.

[@cathb4114]

Quite lovely everyday no nonsense chronographs and a very educated,persuasive review. Bravo & grazie di tutto.

[@RolexDSSD]

Another great vid!!! 👍🏽

[@liamo4]

Damn! Doing intros like that you should be in demand by all sorts of advertisers.

[@xivix6710]

The intro of the videos you make are art !

[@Mvan559]

Welp time to give in and order one :) Fantastic intro TGV as always! Hope your having a great day.

[@danieliiiiii]

I love your channel man, keep up the great work 👍

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you so much Daniel :D Best regards, TGV

[@RipCity_Tdub]

That's my favorite intro thus far! Historicity??? Is that a real thing? Great job TGV.

[@robertjschroff6307]

Great intro as always! Excellent review about great watches. I really enjoy the language and your pronunciation. Thanks :) - Robert

[@alexfogg236]

Excellent use of Fritz Langs 1927 film metropolis in the introduction.

[@rickmarsh571]

Quite an impressive little Watch! Thank you,TGV One thing you mentioned that I think is important is the difficulty keeping very old watches running !

[@felice0809]

Excellent review, I saw their products online and liked what I saw. I was just a little skeptical with the quality. Definitely going to think about this brand for a nice dress watch. Keep up the good work, it’s great to see you doing your thing and bringing us awesome content.

[@zoxomonocovo]

I keep coming back to this vid just to see the intro. Pure class and elegance manifested as auditory and visual components that is just so perfect to watch! (no pun intended)

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you so much, very kind of you to say and deeply appreciated. Best regards, TGV

[@joshtsau]

Very cool review TGV! My only gripe is that they didn't keep the vintage scale. Lot's of companies are going after this vintage and retro look: Baselworld 2017 proved that, but they haven't embraced the vintage size just yet.

[@luisalejandro1757]

I'm going to the Worn and Wound watch Fair here in NYC, Dan Henry will be there. If I like what is see in person I might buy the 40mm Super compressor and the black dial chrono ..really looking forward to this event. Once again, great presentation and review . Thank you sir.

[@edotedy]

Just acquired the 1970 40 mm thanks to you. I am in loveee, the different finishes is a shocker at this price point. Now I must resist hoarding their other stuff

[@rbeneveds]

The intro!!! Couple of very nice watches for that price! Nice attention to detail!

[@Masonkoko10]

Nailed it with the intro TGV!!! NICE watches!!!

[@Numb3r_47]

Beautiful watches. A really nice idea and, like you say, a good alternative if you want a vintage piece without the risk and expense. Another great video, thank you TGV!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Michael, so glad you enjoyed it. Best regards, TGV

[@monkeyman8265]

Intro was a work of art!

[@belsarerc]

Sire! What a great review!!! U have impressed me again!! Good Luck!!!

[@ihatethisusername11]

Just the intro got me excited for the watch review!

[@TehTuqez]

My friend, it keeps getting better and better. Keep it up!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you sir! :D Best regards, TGV

[@lonesometrader4243]

Just ordered this limited edition bad ass watch. Awesome intro. Damn you man. Got the black one. Looks stunning.

[@Ben-vf8jv]

That intro is so awesome lmao

[@SuperDragone666]

Got one of these coming next moth. Cannot wait. I went with the white one, rather smart looking I thought. Great vid as always TGV

[@A-Wall]

I just got a 1963 a couple of weeks ago, love it! Great review!

[@theurbangentry]

So glad to hear, that is a great watch, enjoy! Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@bestlift]

What an awesome intro this time! Very cool!

[@Cysubtor_8vb]

Nice! I randomly heard of Dan Henry a little while ago, but was definitively looking for a mechanical watch at that moment and managed to forget about them. Something in the style of their 1963 Pilot Chronograph have been on my radar lately and DH goes for half the price of the Straton mecha-quartz I had been putting off.

[@michaelkeaton32]

That intro!! Loved it!

[@timschubardt]

Great video. I really like the look of those Chronographs.:)

[@FFFFelix]

oh sh1t! You smacked it out the park with that intro! 💥

[@bernardocourrege6283]

Loved that intro! Very cool!

[@macthompson1624]

that intro was amazing...

[@frederikdamsgaard8163]

Great video from start to finish

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Frederik, Best regards, TGV

[@LogicKidroy]

Your taste in music is truly amazing.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you sir! :D Best regards, TGV

[@gcmsalazar]

I'm so bummed they don't ship to my country. That is one dope watch. I will own you one day. Awesome review as always!

[@marcusawyong2531]

Loving your intros more and more with each new video. Great blend of stylistic shots and music! Dan Henry is definitely an interesting up-and-coming brand, although their spate of QC issues (have heard about them from other sources) is something they need to look into. Cheers to more great content from the channel TGV! :)

[@gultekinuludag902]

What an awesome intro Boss ! :D

[@antonioglendinning4414]

Great review! I really like the black dial 1939 and I'm considering buying one. I'm wondering if you could maybe also review an Undone watch as they seem to be a competitor to Dan Henry? Even a head to head between the two would be interesting. Thanks for another great video!

[@belafonte5519]

Beast mode intro mate

[@brucellinus]

I bought the black enamel dial version back in April. It is a gorgeous, refined, impeccably finished piece, irrespective of the modest price point. As an homage watch, blown up to the popular size of the moment, it is nicely proportioned -- without being trite or cutesy. The enameled dial is deep and rich. I love the double-domed crystal and the way the ARC has that violet-blue cast that reminds me of an SLR camera lens. The case and dial finishing on my piece seems flawless. I have seen more blemishes now on my Seiko and Orient automatics. The Seiko quartz movement has been super accurate (no surprise there) and the seconds hand registration is perfect. I can't tell you how many compliments I have received on this watch over the last nearly six months. As someone who has very limited resources to splurge on watches, this timepiece is a revelation. This brand reminds me of another brand that I think is doing fantastic things to a price point; AVI-8. If you love the Art Deco/Art Moderne period in design, you will love this watch. I can look out my window and see the Empire State and Chrysler Buidlings, and enjoy my watch. I can look at the telemetre scale and feel like Humphrey Bogart as the coastal artillery officer in "Across the Pacific". Now all I need is a Raymond Loewy designed toaster, a Lalique designed radiator cap, and a Chrysler Airflow! P.S. Really thinking about the 1970 Compressor with the Seiko automatic calibre. Might be a little Derek Flint-ish? I wonder if I can set it to awaken me from self-induced suspended animation?

[@Claus-L.Mueller]

Hi TGV! A cinematically intro! 👍 Best regards, Claus

[@cinemafia]

Wow, the black dial one is just gorgeous! And I really, really do not need any more black dials...but I know these are going to be sold out by the end of the day now that you've posted this lol

[@oskareriksson3835]

You just HAD to upload this when I've just ordered a new Seiko, didn't you? -.O

[@theurbangentry]

LOL, sorry, enjoy the Seiko! Thank you Oskar, Best regards, TGV

[@oskareriksson3835]

No worries, thanks and keep up the great job! //Oskar

[@bbehzadi413]

Awesome video love the black dial version. Another watch company you might want to consider looking into is Robert Loomes handmade watch all done in the U.K.

[@brianmason744]

I'm wearing my timex automatic 1976 too! They are awesome to have and appreciate...big ups Gentry!

[@l__346]

Hi TGV, are the artpacks still available somewhere? If not, would you sharing them again somewhere?

[@patrickkelly5590]

I have the Dan Henry 1963 and love it. I wish it were an automatic, but you can't beat it for the price. I've been on the fence about the black dial 1939, but I think you've just pushed me over the edge.

[@whispanic]

That introduction is perfection.

[@MrFabiomassid]

They are absolutely stunning! They definitely bring the charm of the period to life

[@DavidMoore-lz4bh]

Thanks for the review, just ordered one in black and a 40mm 1970 in Orange

[@HamAround23]

Thanks for the video now I have to make a decision between a skx007 or the dh 1939. Love the channel

[@yinzburgher]

The past few days I've mostly been wearing my new compressor style Dan Henry 1970 40mm shown at 1:46. It's a young company but so far they are doing all the right things. I've read on WUS that more NH35-based automatics will be coming in the next few years. I hope this is true. I think Dan has a great eye for design and seems to make quality control and customer service a big priority.