Benyar BY5185 Review — $45 Ultra-Budget Automatic, Fully Aware of Its Compromises

At the extreme low end of the mechanical watch market, expectations need recalibrating. The Benyar BY5185 enters this space unapologetically, carrying a headline price of $45 before tax while offering specifications that, on paper, feel almost implausible. An automatic movement, a date complication, a stainless-steel bracelet, and an exhibition caseback are not features typically associated with this price bracket. And yet, here they are.

This is not a watch that hides what it is. From the outset, the BY5185 positions itself as a value proposition first and foremost. It aims to deliver the mechanical experience—rotor spin, ticking balance, applied indices—at the lowest possible barrier to entry. On the wrist, it immediately feels compact, wearable, and visually coherent, though the materials and finishing quickly remind you where cost savings have been made. Still, for those curious about mechanical watches or simply seeking an inexpensive daily beater, the BY5185 offers more substance than its price would suggest—provided its compromises are understood and accepted. Check out Benyar BY5179 for alternative homage looks.

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Design & Case

The BY5185 uses a classic, restrained case profile that prioritizes wearability over drama. The case measures 39 mm in diameter, 12.3 mm thick, and 47.6 mm lug-to-lug, placing it firmly in the compact-modern category. On a 6.5-inch wrist, the watch sits flat with no overhang, aided by downward-sloping lugs and inverted end links that allow the bracelet to fall straight from the spring bars.

Material choice is where concessions appear. The case itself is polished zinc alloy, not stainless steel. This significantly reduces weight but comes at the expense of long-term durability and crisp finishing. The case flank is tall and slightly convex, giving the watch a rounded, almost plump profile. There is little in the way of nuanced finishing—no brushing transitions or sharp edges—but the full polish helps mask this simplicity.

Contrast is created through pairing the shiny case with a brushed stainless-steel bracelet, which visually separates the two components rather than integrating them. While this transition is noticeable, the reflective case softens the effect. At three o’clock sits a 7 mm push-pull crown, unsigned but easy to grip, completing a case that prioritizes form factor and comfort over material refinement.

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Movement & Crown

Powering the BY5185 is the Seagull ST6 automatic movement, a no-frills caliber that aligns well with the watch’s price positioning. It features 21 jewels, operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, and offers a power reserve of roughly 40 hours. This is a straightforward, entry-level movement designed to be economical rather than refined.

Crown operation is simple and intuitive. The 7 mm push-pull crown pulls to a first position for date adjustment and a second position for time setting. There is no screw-down mechanism, which immediately frames expectations regarding water resistance and overall ruggedness. Engagement is functional and predictable, with no surprises in operation.

Viewed through the mineral crystal exhibition caseback, the ST6 is clearly visible. The rotor features etched branding, adding a small visual flourish. Surrounding text on the caseback claims stainless-steel construction, which is only partially accurate—the bracelet and caseback are steel, but the main case is not. Still, for a watch at this price, the ability to see the movement at work adds genuine value and reinforces the mechanical appeal.

Bezel

The BY5185 does not employ a functional rotating bezel. Instead, it features a fixed, polished bezel that sits flush with the mineral crystal. Its role is purely visual—framing the dial and maintaining a clean, uncomplicated profile.

This simplicity works in the watch’s favor. Without a rotating mechanism to engineer or compromise, the design remains cohesive and uncluttered. The bezel disappears visually, allowing attention to remain on the dial and applied indices beneath the crystal.

Bracelet

Surprisingly, the bracelet is one of the BY5185’s strongest elements. It is constructed from solid stainless-steel links in a traditional three-link design, finished with a vertical brushing that introduces a utilitarian, almost industrial character. For a watch priced at $35, the bracelet avoids many common pitfalls at this level.

Links are secured with push pins rather than screws, as expected, but tolerances are better than anticipated. Articulation is smooth, with minimal lateral play and none of the jangly hollowness often found in ultra-budget bracelets. On the wrist, it feels cohesive and comfortable over extended wear.

The clasp features a double push-button release and is signed, a detail rarely seen at this price. Inside, the clasp uses a pressed folding wing rather than a fully milled construction. While not luxurious, it is functional and preferable to a butterfly clasp for daily use. Overall, the bracelet punches above its weight, contributing significantly to the watch’s wearability.

Crystal & Dial

Covering the dial is a flat mineral crystal that aligns cleanly with the bezel. Beneath it sits a slightly glossy dial, offering subtle sheen without excessive reflectivity. The reviewed example is green, though additional options include black, sky blue, yellow, and red, giving buyers unusual variety at this price point.

The dial layout is clean and balanced. Applied baton indices, polished and edged in chrome, mark the hours, with double batons at 6, 9, and 12 adding gentle emphasis to the cardinal points. A date window at 3 o’clock is neatly cut with rounded corners and no frame, integrating well without disrupting symmetry.

A printed minute track runs around the periphery, while branding remains restrained—Benyar beneath 12, with Automatic and 100 m above six. Lume performance is modest but notable for being dual-color, an unexpected touch at this level. Brightness fades quickly, yet remains serviceable. The dial feels honest, legible, and refreshingly unpretentious.

Summary

The Benyar BY5185 is exactly what it claims to be: a $45 automatic watch delivering mechanical fundamentals with visible compromises. The zinc alloy case, push-pull crown, and modest lume remind you of the cost constraints at play, while the automatic movement, solid bracelet, exhibition caseback, and clean dial exceed expectations for the price.

It is not a watch built for longevity or refinement. Instead, it serves as an accessible gateway into mechanical watch ownership or a carefree daily beater that can be worn without concern. For those willing to accept its limitations, the BY5185 offers remarkable value and a clear sense of purpose—doing just enough, and no more, to justify its place in the ultra-budget under $50 price segment.

Benyar BY5185 Specifications

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