If you had to buy a mass market recliner (reading chair) for under $500 (at gunpoint)  

Barcelona chair?
Ekornes...
Barcelona chair?
Ekornes Stressless?
Le Corbusier?
Womb chair?

your shopping list
Barcelona chair - $5068.00
Ekornes Stressless - $1,695.00
Le Corbusier - $3,375.00
Womb chair - $3,414.00

A used Ekorness Stressless...
A used Ekorness Stressless may be a good call here.
It seems like there are many used ones for $200 to $500.
It also looks like a comfortable recliner.

...
Why are there people like Frank?

At gunpoint? I would take a...
At gunpoint? I would take a bullet.

Ekornes Stressless is
my choice. Well made and leather, unlike most vintage plycraft. I have both in my studio/office and don't mind if they get messed with paint, etc.
The Ekornes is very comfortable but the arms are a bit low. (I raised mine).
Easily under500 in minty vintage condition. Plycraft has the worst swivel hardware.
I'd like to junk it but it was from family.

Response to Mortimer Adler:
If you need an uncomfortable chair in order not to fall asleep whe reading, you need a different book

Why in bulk?
Just asking.