Battery-powered watches were the standard bearers for timepiece technology for a long time, but that’s changing. As watches become more about fashion than about time keeping, automatic watches have become a popular choice for people from all walks of life.
More reliable and more vintage in their design, they’re as much conversation pieces as they are a way to track the time of day, and there are countless options if you’re looking to pick up an automatic watch. Of course that means that there’s an incredibly broad range in terms of quality. Whether you’re seeking out something to wear in the office or around the house, we can help you find the best automatic watches available today.
- The Best Automatic Watches
- Orient Men’s ‘Ray II’ Automatic Watch
- Victorinox Airboss Mach 9 Analog Display
- Invicta Men’s 8928OB Pro Diver Automatic Watch
- Hamilton Unisex Khaki King
- Seiko Men’s Prospex Automatic Diver Watch
- Orient 2nd Gen Bambino Version 2 Automatic Men’s Watch
- Tag Heuer Formula 1 Automatic Mens Watch
- Bulova Aerojet 97A136 Automatic Watch
- Stuhrling Original Luxury Dress Skeleton Watch
- Seiko Men’s SNK809 Seiko 5 Automatic
- Citizen OCTAVIA Men’s Automatic Watch
- Fossil ME3098 Automatic Self Wind Watch
- Bulova 98A179 Automatic Watch
- Fossil Men’s ME3110 Townsman Watch
- Citizen NB1031-53L Grand Touring Watch
- Seiko Alpinist SARB017 Japanese-Automatic Watch
- Citizen Atomic Timekeeping Watch
- Seiko SNKM97 Analog Green Dial Automatic Watch
- Timex Men’s Metropolitan 40mm Watch
- Tissot Powermatic 80 Men’s Watch
- Best Automatic Watches Buyer’s Guide
- Get to Know the Manufacturers
- What is a Diving Watch?
- What is a Field Watch?
- Final Thoughts
The Best Automatic Watches
| Award | Design | Retailer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Great Starter for New Collectors |  | Check Price | |
| Impressive Design with a Huge Range of Features |  | Check Price | |
| A Worthy Rival to Rolex at a Huge Discount |  | Check Price | |
| Elegance Designed from the Battlefields of WWII |  | Check Price | |
| Astounding Fundamentals with Some Serious Diving Capabilities |  | Check Price | |
| A Level of Craftmanship that Goes Above and Beyond |  | Check Price | |
| A Prime Example of Tag Heuer’s High-Quality Luxury Design |  | Check Price | |
| Sleek and Stylish Quasi-Skeleton Design |  | Check Price | |
| Enticing Skeleton Design Shows Off Quality Craftsmanship |  | Check Price | |
| One of the Most Consistently Popular Choices Worldwide |  | Check Price | |
| A Real Luxury Watch Through and Through |  | Check Price | |
| An Art Deco Style with Skeleton Features |  | Check Price | |
| Unique Tank Design that Can Take a Beating |  | Check Price | |
| A Journey to the Past for a Bargain |  | Check Price | |
| Beautifully Classic and Luxury Citizen Design |  | Check Price | |
| One of the Best Options for the Great Outdoors |  | Check Price | |
| Razor-Sharp Aesthetics, Solar-Powered Technology and Pinpoint Atomic Accuracy |  | Check Price | |
| Retro-Futuristic Design with Some Slick Features |  | Check Price | |
| Mysteriously Sleek and Uncluttered Design |  | Check Price | |
| A Power Reserve that Blows the Competition Out of the Water |  | Check Price |
Orient Men’s ‘Ray II’ Automatic Watch
A Great Starter for New Collectors
If you’re looking for an automatic diving watch that doesn’t cling to the identity of Rolex’s popular standard, then Orient’s Ray II may be the right choice for you. It’s long been recommended as one of the best starting watches for new collectors due to its affordable price and its reliability, but that makes it an equally sensible option if you’re just looking for a single watch that will last you for years. The midnight blue face is a bold choice further accentuated by the distinct and prominent time markers, and both its date and day windows fit comfortably on its surface. The unidirectional and scalloped bezel rocks a luminescent pip to improve readability underwater, and that’s further complemented by the high-quality lume on the hands and dials. A stop-seconds feature lets you achieve accuracy more easily, and the sturdy bezel comes with a cycle of 120 clear and distinguishable clicks.
| Movement | Japanese Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Case Size | 41mm |
Pros
- A great diving watch with a design distinct from the Rolex Submariner
- Unidirectional bezel is secure and has great tactile feedback
- Comes with hand-winding capabilities, a recent addition for Orient
- All movements are manufactured in-house
Cons
Victorinox Airboss Mach 9 Analog Display
Impressive Design with a Huge Range of Features
Among the community of timepiece collectors, Swiss automatic watches occupy a special place. The Victorinox Airboss Mach 9 may occupy the position of the most expensive watch on our list (by a long shot), but it carries the prestige of a manufacturer internationally renowned for the precision of its craftsmanship. It sports both an impressive design and a significant range of features that put it head and shoulders above the competition. The size makes it a great choice for everyday wear, and it’s equally suitable for the trail as it is for the office. The Swiss automatic movement is incredibly precise, and it’s accompanied by three chronograph faces to provide you with accurate parallel timekeeping. Twelve-hour, thirty-minute, and sixty-second functions are all built-in. The stainless steel case and anti-reflective sapphire crystal covering ensure that you won’t have to worry about this watch breaking anytime soon.
| Movement | Swiss Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel, Leather |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Case Size | 45mm |
Pros
- Three easy-to-use and highly functional chronographs built-in
- Sports a non-cluttered design despite the presence of additional dials
- Comes with an accurate date window
- Incredibly durable design is also anti-reflective and scratch-resistant
Cons
Invicta Men’s 8928OB Pro Diver Automatic Watch
A Worthy Rival to Rolex at a Huge Discount
If you’re looking for a dive watch, an automatic watch is a practical necessity for the sake of your safety. The reliability of an automatic watch ensures that you’ll always know when you’ve been underwater too long. The Rolex Submariner is the gold standard for diving watches, but the Invicta takes both its aesthetic sensibilities and its notable features and offers them for less than a hundred dollars. This is a classy watch that will look just as good in the boardroom as it will under the sea. The scalloped edge bezel is of the same stock as the Submariner, providing you with accurate timekeeping for diving expeditions. Also similar in design are the unidirectional rotating bezel and the screw-down crown which greatly minimize the risk of mistakes in high-pressure diving environments. This would be one of the best cheap automatic watches you’ll find even without the high-quality diving features.
| Movement | Swiss Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Case Size | 40mm |
Pros
- Replicates the form and function of the Rolex Submariner at a fraction of the cost
- Modest size makes it a comfortable fit for most men’s wrists
- Illuminated face works well even underwater
Cons
Hamilton Unisex Khaki King
Elegance Designed from the Battlefields of WWII
Hamilton’s Khaki King is an automatic field watch that can serve double duty as a casual or professional watch. Inspired by Hamilton’s line of watches built for soldiers in World War II, the Khaki boasts clear and easy-to-read numbering and a design that manages to be elegant without becoming ostentatious. The day and date window on the top of the face occupies the twelve o’clock spot without crowding out unnecessary information, and it’s housed behind durable sapphire mineral glass for an added layer of protection. The luminescence isn’t of the top-shelf variety you’d find in luxury diving watches, but it should get the job done in most nighttime conditions. Then there’s the comfortable, rugged, and stylish band and the stainless steel housing. It’s a simple watch that manages to get the basics right and should serve a versatile purpose in anyone’s timepiece collection.
| Movement | Swiss Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel, Leather |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Case Size | 40mm |
Pros
- Sturdy band with great, meticulous stitching
- Face protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire glass surface
- Bold and prominent day/date window sets it apart from other field watches
- Tracks both twelve-hour and twenty-four-hour time
Cons
Seiko Men’s Prospex Automatic Diver Watch
Astounding Fundamentals with Some Serious Diving Capabilities
A lot of companies market their own diving watches, but no companies get the fundamentals right as consistently as Seiko. This Prospex model diving watch offers water resistance capable of meeting the needs of even the most adventurous divers, and the unidirectional bezel is reliable and strong, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally losing track of time. The inclusion of Lumibrite markers and hands is another bonus, ensuring that you’ll be able to read the time no matter how deep the waters. Combine this with the smart industrial design and you’re left with a versatile watch that’s not just for underwater use.
| Movement | Swiss Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Case Size | 43.8mm |
Pros
- Luminescent hands and markers are very bright
- Date window at the 3 o’clock marker
- Incredibly accurate Seiko movement
- Highly functional bezel perfect for diving
Cons
Orient 2nd Gen Bambino Version 2 Automatic Men’s Watch
A Level of Craftmanship that Goes Above and Beyond
Like all of Seiko’s subsidiaries, all of the components of Orient watches and their movements are made in-house, and that means that you’ll get a level of craftsmanship that goes above and beyond with this $100 automatic watch. The Bambino is regularly regarded as one of the most popular dress watches around, and the second generation version brings with it an updated and more reliable movement from earlier models as well as a thin profile that makes it a great choice for both men and women. It may be fairly conventional in its design, but that’s part of its charm.
| Movement | Japanese Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel, Leather |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Case Size | 40.5mm |
Pros
- Available in five different styles
- Movements and parts made in-house
- An automatic watch that offers hacking and hand-winding
- Offers a date window at the three o’clock marker
Cons
Tag Heuer Formula 1 Automatic Mens Watch
A Prime Example of Tag Heuer’s High-Quality Luxury Design
Tag Hauer’s Formula 1 watch may be expensive, but that’s to be expected given that it’s created by one of the most popular and respected luxury watch brands in the world. This pure stainless steel automatic watch relies on an extremely high-quality quartz movement, but its real selling point is its luxurious but understated style. The black, white, and silver design really pops without being ostentatious, and the gray face has a nice gradated gunmetal sheen that looks great under any light. This is a watch that will stand out at a party or board meeting without having to shout for attention.
| Movement | Swiss Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Case Size | 42mm |
Pros
- Rotating stainless steel bezel treated with a ceramic ring
- Luminescent hands and markers are easy to read in the dark
- Date display window at the 3 o’clock marker
- Offers a 38-hour power reserve
Cons
Bulova Aerojet 97A136 Automatic Watch
Sleek and Stylish Quasi-Skeleton Design
Bulova’s chic and stylish Aerojet may not be a skeleton watch, but it does offer insights into its automatic movements via an aperture window just above the six o’clock indicator and an exhibition case back. It’s a smart choice that gives you a glimpse inside without disturbing the elegant design of the main face in any meaningful way. There’s a simplicity to the elegance here, with an absence of any numbers whatsoever and slimmed-down hands that create a refined aesthetic. In an interesting design choice, the crown is actually placed at the two o’clock position, which should minimize the threat of the crown cutting into your wrist when worn regularly. It may be largely bereft of features, but it’s a very nice-looking and accurate watch that’s unstated enough to work with a variety of dress outfits.
| Movement | Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel, Leather |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Case Size | 41mm |
Pros
- An incredibly elegant design complemented by the understated Bulova logo
- Quasi-skeleton features via the exhibition case back and small aperture window
- Offers a power reserve of 40 hours
- Utilizes self-winding movement
Cons
Stuhrling Original Luxury Dress Skeleton Watch
Enticing Skeleton Design Shows Off Quality Craftsmanship
Few timepieces look as cool as a skeleton watch. After all, if you’re going to invest in the quality craftsmanship that comes from an automatic watch, why not show it off? Stuhrling’s entry into the skeleton watch market doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles you’d find with a diving watch or a Swiss watch, but it’s an absolutely stunning piece of work. And there are a few neat features available despite the guts of the watch sitting front and center. A separate dial allows you to track the hours in a different time zone, a great convenience for international business people. The top dial, meanwhile, makes use of a beautiful display that accurately shifts through the night and day cycle. The luxury design apparent on the face extends to the strap as well. It’s made of embossed alligator leather and secured with a stainless steel buckle.
| Movement | Swiss Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel, Leather |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Case Size | 47mm |
Pros
- A truly gorgeous take on the skeleton watch
- Dual time functionality lets you track multiple time zones
- Supported by a comprehensive two-year warranty from the manufacturer
- Rotating AM/PM indicator is beautiful to look at
Cons
Seiko Men’s SNK809 Seiko 5 Automatic
One of the Most Consistently Popular Choices Worldwide
Seiko automatic watches are some of the most popular options around, and the Seiko 5 SNK809 has consistently been one of the most popular wristwatches in the world for years. It doesn’t sport an expansive list of features or a design that will awe your friends and family, but it’s a reliable choice that’s available for an eminently reasonable price. As far as automatic watches under $200 are concerned, this may be the best around. It sports all the standard features you’d want from an all-around wristwatch: water resistance, a day and date window, and a precise automatic mechanism. And the design here is top-notch. The face itself is understated but easy to read, and the crown occupies the 4 o’clock position to prevent it from chafing your wrist. The case is stainless steel and the dial window is constructed from Seiko’s Hardlex mineral glass for the sake of durability.
| Movement | Japanese Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel, Canvas |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Case Size | 37mm |
Pros
- A simple and classic design that has weathered the test of time
- Durable in terms of both the casing and the glass
- Luminous hands are easy to read in the dark
- Comes with an exhibition case back so you can examine the inner workings
Cons
Citizen OCTAVIA Men’s Automatic Watch
A Real Luxury Watch Through and Through
Citizen’s Octavia watch, a member of its popular Signature series, is in many ways a stark counterpoint to Seiko’s perennial timepiece. Despite comfortably occupying a position among the best automatic watches under 1000 dollars, it’s still significantly higher in price than the Seiko 5. But that’s because this is a luxury watch through and through. The bold numbering and face design is striking, and that’s doubly true for the small window that gives you an insight into the inner workings. It would be insincere to call it a skeleton watch, but the ability to glimpse at the gears is a nice aesthetic touch. But the real feature that separates this from other automatic watches for men is its Eco-Drive technology. This allows it to be powered by solar energy and maintain a higher level of accuracy in timekeeping. Its power reserve lasts for a respectable 42 hours of disuse.
| Movement | Japanese Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Case Size | 44mm |
Pros
- Powered by Citizen’s trademark Eco-Drive solar technology
- Water resistance makes it suitable for swimming or snorkeling
- An elegant design suitable for professional environments
- Protected by sturdy anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Cons
Fossil ME3098 Automatic Self Wind Watch
An Art Deco Style with Skeleton Features
There are few if any watches that look quite like the Fossil ME3098. It takes the slight art deco sensibilities of the Townsman and kicks them into overdrive with pronounced Roman numerals and stark black markers that evoke the sense of a 1920s clock tower along with an open skeleton window offering a look into almost the entire guts of the timepiece. If you’re looking for an even more detailed glimpse of the watch’s insides, the open back offers just that. All of it is cast in an opulent two-tone style that blends together pink and maroon into a distinctive design.
| Movement | Swiss Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel, Leather |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Case Size | 44mm |
Pros
- Crystal mineral glass is scratch-resistant
- Slim and lightweight design
- Sturdy and attractive leather band
- Skeleton windows on the front and back
Cons
Bulova 98A179 Automatic Watch
Unique Tank Design that Can Take a Beating
Bulova offers some of the best automatic watches around, and while the 98A179 certainly sports a great quality build, what really sets it apart from the competition is its unique design. The watch case is built like a tank, while the entirety of the face makes use of a skeleton display that lets you see all of its inner workings clearly and distinctly. The gunmetal finish lends the entire watch an industrial design that’s well suited to the exhibitionist aesthetic, but the rugged look is more than just a stylistic choice. The sapphire glass and stainless steel that went into its construction can really take a beating.
| Movement | Swiss Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Case Size | 46mm |
Pros
- Skeleton design lets you see all the inner workings
- Protected by incredibly durable sapphire glass
- Employs a respectable 40-hour power reserve
- Incorporates 21 jewels into its automatic movement
Cons
Fossil Men’s ME3110 Townsman Watch
A Journey to the Past for a Bargain
Fossil is going all-in with its classic design on this model. The two subdial chronographs are supplemented by a separate skeleton dial that gives you a glimpse of the watch’s inner workings, but the inclusion of these dials doesn’t crowd out the general beauty of the watch itself. The counterpoint of blue and gold is gorgeous, and there’s a sense of art deco design in the bold, golden Roman numerals that represent the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock indicators. Combined with the smart leather strap, this is a watch that offers a journey back to the past for less than $100
| Movement | Swiss Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel, Leather |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Case Size | 44mm |
Pros
- Offers a power reserve of 36 hours when fully wound
- Includes two subdial chronographs and skeleton dial
- Supports a date calendar
- Backed by a full two-year warranty
Cons
Citizen NB1031-53L Grand Touring Watch
Beautifully Classic and Luxury Citizen Design
If you’re looking for a great all-around sports watch and aren’t afraid to put down some money for it, you’re going to love this Citizen Grand Touring model. The blue, white, and silver design is classic Citizen, but there’s an extra layer of complexity created by the textured blue and white bezel that rings around the edge. Fortunately, it’s as functional as it is good-looking. It makes use of Citizen’s meticulously crafted automatic movement, and the sap crystal coating on the face makes for a resilient watch that can also reduce the risk of glare when you’re out in the sun.
| Movement | Swiss Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
| Case Size | 44mm |
Pros
- Relies on Citizen’s top-shelf automatic movement
- Date window visible at the 3 o’clock marker
- Chunky hands are easy to read even in low light
- Sap crystal is protective and anti-reflective
Cons
Seiko Alpinist SARB017 Japanese-Automatic Watch
One of the Best Options for the Great Outdoors
The Alpinist may not be the cheapest watch on our list, but if you’re looking for a watch suitable for the great outdoors, there are few better options on the market. The power reserve of 50 hours significantly beats the industry standard, and both manual and automatic winding options are supported. In a surprising twist, two separate crowns are built-in: one at three o’clock and the other at four o’clock. The lower one controls the rotating compass ring, while the upper one allows you to adjust the time and the date window. The polished, stainless steel frame is surprisingly resistant to scratches, and the face is covered by sturdy sapphire crystal that’s smartly raised just above the surface of the bezel itself. The surface of the face reflects light well, allowing you to read the time at a glance even in conditions of bright sunlight.
| Movement | Japanese Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel, Leather |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Case Size | 39.5mm |
Pros
- Compass ring simplifies the process of orienteering yourself while camping or hiking
- Incredibly generous fifty-hour power reserve
- Accurate to +/- 4 seconds per day
- The dual crown structure is a really smart design choice
Cons
Citizen Atomic Timekeeping Watch
Razor-Sharp Aesthetics, Solar-Powered Technology and Pinpoint Atomic Accuracy
Just because this Citizen model is an atomic watch doesn’t mean you need to worry about it leaking radiation. Instead, it uses a low-frequency radio frequency to sync up with the atomic clock in Colorado every evening. The result is a classical automatic watch that offers more accurate timekeeping than even the most well-made automatic movements can accomplish on their own. That also allows it to sync your watch up automatically to whatever time zone you’re in. It also makes use of Citizen’s trademark Eco-Drive technology to power your watch using any reasonable natural or synthetic light source.
| Movement | Japanese Quartz |
| Materials | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Case Size | 42mm |
Pros
- Accurate to +/- 1 second every 100,000 years
- Solar technology means you never need to replace the battery
- Powerful luminescent hands let you read the watch even in the dark
- Offers day, date, and time zone chronographs
Cons
Seiko SNKM97 Analog Green Dial Automatic Watch
Retro-Futuristic Design with Some Slick Features
Significantly cheaper and significantly more distinct than the Formula 1 is Seiko’s green dial watch. The squared-off green minute markers and gold-colored five-minute markers evoke a look that’s vaguely retro-futuristic, and that’s an aesthetic that’s only further bolstered by the squared-off Arabic numbering. It’s a smart and unique look that ventures to more experimental places than Seiko is normally known for. But the general design is classy, making it an appropriate choice for the office or casual use. A month and date window at the 3 o’clock position makes sure that you always know what day it is.
| Movement | Swiss Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Case Size | 43.5mm |
Pros
- Offers a power reserve of roughly 41 hours
- Protected by scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal
- Promises 21,600 vibrations per hour
- Includes an accurate month and date window
Cons
Timex Men’s Metropolitan 40mm Watch
Mysteriously Sleek and Uncluttered Design
A stylish watch doesn’t have to cost you hundreds of dollars. The sleek design of this Timex men’s watch leans into the black aesthetic, sporting a mesh face with a matte black bezel and silver markers and arms that break the otherwise smooth all-black finish. The Arabic numerals are stripped down to simple markers at all but the 6 o’clock and 12 o’clock positions to produce a watch otherwise unencumbered by any clutter whatsoever. But if you’re looking for variants, four other options are also available, each incorporating the same basic design with a slick and sleek two-tone aesthetic that minimalists will love.
| Movement | Japanese Automatic |
| Materials | Brass, Leather |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Case Size | 40mm |
Pros
- A simple design executed brilliantly
- Affordable but backed by a quality movement
- Ultra-thin case is lightweight and comfortable
- Face covered by scratch-proof mineral glass
Cons
Tissot Powermatic 80 Men’s Watch
A Power Reserve that Blows the Competition Out of the Water
The “80” in the name of the Powermatic 80 is its main point of pride and its most prominent point of distinction from other watches in its class. It denotes that the Powermatic sports an 80-hour power reserve – a distinction that none of the other watches on our list come close to matching. Tissot is known for packing some great quality and features into watches with modest price tags, but that power reserve goes well beyond what one could reasonably expect. The design is clearly intended to allow this timepiece to serve as your formal office watch. The white face with its muted netting pattern is subdued but appealing, as are the elegant Roman numerals that constitute its hour markers. The glass type is made from scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for increased durability.
| Movement | Swiss Automatic |
| Materials | Stainless Steel, Leather |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Case Size | 39mm |
Pros
- Offers a power reserve that goes well beyond the standards of its price point
- Elegant design makes it a great accompaniment for any formal situation
- Protected by high-quality sapphire crystal glass
- Movements crafted with precise Swiss engineering
Cons
Best Automatic Watches Buyer’s Guide
Get to Know the Manufacturers
A good watch tells a story, and that extends to the heritage of the watch as well as its design. While our list wasn’t large enough to highlight the entire diversity of manufacturers producing automatic watches, we’ve covered many of the most important luminaries. Here’s what you need to know about each of them.
Bulova
First founded in New York in 1875, Bulova is now a subsidiary of industry titan Citizen. But they maintain a unique identity – particularly due to the unique movements they designed in the 1950s. The precision of these watches actually caused American intelligence services to suggest they delay the release of their new movements, and they’re known even today for offering incredibly accurate timekeeping at affordable prices.
Citizen
Japanese company Citizen is one of the biggest manufacturers in the business, and they’re particularly well known for a couple of important innovations. They’re actually the owner of the Miyota movement technology which is prevalent in most automatic fashion watches, and their Eco-Drive technology allows their watch movements to be powered by both solar and artificial light.
Hamilton
Hamilton watches don’t carry a luxury price tag, but they do sport exceptional materials. In lieu of researching cutting-edge innovations or inventing their own movements, they earn their reputation through their build quality and the quality of their materials.
Invicta
Invicta watches sport Swiss engineering and have a legacy dating back to 1837. Although Invicta watches might not offer the best value for money in terms of features when compared to other manufacturers on this list, they can provide you with the feel of a luxury watch at a fraction of the price.
Orient
Despite now being a subsidiary of Seiko, Orient maintains their own identity, and that includes the high-quality movements that they produce locally. Orient watches are stylish and reliable, and they offer an extra level of assurance due to the exceptional level of quality control that their in-house manufacturing process facilitates.
Seiko
As with their subsidiary Orient, every Seiko watch is made in-house. If you’re more interested in the ratio of quality to cost than you are in the prestige that comes from a luxury brand, Seiko is the company to beat. They arguably aren’t as reliable as their Swiss counterparts, but their value for budget- and mid-range watches is exceptional.
Stuhrling
Stuhrling is a more recent brand dating back to 1999 that sources its parts from other manufacturers and doesn’t offer quite the same level of reliability as their more aged counterparts. But in terms of design, no one offers the level of diverse creativity as this American manufacturer. Their watches are conversation pieces above all else.
Tissot
Tissot has contributed a lot to the innovations of Swiss watches despite only having roughly 250 employees. Their watches are of quality build all around, but if you’re going to get a Tissot watch, you should do so for their Powermatic technology. It offers hands down the best power reserves in the industry, and that’s a huge boon where automatic watches are concerned.
Victorinox
Victorinox is the brand that creates Swiss Army knives, and they apply that same level of meticulous craftsmanship to their Swiss automatic watches. You may pay a little extra for a Victorinox watch, but they’re the best automatic watches in terms of accuracy. They boast precise timekeeping that retains its accuracy within a window of a few seconds per year.
What is a Diving Watch?
If you’re planning to go scuba diving, diving watches are a necessity for safety, and there are a number of standard features that make them easy to identify. The most obvious is their water resistance. To be able to sustain the pressures of deepwater diving, all watches of this type need to be able to sustain depths of up to 200 meters. Diving watches can also be distinguished by their rotating bezels.
Since divers can only safely stay underwater for short periods of time, these bezels serve as reliable stopwatches that require no digital components. They track the time along the rim of the watch’s face and tick off the established time, usually in 30-second increments. These bezels are always unidirectional to reduce the risk of them accidentally being adjusted. Many diving watches also come with luminescent faces and larger number markings to make them easier to read while underwater. Both the Citizen OCTAVIA and the Orient Ray II constitute affordable automatic watches suitable for diving.
What is a Field Watch?
A field watch can be a little more difficult to define than a diving watch. They got their name from their use in the field of battle, but today they’re more commonly worn during outdoor activities like hiking, mountain climbing, or camping. Field watches usually sport a rugged design, some degree of waterproofing, and a face that can easily be read even in extreme conditions. Luminescent faces are common, and many sport extra features like an in-built compass. A few, like Seiko’s Alpinist, enjoy water resistance at a comparable level to diving watches. Some good field watches on our list include the Khaki King and the Seiko 5.
Final Thoughts
There’s a number of reasons to buy an automatic watch. They’re much less likely to break than quartz battery watches, and when they do break, repairs are both cheaper and more straightforward. And while they have a reputation for being more expensive than their counterparts, there are a number of automatic watches under 200 dollars that are incredibly durable and reliable.
A good automatic watch is both a status symbol and a legacy that can be passed down for generations. But that reputation means that many watches justify their pricing on the cultural cache of their manufacturer rather than on the quality of their craftsmanship. Fortunately, our list takes a holistic approach to evaluating watches, and you can count on any of the listed automatic watches to suit your needs admirably.
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