22 Best Automatic Watches For Men Under $500

More expensive than quartz and a lot less troublesome than the manually-wound mechanical watch, the automatic watch is a favourite among watch lovers.

 

Unlike the manually-wound watches, automatic watches get their power from the movement of the wearer’s arm. This is possible through an oscillating system inside the watch’s calibre that automatically winds the spring through motion.

 

At the same time, unlike quartz watches, automatic watches don’t need batteries, making them more sustainable and environment-friendly.

 

As mentioned above, however, these automatic watches often come with a steep price. Because of the level of craftsmanship and technology involved in manufacturing an automatic watch, it is more expensive than a battery-powered quartz watch. Of course, vintage or second-hand watches are always an option, but most people prefer brand new ones.

 

But fret not because with our help and with a budget of $500, you can get a high-quality automatic watch you’ve always wanted. Prestigious brands like Seiko, Tissot and Hamilton offer some of the best automatic watches that won’t break the bank.

 

From dress watch to dive watch, here are 22 of the best automatic watches that are under $500.

1. Hamilton Khaki Navy H82335131 Automatic Watch

• Price: $462
• Movement: Hamilton Calibre H-10 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

This Hamilton Khaki Navy Automatic watch comes in a 40mm stainless steel case and a stylish black dial. The hour indexes have a luminescent coating that makes it easy to read the time even in low light.

 

The minute markers are visible along the outer rim, while the date window is located at between 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock positions. The stylish black dial is set in a stainless steel case and held in place with a matching stainless steel bracelet. Powered by the Hamilton Calibre H-10 automatic movement, the watch boasts a power reserve of 80 hours. Not only that; this watch is water-resistant up to 100 metres, too.

2. Tissot T-Classic T099.407.11.037.00 Automatic Watch

• Price: $449
• Movement: Calibre Powermatic ETA 80 C07.111 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

The Tissot T-Classic Chemin Des Tourelles Powermatic 80 looks refined and sophisticated in a monochromatic stainless steel case and bracelet. The minimalist analogue dial is a clean silver with Roman numeral hour indicators at 6 and 12 o’clock. The thin, stick hands and hour markers are also made of stainless steel.

 

The outer ring shows the markings for the minutes while the date window sits above the 6 o’clock position. This 42mm timepiece is water-resistant up to 50 metres and runs on the Tissot Calibre Powermatic 80 C07.111 automatic movement. It has a robust 80 hours of power reserve.

3. Hamilton Khaki Field H70455553 Automatic Watch

• Price: $362
• Movement: Hamilton Calibre H-10 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

With its stainless steel case and brown leather strap combo, the Hamilton Khaki Navy H70455553 Automatic pays tribute to our favourite vintage watches. This fine automatic watch is a perfect embodiment of military resilience with a touch of elegant silver-tones.

 

Running on the Hamilton Calibre H-10 automatic movement, this watch offers 80 hours of power reserve. The white dial showcases 24-hour black Arabic numerals markers. This automatic watch comes in a 38mm silver stainless steel case with a transparent caseback. The case is complemented by a stylish brown cow leather-strap and tang clasp. Finally, this watch is waterproof up to 100 metres.

4. Seiko Prospex 200M Diver Automatic Watch

• Price: $377
• Movement: Calibre 4R36 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 41 hours

The Seiko Prospex Diver SBDY015 boasts a trendy and sporty vibe that enchants divers and non-divers alike. It has a bluish-black dial which is set in a 43mm stainless steel case. The dial features luminescent index markers and arrowhead hands, which make it easy for divers to read the time underwater and even in the dark.

 

Running on an in-house Calibre 4R36 automatic movement, it has a power reserve of 41 hours. Water-resistant up to 200 metres, the Seiko Prospex Diver SBDY015 is one of the least expensive yet high-quality dive watches around. The black silicone strap adds a trendy appeal to this durable dive watch.

5. Hamilton Khaki Field H70605193 Automatic Watch

• Price: $483
• Movement: Hamilton Calibre H-10 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

Enclosed in a 42mm stainless steel case, the Hamilton Khaki Field H70605193 features exceptional Swiss watchmaking sophistication. Its brown dial displays Arabic numerals, 24-hour markers and silver hour, minute, and second hands. A date display is located at 3 o’clock.

 

This Hamilton model boasts a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal which prevents any damage from regular wear. Powered by the automatic H-10 calibre movement, this watch features a robust 80-hour power reserve and water-resistant up to 100 metres.

6. Tissot T-Classic T086.407.11.031.00 Automatic Watch

• Price: $356
• Movement: Calibre Powermatic ETA 80 C07.111 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

The Tissot T-Classic Luxury Powermatic 80 is inspired by the 1960s with its minimalist dial and 42mm stainless steel case. The white dial features a silver disk punctuated by raised silver hour markers. The hands are also made of polished stainless steel, while a date window peeks at 3 0’clock.

 

Driven by the ETA Powermatic 80 C07.111 movement designed for Tissot, this watch offers a maximum of 80 hours of power reserve. A great everyday watch, this Tissot T-Classic is scratch-resistant due to its sapphire crystal.

7. Seiko Presage SARY123 Automatic Watch

• Price: $386
• Movement: Calibre 4R35 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 41 hours

Featuring a blue dial in a sunburst pattern, the Seiko Presage SARY123 is certainly an eye-catching timepiece. Simple silver indexes and an inconspicuous date window complement the striking dial. To complete the look, the watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet.

 

Powered by the Calibre 4R35 automatic movement with 41 hours of power reserve, this Presage also prides itself on its reliable and high precision. With its unique dial, the Seiko Presage emanates a sophisticated charm that makes a strong first impression. This is a memorable watch that makes a classy fashion statement.

8. Tissot T-Classic T038.430.11.057.00 Automatic Watch

• Price: $372
• Movement: Calibre ETA 2834-2 automatic
• Power Reserve: 38 hours

This timepiece is made for a true gentleman. The Tissot T-Classic features a black dial that displays both day and date indicators at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock, respectively. The 37mm watch features a stainless steel case and bracelet, which is a great everyday watch.

 

Equipped with the Tissot ETA Calibre 2834-2 automatic movement, the watch boasts a power reserve of 38 hours and water-resistance of 50 metres. This guarantees flawless timekeeping throughout its lifetime.

9. Hamilton Jazzmaster Day-Date H32505731 Automatic Watch

• Price: $441
• Movement: Hamilton H-40 Calibre Automatic
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

Elegant in an all-black ensemble, this Hamilton Jazzmaster Day-Date watch is a Swiss masterpiece with an American flair. This timepiece showcases a 40mm stainless steel case with an elegant black dial. The dial displays luminescent silver-toned hands and hour markers. Seen at 6 o’clock is the date window, and at 12 o’clock sits the day aperture.

 

This timepiece runs on a powerful H-40 calibre automatic movement with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The mechanism can be admired through its transparent caseback. Finally, a black leather strap and 50m water-resistance finish this elegant dress watch.

10. Tissot T-Trend T035.407.22.011.01 Automatic Watch

• Price: $449
• Movement: Calibre Powermatic ETA 80 C07.111 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

The Tissot T-Trend Couturier T035.407.22.011.01 is crafted in a stainless steel case with a silver and gold PVD-coated stainless steel bracelet. The details on the white dial are luminous for easy visibility in the dark or low light conditions.

 

The date display is visible at 6 o’clock, while the day of the week marker is at 12 o’clock. Running on the Tissot 80 Caliber Powermatic 80 movement, this watch holds a power reserve of 80 hours. It boasts a 100m water-resistance and features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

11. Hamilton Khaki Field H70455523 Automatic Watch

• Price: $427
• Movement: Hamilton Calibre H-10 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

Perfect for the rugged gentleman, the Hamilton Khaki Field H70455523 Automatic has a 38mm silver stainless steel case paired with a brown leather strap with a tang clasp. The beige dial showcases black Arabic numerals for 24-hour markers, minute markers on the outer rim, as well as white and grey luminescent hands. A date window is also visible at 3 o’clock.

 

Powered by the automatic H-10 calibre movement, this watch has a trusty 80-hour power reserve and 100m water-resistance. Wear it to your next camping adventure or a weekend on a yacht.

12. Tissot T-Classic T035.428.11.031.00 Automatic Watch

• Price: $365
• Movement: Tissot Calibre ETA 2825-2 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 42 hours

Another Tissot classic is the stylish and versatile Tissot T-Classic T035.428.11.031.00 timepiece. It has a comfortable stainless steel bracelet accented by a calming silver-tone dial.

 

Not only does it have a precise automatic movement using the Tissot Calibre ETA 2825-2 movement, but it is also water-resistant up to 100 metres. A casual dress watch with a power reserve of 42 hours, this timepiece is a must-have for the stylish gentleman. This Tissot T-Classic has excellent craftsmanship at an affordable price range.

13. Seiko Presage SARY111 Automatic Watch

• Price: $433
• Movement: Calibre 4R35 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 41 hours

Easy on the eyes, the Seiko Presage SARY111 is a classic dress watch for a gentleman. At 45.8mm, the stainless steel case has a graceful curve, ensuring that it looks flattering on any wrist. A black leather strap complements the stainless steel case, a combination that creates an understated elegance.

 

It is water-resistant for everyday use so that you can wear it everywhere without worrying about accidental water splashes. Powered by the Calibre 4R35 automatic movement, the watch has a 41-hour power reserve. With this watch, looking good every day never looks this effortless.

14. Hamilton Jazzmaster H38615555 Automatic Watch

• Price: $455
• Movement: Calibre ETA 2892-A2 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 42 hours

This Hamilton Jazzmaster model holds an elegant slim design with a brown alligator leather strap that complements any skin tone. A timeless statement that anyone can dress up or down, this watch is a great addition to any gentleman’s watch collection.

 

The 42mm stainless steel case highlights a minimalist silver dial that features mixed hour markers and slim stainless steel hands. This timepiece gets its power from the Swiss automatic ETA 2892-A2 calibre movement, offering 42 hours of power reserve. Encased in a sapphire crystal that ensures protection from scratches and wear-and-tear, this is a perfect everyday dress watch for the active gentleman.

15. Tissot T-Classic T109.407.16.051.00 Automatic Watch

• Price: $315.20
• Movement: Tissot Calibre C15.111 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 72 hours

This Tissot T-Classic is a minimalist’s dream watch. Enclosed in a 40mm stainless steel case, it features a black and simple analogue dial with a matching black leather strap.

 

An elegant yet affordable watch with the same quality and durability that Tissot is known for, this timepiece guarantees to give you accurate functions with the Tissot automatic Calibre C15.111 movement. It has a power reserve of 72 hours and is waterproof up to 30 metres. This Tissot classic is a must for those looking to buy a luxury timepiece while on a tight budget.

16. Seiko Prospex Sea Diver Scuba SBDY017 Automatic Watch

• Price: $434
• Movement: Calibre 4R36 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 40 hours

The Seiko Sea Diver Scuba SBDY017 was launched in 2018 and is a remake of the original Seiko 6309 (circa 1976-1988), more famously known as the ‘Turtle’. Its blue, white and red theme is one of the recognisable features of this dive watch.

 

Driven by Seiko’s automatic Caliber 4R36 movement, this watch boasts a power reserve of 40 hours. The 44mm stainless steel dive watch has a water resistance of 200 metres and features an aluminum bezel. Its blue dial highlights luminous hands and hour markers, plus a date window at 3 o’clock, for maximum readability even in the darkest of waters.

17. Tissot T-Sport T098.407.36.052.01 Automatic Watch

• Price: $323
• Movement: Tissot Calibre C15.111 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 72 hours

This Tissot T-Sport watch combines both aspects of masculinity and elegance. The stainless steel case and bezel in rose gold PVD coating encloses a black analogue dial. The simple dial displays rose gold-tone Arabic numeral markers and hands, complementing the case and bezel. A white date window is located at 3 o’clock.

 

This watch makes use of the Swiss Tissot automatic Calibre C15.111 movement with a power reserve of 72 hours. The see-through caseback is also protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The unique design of this timepiece alone is enough for collectors to want to add it to their collection.

18. Hamilton American Classic H39515734 Automatic Watch

• Price: $379
• Movement: Hamilton Calibre H-10 automatic
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

Another black-on-black classic, the Hamilton American Classic Automatic watch features an elegant black dial with a black leather strap. A sleek dress watch, this timepiece can complete any look — be it formal or casual — without much effort. The analogue dial is set in a 40mm stainless steel case with a solid caseback and a fixed bezel.

 

Featuring Roman numeral markings, thin silver hands and a date window indicated at the 3 o’clock position, the dial is clean and minimalist. A minute marker also runs along the outer rim of the dial. At its heart beats the Hamilton Calibre H-10 automatic movement and features a power reserve that lasts up to 80 hours. This Hamilton watch is also water-resistant up to 100 metres.

19. Tissot T-Sport T098.407.16.032.00 Automatic Watch

• Price: $279
• Movement: Tissot Calibre C15.111 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 72 hours

Both elegant and masculine, the Tissot T-Sport T098.407.16.032.00 offers refined features and extraordinary attention to detail. This stylish T-sport gentleman watch comes in a 44mm stainless steel case with a handsome brown leather strap for a timeless style.

 

The simple, white dial displays grey Arabic numeral markers and stainless steel hands, as well as a date window at 3 o’clock. The power source comes from the Swiss automatic C15.111 calibre movement, which offers a power reserve of 72 hours. What’s more, this automatic watch is available at a price lower than usual. Needless to say, it’s a great watch that’s value for money.

20. Tissot T-Classic Le Locle Automatic Watch

• Price: $439
• Movement: Powermatic 80.111 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

Another classic rose gold-tone and black-leather theme is the Tissot T-Classic Le Locle timepiece. The 39.30mm watch features a rose gold PVD-coated stainless steel case and a black dial. The rose gold-toned hands, date window at 3 o’clock, and Roman numeral markers give off a look of timeless elegance.

 

The watch gets its power from the Tissot Powermatic 80.111 automatic movement, giving it an 80-hour power reserve. The mechanism is visible through its see-through caseback. Waterproof up to 30m depth, the watch is paired with an elegant black leather strap.

21. Seiko Presage SARY107 Automatic Watch

• Price: $440
• Movement: Calibre 4R57 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 41 hours

The Seiko Presage SARY107 evokes vintage nostalgia with its classic brown leather strap and off-white dial. Despite its vintage design, however, this Seiko Presage watch possesses all the modern watchmaking techniques. Therefore, it has a trendy-vintage vibe to it.

 

This classic watch has a smooth automatic mechanism, powered by the Calibre 4R57 movement. The elaborate movement promises an impressive power reserve of 41 hours. It also has a wide range of features, including a date sub-dial and a stop -second-hand function. With its technical finesse, the Seiko Presage SARY107 achieves the best of both worlds by combining a heritage design with modern technology.

22. Tissot T-Classic T097.407.16.053.00 Automatic Watch

• Price: $465
• Movement: Calibre Powermatic 80 C07.111 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

At 40mm, this Tissot T-Classic watch features a stainless steel case with a black leather strap. The fixed stainless steel bezel showcases the black and silver dial that features silver-toned markers and Roman numeral hour indicators. The minute markers are set on the inner ring while the date display sits on the 3 o’clock position.

 

This timepiece runs on the Tissot Calibre Powermatic 80 (C07.111) automatic movement, which gives it an 80-hour power reserve. Water-resistant up to 50 metres, the watch is protected from scratches by a sapphire crystal.

 

Interested to know more about the differences between a Quartz and an automatic watch? Read our feature here.