15 BEST Watches With Power Reserve Indicators (Never Run Out!)

The romantic gesture of an automatic watch is just that; a romantic idea that you and the machine are one, reliant on the other. Unfortunately, unlike your motor vehicle or favorite appliance, you’re not really able to tell how much life is left within the movement.

That is unless you have a Power Reserve Indicator. Some find this complication essential as it tells the wearer just how much life is left, whereas others feel this is a tad polarizing. Unnecessary, and all it does is spoil the lines of the design.

The reality is this used to be an essential part of a working man’s pocket watch, and unsurprisingly the complication has stood the test of time. Let’s look at the 15 Best Watches with a Power Reserve Indicator.

About the Power Reserve Indicator

You’ll often see that watches or calibers have a listed “power reserve”, such as the Seiko caliber NH36 which has a power reserve of 41 hours, or the IWC Portugieser Annual Calendar Limited Edition IW5035-10 which has a 7-day power reserve. 

Remember, unlike a quartz watch, an automatic movement works with the power built up by the rotor (or by the manually wound crown). This energy is then stored or coiled into the mainspring and slowly released to make the watch work. 

It is often explained in relation to the little cars we played with as kids. You pull them back to wind them up and release them, and they shoot forward as the energy is released. A watch is meant to keep time, so, the energy release isn’t as aggressive as the little car.

Though, given the option, I’m sure any 4-year-old would prefer a bright red sports car over an A. Lange & Söhne. A power reserve is a display on the dial that relays to the wearer how much power reserve is left in the movement at any given time.

Originally used in the marine and railroad sectors (on pocket watches), the Swiss-French watch company Breguet created the first wristwatch with this complication, but it was merely a prototype. The first brand to offer this technology to the general public was Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1948 (obviously), with a line of watches called the Powermatic. 

What Is The Purpose of a Power Reserve Indicator in Watches?

Simply put, to tell you how much power is left! This might seem like a simple answer, but it goes a little bit deeper than that. Watches were originally worn as tools. These were tools humanity wore on our greatest missions and adventures, and they had to work. 

The Speedmaster helped put man on the moon, the Deepsea helped numerous divers, and the G-Shock has been used by more military personnel than you, or I could possibly fathom. These timepieces need to work, and part of that means it needs to have power… 

Having an idea of how much power is left can help you in many tight spaces or places. If you’re diving and your watch is about to run out of power but need it to time your dive, you best get out quickly. If you’re timing intervals as an engineer and suddenly lose your timing tool, your measurements afterward won’t be worth much. 

15 Best Watches With Power Reserve Indicators

Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase (ref. 5712/1A)

The first Nautilus was launched in 1976 with the ref. 3700, and has since become one of the most sought-after watches on the planet. The ref. 5712 was launched in 2006 and elevates the steel Nautilus by integrating several popular complications, a moon phase, radial date, and a power reserve. 

The 40mm steel case houses the caliber 240 PS IRM C LU, which is equipped with a 48-hour power reserve. If you turn the watch, this movement presents itself thanks to a sapphire caseback, allowing you to view the Cotes de Geneve across the bridges and the 22K gold micro-rotor.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Dual Time Power Reserve (ref. 26120ST.OO.1220ST.01)

The original Royal Oak was designed by the legend Gerald Genta, who also designed the Nautilus, IWC Ingenieur, and various other big hitters. This Royal Oak features the same angular shape and integrated bracelet. The white tapisserie dial features various complications, such as a radial date, a second time zone with day and night indication at 6 o’clock, and a power reserve indication at 9 o’clock.

Despite the high complications, the watch remains incredibly wearable with a 39mm case. This case houses the caliber 2329/2846, which has a power reserve of 38 hours. This particular reference was discontinued in 2015. 

Vacheron Constantin FiftySix Day Date (ref. 4400E/000A-B437)

Completing the Holy Trinity, we have the Vacheron Constantin FiftySix Day Date, which honors the original model from 1956. A timeless case design matched with a silver dial featuring subdials that are finished with concentric circles. 

The polished 40mm case is matched with a leather strap to make a particularly useful dress watch. Complications include a day-date function and the power reserve indicator, which shows how much of the 40-hour power reserve the caliber 2475 SC/2 has. 

A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Up/Down (ref. 234.026)

Perhaps one of the most iconic design languages belongs to A. Lange & Söhne as presented with the 1815 Up/Down. Finished in 18K white gold, the 39mm case has a thickness of merely 8.7mm, meaning it can slide under any cuff. 

As far as complications go, this reference may not be as inspiring as other models in the range. But, the watch still features the quintessential blued hands, Arabic numerals, and an exceptional hand-wound movement.

Caliber L051.2 offers the wearer a 72-hour power reserve which they can track courtesy of Patent No. 9349. This patent was granted to A. Lange & Söhne on 18 May 1879, allowing the Maison to indicate the power reserve on their pocket watches. 

Omega De Ville Trésor (ref. 435.53.40.22.03.001)

Omega is certainly known for its sports models, but they have an extremely well-executed dress range as well, such as the De Ville Trésor. A thin and elegant rose gold case (or Sedna^TM Gold) is matched with a blue dial and blue strap. 

The dial is relatively simple, focusing on a clean aesthetic. You’ll find a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, indicating the power left in the Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber 8935. This movement is equipped with a 72-hour power reserve. 

Grand Seiko “Snowflake” SBGA211

Grand Seiko is known both for exquisite finishing as well as some impressive technological advancements—the ref. SBGA211 or otherwise known as the ‘Snowflake’ embodies this duality perfectly. Released in 2017, the 41mm case is constructed from Grand Seiko’s “high intensity” titanium, an alloy stronger but significantly lighter than stainless steel.

The finish on the case is something to behold, a high gloss with Grand Seiko’s Zaratsu polishing method done by hand. The razor hands are powered by the Spring Drive Caliber 9R65, which also indicates its power reserve on the dial. Of course, this complication is also an aesthetic event and features guilloche patterns. 

Glashütte Original PanoReserve (ref. 1-65-01-26-12-61)

Glashütte Original is a German watch company based in Glashütte – obviously. Their design language is in line with other Germanic brands and makes itself known with the PanoReserve. A 40mm polished and satin-brushed stainless steel case is matched with an asymmetrical galvanic deep blue dial. 

The dial features various sub-registers and complications, such as a time indicator, small seconds, power reserve, and a large date function. When the 42 hours of power reserve is fully loaded, the power reserve indicator will display “AUF”, which means up in German. Conversely, if your watch is running low on energy, it will display “AB”, which means down. 

Turning the case over reveals the caliber 65-01, which is expertly finished as you would expect from one of the leading Germanic manufacturers. A nice touch to the movement’s finish is the addition of blued screws, truly combining utility with art. 

Breguet Classique 5277 (ref. 5277BR/12/9V6)

Despite what the second-hand market would make you believe, Breguet is one of the most important and definitive watchmakers on the planet. The Classique 5277 lives up to this moniker by combining extraordinary finishing with technological prowess. 

A 38mm rose gold case houses the caliber 515DR, a hand-wound movement with a staggering 96-hour power reserve. On the silvered gold dial, you’ll find hand finishing matched with their namesake blued Breguet hands. The watch is also offered in a white gold case, but the rose gold gives you a greater contrast. 

Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Power Reserve 5 Days (ref. 405.NX.0137.LR)

Hublot is known for its avant-garde design paired with some of the most precious metals you can come by. Paired with a black leather strap, the polished and satin-finished titanium case offers extremely great contrast.

Even though the size is a hefty 45mm, thanks to the lightweight titanium the watch feels quite versatile on the wrist. But, of course, the main attraction is the dial with the tourbillon, a feature that essentially plays no role in a wristwatch other than being eye candy.

And when in the familiar case of the Big Bang, it’s quite the attraction. Behind the skeletonized dial beats the caliber HUB6016, a manually wound movement with a staggering 115 hours of power, which you can track thanks to the addition of a power reserve function on the dial. 

Blancpain Ultraplate (ref. 6606A 1127 55B)

Blancpain is the world’s oldest watch company, founded in 1735. They are known for relying heavily on their heritage diving models as they used to be up there with Submariners and Superoceans. The Ultraplate referenced here is not a dive watch but a dress piece with an elegant feel matched with a sleek dial.

The timepiece forms part of their ‘Villeret collection’, which is based on tradition and prime aesthetics. The 40mm steel case measures only 8.55mm in thickness, making it perfect for any dress cuff. The ultrathin watch houses the caliber 11C5.4, a hand-winding movement displaying a small seconds hand as well as a power reserve, which is rated at 72 hours. 

Longines Master Collection Power Reserve (ref. L2.908.4.92.6)

Longines is widely known as being one of the best value-for-money Swiss watches you can get your hand on, especially the Master Collection, where Longines displays elegance combined with high complications. The ref. L2.908.4.92.6 does just that, as it presents itself as a slightly more dressy daily watch. 

The 40mm case can be fitted with a steel bracelet or a leather strap and can come with a ‘Sunray Blue’ or ‘Silver “barleycorn”’ dial. The latter of which is matched with blued steel hands creating a beautiful contrast.

At the 6 o’clock position sits the power reserve indicator, and a date aperture is located at the 3 o’clock position. Internally, the watch is powered by the caliber L602 based on the ETA 2892. This self-winding movement is equipped with a 42-hour power reserve.

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time “Sky Diving” SSA343J1

The Presage line is the dress watch line from the popular Seiko brand. Based in Japan, Seiko is more known for its sports and dive models; however, these dress watches have proven to be quite versatile. 

The ‘Sky Diving’ is the light blue version in the Presage line and offers a dial finish you will not get anywhere else at this price point. The 40.5mm case is matched with a leather strap and houses the caliber 4R57.

This caliber is automatic but has hand-winding abilities and a power reserve rated at 41 hours. The power reserve is indicated in a rather unique way that has not been seen on this list so far.

It is located within the hour markers, and the hand stems from the center, where the hour and minute hands also stem. This unique attribute perfectly fits the watch’s overall aesthetic and is a welcome change to regular power reserve indicators.

Oris Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 111 (ref. 01 111 7711 4163-Set 1 22 72FC)

Oris is one of the last independent Swiss watch companies today and is certainly not afraid to push the envelope of design and technology. The Big Crown line has been a mainstay for the last couple of years, and with the introduction of the caliber 111, the watch has been elevated to a new status.

The 44mm case features various other pilot watch characteristics, such as a highly legible dial, a large crown (as the name suggests), and various complications. The anthracite dial features a small seconds sub-register and a date aperture at 9 o’clock, something you don’t see every day. 

On the 3 o’clock position sits the power reserve indicator, which displays how much of the 10-day power reserve is left. If 10 days sound like a lot, that’s because it is. The movement features various technical anomalies, like a 1.8m (5′ 11″) mainspring, to allow for the extended power reserve. 

IWC Portuguese Automatic 7 Day Reserve (ref. IW500710)

The ‘Portuguese’ was originally developed for two Portuguese clients, and throughout its long history, the name has been changed to Portugieser. The Portugieser has remained a mainstay of the dress lineup in the IWC catalog, and this contemporary version is no different. 

The deep blue dial features three complications, a date function at the 6 o’clock position and two subregisters displaying small seconds and the power reserve. At 42.3mm, the watch stays true to being large but not quite as large as the other offerings in the IWC catalog. 

The movement powering the watch is the caliber 52010, which is part of IWC’s 52000 family. First launched in 2015, this is widely known as IWC’s 7-day automatic movements, in reference to the staggering 7-day power reserve. 

Panerai Luminor GMT 10 Days (ref. PAM00986)

To round off the extreme power reserve timepieces, we have the ref. PAM00986, a Luminor Marina, presents a beautiful deep blue dial that contrasts greatly with the classic stainless steel case. Legibility is fantastic, as you might expect from Panerai, with the use of large hands and hour markers, the former of which is filled with luminescent material. 

The 44m Panerai doesn’t just display the power reserve but also features an AM/PM indicator as well as a GMT function. This is all thanks to the caliber P.2003, which, as the name suggests, has a 10-day power reserve. The case also features the trademarked crown bridge guard, which solidifies the tool watch moniker of the watch. 

Conclusion

To some, the power reserve indicator may seem moot in this day and age. But when you think about it, isn’t the idea of an automatic watch a romantic one? If you look at it like that, a power reserve indicator is functional and has a connection to your watch. You can see time pass in more ways than one; now that’s something a smartphone won’t be able to do.