30 Best Automatic Watches (From $100 To Over A Million!)

I love watches, from their history to their engineering and craftsmanship; so many things draw me toward a timepiece. However, I’m a realist. I understand that I can’t have every Rolex, Zenith, or Patek Phillippe that catches my fancy, and the same goes with most watch lovers. 

So I’ve compiled a list of some of the best automatic watches, from the ones you can get for a couple of hundred bucks to some worth over a million. Whether you’re interested in dropping a big bag on a self-winding timepiece or have a tight budget, this is a guide on automatic watches across different price ranges and some things you should know before making that purchase.

About Automatic Watches

Maybe I love them because they have more complications than your average quartz timepiece or because of their sweeping second hands; I don’t know. But I always look for the next automatic watch to add to my collection. 

As early as the 1770s, an automatic watch had been invented by Abraham-Louis Perrelet, and it was just known as an ordinary self-winding watch. People didn’t fancy it because of how complex, expensive, and inefficient it was then. 

John Harwood designed a more straightforward and accurate self-winding mechanism in the early 1920s, and this one featured a weighted rotor that sways anytime the wearer moves their arm, and it powers a spring that pushes the watch gear, which goes to the hands. He began producing more after his invention was patented in 1923. 

The watches became more popular in the 1930s when they became more efficient and less expensive. The Second World War heightened its popularity as soldiers wanted a timepiece that didn’t require hand-winding, so they started using automatic watches. Since then, they have become one of the world’s most used types of watches. They are now popular among every notable watchmaker worldwide.

What to Look for in Automatic Watches

With so many automatic timepieces from various brands, selecting the right one might be a task. These are a few things to look out for before buying one.

Watch Design

Like every other movement, automatic watches come in different styles and designs. Do you want a timepiece for casual wear or one that can be styled on your suit and tie, or a watch that can take some severe beating? There are automatic watches that serve these purposes, so you have to carefully select the one designed to best fit your needs.

Accuracy of the Watch

Typically, automatic watches are a lot more accurate than quartz movement because of the constant movement of the mainspring of the timepiece that keeps it running. However, the accuracy varies from watch to watch, so you would want to pick one that has a high level of accuracy. Getting an automatic timepiece with a COSC certification might be a good idea because they’ve been tested to meet a high level of accuracy.

Power Reserve

The power reserve of an automatic watch should also be considered before buying one because each watch comes with different levels of power reserve. An average automatic watch has up to 40 hours of power reserve, so if you want a self-winding timepiece with more power, you must look for models that meet that need. 

Water Resistance

Suppose you’re constantly on the field or work with electricity, water, or any other substance commonly known to cause damage to watches. In that case, you should get an automatic timepiece resistant to those things. These watches have different resistance levels, so you should look for one with the perfect level of resistance for your specific purpose.

Price of the Watch

The materials, engineering, and craftsmanship of an automatic watch would determine how expensive it will be. And their prices range from a few hundred dollars to more than a million dollars, so you want to have a budget to avoid spending beyond necessary.

The Best Automatic Watches From Affordable to Luxury

After considering all of these, you should be ready to buy your automatic watch now, so here are the 30 best self-winding timepieces across all brands, from affordable to luxury.

1. Seiko 5 SNK809

The Seiko 5 SNK809 is the pure definition of a timeless timepiece. The design is understated and will remain trendy for a long time. Its 37mm stainless steel case features a black dial with white luminous hands and markers. It has crystals made of Hardlex, which are more potent than ordinary mineral crystals. 

The automatic Seiko 7S26 movement powers it with a 40 hours power reserve and a 30mm water resistance. The history of this timepiece stands out as it’s been in production for about 60 years, and it’s still a prevalent Seiko watch model. It’s a stylish timepiece that’s fit for everyday wear. If you are looking for a classic and affordable automatic timepiece for around $150, you can get a Seiko 5 SNK809.

2. Swatch Sistem51 WAKTU51

This Swatch is one of the most recent additions to the collection. The colorful call to action at the back, which says, “Don’t be too late”, is an excellent sales move by the brand. It is covered in blue bio-sourced materials, which sets it apart from most swatch timepieces. 

It has a case measurement of 42mm and features a navy blue dial with colored indexes. It is powered by the Sistem51 automatic movement, famous for its efficiency and accuracy. It also has a 90 hours power reserve and a water resistance of 30 meters.

It’s a very sturdy watch that’s fit for outdoor activities and would look sharp on any casual outfit. If you love timepieces with unique and colorful designs, this timepiece is a steal for you at just $165. 

3. Orient Kamasu (ref. RA-AA0001B19A)

Finding an affordable dive watch that offers good quality is hard. But at $335, this Orient Kamasu dive watch provides quality and great value. I love the Caliber F6922 movement it comes with; it makes it possible for you to stop the second’s hand and set a precise time down to the seconds. 

Its stainless steel case measures 41.8mm and a 12.8mm thickness. It features a steel bracelet and a steel unidirectional bezel. It has a black dial with day and date functions. The Orient Kamasu has a water resistance of 200 meters and a 40 hours power reserve.

The features of the Orient timepiece are similar to the ones found in much more expensive Orient watches, and it is also a great option if you’re looking for an automatic dive watch.

4. Citizen Tsuyosa (ref. NJ0150-56L)

This Citizen timepiece offers both style and affordability. The blue dial and classy design make a perfect dress watch. It features a 40mm stainless steel case and bracelet with anti-reflective sapphire crystal. The Caliber 8210 automatic movement powers it with a 45-hour power reserve. 

The silver detail on the dial of the Citizen Tsuyosa adds to the classy look and is so eye-catching. This is a simple Citizen timepiece that offers good quality at $450. If you’re looking for an automatic watch that can be styled up or down, this Citizen Tsuyosa is an excellent option.

5. Timex Giorgio Galli S1 (ref. TW2V03500GO)

The collaboration between Timex and Giorgio Galli brought about this masterpiece, and it is obvious there was a lot of attention to detail. It features a 38mm stainless steel case with a dark blue dial. Using silver indexes and a sapphire stone just above the 6 o’clock marker adds elegance to the dial. 

The strap is made of very soft synthetic rubber with a riveted strap. A Japanese automatic movement powers it, and it has 50 meters of water resistance. The timepiece perfectly fits wrists between six to eight inches. It’s a durable timepiece that can be styled casually and on corporate outfits. The Timex Giorgio Galli S1 is a watch for calm and stylish men, and it currently sells for $450.

6. Bulova Maquina Automatic (ref. 98A179)

This Bulova watch is very masculine, and I’ll recommend it for bold and active men. It’s a classic but with a little modern twist to it. The Maquina Automatic features a Gunmetal 46mm case made of stainless steel. It has a black skeletonized dial with silver accents.

 A Caliber 8N26 automatic movement powers it and has a water resistance of 100 meters. It features a black steel strap, making the watch look much more fantastic. If you’re looking for an automatic timepiece that you can style on any outfit and would bring out that masculine energy inside you, the Bulova Maquina Automatic is for you, and it currently sells for around $550. 

7. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Ice Blue (ref. T137.407.11.351.00)

I recently became a fan of Tissot watches, and the simplicity in their designs keeps me dreaming about wearing one on my Navy Blue Tuxedo. The PRX Powermatic is a simple watch for the modern man.

It has a 40mm stainless steel case with an ice-blue dial. It has lumed hands and markers for easy readability. The Powermatic 80 movement powers it with a power reserve of 80 hours. It’s a slim and classy timepiece with a 70s look. It has a stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp and push buttons. This timepiece is for men with an eye for unique designs and is sold for around $700.

8. Hamilton Khaki Field Auto (ref. H70455133)

The no-nonsense design of field watches makes them stand out from other watch types. The Hamilton Khaki Field Auto is a military-inspired timepiece that carries the look and the functional features. 

Its 38mm case size will sit perfectly on any wrist. It has a stainless steel case that features a deep black dial with indices and markers. 

It features the H-10, which is an in-house Hamilton automatic movement. It has an 80 hours power reserve with a water resistance of 100 meters. It’s an excellent choice for active men who want to look stylish. The Hamilton Khaki Field Auto offers good value for around $600.

9. Mido Ocean Star 200 (ref. M026.430.11.041.00)

For a Dive watch, the Mido Ocean Star 200 is a steal for around $800. Dive watches are one of my favorites, and this Ocean Star has me staring at my card like a hungry lion. It has a 42.5mm case diameter and a case thickness of 11.6mm. 

Inside is the Mido Caliber 80 Automatic ETA movement with a power reserve of 80 hours and 200 meters of water resistance. It features a light blue dial and a unidirectional light blue bezel. The Mido Ocean Star 200 is a perfect companion on a dive or the field and can also turn heads if styled on a corporate outfit. 

10. Longines Flagship Heritage (ref. L4.795.4.58.0)

This Longines timepiece is a timeless classic that has been turning heads for decades, and it also carries a modern Swiss automatic movement. It has a case that measures 38.5mm in diameter and a 10.3mm case thickness. Its black dial is brushed and features light brown hands and indexes. 

Its strap is made of black crocodile leather and a tang-type steel buckle. Inside, it is an ETA 2892-A2-based automatic movement. It has a 50 hours power reserve and 30 meters of water resistance. The Longines Flagship Heritage is a perfect dress watch that would stand any man out. It sells for around $2,000.

11. Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic (ref. AL-525TB4AE6B)

Watches that carry the look of this Alpina are usually fragile and often can’t take a beating. I had the chance to try the Alpiner Extreme Automatic at a store, and it’s a total machine. It features a polished and brushed stainless steel case with a diameter of 42.5mm. It has a triangle-patterned blue dial with silver-colored hands and markers. Its buckle is also made of stainless steel with a folding clasp. 

Inside this Alpina is the Caliber AL-525 automatic movement with a power reserve of 38 hours. It also features an engraved case back that is see-through and has a 200 meters water resistance. This Alpina is a versatile timepiece for very stylish men that want to make a statement, and it can be styled on any outfit. The Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic currently sells for $2,195. 

12. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT (ref. WBP2010.BA0632)

The GMT feature on this TAG Heuer timepiece allows you to keep track of the time in different time zones, so if you’re a globetrotter looking for an automatic watch to buy, the Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT is a good choice.

It features a 43mm polished steel case and a blue dial with white and yellow hands. It has a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp. The Caliber 7 automatic movement powers it with a 50 hours power reserve and a water resistance of 200 meters. This TAG Heuer is a purpose-built timepiece for active individuals and can be styled up or down. The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT offers good quality at $3,900.

13. Tudor Black Bay 54 (ref. M79000N-0001)

The release of the Black Bay 54 pleased many watch lovers because the previous models were mainly for bigger wrists. This 37mm case is noticeably smaller than the earlier Black Bay. It features a stainless steel case with a satin finish. It has a black domed dial and a black unidirectional bezel.

Inside it is the Caliber MT5400 automatic movement with a bidirectional rotor system. It has a 70 hours power reserve and water resistance of 200 meters. It is a sturdy Tudor timepiece that can be used for any activity. This watch offers excellent quality for its price of $3,850.

14. Oris Big Crown Caliber 473 (ref. 01 473 7786 4065-07 5 19 22FC)

Oris watches have a rich history, which has drawn me to them. This Oris Big Crown is a simple and stylish timepiece with unique designs. Its 38mm case is made from stainless steel, and it features a blue dial with luminous silver hands and markers. 

It is powered by the Oris Caliber 473 in-house movement with 5 days of power reserve and a 50 meters water resistance. Its strap is made of dark brown leather with a steel buckle. It is a simple and durable dress watch for calm and confident men. It currently sells for around $4,000.

15. Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 (ref. A32398101B1A1)

The Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT is another great travel companion that cannot be skipped. Not only does it have a dual time zone, but the GMT feature is also one of the easiest I’ve seen. Its case measures 40mm in diameter and has a case thickness of 11.7mm. 

The onion-shaped crown makes it easy to adjust the different time zones, while the 24-hour scale allows you to track each time zone and quickly know whether it’s morning or night. The Breitling Caliber 32 automatic movement powers it with a 42 hours power reserve and 200 meters of water resistance. The Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 can be worn and styled up or down. It offers good quality at its current price of $5,950.

16. Omega Constellation Globemaster (ref. 130.30.39.21.02.001)

The Globemaster collection is known for its simple yet outstanding design, and this model further seals that fact. The Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 8900 powers it with a 60 hours power reserve and a water resistance of 100 meters. It also features an anti-magnetic function of up to 1.5 Tesla. It is a Master Chronometer and COSC-certified watch, with a timezone function that adjusts the hour hand to any timezone without the watch stopping. 

Its 39mm case features a silver dial with dark and white hands and markers and a Constellation star at the bottom of the dial. Suppose you’re looking for an automatic watch that’s simple and unique. This Omega Constellation is for you, and it currently sells for around $6,000.

17. Hublot Classic Fusion Racing Grey Titanium (ref. 542.NX.7071.RX)

This timepiece is a fusion of luxury and sportiness, and it has recently become popular among enthusiasts. The 42mm titanium case features a gray sunray dial with silver hands and markers. Its strap is made of rubber with a deployant clasp. 

The HUB1110 automatic in-house movement powers it with a 42 hours power reserve and a 50 meters water resistance. It also features a polished titanium bezel and screws. The Hublot Classic Fusion Racing Gray Titanium is a stylish watch for any outfit. For around $7,500, you can lay your hands on one.

18. Cartier Santos Large (ref. WSSA0018)

This Cartier Santos won’t only serve you for a lifetime; the build of this timepiece makes it a perfect heirloom that can be passed down to generations. It is controlled by the Caliber 1847 MC self-winding mechanical movement with 42 hours of power reserve and water resistance of 100 meters. Its stainless steel case has a dimension of 39.8mm x 9.38mm, and it features an opaline silver dial. 

Its steel bracelet has a smart link adjustment and an alternative strap made of calfskin. The exposed screws on the bracelet and bezel add to its sophisticated look. The Santos Large has been seen on the wrist of action stars like Keanu Reeves and Will Smith in movies, so if you want an automatic watch that will make you look like the lead role in an action movie, the Cartier Santos Large is a great choice. It is priced at $7,750.

19. Panerai Luminor 8 Days (ref. PAM00795)

Not only can the Luminox 8 days last for more than a week. It also comes in various materials like gold, titanium, and steel. It also features a 44mm case with a black dial, a power reserve indicator, and small seconds hands. Its strap is made of thick calfskin and also comes in different colors. 

Inside, it has the Caliber P.5002 movement, with a water resistance of 300 meters. Panerai watches were initially made for the Italian Navy, and they have maintained that sturdy build to date. This timepiece is for men who need rugged everyday wear. The Panerai Luminor 8 Days offer good quality for around $7,000.

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

The leather and stainless steel bracelet option on the Glashütte Original PanoReserve makes it a watch that can be styled comfortably on any outfit. It is a feature-rich timepiece with a classic touch to it. Its 40mm case is made of stainless steel and features a galvanized blue dial. 

Inside is the Glashütte Caliber 65-01 movement with 42 hours of power reserve and a 50 meters water resistance. The dial features a small second, Panorama date, Power reserve display, and hour and minutes functions. This Original PanoReserve timepiece would make a statement if styled up or down, and it sells for around $9,000.

21. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds (ref. Q397848J)

This timepiece carries all the functions of the classic Reverso watches and some modern additions that have increased its beauty a lot more. Its case has a measurement of 45.6mm x 27.4mm, and it features a brushed blue sunray dial. 

It has a blue calfskin leather strap with a double-folding buckle. Its 8.5mm thickness would fit perfectly under the cuffs of any shirt or suit. It has a 42 hours power reserve and a water resistance of 30 meters.  The Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Second will surely turn heads, and it sells for $10,600.

22. IWC Big Pilot’s Watch (ref. IW501001)

I love big watches because they make me feel confident, and the IWC Big Pilots Watch is such a beast. It’s a well-built timepiece that can last you a lifetime. Its case has a 46.2mm diameter and a height of 15.6mm. 

The Caliber 52010 automatic movement powers it with a power reserve of 168 hours. It features a black dial and a black strap made of calfskin. It is a perfect timepiece for any field activity, and it can also be styled casually and in corporate outfits. It is currently priced at around $11,000.

23. Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Tentagraph SLGC001

The Evolution 9 Tentagraph is the first mechanical Chronograph timepiece on Seiko’s lineup, and it is such a stunner. The 43.2mm case of the Evolution 9 Tentagraph is made of high-intensity titanium which is a lot lighter than a stainless steel watch. It features a deep blue dial with white and silver hands and markers.

Inside it is a high beat Chronograph, the new Caliber 9SC5 movement with 72 hours power reserve. It also features a titanium bezel, bracelet, and clasp. The Evolution 9 Tentagraph is a functional and well-built timepiece, and it offers good quality for its price of around $13,000.

24. Rolex Submariner Date (ref. 126610LN)

The Submariner Date is the first Rolex on the list, and trust it to steal the show. The Oyster Steel case, the Cyclops lens on the date window, and the movement are the things I love about the Submariner Date. The case has a measurement of 41mm, and it features a very legible black dial. 

The Caliber 3235 automatic Rolex movement powers it with a 70 hours power reserve and 300 meters of water resistance. The bracelet is also made of Oyster steel and a folding Oysterlock. The Rolex Submariner Date can play the role of your daily beater and can turn heads if styled on any outfit. This timepiece currently sells for $10,250. 

25. Breguet Classique 7137 (ref. 7137BB/Y5/9VU)

The phases and age of the moon feature on the Breguet Classique will get everyone asking about your watch if you have one on. It features a gold case that measures 39mm in diameter and 8.65mm in case thickness. Inside is the Caliber 502.3DR1 automatic movement with a power reserve of 46 hours. 

The dial features a power reserve indicator, date, and moon sub-dials. The Breguet Classique comes in white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold versions. If you’re looking for an automatic watch that will make you the center of attention at any gathering, this is your timepiece. It sells for $42,100.

26. Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph (ref. 5500V/110A-B686)

The Constantin Overseas is the definition of an elegant timepiece. The attention to detail on the bezel and bracelet makes it unique. Its 42.5mm case features a silver dial with black subdials and silver hands and markers. 

It is powered by the Caliber 5200 automatic movement with a power reserve of 52 hours. The dial features a 30-minute counter, Small seconds, calendar aperture, and Chronograph functions. It has 150 meters of water resistance, and it also has an anti-magnetism feature. The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph is a versatile watch for active men. It currently sells for $35,909.

27. Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase (ref. 5712/1A-001)

This Nautilus was launched in 2006 to mark 30 years of the birth of the collection. Both a casual and dress watch, the Nautilus Moon Phase is the total package. Its octagonal stainless steel case measures 31mm in diameter and a height of 3.98mm. The black-blue dial features moon phases, power reserve, date, and small seconds subdials. 

Controlling it is the Caliber 240 PS IRM CLU automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve and a 60 meters water resistance. It’s pretty enough to turn heads when styled on your tuxedo and can function as your sturdy daily beater when required. The Patek Phillipe Nautilus Moon Phase is currently sold for $50,860.

28. A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Lange 31 (ref. 130.039F)

The Lange 31 is not only known for its build and cost, but it also has its name engraved in the Book of Horology as the first mechanical timepiece with a power reserve of 31 days and a patented power system. 

Its 45.9mm case is made of 18 carats of white gold, and it features a gray dial with silver hands. It is powered by the Caliber L034.1 movement, which has up to 406 parts. Its strap is made of brown alligator leather with a white gold clasp. It’s a limited edition timepiece of 100 pieces, and it sells for around $100,000. The Lange 31 is a stylish watch for men with purpose and drive.

29. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Blue Ceramic (ref. 26579CS.OO.1225CS.01)

What is this list without the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Blue Ceramic? If you don’t like being stared at or becoming the center of attention in every gathering, you should probably take a back seat on this one because it is a total people magnet. It features a 41mm blue ceramic case with a blue dial patterned in Grande Tapisserie. Its bracelet is made of blue ceramic, with the Audemars Piguet folding clasp. 

Inside is the Caliber 5134 automatic movement with a 40 hours power reserve. It has special functions like an astronomical moon, month, and leap year indicators. The Perpetual Calendar Blue Ceramic is a timepiece for people who want to be noticed for their style. It is priced between $500,000 to $600,000.

30. Richard Mille RM88 Automatic Winding Tourbillon Smiley

Have you ever seen a timepiece that can literally make you smile? Well, this Richard Mille Tourbillon would surely make a smiley statement with its happy face. Inside is the Caliber CRMT7 automatic in-house movement, a skeletonized winding tourbillon movement with a power reserve of 50 hours and a 50 meters water resistance. 

This masterpiece is built with carbon fiber, titanium, and gold. For a watch with such size and complications, it’s still a relatively light timepiece. The Richard Mille RM88 Automatic Winding Tourbillon Smiley is another watch for men that want to make a statement, as it sells for over $1 million!

Conclusion 

Adding an automatic timepiece to your wardrobe will bring some sophistication to your look and give a touch of luxury to any outfit you have on. Self-winding watches are also a more accurate and environmentally favorable option than any other movement. 

So if you’re looking for a timepiece to up your style and help you function more accurately, you should go for an automatic watch.