Watches make the best fashion pieces to complete your look. Not to mention, they’re also highly functional.
If you want to spice things up with your style, consider getting a watch to match your whole ensemble. You have no idea how big of a difference it makes.
Today, we will be reviewing some of the best automatic watches for men. And boy we’ve got the best watches waiting for you.
Best Overall
Tissot Gentleman
Best Value
Luminox Master Carbon SEAL
Best Budget
Orient 2nd Gen Bambino
Here Are the Top 10 Best Automatic Watches
- Tissot Gentleman Automatic Men’s
- Luminox Carbon Master SEAL Automatic
- Orient 2nd Generation Bambino
- Technomarine Manta Sea Automatic
- Bulova Men’s Classic Automatic
- Seiko 5 Sports Men’s Analogue Automatic Watch
- Tag Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 5
- Hamilton Khaki King
- Seiko Men Prospex Automatic Diver Watch
- Tissot PRS 516 Automatic Watch
1. Tissot Gentleman Automatic
Best Overall
If you’re looking for that workhorse watch you can wear anywhere, the Tissot Gentleman may be it. Going to the office? Going to dinner? Out for drinks? A sporting event? The Tissot Gentleman is equally suited to most situations.
This watch has an elegant simplicity that’s not too flashy. At 40mm, it stands prominently on your wrist, and is sure to get some attention. But it just “fits in”.
The Tissot Gentleman boasts several features to back it up as an “everyday” watch:
- Several dial colors to choose from (although blue would be my pick)
- Steel or leather strap
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Quick-release buckle
- Powermatic 80 movement, providing a large 80 hours of power reserve
- Quality Swiss design and build
If you’re looking for a quality Swiss dress watch that you can wear everywhere, with a sub-$1000 price tag, the Tissot Gentleman should be on your list.
Pros
- Can be worn anywhere
- Great value for money and craftsmanship
- Great power reserve
- Simple and elegant
Specifications
- Case Diameter 40mm
- Thickness 11.5mm
- Band width 21mm
- Water-resistance 100m
2. Luminox Master Carbon SEAL Automatic
Best Value
If there’s one environment the Tissot Gentleman is not suited, it’s the outdoors. While its stainless steel case is scratch-resistant, you may not want to risk it getting beat-up in harsh conditions.
This is where Luminox watches shine. Quite literally – their Luminox Light Technology (LLT) provides illumination constantly, for up to 25 years. Combined with their tough Carbonox case and utility-oriented design, Luminox watches are ideal for adventurers.
The Master Carbon SEAL Automatic is my pick.
This watch is large (45mm), visible, and oozing adventure and experience. You can tell time with a single glance, via large digits that contrast well on an oversized dial. There are no bells or whistles. Just basic time-keeping in a package that is handsome, rugged, and ready for your brand of physical punishment.
Pros
- High-quality Swiss manufacture
- LLT illumination technology
- Protected crown
- Tough, rugged appearance
Specifications
- Model Number XS.3875
- Case Diameter 45mm
- Power Reserve 38 hours
- Water Resistance 200m
3. Orient 2nd Generation Bambino
Best Budget Pick
If you’re looking for a classy automatic dress watch that won’t break your bank, then the Orient 2nd Generation Bambino is a fantastic option.
Orient remains a highly respected Japanese watchmaker that continues to expand in the international playing field. Back in the days, they were better known as the Yoshida Watch Shop. The company has since re-branded to Orient.
This watch is great value. For such a beautiful and elegant piece such as this, the Bambino is a steal.
Out of the box, the first thing you’ll notice is Bambino’s simplicity. But it’s an elegant simplicity. It looks great on your wrist, and sports the essential features you’d look for in an automatic dress watch.
It has the standard date window at the three o’clock mark and is water-resistant for up to 30 meters. Not bad at all for an everyday watch.
We love that this new and improved Bambino retained the original’s domed dial and crystal look. The biggest improvement in this version is that the new F6274 movement provides a more accurate reading. At this price, there’s no reason to overlook the Orient Bambino.
Pros
- Simple and elegant design
- Affordable price tag
- Accurate movement and good power reserve
- Automatic hand-winding movement
Specifications
- Model Number: FAC00002W0
- Case Diameter 40mm
- Weight 8oz
- Water-resistance 30m
4. Technomarine Manta Sea Automatic
Technomarine is a relatively new brand, compared to the other watches on this list. It’s a worthy contender though, not least because of its affordable price tag and broad product range. A Technomarine watch is a great option, particularly if you have a limited budget.
This Manta Sea Automatic is our preference.
This automatic watch sports a stainless steel casing and a flame-fusion crystal that keeps the exterior shatter- and scratch-proof. The charcoal dial looks unique, with its silver luminous markers as accents.
You might think the charcoal and silver combination difficult to read, but we thought otherwise. The watch was incredibly easy to read even under low-light conditions. The date display fits well with the aesthetic and almost looks seamless. You’d hardly notice it at first glance.
But what makes the Manta Sea Automatic stand out for us is its high water resistance rating, measuring 200 meters. This is a huge achievement at this price point!
The Manta Sea Automatic is one of the best automatic watches for men in its price range. You won’t be disappointed.
Pros
- High water resistance rating
- Ideal automatic watch for water activities
- Stainless steel material and flame-fusion crystal for durability
- Very affordable
Specifications
- Model Number TM-219067
- Case Diameter 42mm
- Water-resistance 200m
5. Bulova Men’s Classic Automatic
Bulova has been in the industry for a long time – over 100 years. Joseph Bulova migrated to the United States in 1875 and, like so many migrants, Bulova had an entrepreneurial spirit. In the land of opportunity, Bulova built a reputation and a brand that thrived.
Today, Bulova continues its legacy of creating quality timepieces that are perfect for any generation. And the Classic Automatic is no exception.
The stainless-steel case looks classy, with nice gold-tone accents to make it pop. Inside, both the dial and inner dial ring sport a black color, for a sleek appearance. This model actually looks a little sportier than other models, due to its matte-black silicone strap.
But what makes this design stand out is its skeleton background. You can see through the dial to its inner movement! Awesome!
We’re pretty impressed with how durable and scratch-resistant the display is, thanks to its sapphire glass. It helps promote its lifespan, fit for generations to come.
The watch comes with a 40-hour power reserve and a water resistance of up to 100m, more than enough for most people.
Through the years, Bulova has proven itself to be a go-to brand for high-quality and high-end timepieces. It might be a little pricier than other watches on this list, but you’re buying heritage and craftsmanship. This watch would make a good addition to your collection.
Pros
- Sporty but elegant look
- 40-hour power reserve for the automatic movement
- Skeleton watch
- Durable stainless steel material
Specifications
- Model Number 98A177
- Case Diameter 46mm
- Weight 14.4oz
- Water Resistance 100m
- Power Reserve 40 hours
6. Seiko 5 Sports Men’s Analogue Automatic
You can never go wrong when you choose a Seiko watch. Their watches always sport that familiar Seiko design, so you know there’s always something good in store for you.
This Seiko watch is part of the new and improved Seiko 5 watches. But, it still holds a lot of design similarities with the older Seiko 5 variants.
This Seiko 5 Sports model has a nice stainless-steel finish for everything, giving it a nice and premium feel and look.
The hands sport that all too familiar luminous feature, so you can still tell the time even under low-light conditions.
It also sports the standard day window, located on the three o-clock markers, unidirectional rotating bezel, and is water-resistant for up to 330 feet!
We love how versatile this Seiko 5 model looks like. You can wear it every day, whether you’re out for a casual or formal event. It’s an all-in-one timepiece!
Pros
- Double-sided automatic lift
- All stainless steel materials
- Hand-winding and good power reserve
- Unidirectional rotating bezel
Specifications
- Model Number SRPD55K1
- Case Diameter 42mm
- Weight 5.9oz
- Water Resistance 100m
7. Tag Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 5
It’s no secret that Tag Heuer is among the brands at the top of the list when it comes to watches. This is why it doesn’t come as a surprise anymore that their Formula 1 Caliber 5 made it to this list.
Consider this automatic watch to be a definite eye-catcher. The straps look very sporty, with their punctured design, and the size looks well regardless of wrist size.
Now, the case of the Caliber 5is made of durable titanium material, featuring sapphire crystal to make this bad boy nearly indestructible and scratch-resistant. This will last you centuries!
It makes use of Swiss automatic movement to power this beautiful timepiece for you.
Safe to say, the Formula 1 Caliber 5 was meant for the outdoors. It’s water-resistant for up to 660-feet, which is probably one of the highest you’ll find for automatic watches.
If you’re always out on an adventure, going for a quick swim, or off to a leisurely kayak, this Tag Heuer Caliber 5 can easily be your best friend.
Although it measures a high water resistance, we won’t call the Formula 1 a diving watch. It may not be the best diving watch for serious underwater excursions.
The only thing you might need to be concerned about is the price tag of the Caliber 5. It’s not the most affordable option out there, so it’s not for anyone trying to stick to a budget.
Nevertheless, when you do end up buying the Formula 1 Calibre 5, believe that all you’ve spent is worth it. The Caliber 5 is practically an investment you won’t regret.
Pros
- Features a date window and unique perforated strap
- Synthetic sapphire crystal dial window
- Swiss automatic movement on an analog display
- Very water-resistant
Specifications
- Model Number WAZ2115.FT8023
- Case Diameter 41mm
- Water Resistance 200m
8. Hamilton Khaki King
If you’re familiar with Hamilton’s military-style watches, then you’ll find the design of the Hamilton Khaki King a little similar.
The design of the Khaki King is a combination of the formal and casual and military design, making it a great field watch.
Safe to say, the design combinations fare well. You can enjoy wearing it as a daily watch, without looking out of place.
It has a stylish looking leather strap, and the stainless steel case gives it a sleek and clean appearance. Safe to say, it’ll look good on any wrist. And we certainly mean that because the Khaki King is, after all, a unisex timepiece.
The face sports clear and easy to read numbers, making the whole dial window easy on the eyes.
It’s pretty elegant if you ask us, and is very simple. It doesn’t have any other fancy things which could easily make the design too much.
We love that the day/date display of the Khaki King is on the twelve o’clock part of this timepiece. It doesn’t make the whole thing look crowded, which looks great.
Everything we love about the face of the Khaki King is protected by a durable sapphire mineral class, adding an extra layer of protection.
The hour and minute hands sport a luminescence feature. Although we find it a bit lacking, especially if you compare it to other luxury dive watches in the market.
Pros
- Great all-around field watch
- Scratch-resistant sapphire glass face and durable stainless steel housing
- Bold day/date display
- Automatic self-winding movement
Specifications
- Model Number H64455533
- Case Diameter 40mm
- Water Resistance 50m
9. Seiko Men’s Prospex Automatic Diver Watch
The Seiko Men Prospex Padi Special Edition is one of those dive watches you don’t want to miss out on. This automatic timepiece hails only from the best watch brands, Seiko.
We’ve said it before, Seiko knows what they’re doing when it comes to watches.
This is even true when it comes to diving watches. For years, they’ve perfected their diving watches, so much that they’ve become the global standard.
In general, this special edition Prospex model looks very loud. It’s big and bulky and screams extra with its blue dial.
Whenever you’re wearing this, expect it to turn a lot of heads because it does stick out like a sore thumb.
For its size, you might think it feels uncomfortable and heavy on the wrist. This is why it might come as a surprise to you that it’s quite the opposite.
This automatic watch feels very comfortable to wear and didn’t bother us too much.
Because this is a diving watch, expect the design to adapt to conditions once underwater. One of the noticeable examples is the accordion-style strap.
The straps come pretty handy, whether you’re wearing them on your wrist or top of your diving suit.
It will feel comfortable on the wrist regardless of what you’re wearing and what activity you’re about to do.
Pros
- Durable and solid construction
- Awesome features meant for professional drivers
- Comfortable straps
- Relatively affordable price point
Specifications
- Model Number SRPA83
- Case Diameter 50mm
- Weight 1.1lbs
- Water-resistance 200m
10. Tissot PRS 516 Automatic Watch
Finally, the last automatic watch in this list is no other than the Swiss-made brand. The PRS 516 features a Powermatic 80 automatic movement, making this Swiss-made baby a powerhouse.
Now, we’re impressed with this Swiss-made timepiece because of how extremely high functioning it is. But what can you expect from a Swiss brand that’s been doing this for so long? Only perfection of course.
We did notice that the PRS 516 has a lighter design and construction, compared to all other Tissot automatic watches. Truth be told, we’re loving it.
It only weighs 8oz, which is way less than your typical Swiss-made timepiece.
Design-wise, it features a practical, simple look, including a day/date window against a black dial.
This sums up the features of this Swiss watch. So in a sense, it’s a bit lacking for us in terms of features. We wished there was more.
Nonetheless, it’s still a functional timekeeper that looks incredibly elegant and stylish.
Pros
- Comes from a high-end Swiss brand
- Lighter than most automatic watches
- Durable and long-lasting
- Powerful movement
Specifications
- Model Number T1004301105100
- Case Diameter 42mm
- Weight 6.88 oz
- Water-resistance 100m
Buyer’s Guide
Buying timepieces is pretty challenging because you’ve got a ton of factors to think of. But sometimes, you don’t know what factors these are, to begin with.
And when you leave these things out, you end up buying the wrong thing and end up wasting your money.
We don’t want that to happen to you ever. This is why we’ve come up with a guide to help you find the features you need in finding the best watch.
Budget
Whether you like it or not, budget plays an important role in your decision-making process. Watches can either be cheap or expensive, depending on what you’re looking at.
You can probably get a $10 watch or splurge on a $100,000 watch. It’s up to you.
Before you head out to buy your preferred choice, how much are you willing to spend? Most of the time, your budget sets the tone when it comes to finding the right timepiece for you.
Are you willing to spend on a luxury watch that’s sure to last you centuries? Or are you okay with a basic watch that’s pretty cheap but very flimsy?
You’ll also need to consider whether you’re looking for specific features on a watch. Can you connect it to your phone? Or do you just want a stand-alone watch?
Ask yourself these questions, for you to more or less manage your expectations when it’s finally time to decide what to buy.
If you’re set on a budget, feel free to read our articles on the best automatic watches under 500 dollars or the best automatic watches under 200 dollars.
Material
The beauty of watches is that they come in all sorts of materials. Some come in a stainless steel case, titanium, and more! Or you could get a plastic watch, or even a wooden watch that’s pretty unique.
In general, the material depends entirely on the look you’re going for. Whatever it is, we highly recommend you make sure it comes with great quality.
For example, you want a leather watch. Make sure that it uses authentic leather! Or perhaps you want a stainless steel case. Is it scratch-resistant?
It’s things like those that’ll matter once you’re wearing and enjoying your watch.
As much as possible, you’d want to stick with durable material. You won’t have to worry about your watch getting damaged any time soon!
Movement
Movement refers to the technical aspect of things when we speak of watches.
Today, a lot of high-quality watches make use of quartz movement. But that doesn’t mean automatic movement and mechanical watches aren’t any better!
Mechanical watches could either be self or hand winding watches. The beauty of self-winding watches is that you don’t have to do anything to power them.
Your wrist movement is enough to get the watch up and running.
But whenever you’re not wearing your mechanical watches, the movement tends to stop. And when it does, you have to manually wind it and set it to the proper time.
The beauty of mechanical watches is it features hours of power reserve. The number varies depending on the brand, so we suggest watching out for a big power reserve.
Quartz watches on the other hand are pretty common. You can find quartz watches nearly everywhere!
They’re pretty convenient to have around because it’s battery-powered. You don’t need to wind it ever so often whenever you’re not using it.
Brand
Some people are pretty brand conscious when it comes to their watch. Some prefer luxury watches because of the brand attached to them. While others are okay with lesser-known companies.
If you’re willing to pay extra, why not go for a brand you know will last a century. This could be like Seiko, Tag Heuer, and more, who are known to make watches that can last a century.
For us, we don’t mind spending a little extra on the big names. Why? Well, because we know we’ll never be wrong picking them. We’re sure that they know what they’re doing!
Features
Back in the days, watches didn’t have a lot of features. It could just tell the time! The most features it came with were having a light function, day/date indicator, and maybe even a stopwatch.
Today, a lot of watches come with many features you didn’t think you needed. You’ve got watches that have a dual-time function, high water resistance ratings, can connect to your phone, and more!
What features are you looking for in a watch? You can easily answer this once you’ve figured out how you plan to use it during the day.
Conclusion
Now that you know the different automatic watches out there, it’s finally time to make a decision and buy the perfect one for you. Which watch brand will you choose?
In this list, we made sure to give you a ton of options, which we’re sure you’ll enjoy.
We hope you enjoyed our list of some of the greatest automatic watches you need to get your hands on. Feel free to leave a comment below, we’d love to hear from you!
You can also share this list with your friends and family. Who knows, they might be looking for the same thing as you!
Recommendation:
Tissot Gentleman
★★★★★
FAQ’s
What Is an Automatic Watch?
As its name suggests, automatic watches are automatic. It is powered by wrist movement, so continued use is ideal.
Unlike manual watches, where you need to twist the crown, you don’t have to do this with automatic timepieces.
As you move your arms, the rotor on the watch swings which sets the gears in motion. You can check this out for yourself!
What’s the Best Brand for Automatic Watches?
With a ton of big names out there, finding the best can be a challenge. Not to mention the features alone. This is especially true since every person has his/her idea of what makes up the best.
Nevertheless, there are several names we can all agree on to have the best automatic watches.
They’ve been around for so long, and have established their credibility as a good watchmaker, not just for automatic watches.
This includes Tissot from Switzerland, Seiko from Japan, Bulova from New York, and more! These are just some of the brands you know have some of the best watches.
If you’re buying a watch for the first time, then you ought to check those out. Choosing them will never be a mistake because their timepieces are always made with great quality.
However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore lesser-known brands out there. You’d be surprised that there are several automatic watches for men coming from less-known brands that are just as good.
If you have the time, we highly recommend getting to know the newer companies. They offer the same high-quality products, at a pretty affordable price point.