1

THE 29 BEST AUTOMATIC WATCHES UNDER $500 IN 2022

Most of the time, watches are considered to be luxury items. However, not all watches classify as luxury goods. Most high-end companies have started producing some of the best affordable watches. The automatic watch has taken the market by a storm, it is more expensive than quartz and more convenient than a manual watch. Naturally, not everyone can go for very expensive watches and so we have compiled the best list of automatic watches under $500 for all types of uses. 

Automatic watches get their power from the movement of the wearer’s arm. The watch has an oscillating system in its caliber that automatically winds the spring through motion. This eliminates the need for batteries, making the watch environmentally-friendly and sustainable.

Best Automatic Watch Brands Under 500

The ergonomic technology of automatic watches often increases costs. The following brands make the best automatic watches for under $500:

1. Hamilton 

2. Seiko

3. Tissot

Best Automatic Watches Under $500

The top 6 automatic watches for under $500 are:

1.  Seiko SKX009 Pepsi Diver

2.  Seiko Alpinist SARB017

3.  Orient Sun & Moon

4.  Orient Mako II

5.  Orient Bambino

6.  Orient President

BEST DRESS WATCHES UNDER $500 

1. Orient Sun & Moon

Check Orient Sun & Moon on Amazon

The Sun & Moon is one of the unique watches developed by the Japanese watchmaker Orient. Its complicated yet beautiful design features day, date, and day/night complications arranged in a classy layout underneath a sapphire crystal.

Key Features:

  • Orient F6B24, Automatic, Hand winding, hacking movement
  • Water resistant to 50 m (165 ft)
  • Only suitable for short periods of swimming. Does not support diving or snorkeling
  • Sapphire Crystal
  • Case size: 42.5 mm

2. Orient Bambino

Check Orient Bambino on Amazon

The Orient Bambino is amongst the super-affordable collection of automatic dress watches. The design is very simple and classy: white dial with silver markers. The other version of this watch will have a sub-dial, showing seconds or an open-heart that is partially skeletonized to show the inner workings. The watch is also water-resistant for up to 30m in water.

Key Features:

  • Water-resistant: 30m
  • Case size: 40 x 12mm
  • Orient Automatic movement
  • Domed Mineral Crystal
  • Date function at 3 o’clock
  • Stainless steel case and alligator leather strap

3. Bulova Automatic Dress Watch

Check Bulova Automatic on Amazon

The Bulova Automatic Dress Watch has a very simple and elegant design- a clean black dial with slim, rectangular hour markers and hands. It also has a slim, easy-to-read day/date window within the dial. To top off the look, the watch has a stainless steel case and jubilee bracelet.

Key Features:

  • Swiss automatic movement
  • Mineral crystal
  • Day/Date function at 3 o’clock
  • Stainless steel case and band
  • Water-resistant: 30m
  • Case size: 42 x 11mm

4. Tissot Automatic III

Check Tissot Automatic III on Amazon

The Tissot Automatic has a clean white dial, with elegant silver hands and hour markers. The brown alligator leather strap compliments the dial perfectly. The interior is a Swiss-made automatic movement system and the dial is covered with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal. It also has 30m of water resistance.

Key Features:

  • Swiss automatic movement
  • Anti-reflective Sapphire Crystal
  • Day/Date function at 3 o’clock
  • Stainless steel case and alligator leather band
  • Water-resistant: 30m
  • Case size: 40 x 10mm

BEST DIVE WATCHES UNDER $500

There are many popular reliable brands when it comes to dive automatic watches under $500. Some of these best renowned watches for diving are:

1. Invicta Men’s 8926 Pro Diver (Swiss Made)

Check Invicta Men’s 8926 on Amazon

This watch is water-resistant for up to 200m with a screw-down crown with rubber gaskets, and 316L Surgical Grade Steel Case. It also features a rotating unidirectional bezel, adjustable solid stainless-steel triple-row Removable link Bracelet. The Krysterna Crystal is scratch-resistant and withstands the pressure of diving. This is one of the best water-resistant automatic watches that you can get for under $500.

Key Features:

  • Swiss automatic movement
  • Mineral Crystal
  • Date function at 3 o’clock
  • Stainless steel case and band with folder-over and safety
  • Water-resistant: 200m

2. Seiko Samurai Prospex SRPC07

Check Seiko Samurai Prospex on Amazon

Its unique and eye-catching design offers everything you may look for in a dive watch. This is another best water-resistant automatic watch that you can get for under $500.

Note: It’s not only limited to diving but can be used for any sports. It’s regarded as one of the best affordable automatic sports watch.

Key Features:

  • Automatic self-winding watch
  • One way rotating Elapsed Timing Bezel
  • Case Size: 44 mm
  • Water Resistant: 200 m (660 ft)
  • Designed for high impact water sports and scuba diving

3. Seiko SKX009 Pepsi Diver

Check Seiko SKX009 on Amazon

The Seiko Pepsi Diver has the 7S26B automatic workhouse system, which automatically rewinds the watch, making it very reliable. The stainless steel covering protects the system from water and falls. The screw-down crown and 200m water resistance allow you to wear this watch in water. There are 2 types of straps available with the watch: a rubber band or metal bracelet- one for diving and the other for formal attire.

Key Features:

  • Japanese Automatic Movement
  • Hardlex crystal
  • Day/Date function at 3 o’clock
  • Stainless steel case and band
  • Water-resistant: 200m
  •  Case size: 42 x 12mm

4. Seiko Prospex Sea Diver Scuba SBDY017  

Check Seiko Prospex SBDY017 on Amazon

This watch is a remake of the original Seiko watch, Turtle. The watch follows a blue, white, and red theme and has a 44mm stainless steel case, with an aluminum bezel. Its blue dial highlights luminous hands, hour markers, and the date window. It is powered by Seiko’s automatic Caliber 4R36 movement and has a 40-hour reserve. The watch is also water-resistant for 200m of water.

Key Features:

  • Seiko’s automatic Caliber 4R36 movement system
  • 40-hour power reserve
  • Water resistance:200m
  • Case size:44mm
  • 24 jewels

 Other than the watches already mentioned above, the same brands offer some other best watches under 500 dollars. These are: 

Best Swiss Made Automatic Watches under 500

1. Victorinox Swiss Army Maverick

Victorinox Swiss Army Maverick Stainless Steel Watch, 43mm, Black, Best Automatic Watches Under $500

Check Victorinox Swiss Army on Amazon

The Army Maverick is one of the most popular automatic watches under $500. It has the features of a dive watch, including the bezel and the crown guard. The watch has a very readable dial, with inner rings of 24-hour markers. The date is also placed within the 6-hour window and is surrounded by a silver border.

Key Features:

  • Swiss-made automatic
  • Anti-reflective sapphire
  • Stainless steel case and bracelet
  • Date function at 16 o’clock
  • Water-resistant: 100m
  • Case size: 43 x 12mm

Best Seiko Watches Under $500

Seiko is a reliable brand when it comes to watches and they make some of the best automatic watches under $500. 

1. Seiko Prospex 200M Diver Automatic Watch

SEIKO Prospex Monster Diver's 200M Automatic Blue Dial Watch SRPD25K1

Check Seiko Prospex 200M on Amazon

If you are looking for a trendy watch, with a sporty look, then this is the perfect watch for you. The watch features a bluish-black dial, black straps, a 43mm stainless steel case, and luminescent index markers and arrowhead hands, making it easy to see the time in the dark. It is powered by an in-house Calibre 4R36 automatic movement and has a reserve for 41-hours. It is also water-resistant for up to 200m and is one of the least expensive, high-quality watches available in the market- $377 only.

Key Features:

  • Calibre 4R36 automatic movement system
  • 41-hour reserve
  • 200m water resistance
  • 45mm diameter
  • 24 jewels

2. Seiko Presage SARY123 Automatic WatchSeiko Presage SARY123 Automatic Japan Made Men's Watch

Check Seiko Presage SARY123 on Amazon

The Seiko Presage watch is a blend of simple and fancy, with a blue dial and simple silver indexes, an inconspicuous date window, and a stainless steel bracelet, the watch is nothing but visually appealing. It is powered by the Calibre 4R35 automatic movement system and has a 41-hour power reserve.

Key Features:

  • Calibre 4R35 Automatic system
  • 41-hour reserve
  • 23 jewels

3. Seiko Presage SARY111 Automatic Watch

Seiko Presage Mechanical - SARY111

Check Seiko Presage SARY111 on Chrono24

The Seiko Presage is another one of Seiko’s classic watches, with a 45.8mm stainless steel case and black leather straps, the watch is bound to look very elegant. It is powered by the Calibre 4R35 automatic movement system and has a 41-hour power reserve. The watch is also completely water-resistant.

Key Features:

  • Calibre 4R35 Automatic system
  • 41-hour power reserve
  • 23 jewels
  • Case size: 45.8mm

Best Hamilton Watches Under 500

Hamilton watches have their unique style and offer some of the highest quality automatic watches you can get for under $500.

1. Hamilton Khaki King Automatic

Hamilton Khaki King Automatic Mens Watch

Check Hamilton Khaki King on Amazon

This watch features an easy-to-read black and white dial, with a thick stainless steel case- the perfect mixture of modern and classy. The watch has both the 12 hours and 24-hour clock, as well as a crown guard. The watch also features an in-house H-40 automatic movement and an 80-hour power reserve. It also comes with a crystal and leather strap.

Key Features:

  • H-40 Hamilton in-house Automatic system
  • 80-hour power reserve
  • Sapphire crystal
  • Stainless steel case and stitched leather strap
  • Day/Date function at 12 o’clock
  • Water-resistant: 50m
  • Case size:40mm

2. Hamilton Khaki Field H70455553 Automatic Watch

Hamilton Khaki Field Silver Dial Mens Watch H70455553

Check Hamilton Khaki Field on Amazon

This is one of the most popular vintage watches of the Hamilton collection for under $500. With a stainless steel case and brown leather straps, this watch is a perfect embodiment of military resilience with a touch of elegant silver-tones. This watch also has the Hamilton Calibre H-10 automatic movement system and a power reserve of 80-hours. The white dial showcases a 24-hour black Arabic numerals marker, it comes in a 38mm silver stainless steel case with a transparent case back, and brown leather straps, and a tang clasp. The watch is also waterproof up to 100m.

Key Features:

  • Hamilton Calibre H-10 automatic system
  • 80-hour power reserve
  • Case size: 38mm
  • Water resistance: 100mm  
  • 24 Hour Markers

3. Hamilton Khaki Field H70605193 Automatic Watch

Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Brown Dial Men's Watch H70605193

Check Hamilton Khaki Field on Amazon

This is one of the most sophisticated watches of the Hamilton series. Enclosed in a 42mm stainless steel case, the watch has a brown dial with Arabic numerals with 24-hour markers and silver hour, minute, and second hands, and a date display. The sapphire crystal is scratch-resistant, making it the perfect automatic watch for daily wear under $500. It is powered by the automatic H-10 caliber movement, with an 80-hour power reserve, and is water-resistant up to 100m. 

Key Features:

  • Hamilton Calibre H-10 automatic system
  • 80-hour power reserve
  • Water resistance: 100m
  • Case size: 42mm

4. Hamilton Khaki Field H70455523 Automatic Watch

Hamilton Men's H70455523 Khaki Field Automatic Watch

Check Hamilton Khaki Field on Amazon

This watch has a 38mm silver stainless steel case, brown leather straps with a tang clasp, and a beige dial that showcases black Arabic numerals for 24-hour markers, minute markers on the outer rim, and white and grey luminescent hands. It also shows the date. The watch is powered by an automatic H-10 caliber movement and has an 80-hour reserve and 100m water resistance.

Key Features:

  • Automatic H-10 caliber movement system
  • 80-hour power reserve
  • Case size:38mm
  • Stainless steel case
  • 25 jewels

5. Hamilton Jazzmaster H38615555 Automatic Watch

Hamilton Men's H32606555 Jazzmaster Automatic Watch

Check Hamilton Jazzmaster on Amazon

The Hamilton Jazzmaster has an elegant slim design with brown leather straps, a 42mm stainless steel case, and a silver dial that features mixed hour markers and slim stainless steel hands. The watch is powered by the Swiss automatic ETA 2892-A2 calibre movement and a 42-hour power reserve. The sapphire crystal makes the watch scratch-resistant and fit for everyday usage.

Key Features:

  • Calibre ETA 2892-A2 Automatic system
  • 42-hour power reserve
  • 21 jewels
  • Water resistance: 30m
  • Case size: 43mm

Automatic Watches For Men under 500

1. Orient PresidentORIENT"President" Classic Automatic Sapphire Watch Two Tone Gold EV0J002W

Check Orient President on Amazon

If you are looking for a watch with a little bling, that resembles a Rolex, then the Orient President is the perfect watch for you! The watch is quite eye-catchy with the fluted bezel and full-day window at 12 o’clock. The stainless steel straps have a combination of silver and gold and sapphire crystals for hour markers. The watch is also water-resistant for the first 100m in water.

Key Features:

  • Orient Automatic movement
  • 40-hour power reserve
  • Sapphire Crystal
  • Day at 12 o’clock position, Date at 3 o’clock
  • Stainless steel case and bracelet
  • Water-resistant: 100m
  • Case size: 36 x 11mm

2. Stuhrling Original Dive Watch

Stuhrling Original Watches for Men - Pro Diver Watch - Sports Watch for Men with Screw Down Crown for 330 Ft. of Water Resistance - Analog Dial, Quartz Movement

Check Stuhrling Original Black on Amazon

The Stuhrling Dive watch is one of the most affordable and classy dive watches. It is water-resistant for up to 200m with a screw-down crown with rubber gaskets and 316L Surgical Grade Steel Case. The dial also has in-house Krysterna Crystal which is quite scratch resistant and withstands the pressure of diving.

Key Features:

  • Swiss Automatic movement
  • Krysterna Crystal
  • Stainless steel case and bracelet
  • Water-resistant: 200m
  • Case size: 42 x 13.5mm

3. Tissot T-Classic T099.407.11.037.00 Automatic Watch

Tissot T0994071103700 T-Classic Automatic Mens Watch

Check Tissot T-Classic on Amazon

This watch has a monochromatic stainless steel case and bracelet. The analog dial is extremely simple- clean silver with Roman numeral hour indicators at 6 and 12 o’clock. The hands and hour markers are also made of stainless steel.  The outer ring has a marking for the minutes and a date window above the 6’o clock position. This 42mm watch is water-resistant up to 50m and runs on the Tissot Calibre Powermatic 80 C07.111 automatic movement. It also has a power reserve of 80-hours.

Key Features:

  • Calibre Powermatic ETA 80 C07.111 Automatic
  • 80-hour power reserve
  • Case size:42mm
  • 12 o’clock indicators

Best Watches Under 400

1. Orient Mako IIOrient Men's 'Mako II' Japanese Automatic Stainless Steel Diving Watch

Check Orient Mako II on Amazon

The Orient Mako II has to be one of the most affordable watches on the list, for just under $200. The watch has a plethora of features, including in-house automatic movement, hand-winding, and hacking. The watch is also water-resistant for up to 200m in water. The screw-down crown and case-back ensure water resistance. The watch is also available in 2 different colors: blue and silver.

Key Features:

  • Japanese Automatic
  • Mineral Crystal
  • Day/Date function at 3 o’clock
  • Stainless steel case and band with folder-over safety
  • Water-resistant: 200m
  • Case size: 41 x 13mm

2. Tissot T-Classic T086.407.11.031.00 Automatic Watch

Tissot T-Classic Luxury Automatic T086.407.16.031.00

Check Tissot T-Classic on Amazon

This watch has been inspired by the 1960s, with a minimalist dial and a 42mm stainless steel case. The white dial features a silver disk punctuated by raised silver hour markers and polished silver steel hands and a date window. The watch is driven by the ETA Powermatic 80 C07.111 movement system and has an 80-hour reserve. The sapphire crystal makes the watch scratch-resistant.

Key Features:

  • ETA Powermatic 80 C07.111 movement system
  • 80-hour power reserve
  • Case size: 42mm
  • 23 jewels
  • Water resistance: 50m

3. Tissot T-Classic T038.430.11.057.00 Automatic Watch

Tissot Men's T0384301105700 T-One Day-Date Calendar Watch

Check Tissot T-Classic on Amazon

This is a classic watch with a black dial that displays both day and date indicators and is enclosed in a 37mm stainless steel case and bracelet. The watch is equipped with the Tissot ETA Calibre 2834-2 automatic movement and has a 38-hour reserve as well. It is also 50m water-resistant.

Key Features:

  • Tissot ETA Calibre 2834-2 automatic movement system
  • 38-hour power reserve
  • Case size: 37mm
  • Water resistance: 50m

4. Tissot T-Classic T035.428.11.031.00 Automatic Watch

Tissot Men's T0354281103100 Couturier Analog Display Swiss Automatic Silver Watch

Check Tissot T-Classic on Amazon

This particular watch is very classy and versatile, with a stainless steel bracelet accented by a calming silver-tone dial. It is powered by the Tissot Calibre ETA 2825-2 movement and has a 42-hour power reserve. It is also water-resistant up to 100m.

Key Features:

  • Tissot Calibre ETA 2825-2 movement system
  • 42-hour power reserve
  • Water resistance: 100m
  • 25 jewels
  • Case size: 39mm

5. Tissot T-Classic T109.407.16.051.00 Automatic Watch

Tissot Dress Watch (Model: T1094071605100)

Check Tissot T-Classic on Amazon

This watch is a minimalist classic. The watch has a simple design- a 40mm stainless steel case, with a black and simple analog dial and a matching black leather strap. The watch is powered by automatic Calibre C15.111 movement, has a 72-hour power reserve, and is waterproof for 30m. Its class and sophistication make it one of the best automatic watches under $500. 

Key Features:

  • Tissot Calibre C15.111 Automatic
  • 72-hour power reserve
  • Case size: 40mm
  • 19 jewels
  • Water resistance: 30m

BEST AUTOMATIC WATCHES UNDER 300

1. Orient Ray II

Check Orient Ray II on Amazon

The Orient Ray II is a classic automatic watch with outstanding durability. It stands out as one of the best luminous watches due to its amazing lume features on its indices and elegant design. It’s a competitive rival for many durable automatic watches on the market.

Key Features:

  • Japanese Automatic
  • Case size: 41.5 mm without crown
  • Power Reserve: Approx 40 hours
  • Magnified Calendar Window that displays date and exact day of the week
  • Water-resistant: 200m
  • Robust 120-click bezel

2. Seiko SNZG15

Check Seiko SNZG15 on Amazon

The Seiko SNZG15 is a classic everyday watch under 300 dollars. It’s best feature is that it is a self winding watch which does not need manual winding or batteries. Moreover, it’s waterproof and can be used for swimming.

Key Features:

  • Case size: 42 mm
  • Automatic self winding mens watch
  • Band Width: 22 mm
  • Water-resistant: 100 m (330 ft)

3. Orient Men’s Defender

Check Orient Men’s Defender on Amazon

This military styled elegant watch is perfect for formal events. It consists of a symmetrical dial. This automatic watch comes with two sub-dials that show 24-hour time and days in a week, and a date display at 6 o’clock.

Key Features:

  • Case size: 42 mm
  • In house Japanese Automatic self wind movement
  • Mineral Crystal
  • Day, date and 24 hour dial functionality  
  • Bezel Material: Stainless steel
  • Band Width: 22 mm
  • Water-resistant: 100 m (330 ft)

Best Mechanical Watches Under 500

1. Seiko Alpinist SARB017

Seiko Men's Stainless Steel Japanese-Automatic Watch with Leather Calfskin Strap, Brown, 20 (Model: SARB017)

Check Seiko Alpinist on Amazon

The Seiko Alpinist can also be classified as a dress watch due to its unique green dial with golden hour markers and hands. The boundary also has a compass ring and for the finishing touch- brown leather straps. The defining feature of this watch is the sapphire crystal. The watch is also water-resistant for up to 200m in the water.

Key Features:

  • Japanese Automatic Movement
  • Sapphire crystal
  • Date function at 3 o’clock
  • Stainless steel case and band
  • Water-resistant: 200m
  • Case size: 38 x 11mm

Things to consider before buying a watch

For a lot of people, watches define their look. You don’t necessarily have to spend a great deal of money to get the best watches, knowing what to look for in a watch can help you get some top-quality automatic watches for under $500!

What are you buying the watch for?

These days, people rarely buy watches just to keep track of time. People buy watches to flaunt or buy watches as a fashion statement. Some buy watches for sports and activity. You need to know the reason for buying the watch to make the right decision because different watch brands cater to different domains. Lucky for you our list of the best automatic watches under $500 caters to many different kinds of needs for watches. 

Watch Movement

The movement of a watch refers to its functionality. There are three types of watch movements, mechanical, quartz, and automatic. Mechanical movement watches are usually vintage watches. You have to physically wind them every two days but they offer great style if you’re going for a classical touch. Quartz movement watches are the most abundant in the market. These are the battery-powered watches you usually see around. Lastly, the automatic watches are powered by the wearer and they recharge on your movement. These are the most convenient to have on your wrist. 

Watch Build

Watches are typically made from titanium, stainless steel and steel, ceramic, metal, and other alloys. Titanium watches are of the best quality and hence more expensive. Stainless steel is the most abundant in the market since it is rust-proof and good for sensitive skin. Ceramic watches are high in durability. The material of the watch depends on your use of the watch. 

Water Resistance

Even if you’re not a swimmer, you should probably have a good water-resistant watch for all circumstances. At the very least watches should be water-resistant up to 50m. Watches that are more than 50m resistant are those you can swim in, while those that are 100m resistant you can even do scuba!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What happens if my Automatic Watch runs out of power?

If your automatic watch is unworn for 24 to 48 hours, it will likely stop running. An idle automatic can be wound with 30 rotations to restore its energy. Even just a couple of turns of the crown or a brief shake will usually get it started again. Simply wind the watch and set the time and your watch is ready to go again.

How long is the battery life?

The battery life is up to 36 months. When your battery dies, it can be easily changed at any watch shop — the size is No. 364, which is commonly carried around the world.

How to ensure your Automatic Watch’s long and on-time life?

  • Always change the time by removing the watch from your wrist. Lateral stresses acting on the delicate winding stem when it’s on the wrist can cause it to yield or snap.
  • Do not overtight the crown
  • There are two proven ways of cleaning a watch – dry and wet. For a non-water resistant timepiece, avoid moisture at all costs and use a soft dry cloth instead. Water-resistant watches have a bit more tolerance to water so use a damp cloth to clean the watch case and strap. Watches with metal cases or straps can be cleaned with a mildly soaped cloth and a fine toothbrush
  • Always keep the leather strap dry
  • Do not swim or shower with your watch on

Conclusion

Automatic wrist watches are often perceived to be extremely expensive, however, Hamilton, Seiki, Orient and Tissot have been producing some of the best high-quality watches under $500. Rest assured, they are a great investment!

Read more

Here at XGearHub, we have some great watch related content for you, so watch out! (pun intended). Read:

Best Dive Watches under $500

Best Outdoor watches in 2021

Michael Holding
 

Michael is an outdoor adventurer and a kayaking enthusiast who loves to share his experiences with others. He is the Chief Editor at XgearHub.

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 1 comments
erotik - March 2, 2021

You made some good points there. I looked on the internet for the subject and found most individuals will approve with your blog. Edna Carly Season

Reply

Leave a Reply: