Top 15 Best Automatic Watches Under $500 For Men

The most frustrating problem for watch buyers is that it’s so difficult to find the perfect timepiece for their style along with its reliability & price. If your taste runs into automatic watches, things are even more complicated. There’re lots of aspects that you must consider carefully before making the purchase.

We have put together a list of 15 best automatic watches under $500 for men with various styles catering to different tastes. These are also bestselling models chosen from hundreds of customer feedback through watch blogs and forums, making sure that the best is presented.

What is an Automatic Watch?

An automatic watch is also known as a self-winding watch. Unlike the cheap quartz watches, automatic watches get their power from the body motion of the wearer. You don’t need a battery to power it up. Most automatic watches are self-winding, so you won’t need to wind it neither.

The watch will keep ticking as long as you wear it. It does it by using an off center-weighted rotor which spins as you move throughout the day, and as it turns, it activates a ratchet system that keeps the watch wound. Automatic watches come with a power reserve option. It means that if its fully wound, it will keep ticking for a certain amount of time. So, if you see an automatic watch that says it has a 48-hour power reserve, that means if it is fully wound and you take it off, it will still be ticking for 48 hours.

As long as you look after your automatic watch, it can last for a very long time, like generations.

Automatic Watches Under $500

Seiko SKX173 Automatic Dive Watch for Men

Starting the list with a great automatic dive watch from Seiko. SKX173 is moderately-priced and is the best in this category for its looks, features, and overall functionality.

The design of this dive watch is simple and sporty, combining the complicated functions of the dive watch and the simplicity of its looks.

It has two distinct colors setting its tone in the form of a stainless steel case and a black synthetic band. This design easily fits most styles and can be used in most informal occasions.

This 21-jewel timepiece has an easily-recognizable black dial with markers for quick glances. These markers are powered by Seiko’s LumiBrite technology, offering a strong, bright, and safe light. For its protection, a durable Hardlex crystal covers its dial.

Features

Case Diameter	41mm
Case Thickness	14mm
Dial	Hardlex
Bezel Material	Stainless steel
Band Material	Rubber
Band Width	24mm
Movement	21-jewel Japanese Automatic
Caliber	7S26
Bezel Function	Uni-directional
Water Resistance	200 meters
Clasp	Buckle

Is it for you?

If you live an active lifestyle, especially if you are a diver, then this timepiece is exactly for you. The Seiko SKX173 fits perfectly for those who like outdoor sports and prefer a simple, yet rugged look for a timepiece. Its color scheme of black and white is simple and fitting for most outfits as well.

The timepiece provides durability and reliability inside a simple design. As a dive watch under $500, it definitely provides a great addition for your collection for its features and look. With this, the SKX173 is our choice for the best automatic watch under $500.

Seiko Men’s SRP777 Prospex Automatic Dive Watch

Bringing to life one of Seiko’s timeless classics, the SRP777 Prospex is another choice for the best automatic dive watches under $500. It is a charming sporty watch that many enthusiasts recognize. Built as a successor to the famous Seiko 6309-7040 dive watch, this timepiece retains the character and adds a few more additions in order to further improve the potential of the watch.

The design of the SRP777 Prospex features a sporty and classic look. The bulkiness it exudes and the classic nostalgia of the 6309 makes it quite a catch for active people and enthusiasts alike. It complements most outfits as well with its simple color scheme from the stainless steel case and rubber band that it is usually paired with, although you may change this to any strap you prefer.

The 25-jewel movement of the SRP777 ensures good quality timekeeping especially on long trips. This timepiece is quite large, but still fits nicely for people with moderately-sized wrists. The black dial features markers for the time and includes a day/date function at the 3 o’clock mark. It is also powered by Seiko’s LumiBrite technology, protected by Hardlex crystal.

Features

Case Diameter	44mm
Case Thickness	13mm
Dial	Hardlex
Bezel Material	Stainless steel
Band Material	Rubber
Band Width	21mm
Movement	25-jewel Japanese Automatic
Caliber	Seiko 4R36
Bezel Function	Uni-directional
Water Resistance	200 meters
Clasp	Buckle

Is it for you?

The Seiko SRP777 Prospex is an ideal timepiece for diving, outdoor sports, and most occasions you opt to bring it to. Because of its simple and classic look, it can be worn on any trip you’d like. If you are a sporty individual or a fan of this design, it is a great choice for an under $500 automatic watch.

This watch combines simplicity and a classic heritage look from the 6309 model. This makes it a great choice for an all-around timepiece, adding on its diving capabilities. All of these lie on a watch that’s just under $500, which is why it was chosen as one of the best diving automatic timepieces in this list.

Seiko Men’s SARB017 Mechanical Alpinist Automatic Watch

A dress watch begging to be worn, the SARB017 Alpinist from Seiko is a timepiece worth bringing to special occasions, and even on informal ones. It boasts a uniquely attractive radiant green dial and golden hour marks, a very uncommon design for watches. This brings out a beautiful and well-made timepiece that ensures both first-timers and watch enthusiasts would definitely love it.

The design of the SARB017 Alpinist is very classy which makes it an extremely wearable watch. The color combination of green through the dial and brown through its strap matches very well. What makes it great choice is that it doesn’t choose a specific target audience and can easily be worn by all.

Its size is also moderate, not too big and not too small. It’s not very bulky, and leans on the thinner side of timepiece sizes. It can be worn as an outdoor timepiece with its features, or as an event timepiece on informal and special gatherings.

It has a good quality 23-jewel movement for keeping accurate time. A 50-hour power reserve lets it stay wound up properly when not in use, giving you time before it needs wounding again. There is a day/date function at the 3 o’clock mark as well. A unique and useful feature is that it has an interior bezel which can be used as a compass when utilized correctly. For its protection, a Synthetic Sapphire crystal is used.

Features

Case Diameter	38mm
Case Thickness	1.2mm
Dial	Synthetic Sapphire
Bezel Material	Stainless steel
Band Material	Leather
Band Width	20mm
Movement	23-jewel
Caliber	Seiko 6R15
Bezel Function	Internal bezel compass
Water Resistance	200 meters
Clasp	Buckle

Is it for you?

Combining elegance and dress-worthiness, the SARB017 Alpinist is an excellent choice if you want a timepiece that looks unique and can be brought on almost any trips you prefer. The color combination makes it fit any style you want without sacrificing its own character.

Meant as a timepiece for both outdoor travelling and social events, it is a great dress watch well worth its less than $500 price tag. You can be assured that Seiko’s craft introduces great character, function, and uniqueness combined into this single timepiece.

Seiko Men’s SARB035 Automatic Watch

Opt more for a sleek and simple timepiece? Seiko’s SARB035 fills this need. Exuding luxury in this budget-friendly watch, it is definitely dress-worthy and can be brought to a lot of informal and formal occasions when the need arise.

The design is relatively straight-forward with the Seiko SARB035. With a stainless steel bracelet and case, it gives justice to its dressiness. The creamy white dial complements the stainless steel perfectly, adding a luxurious character to the silvery look of the watch.

It is a moderately-sized timepiece, fit for most wrist sizes. It’s also thin and light compared to what it looks like. At the back of the case is a transparent glass which features the interior machinations of the timepiece, a classy addition to its already sleek look.

It features the 6R15 caliber from Seiko, a reliable 23-jewel movement that efficiently keeps time. A 50-hour power reserve also saves the timepiece from stopping after long periods of not being used. A scratch-resistant synthetic sapphire crystal protects the timepiece.

Features

Case Diameter	37mm
Case Thickness	11.2mm
Dial	Synthetic Sapphire
Bezel Material	Stainless steel
Band Material	Stainless steel
Band Width	19mm
Movement	23-jewel
Caliber	Seiko 6R15
Bezel Function	Stationary
Water Resistance	100 meters
Clasp	Deployment

Is it for you?

If you love going out with friends and want to have that sleek and elegant-looking timepiece, then the Seiko SARB035 is perfect for you. This timepiece is an excellent dress watch that can be used on any informal and formal events. It also fits most outfits as it dons a silver and creamy white color tone. Being under $500, it is also quite the bargain for such a functional and luxurious-looking timepiece.

Hamilton Men’s Khaki H64455533 Automatic Watch

Hamilton, a brand known for its unique American history and enduring quality, pays tribute to military timepieces with the Hamilton Khaki King. This rugged and durable timepiece exudes strength with this homage to its predecessors. Designed for strength and dressiness, it is a great timepiece to have.

The design of the Khaki King is very masculine and elegant at the same time. It sports a rugged look with its band, design, and size, all catering well to its target users. A brown leather band is the first thing you might notice and it exudes a rugged look to its stitched façade. The watch itself shows a unique dial layout and shows a seemingly simple, yet eye-catching design.

It is a timepiece that caters to the allure of ruggedness and adventure. The size of the watch leans on the larger side at 40mm, not too big but definitely not small for most men.  Its case features a non-reflective sapphire crystal that is scratch-resistant and capable of being taken on outdoor trips. It also has an exhibition caseback so you can see the interiors of the timepiece.

Hamilton is also proud of its Swiss-made movements. It is powered by the ETA Cal. 2834-2, a 25-jewel movement that ensures greater accuracy especially when you need it on long days of travel. 38 hours of power reserve also ensures it won’t need too much attention before running out of juice.

A day/date function is also available at the 12 o’clock mark, making it a unique yet surprisingly attractive addition to the dial of the watch. It also has 50m water resistance, not really for water sports but just enough so you won’t have to worry too much on getting it wet for a bit.

Features

Case Diameter	40mm
Case Thickness	11mm
Dial	Sapphire Crystal
Bezel Material	Stainless steel
Band Material	Stainless steel
Band Width	19mm
Movement	25-jewel
Caliber	ETA Cal. 2834-2
Bezel Function	Stationary
Water Resistance	50 meters
Clasp	Buckle

Is it for you?

If you like timepieces that are flexible depending on the type of activity or event you would be going to, then this is a reliable partner for you. The Hamilton Men’s Khaki King H64455533 is capable of dressing up or down depending on the occasion. It exudes a manly look, thanks to its military history, and is very fitting for the modern working man. It fits most outfits and is definitely a good catch for under $500.

Marathon WW194003 GPM Automatic Field Watch

Marathon is a watch company that has produced quality timepieces since 1939. They have also produced tough military watches for the US Army in the 1980s, showing its testament to durability and functionality. Currently, it still produces quality Swiss timepieces seen through the WW194003.

The size of the WW194003 Field Watch leans on to the smaller side of wrist sizes. It maximizes this with the movement of the hands when travelling, making it less of a burden that a larger-sized watch can make. A strong sapphire crystal also protects the dial in case it gets hit by any obstacle when travelling.

The design is simple and utilitarian in nature but has its own charm attached to it. This particular look is specifically meant for use in field operations, or on outdoor expeditions for the modern adventurer. The simple and charming gray case is actually made up of high-impact fiber shell, ensuring extreme durability for travelling while being lightweight as well.

The size of the WW194003 Field Watch leans on to the smaller side of wrist sizes. It maximizes this with the movement of the hands when travelling, making it less of a burden that a larger-sized watch can make. A strong sapphire crystal also protects the dial in case it gets hit by any obstacle when travelling.

It features a 24-hour dial, a reference to military timepieces. The 24-jewel movement from its NH35 caliber also ensures that it provides an accurate reading. It utilizes dual-winding movement, making the watch woundable through both manual winding and through the automatic motor.

Tritium tubes are also utilized at the hands of the watch, an illumination innovation that does not need charging or an external light source for its power. 50m water resistance also allows light resistance against water so that any accidental dips won’t affect its interiors.

Features

Case Diameter	34mm
Case Thickness	12mm
Dial	Sapphire Crystal
Bezel Material	Resin
Band Material	Nylon
Band Width	16mm
Movement	24-jewel
Caliber	NH35
Bezel Function	Stationary
Water Resistance	50 meters
Clasp	Buckle

Is it for you?

Marathon has provided a strong, simple, yet charming timepiece that any adventurer can wear.  Costing less than $500, the WW194003 is definitely a great deal for its features. It maximizes its proficiency as a field watch with a straight-forward design, and is the ideal choice for the modern-day explorer. It is functional and tough, ensuring that any outdoor event is covered without worrying about damaging it.

Seiko SARB033 Japanese-Automatic Watch

The Seiko SARB033 is an amazing time-piece, also known as the “The baby” Grand Seiko. The entire watch oozes with quality. The value you get for your money is unreal.

It has the Sapphire crystal with tasteful AR coating. The stainless-steel hour markers are highly polished and shine like diamonds in certain lights. The beautiful and elegant dial complements the small indices along the inner bezel, and the case compliments the watch perfectly with beautifully designed polished chamfers, a gorgeous push-pin crown that operates smoothly with signed crown and excellent tactile feed.

At a case diameter of 38 mm, and 11 mm thickness, this watch sits perfectly on nearly any wrist and is the perfect size. The oyster bracelet that comes with the watch has reasonably good quality, but in my opinion, it just looks a little off for the watch. But you can easily replace it with a Nato or leather strap or the strap of your choice.

Features

Case Diameter	38.4mm
Case Thickness	11.2mm
Dial	Synthetic Sapphire Crystal
Bezel Material	Stainless steel
Band Material	Stainless steel
Band Width	20mm
Movement	Japanese Automatic
Water Resistance	100 meters
Clasp	Push Button Deployment Clasp

Hamilton Men’s HML-H70455533 Automatic Watch

Hamilton khaki field is another excellent automatic watch under the $500 mark. It has a rugged, vintage, old military look.  Black dial with luminous hands make it easy to read time, and looks good with any outfit. The brown leather bracelet with contrast stitching also matches the entire look.

It also shows the 24-hour numbers on the dial as well. The red arrow at the tip of the second-hand shows a nice touch of color set against the black and white. The watch also has minute markers, and the GMT scale appears around the inner ring. Date window appears at the 3 o’clock position.

If you are looking for a vintage classic looking quality automatic watch without flaunting how much you have spent, then the Hamilton khaki field is the right watch for you.

Features

Case Diameter	38mm
Case Thickness	11mm
Dial	Sapphire Crystal
Bezel Material	Stainless steel
Band Material	Leather
Band Width	20mm
Movement	Automatic Self Winder
Water Resistance	100 meters
Clasp	Tang Buckle

SEIKO PRESAGE Cocktail Time SSA343J1

If you’re looking for a classic watch that not only looks good and feels good but is also wallet-friendly, then the Seiko Presage cocktail time SSA343J1 might be perfect for you.

This watch was inspired by the glamour of a cocktail bar and first made for the Japanese market back in 2010. To design this watch, Seiko partnered with Shinobi Ishigaki, one of the world’s most highly regarded mixologists and the owner of a popular upmarket bar in Tokyo. In the months and years that followed, the watch became a success, and today probably the most coveted watch by Seiko founds world over. This model is the SSA343J with a beautiful blue sunray dial and brings together several of Seiko’s most important advances in mechanical watchmaking.

For starters, a 4R57 caliber movement developed and produced entirely in-house beats inside the watch. It has a power reserve of 41 hours. Seiko made sure to use the magic levers, Spron alloy for their Springs and Diashock protection system technology even in their more affordable range of watches. The 40.5-millimeter stainless steel case feels exceptionally light on the wrist. The sunray dial has a deep pressed pattern whose shimmering beauty is enhanced by seven layers of gloss finish and the clarity of the box-shaped crystals.

The Presage might be your first step into the world of Seiko and pave the way for eventually something more valuable a grand Seiko, for example. At $425 USD, you may rest assured that you’ve done well with the SSA343J1.

Features

Case Diameter	40.5mm
Case Thickness	14.5mm
Dial	Hardlex Crystal
Bezel Material	Stainless steel
Band Material	Cow Steer
Band Width	20mm
Movement	Automatic/Hand Winding
Water Resistance	50 meters
Clasp	Deployment clasp with push button

Tissot Heritage Visodate Automatic

You can never go wrong with a Tissot. Tissot Visodate comes in a variety of colors. In my opinion, the white dial is better than the black dial. Because it doesn’t have any anti-reflection coating on the crystal, the black dial could be very reflective.

This is a 40mm dress watch with day and date complications. If you are new in the watch game, then this is an excellent entry-level timepiece to add to your collection.

Features

Case Diameter	40mm
Case Thickness	11.6mm
Dial	Sapphire Crystal
Bezel Material	Stainless steel
Band Material	Leather
Band Width	20mm
Movement	Automatic Mechanical
Water Resistance	30 meters
Clasp	Deployment Buckle Strap

Seiko SRPA21 Prospex X Padi Automatic Diver’s Watch

Seiko launched its first diver’s watch in 1965. Since then, Seiko has brought a stream of innovative new technologies and designs to professional divers that made diving easier and safer.

In 2016 Seiko announced a partnership with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), the world’s largest diving network. Seiko released SRPA21K1 automatic dive to celebrate and promote this partnership.

The watch is 45mm in dimension with a Hardlex crystal. The case has a magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m. It uses Seiko’s unique Kinetic caliber, which is powered by the movement of the wearer’s body. It offers both precision and security to the diver. This diving watch features a Seiko 24 jewel automatic (4R36) automatic movement with a 41-hour power reserve. Its highly luminous hands and markers are fantastic for low light visibility.

Even if you are not a professional diver, the history and the functionalities make this watch highly collectible.

Features

Case Diameter	45mm
Case Thickness	13.4mm
Dial	Hardlex
Bezel Material	Stainless steel
Band Material	Stainless steel
Band Width	22mm
Movement	24 Jewel Japanese Automatic
Caliber	Seiko 4R36
Bezel Function	Uni-directional
Water Resistance	200 meters
Clasp	double locking fold over push-button clasp

Stuhrling “DEPTHMASTER” Swiss Automatic Dive Watch

STÜHRLING took most of the characteristic features of the dive watch and created Depthmaster with their own spin on it. It is a modern diver watch. The Depthmaster 883 feels both fresh and familiar with its luminous markers and hands, screw-down crown, and 120 click unidirectional rotating bezel.

The Depthmaster 883’s 18 jewel Swiss automatic movement is powered by the movement of your body. So, you will never need to a battery. With 200 meters Water Resistant rating, you can take it to snorkeling or deep diving. It also comes with an adjustable stainless-steel bracelet.

Features

Case Diameter	42mm
Case Thickness	14.4mm
Dial	Krysterna Crystal
Bezel Material	Stainless steel
Band Material	Stainless steel
Band Width	20.2mm
Movement	Swiss Automatic
Bezel Function	Uni-directional
Water Resistance	200 meters
Clasp	Push Button Fold over Clasp

Glycine Incursore Automatic Watch

Established in Bienne, Switzerland in 1914, Glycine has maintained through the years a selected line of timepieces, based on the strong foundations of the brand and reflecting their times. Glycine Incursore Stainless Steel Men’s Automatic Swiss watch Model# 3874.11 LB / 3874-11-LB is crafted from Sandblasted stainless steel 316L and is presented on the brown genuine leather strap. Silver dial set with black hand indicators, Arabic Numeral & index hour markers. Date display at the 4 o’clock position. Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal, Swiss Automatic self-winding movement, ETA 2824-2, Caliber No GL 224, 25-jewel, 11 1/2” lines, 38 Hour Power Reserve, Hz: 4/28’800 vibrations per hour. Ruthenium coated oscillating weight on ball bearing decorated special Glycine engraving.

Features

Case Diameter	46mm
Case Thickness	11mm
Dial	Sapphire
Bezel Material	Stainless steel
Band Material	Leather
Band Width	22mm
Movement	Swiss Automatic
Water Resistance	200 meters
Clasp	Buckle

Laco AACHEN 42 Automatic Pilot Watch

The design of Laco Aachen 42 has been inspired by Model B pilot watches that made the work of early navigators easier. A characteristic of type B aviator watches is the large minute numbers in increments of 5 along the edge. The classic hour division of 1 to 12 is given in Arabic numerals, which are displayed in an additional inner ring. Military aviator watches generally had no manufacturing company logos. Quite simply, this was to prevent further “useless” elements from affecting the readability and functionality of the watch.

Laco has done a brilliant thing with this watch. They made Aachen 42 a modern updated entry-level version of their classic historical accurate fliegers. It is an absolute legend of a watch.

Features

Case Diameter	42mm
Case Thickness	12mm
Dial	Synthetic Sapphire
Bezel Material	Stainless steel
Band Material	Leather
Band Width	20mm
Movement	Automatic
Water Resistance	50 meters
Clasp	Buckle

Bulova 98A179 Men’s Classic Automatic Watch

Bulova is an American brand making watches since 1875. The company is well known for their innovation, craftsmanship, and advanced technology. So, every Bulova watch is not just a timepiece but also a piece of history.

Bulova 98A179 is a very sleek and sporty watch with a gunmetal IP stainless steel case and skeleton dial. Open aperture black dial with silver-tone accents and black inner dial ring goes perfectly with the gunmetal IP case and the band. The watch also has a display back so you can see that 21 jewels automatic movement.

Bulova 98A179 was released in 2017, but the popularity is still soaring high.

Features

Case Diameter	46mm
Case Thickness	13.2mm
Dial	Hardlex
Bezel Material	Stainless steel
Band Material	Stainless steel
Band Width	27mm
Movement	Automatic Self Winder
Bezel Function	Stationary
Water Resistance	100 meters
Clasp	Push Button Deployment Clasp

Buying Guide

How to choose a good automatic watch that won’t break your bank?

The advent of automatic watches has significantly reduced the amount of battery waste and the burden of battery replacement once in a while. While this type of watches can offer a myriad of functions and features, it can come with a bank-breaking cost too.

How to find a good automatic watch that is affordable? Here are some tips.

Choose a model that you prefer

Yes, whenever choosing something, start with things you love. Scroll down some pages to pick some features that you like.

You probably want to focus on some of these areas:

• Dial color
• The overall design (logos, signatures)
• The shape of markers and hands
• Casebacks
• The form and construction of the case
• The design of the bezel
• Weight

It seems very detailed, but the more precisely you go the more vividly you could picture your desired watch. One tends to overlook these elements, but trust me, you need to go through this step.

Why? You don’t want to buy a watch that you only wear a few times, right? If you’re going to buy a watch that stands through time test, be detailed.

The size of your wrist

The next important thing is the size of your wrist. Now you have a few features that you would love to go for, but don’t forget to buy a watch that fits your wrist.

Recently, big watches are on the trend now. One could be as big as 46 mm excluding crown. No matter how big the watch you want to buy, choosing one that fits your wrist is essential.

Functionality

Nowadays, watches aren’t just a device to tell time anymore. With innovation and technology, watchmakers can create watches with many functions. Keep in mind that watches packed with functions could be expensive.

Below are some of the most useful functions for your choice:

• Day and date feature
• Chronograph
• Telemeter
• Tachymeter
• Aviator watch
• Water resistance
• Lume
• Rotating bezel

Affordable watches will only feature some of these functions, so think before you buy.

Budget

Last but not least, count your money. See how much you can afford the watch of your dream. Some people buy watches to impress others, but I don’t agree. You can always buy a good, wallet-friendly watch that looks appealing as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is better quartz or automatic watches?

Both quartz and automatic watches have pros and cons. Some people find quartz is more comfortable; others prefer automatic. So which is the better option for you?

Automatic watches

With the automatic watch, you don’t have to wind it manually. Using a rotor that converts the movement of your wrist to energy, the watch stays healthy as long as you move your hand. Automatic watches offer nice and smooth movement without compromising the sophistication of craftsmanship.

What are the cons? Same as mechanical watches, automatic ones are sensitive to the environment too. Since you can’t wind the watch by hand, you need to buy extra a watch winder for the task. That’s why automatic watches can sometimes be costly.

Quartz

The Quartz movement is well-known for accuracy and affordability. Quartz watches are powered by a small battery, which vibrates 32,768 times a second.

One of the advantages of quartz watches is its accuracy. It will never lose or add seconds at any time of the day. Though using batteries, watches with a  quartz movement don’t require regular maintenance. You may need to change the battery once a year or so.

Besides, quartz watches are durable and super affordable. You can find quartz models as cheap as $15.

The cons? The movement isn’t as smooth as automatic ones. Quartz movement doesn’t have the elegance, technical craftsmanship or history to start with.

So if you favor sophistication over affordability, automatic watches are the best choice. If you stay on a tight budget, nothing is better than the quartz movement.

How do you wind an automatic watch correctly?

Most automatic watches are self-winding, but some of them are hand-winding as well. If you have a hand-winding automatic watch, then make sure the crown of the watch is pushed in all the way and keep turning it upward. This motion will wind the watch. If your watch has a screw-down crown, then you will need to unscrew it first. When you unscrew the crown, and it will pop out into the winding position. Then turn it upward to wind the watch.

For a self-winding automatic watch, simply shake the watch, and it will automatically make the rotor move inside the watch, and the movement will start.

Can you overwind an automatic watch?

You cannot overwind an automatic watch if it is self-winding and powered by a modern movement.

But if you have an older or a vintage timepiece, then sometimes over winding is a problem. Try to be gentle when you hand wind an automatic watch. If you put much force, then you might break the mainspring that powers the watch. You will need to check for the manufacturer’s guide.

Is it bad to let an automatic watch stop?

It is not bad to let an automatic watch stop. If your watch stops, then depending on the winding mechanism, you either wind the watch by hand or give it a little shake to start.

Are automatic watches accurate?

In term of accuracy, automatic watches aren’t perfect. The general rule of thumb is you need to add or minus 25 seconds per day. Every two day, the watch will gain or lose that amount of seconds. This is a consistent accuracy that automatic watches have.

It is safe to say that automatic watches are reasonably accurate. With only 0.03% of inaccuracy, we still can depend on them 99.97%. For those who seek the ultimate accuracy (divers for example), quartz or chronometer watch would be more suitable.

Should I get watch winder for my automatic watch?

It is not necessary to get a watch winder for your automatic watches. But if your watch stops then, you will need to reset the day and the date along with the time. It is the reason why a lot of people put their automatic watches on the watch winder. So, if they don’t use their watch for a long time, the watch still keeps the precise date and time when they need to wear it.

Are Seiko automatic watches any good?

Seiko in Japanese means “exquisite,” which is precisely what this watchmaker has been aiming for. For over 100 years, Seiko has built its reputation for making high-quality and affordable watches. Automatic watches from Seiko adopt Kinetic movement.

Kinetics are well-known for their smooth function. Only by moving your wrist from time to time, you can keep your watch up and running for an extended time. No maintenance required.

I have been a massive fan of Seiko automatic watches for years and haven’t found anything to complain.

Do automatic watches stop if not worn?

Automatic watches are powered by the wrist movement. That’s why when you stop wearing the watch for 1 or 2 days, it will eventually stop.

Does automatic watch movement make noise?

Automatic watches could make noise when it works since the rotor is moving. However, the noise is too subtle for some people to notice. If your automatic watch vibrates too loud, it is time to have it checked.

Summary

The watches in this list are the best automatic watches under $500 that fits the perfect spot of not being too expensive that only a few can buy them and not being too cheap that the quality suffers instead.

This also reflects most of the categories people choose from when buying timepieces. Some of which are dive watches, dress watches, and outdoor watches. They all hail from trusted watch brands, ensuring that any of these is definitely the smart choice that you can proudly wear without shelling out too much just for their name.

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