Collecting watches is one of the most expensive hobbies.
Catalogs of some luxury watch brands are entirely made up of watches that cost five or even six figures, and watches retailing for a million dollars are not rare. But even if you stay closer to Earth, it's still very easy to spend several thousand on watches - especially if you're buying automatic watches. However, collecting watches, even automatic ones, doesn't have to be that expensive.
We've put together a guide to the best automatic men's watches under $500 to prove that you don't need to spend a lot to build a quality mechanical watch collection.
The dozen watches on our list of the best automatic men's watches under $500 are quite diverse. There are dress watches, dive watches, field watches, and pilot watches. Their countries of origin range from Switzerland and Japan to Singapore, Italy, France, and the USA. Some belong to brands that have been around for a long time, while others are from emerging microbrands.
But they all share three things: they are all equipped with automatic movements, they are priced under $500, and they are all worthy of a place in your collection. Fortunately, we were able to work with our favorites to present you with our guide to the best automatic watches under $500.
Best Automatic Watches Under $500
How We Tested
Finding automatic watches under $500 isn't easy. At least, not very good ones. However, we see a lot of watches in this business and decided to compile a list of our favorites that fit these parameters. There were two main requirements for this guide: the price of each watch had to be under $500, and they all had to have automatic movements.
If you're looking for dive watches, pilot watches, dress watches, or something else, you'll definitely find something to your liking here. Moreover, these watches are so affordable that over time you can buy two or more without feeling guilty.
To create the final list, we conducted extensive research and used our vast experience with affordable watches. We paid attention to aesthetics, water resistance, brand reputation, and price (of course). After selecting the watches for testing, we spent time with each model to understand how they feel, how they look on the wrist, and how they work. The entire process took several weeks, but we can finally present you with our list of favorites.
What to Look for When Choosing Watches Under $500
Aesthetics: Size, color, thickness, or design - your watch says a lot about your style and personality, so when choosing your next affordable watch, you'll want to get something you really like.
Brand: There are many cheap watches out there, so before buying, make sure you've heard (or at least we've heard) of the brand making them. Reputable brands make reputable watches.
Type of Watch: At the very least, you should know what kind of watch you need. Whether you want to buy a casual watch, a hiking watch, a dress watch, or something else, we've already figured out all the nuances.
Case Size: As with watches of any price range, you should pay attention to the case size. No matter how much you spend, uncomfortable watches will be worn less often. Before pulling the trigger, find out what case diameter, thickness, and lug-to-lug distance suit you.
Movement: Although all the watches listed below are equipped with automatic movements, you'll notice differences in the names of each of them. The most popular are movements from brands like Japanese Miyota and Seiko or Swiss ETA. All three movements are very good in terms of accuracy and durability and will also help you (and watchmakers) save on costs.
Timex M79 Automatic
Retro aesthetics
Lots of luminescence
Affordable
The bracelet is attractive but easily snags on arm hair
As their old slogan goes, Timex as a brand keeps on licking but keeps on ticking. After decades of ups and downs, the American watch company has become more popular than ever in recent years, all thanks to a series of well-thought-out vintage-themed releases.
The M79 model is one such, as it takes the blockbuster quartz watch Q Timex Reissue and turns it into a very attractive automatic with a two-tone bezel available in classic options like “Batman” and “Cola.”
Inspired by the 70s Q Timex model, these M79s increase the case size to 40mm, making them more comfortable to wear on the wrist compared to the 38mm quartz counterparts.
Attached to a pseudo-integrated bracelet, the case features a long flat chamfer and 45mm lug-to-lug, which is quite compact, making the 14.5mm thickness a bit noticeable and causing the watch to sit slightly higher on the wrist. However, we can't complain too much, as we get a deep exhibition caseback. A clean dial, like other Q Timex Reissues, and lots of lume make these watches attractive.
We also like the Miyota-based movement with manual winding, which gives a true mechanical feel. On the downside, the attractive retro bracelet is too easily caught in arm hair.
- Case Size: 40mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Movement: Miyota
Citizen Tsuyosa
Multi-functionality and versatility on the wrist
Comfortable sizing
Exhibition caseback
Stylish bracelet is easily adjustable
Water resistance of only 50m for a sports watch
As one of the kings of affordable automatic watches, Citizen has also become one of the most common brands on our wrists. Not to mention, their patented Eco-Drive solar-powered mechanism is well worth the price. Nevertheless, it was the release of the Tsuyosa line (translated from Japanese – “strength”) last year that made us wiggle in our seats.
The 40mm stainless steel watch is 9.1mm thick, making it very comfortable to wear on the wrist. Not to forget the stylish white dial with a simple date window without a frame or bubble on top.
We love the clean all-white dial of these sports watches, which elevates the affordable watch to the level of retro sports watches - a surprisingly limited area. While we're not thrilled with the 50m water resistance, especially for everyday wristwatches, it does allow the watch to be a bit thinner.
The caseback features an exhibition caseback displaying the Citizen-owned Miyota 8210 automatic movement. As you might guess, it's not a solar-powered Eco-Drive mechanism, which might deter some buyers, but nonetheless, you get solid accuracy and durability with this automatic.
Another thing we liked is the stylish three-link bracelet with jubilee links and a folding clasp with a button for easy size adjustment.
- Case Size: 40mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Movement: Miyota 8210
Baltic HMS 002
Art Deco aesthetics
Dressy watch with some versatility
Acknowledgment yet assertion of uniqueness
60-hour power reserve
Some may find the watch looks too outdated
Since 2017, the French microbrand Baltic has been impressing enthusiasts with how its elegant watches exceed their price tags. The MR01 model is often compared to luxury Patek Philippe pieces. On the other hand, you have the HMS 002 model, inspired by the 1940s era. Given the level of finishing and attention to detail of these Baltic watches, it is hard to believe their price is under $500.
And yet, it is. The Art Deco style watch has a stepped sector dial with dual contrasting finishes, as well as a large-pored Hesalite crystal, giving it a vintage look and feel. Inside the watch is a Miyota 821A movement, allowing the case to remain thin - just 12mm including the bubble crystal.
Reminiscent of the Longines 1268z from the 1930s, the HMS 002 has many elegant touches and overall design choices that could justify its use as a dress watch. However, we like that despite deference, these Baltic watches have their own personality, such as the absence of a sub-register over the 6 o'clock position, a sharper crown design, and a full ring of Arabic numerals.
One cannot forget the mixed finishing, combining circular brushing on the outer ring with a matte center. The comfortable 38mm stainless steel case houses a Miyota-based movement that provides an impressive 60-hour power reserve. With strap options, the watch offers versatility: it can be worn to the office, a wedding, or just out to dinner.
- Case Size: 38mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Movement: Miyota 821A
Seiko 5 Sports 55th Anniversary Edition
Faithfully recreates the 1968 original
In-house movement
Strikingly attractive bracelet
An exhibition caseback would have been nice.
Truth be told, Seiko dominates in this price category, and this guide could consist of a dozen Seiko watches, and few would complain. Marking the 55th anniversary of its 5 Sports line, Seiko revived the original 5 Sports 61-5D from 1968, updating the movement and specs.
The diplomatic 39.5mm stainless steel case, which looks like it costs much more than it does, provides 100m water resistance and a day-date function on the dial. This new limited Seiko model (ref. SRPK17), exuding old-school charm, at first glance, may even be mistaken for a genuine vintage diver.
Apart from the text on the dial above the 6, indicating the updated movement, very few changes have occurred in the SRPK17 model compared to its ancestor, including retaining the previous case finish and bezel design.
The single-row steel bracelet with flat links also returns, with quality only improved. This is a fantastic option for those seeking original versions of 60s watches, which would cost 2-3 times more than these.
Not to mention, it still uses the automatic Seiko 4R36 caliber, providing a 40-hour power reserve. However, we would have liked if this movement were displayed through a caseback.
- Case Size: 39.5mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Movement: Seiko 4R36
Laco Valencia 39mm
Entire dial surface is luminescent
Inspired by aircraft carrier flight deck instruments
Accessible sizing for military-themed tool watches
Classic leather strap
We expected a Swiss-made movement rather than a Miyota.
Laco is one of the five manufacturers that produced the original Flieger watches during World War II, and since the other four producers are Stowa, Wempe, IWC, and A. Lange & Söhne, the German brand is in good company.
Today, you can still acquire an authentic Flieger from Laco for much less than you might expect, but the Valencia watch we got our hands on is part of the Naval collection - still inspired by military themes and a tribute to the aircraft carrier instruments that helped them keep time and perform precise calculations.
Inside these modern watches is a Miyota base, to which Laco has added some touches for a 42-hour power reserve. And while we love Miyota movements, it's strange that the brand didn't use something closer to home, like a Swiss-made ETA.
Unlike other traditional military watches, the Ventura case size is not overly large. The case diameter is 39mm, lug-to-lug length is 46.5mm, and thickness is 11.55mm. Not being a diver, the watch also boasts only 50m water resistance. One of our favorite elements in these watches, and any other watches we tested, is the unique luminescence trick.
Unlike ordinary watches where luminescence is on the hands, numbers, or even date windows, the Ventura features Super-LumiNova C3 luminescence across the entire dial, with the aforementioned elements contrasting against dark silhouettes.
All this is adorned with an 18mm calf leather strap, giving the watch a traditional aesthetic and allowing it to pair with outfits made in the same style.
- Case Size: 39mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Movement: Miyota 821A
Unimatic UC4
Highly unique design language
Minimalism
300m water resistance
Runs on Seiko movement
NATO strap is unusual for a diver
Fixed bezel lacks traditional diver's watch function
Italian brand Unimatic has one of the most recognizable design languages among all microbrands, characterized by minimalism and utilitarian style, and it is beautifully realized in these unique and stunning diving watches.
The UC4 model, also known as Modello Quattro, features a vintage military-style black dial, complemented by bright white Super-LumiNova C3 indices and hands providing high readability.
The round case gives way to a thick domed sapphire crystal, granting these sturdy divers an impressive 300m water resistance.
The Modello Quattro, part of the Classic collection, is a very capable and high-tech diver, although admittedly, it looks somewhat different from traditional diving watches.
Nevertheless, it features a 316L stainless steel case, a massive 8mm crown, an internal gasket aiding in depth endurance, and a fixed (yes, fixed) monobloc bezel. The UC4 is a minimalist watch with important dial details, including bright lume against a matte black dial.
We noticed that the lume here glows longer than in regular watches, similar to what happens in Citizen Promaster Divers. We also like that these watches use a Seiko caliber movement, rather than Miyota or ETA found in other microbrands. And the NATO strap, usually only used in field watches, is a nice, albeit unusual, addition (divers typically have rubber or silicone straps).
- Case Size: 40mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 300m
- Movement: Seiko NH35A
Lorier Falcon III
Greatly blends style and practicality
Fantastic bracelet design
Vintage-style design captures the imagination
36mm size might deter some
Like Unimatic, the five-year-old New York microbrand Lorier wastes no time in developing its own design language. For the Falcon model, they refined the formula that began with their Neptune diver and turned it into conservative everyday vintage-style watches reminiscent of the original Rolex Explorer.
The waffle dial, hands, 36mm case, and domed Hesalite crystal bring in vintage style, while the blue-glowing BGW-9 Super-LumiNova, exquisitely polished flat-link bracelet, and ultra-thin Miyota 90S5 movement add a luxurious modern touch.
The 36mm Falcon watch is at the lower end of the men's watch spectrum, so keep this in mind if you have larger wrists. Nonetheless, it lends the watch a dressy style, as heritage influence is still evident. And yet, we like most how these watches combine practicality and style.
While many watches under $500 display their price tags with mediocre straps, the Ternion bracelet on these Lorier is a highlight, updated with rounder, thinner links and several subtle chamfers on the edges.
Additionally, instead of pin links, screw pins are used here, and resizing is easy thanks to three micro-adjustments on the clasp.
- Case Size: 36mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Movement: Miyota 90S5
Nodus Sector Deep
500m water resistance
Seiko-based movement
Easily adjustable bracelet
Left-side crown great for right-handers
Some users might find the watch bulky.
If you're on the market for a $500 watch, you're likely ready to go slightly above this ceiling. If so, we have a bonus pick in the $500 range. To tackle this task, we turned to the California-based brand Nodus, launched in 2017, and has more than a few automatic watches priced around or under $500.
The Sector Deep watch has a 38mm stainless steel case and is complemented by a powerful two-tone 42mm DLC-coated bezel, providing 500m water resistance, which is rare for divers priced under $1000, let alone $500. Inside is also an automatic movement powered by Seiko, regulated by Nodus itself.
Besides the impressive technical specifications, the Sector Deep simply looks cool! It's hard not to notice the unique screw-down crown positioned on the left side of the case, making these watches a Destro diver for right-handers (left-side Sector Deep options are available, but we weren't too fond of the dial's aesthetics).
Additionally, the dial features Grade A BGW9 Super-LumiNova luminescence, providing excellent visibility in the dark.
We also liked the numerous grips on the crown itself, as well as the rotating bezel. Nodus's NodeX proprietary button clasp allows for easy bracelet adjustment thanks to a push/pull micro-adjustment system, typical for Tudor.
- Case Size: 38mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 500m
- Movement: Seiko TMI NH35
Automatic vs. Manual Wind
Those new to the world of horology will surely notice the distinction between automatic and manual wind watches. Though both are mechanical watches, meaning they have a physical mechanism inside that moves the hands on the watch dial, the difference between them is quite simple. Automatic watches tick as long as there is movement (on your wrist). The movement allows the rotor to spin and wind the mainspring, which powers the watch. On the other hand, a manual wind mechanism, which is less common, requires you to physically wind the watch before setting the time. After a certain period, the watch needs to be rewound.
Automatic vs. Quartz
The comparison of quartz and automatic movements is important because quartz movements are typically found in watches priced under $500. In fact, quartz watches almost sank the mechanical watch industry in the 70s/80s due to their affordability. Quartz watches are battery-powered and largely more accurate and durable than automatic movement watches. On the other hand, automatic movements are durable and can sometimes last for decades. Not to mention, there is a certain romanticism about these mechanical pieces due to the craftsmanship and patience that goes into them, making them still more expensive than most quartz movements.