The self-winding capability of automatic watches is one of the greatest inventions made in the field of horology. The complexity of creating an automatic watch is one of the reasons why only luxury brands feature it back in the days.
The arrival of the quartz mechanism threatened the existence of automatic watches and many believed it would be the end of expensive mechanical watches. However, technology only made the automatic watches more affordable and within reach by many users.
If you’re looking for an affordable automatic watch, we’ve got you covered.
The Best Affordable Automatic Watches
Here are the most affordable automatic watches to look for online.
Seiko Men’s SNK795
The 37mm SNK795 has a stainless steel case, a Hardlex crystal, a stainless steel band with fold-over clasp, a day-date window, a skeleton case back, index hour markers, luminescent hands and markers, and a Seiko Caliber 7S26 automatic movement.
Pros:
- Thin and lightweight
- Great value for money
- Legible watch face
- Power reserve of up to 40 hours
- Water-resistant up to 30m
Cons:
- Flimsy bracelet
- Weak lume brightness
- Crown is placed on a weird position
Price: $65 to $200
Invicta Men’s Pro Diver 8926
The 41mm Pro Diver 8926 has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant mineral crystal, a skeleton case back, a unidirectional rotating bezel, a magnified date window, dot hour markers, luminescent hands and hour markers, and an SII Caliber NH35A automatic movement.
Pros:
- Looks like the Rolex Submariner, minus the expensive price
- Supports hacking and hand-winding
- Solid and durable build
- Power reserve of up to 41 hours
- Water-resistant up to 200m
Cons:
- Bezel is hard to rotate
- Weak lume brightness
- Clasp is hard to close and open
Price: $70 to $315
Seiko Men’s SNK807
The 37mm SNK807 has a stainless steel case, a canvas strap with buckle closure, a Hardlex crystal, a skeleton case back, a textured dial with Arabic numeral hour markers on the inner portion and minute markers on the outer portion, a day-date window, luminescent hands and hour markers, and a Seiko Caliber 7S26 automatic movement.
Pros:
- Available in different dial and strap colors
- Affordable automatic watch
- Power reserve of up to 40 hours
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Strap is a bit stiff
- Weak lume brightness
- Gains/losses a few minutes a week
Price: $70 to $80
Swatch Automatic SUTS402
The 42mm SUTS402 has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant mineral crystal, a transparent case back, a date window, Arabic numeral hour markers, luminescent hands, and an ETA Swiss automatic movement.
Pros:
- Legible watch face
- Stylish and modern design
- Water-resistant up to 30m
Cons:
- Weak lume brightness
- Gains/losses time every week
- You can hear the ticking sound of the clock
- Small date window
Price: $110
Orient Bambino 2nd Generation FAC00005W0
The 40.5mm 2nd Generation Bambino has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant mineral crystal, a leather strap, a date window, index hour markers, and an Orient Calibre F6724 automatic movement.
Pros:
- Elegant and stylish design
- Sleek and comfortable to wear
- Power reserve of up to 40 hours
- Water-resistant up to 30m
Cons:
- Stiff strap
- No lume on hands
- Feels too delicate to wear
Price: $115 to $300
Orient Men’s Mako II
The 41.5mm Mako II has a stainless steel case and bracelet, a 120-click unidirectional bezel with minute markers, a scratch-resistant mineral crystal, a day-date window, index and Arabic numeral hour markers, luminescent hands, and an Orient Calibre F6922 automatic movement.
Pros:
- Solid and durable build
- Legible watch face
- Power reserve of up to 40 hours
- Water-resistant up to 200m
Cons:
- Spring bar is flimsy and bends easily
- Crown is too small
- Bracelet feels cheap
Price: $135
Bulova Men’s Classic 96C132
The 42mm Classic 96C132 has a stainless steel case and band, a transparent case back, a scratch-resistant mineral crystal, a day-date window, stick hour markers, and an automatic self-winding movement.
Pros:
- Very legible watch face
- Looks elegant and luxurious
- Power reserve of up to 40 hours
- Water-resistant up to 30m
Cons:
- No lume on hands
- Details on the movement are vague
- Expensive for its basic features
Price: $180 to $400
Seiko Dive Automatic SKX009
The 42mm Dive Automatic SKX009 has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal, a unidirectional rotating bezel with minute markers, a day-date window, luminescent hands and markers, and a Seiko Caliber 7S26 automatic movement.
Pros:
- Available in different strap and color variants
- Power reserve of up to 40 hours
- Water-resistant up to 30m
Cons:
- Crown is in an awkward position
- Bezel is hard to turn
- Oversized crown
Price: $240 to $500
Conclusion
Automatic watches need not be expensive. There are quartz variants that are more affordable and practical for daily use.
Quartz watches keep accurate time and feature designs that can be compared with more expensive brands. If you’re on the lookout for an affordable automatic timepiece, the list we’ve provided consists of the best inexpensive automatic watches you can easily purchase online.
