Best Automatic Watches Under $500 (2021)

A long time ago, even the simplest watches that had to be winded by hand, were considered to be luxury items and were not available for ordinary people. Nowadays, one can find automatic luxurious-looking options even in the price range below 500 dollars. Customers don’t need to compromise between quality and affordability anymore. In order to create this review, there were more than 60 hours spent on analyzing and picking the top automatic watches under $500. And all of them are below.

Top Affordable Automatic Watches Under 500 Dollars

Review	Name	Features
	Orient Mechanical Sports Watch (EL0001B00A) View Details	Anti-reflective sapphire glass Japanese automatic movement Stainless steel band and bezel
	Tissot Classic Watch (T0854071105100) View Details	Anti-reflective sapphire glass Stainless steel band and bezel Swiss automatic movement Water-resistant
	Seiko Watch (SKX007J1) View Details	Japan 21 jewels automatic self-winding movement Stainless steel case, resin strap Hardlex mineral crystal Day/date display with Japanese option Luminous hands and markers Unidirectional turning bezel Water-resistant Screw down case back and crown
	Stuhrling Original Anatol 371 Automatic 47mm Skeleton View Details	Skeleton style Alligator embossed leather band Luxury design Automatic mechanism technology Natural movements to wind itself
	Hamilton Khaki Field King Auto (H64455533) View Details	Stainless steel bezel Anti-reflective sapphire glass Swiss automatic self-winding movement Day/date display at 12 o'clock Sword-shaped hands Leather band Water-resistant, suitable for short periods of recreational swimming
	Laco/1925 Navy Watches Valencia 42 (861651) View Details	Anti-reflective sapphire glass Stainless steel case Leather band Swiss automatic movement Water-resistant
	Seiko Presage Watch (SRPB41) View Details	Hardlex crystal glass Date calendar Silver tone hands and markers Hand-winding capability Stainless steel case and band Hackable second hand Seiko 23 jewels self-winding automatic movement
	Tissot V8 Swissmatic Watch (T1064071103101) View Details	Stainless steel case and bracelet Automatic movement Scratch-resistant sapphire glass Water-resistant Date calendar
	Pantor Sealion View Details	Japanese automatic movement Sapphire glass Stainless steel case Stainless steel and rubber bands
	Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 (T1204071104100) View Details	Sapphire glass Stainless steel band and case Swiss automatic movement Date calendar
	Seiko Prospex Watch (SRPD11) View Details	Manual and automatic winding mechanism 41-hour power reserve Day and date calendar Stainless steel case and bracelet with black finish Water-resistant
	Stuhrling Original Depthmaster 893 Automatic 42mm Diver View Details	Swiss automatic self-winding mechanism Water-resistant No batteries needed Luminous hands and indices Quick set-date Scratch-resistant glass

Men’s Orient Mechanical Sports Watch (EL0001B00A)

The simpler version that looks like the Citizen watch is made by the Orient brand. The watch is totally made of stainless steel, and as a result, it has a silver finish. However, the display is black that makes it perfect to see the white hands and time divisions.

The features of this model are not so numerous, but still, they are very useful. In particular, it is equipped with an additional ring that can be used by any diver, and it works up to 660 feet deep. In addition, there is a second hand, a power reserve indicator, and a date calendar. All of these things fit into the 43.4 mm display.

This model is relatively new since it was released on May 9, 2019. It is covered by the Orient 1-year warranty.

Men’s Tissot Classic Watch (T0854071105100)

Tissot is a Swiss brand, one of the most famous watches in the world. Thus, it should exceed user’s expectations of quality and comfort. Whether it’s true or not, let’s check it out!

This model is another representative of the classic design: there is nothing excessive, just the plain display and stainless steel details, including a case and a band. The display diameter is 40 mm, and it comprises just an analog mechanism with a second hand and a date calendar. Not a lot, but it’s quite enough for everyday wearing.

The model is not quite new since it was first released on July 2, 2013, but it has already earned lots of attention. For more user’s confidence, the watch is covered by a 2-year warranty.

Men’s Seiko Watch (SKX007J1)

If you want to have something suitable for sports, then you should check the Seiko watch SKX007J1. Thanks to its design, you will immediately think that it is the most perfect watch ever. First, it’s because you can dive down to 660 feet, and its water resistance is awesome. The second thing is that it comes with a rubber band that may feel better than the metal one.

The other features just will add more confidence that this watch is great for sports challenges. Among them, there is a day and date calendar, a second hand, and luminous hands and divisions. Moreover, the size of the display is pretty big – it’s 42 mm, so a user will see the time clearly.

This model is not new, but still, it has been quite popular since August 26, 2010. In addition, the watch comes with a 1-year warranty, so you will have less worry and more joy.

Men’s Stuhrling Original Anatol 371 Automatic 47mm Skeleton

The skeleton watch always attracts the user’s attention. This particular model from Stuhrling will constantly keep your attention on watching all the cogwheel and how the mechanical part works and makes everything to move. In addition, watching how it works will be more comfortable thanks to a relatively big display, the diameter of which is 46 mm.

The design allows you to wear this watch in various cases, even for the official occasions – it will look stunning as well. As for the durability of work, you will never have to pay attention to this since it is equipped with the self-winding mechanism when you move.

This model became available with a 2-year warranty on January 19, 2015.

Men’s Hamilton Khaki Field King Auto (H64455533)

Hamilton Khaki Field Auto that was released on June 1, 2004, is another watch of the classic design that can be a win-win situation. And no matter whether you are having a formal night or just wear it on the weekend morning.

The 40 mm display comprises luminous hands along with the digits and a date and day calendar. The display is in a stainless steel case, while the band is brown leather. In total, the watch looks gorgeously. Moreover, the depth up to 165 feet will never damage if you wear it in the swimming pool.

You can also be more confident with it since it comes with a 2-year warranty.

Men’s Laco/1925 Navy Watches Valencia 42 (861651)

For those who intend to find something minimalistic, take a look at Laco Valencia available on the market since November 22, 2013, that comes with a simple white dial. In addition, there are three black hands that allow seeing the time clearly and a date calendar. Obviously, the display is analog and has Arabic numerals.

The case is made of stainless steel with a silver finish. The band is brown leather. These features make this device be suitable for casual wearing. It won’t look appropriate for formal nights, but for the office, it is perfect. Moreover, a see-through case back and a luminous dial make this watch awesome and user-friendly.

It is also water-resistant, but the depth it can reach shouldn’t exceed 164 feet. And if it can’t work underwater, then it’s better to contact the customer service. Luckily, the device is supplied with a 2-year warranty.

Men’s Seiko Presage Watch (SRPB41)

There is nothing better than having a watch of classic design from the world-known brand. It has been available on the market since October 5, 2017. The stainless steel case and band look gorgeously in combination with the 41-millimeter display.

Except for the main feature of showing time, there is a date calendar. The other characteristics can be checked in the table above. But the main thing you should know is that this watch is under a 3-year warranty. Thus, you can contact the customer service immediately if something happens with it.

Men’s Tissot V8 Swissmatic Watch (T1064071103101)

The stunning matte finish in the watch is not a usual thing. Thus, Tissot V8, which has been available since March 13, 2018, is much different from its competitors. However, the matte finish is not the only thing that is unusual: a 43-millimeter white dial with black hands does make this watch exceptional as well. As an additional feature on the dial, there is a date calendar.

It’s hard to say that this particular model is good for wearing for formal nights, but it is nice for other events.

This watch is equipped with the automatic movement, and if something happens with it, immediately contact the customer service since it comes with a 2-year warranty.

Men’s Pantor Sealion

The emerald dial of the watch against the silver background is well memorable. This effect is well used in Pantor Sealion with the 42-millimeter display released on August 10, 2017. The design doesn’t require to be worn for a particular event; it means that it’s nice for both everyday use and formal nights.

The watch combines the direct (showing time) and additional purposes(showing date). The watch comes with 2 types of band. This pleasant feature will be useful if you want to change the current look of your watch into racing, for example. And as for durability and reliability, you can be sure since the device is covered with a 2-year warranty.

Men’s Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 (T1204071104100)

Another contrasting combination of a blue dial against the silver background is in Tissot Seastar available on the market since June 3, 2018. The relatively big dial, which diameter is 43 mm, is catchy enough to be noticed by anyone you pass by.

The watch combines a date calendar and a second hand, which are a pretty regular set of features. However, because of this simplicity and an outstanding look, this device may be quite popular among users. Of course, not taking into account its quality, which is of high level.

The power reserve has quite a large capacity – 80 hours. It means that the watch can work for about 3 days without recharging it. And a 2-year warranty guarantees its durable and reliable performance.

Men’s Seiko Prospex Watch (SRPD11)

The bigger display (45 mm) is in the Seiko Prospex watch released on January 9, 2019. The model is quite new, but it gains popularity among lots of users thanks to the universal and pleasant look of the blackish stainless steel finish. By the way, this product is considered to be a pilot watch.

The time is shown by 3 hands. In addition, there is a built-in calendar that shows date and day, a rotating bezel and the ability to be submerged underwater of a 660 feet deep. In other words, this is a great watch for divers, but for everyday usage, it is an awesome option, too. Moreover, the item is supported by a 1-year warranty.

Men’s Stuhrling Original Depthmaster 893 Automatic 42mm Diver

You will never make a mistake by choosing the silver coating of your watch. Thus, Stuhrling Depthmaster 893 available on stores since May 7, 2018, may be the best buy ever for you.

This model has a 42-millimeter display with 3 hands showing the time accurately and a built-in date calendar. The skeleton look on the back side of the case adds even more intrigue.

The Swiss automatic movement is promised to work underwater up to 660 feet deep. If it doesn’t correspond to the manufacturer’s claims, then it’s better to contact the customer service due to having a 2-year warranty.

Top Automatic Watches Under $500 in 2020 (Unavailable Now)

Review	Name	Features
	Citizen Eco-Drive Chronograph Watch (AT4010-50E)	Titanium Automatic timekeeping Eco-drive technology Works without a battery Charges from artificial or natural light Second chronograph Perpetual calendar Power reserve indicator Alarm Non-reflective sapphire glass Water-resistant Radio-controlled
	Orient Mechanical Contemporary Watch (AC07001T)	Anti-reflective sapphire glass Rose gold tone stainless steel case Leather band Automatic & Hand-winding movement
	Seiko Watch (SRPC16K1)	Slightly Domed Hardlex Crystal glass Second-hand-halt / Hacking Automatic hand-winding mechanism See thru crystal case back Leather band Calendar
	Orient President Watch (CEV0J002C)	21 jewels automatic movement Power reserve around 40 hours Day and date calendar Water-resistant
	Seiko Prospex Watch (SRPD09)	Manual and automatic winding mechanism 41-hour power reserve Silicone band Water-resistant
	Orient Star Mechanical Contemporary Watch (DE00002W)	Anti-scratch sapphire glass Water-resistant Stainless steel case and band Automatic winding mechanism
	Invicta Venom (19304)	Stainless steel case Silicone band Date calendar Second hand Water-resistant Japanese automatic movement with 24 jewels

Men’s Citizen Eco-Drive Chronograph Watch (AT4010-50E)

The classic design is one of the most favorite and the best selling features in watches. Thus, the Citizen manufacturer bet on this and became a winner among the other world-known watch brands. However, the design is not the only thing that catches a potential user’s eye. Let’s take a look at this model closer.

The main thing that attracts buyers is that this model has eco-drive technology that allows working without any additional source of power. This technology collects power from the source of light, no matter whether it is the sun or a lamp. Besides, this model comes with a tachymeter, chronograph, date and day calendar, and other useful things. More information is given in the table above.

The watch has an analog display, and its diameter is 42 mm. The case and the band are made of stainless steel. In fact, as it was stated before, these features are within the minimalistic and universally classic design. Thus, it will never annoy you.

This model became available on October 17, 2011. The warranty covers any breakdown for up to 5 years.

Women’s Orient Mechanical Contemporary Watch (AC07001T)

This Orient watch for women will catch everyone’s eye immediately thanks to a rose gold finish and built-in crystals as hour digits and additional ones on the case that give a classy look to the whole product.

The watch comes with an analog display and a date calendar. And that’s it concerning the features. However, you should also note that this model is equipped with the automatic hand-winding mechanism that allows you not to worry about its power source at all.

The design is suitable for wearing it for both special nights and casual purposes, but because of the vintage looking case, a user may want to choose corresponding outfits as well.

By the way, the material of the case is stainless steel. Its diameter is 38 mm. The band is brown leather.

The watch is supported by a 1-year warranty. The date of its release is August 27, 2016.

Men’s Seiko Watch (SRPC16K1)

The more strict design is in Seiko SRPC16K1 that was released on January 18, 2018. It comes with a brown leather band and a stainless steel case covered with a golden finish. The display size is 44 mm. There are three hands, two of them are luminous, and a date and day calendar.

The watch is equipped with the automatic self-winding mechanism that makes the watch work without disturbing a user. As an additional fascinating feature, there is a see-through case back that will surely work for a long time thanks to a 1-year warranty.

Men’s Orient President Watch (CEV0J002C)

The president watch has to correspond to the highest quality. Whether the Orient President watch that was released on March 12, 2016 lives up to the expectations or not, let’s figure it out!

At first glance, the design is quite catchy. Perhaps, it’s because of the combination of 2 different shades: gold and silver. Moreover, the dial has embedded crystals that work as the hour markings and emphasize the luxury of the product.

The 36-millimeter display comprises a day and date calendar. In addition, some users may also value a second hand. A power reserve is about 40 hours, so a user won’t worry about winding it. And to be more confident, the watch is covered with a 1-year warranty.

Men’s Seiko Prospex Watch (SRPD09)

The diver’s choice may stop on Seiko Prospex available on the market since January 9, 2019. This watch can resist water up to 660 feet deep. And it has an awesome design that attracts everyone passing by. The blue whale display has a wavy structure that has a gorgeous effect under the sunlight.

In addition, there is a date calendar and a rotating bezel that can be used for GMT adjustments. Everything fits into the 44-millimeter display.

Like the others, this model is equipped with the automatic movement that is covered with a 3-year warranty.

Men’s Orient Star Mechanical Contemporary Watch (DE00002W)

Nowadays, watches made of stainless steel are quite popular. As a result, lots of manufacturers produce items with cases and bands made of stainless steel only. Orient Star released on October 17, 2012, is no exception. Is it worth it?

Firstly, this design is universal since users can wear it for any occasion. Secondly, it is quite durable and reliable, especially the band. Furthermore, the additional features such as a day and date calendar and a power reserve indicator that are on a 39.5-millimeter display are very useful.

As you might have already guessed, this model is equipped with the automatic self-winding mechanism that is well seen on the back side of the case. And it is important to note that it is well secured and can resist water even at a depth of 660 feet. If something wrong, just contact the customer service since the watch comes with a 1-year warranty.

Men’s Invicta Venom (19304)

The most unusual design among the models in this selection is in Invicta Venom released on December 6, 2015. The main color of this device is white, which makes it outstanding and unique simultaneously. Unlike the other models from the list, this watch comes with a silicone band, which is also white. Perhaps, some users may consider them even a racing watch.

The product comes with a 50-millimeter display with a built-in calendar and 3 hands that show the time. The back side of the case is transparent, so the mechanism performance is well-seen.

By the way, it is protected by a 5-year warranty, which is awesome for a particular price range.

FAQ

The watches mentioned above are just the most popular models. Thus, you may not receive much information about choosing the right model particularly for you. Luckily, there is a section of frequently asked questions where you can find answers to your questions.

Conclusion

Luckily, despite the era of technological progress and having smartphones that replace lots of useful devices, the watches are still popular. Sometimes their purpose is not just showing the time and date. Modern watches are equipped with additional features such as a tachometer, connection with radio spots, etc. Moreover, usually, this device is always used for showing the social status, which can’t be as successfully shown via a smartphone.

Thus, no matter what model you choose, you should know all its aspects and features. Luckily, there is WatchmakerNotes with you, who will always provide you with fresh information from the world of watches.

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