Top 10 Best Automatic Watches Under 500

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A lot of modern watches that you can find on the market already feature automatic movement. These automatic watches are not only practical and trendy, but they are also the epitome of quality work. To many, these watches represent excellence and ingenuity. Hence, they still stand out even if there are a lot of smartwatches around. Because of this, there are still a lot of automatic watch manufacturers around. As a buyer with a budget, you should be aware of what’s in and what out. To make things easier for you, we have curated 10 of the best automatic watches under 500.

A lot of you might already be wondering what an automatic watch is. So basically, an automatic watch is a type of watch that utilizes kinetic energy from the movement of the person wearing it. It is called such because it winds automatically depending on how the wearer would move rather than relying on the battery. 

Automatic watches undergo a very complex process of production. Hence you may find it challenging to find a quality product that is below $1,000. Luckily, our list could make it easier for you to pick yours. Let us not keep you longer. Let’s delve into the best automatic watches under 500.

Summary of the Best Automatic Watches Under 500

What are the Best Automatic Watches Under 500

1. Bulova 98A228 Automatic Watch

Commencing our list is the Bulova 98A228 Automatic Watch. This watch consists of three hands that move automatically and are showcased in an open aperture. It comes in a rose gold-tone stainless steel case and a grey tone on its outer ring. The grey dial comes with a flat mineral crystal. The strap is made of a textured silicone material that includes a contrasting red underside.

Water-Resistant

The Bulova 98A228 Automatic Watch belongs to the Marine Star series of Bulova. This means that this watch is water-resistant. It consists of a screw-down crown that keeps water out of the watch. If you plan to set the watch, you will need to turn the step counterclockwise then pull it out.

Multifunctional

What we also like about this watch is that you can use it on more occasions than one. Due to its design, you can wear it on formal occasions. But since it is light and easy to wear, you can use it on casual days, whether you would just go to the park or just go to the grocery. Since it is water-resistant, you can use this for brief swimming or splashing.

Details 

• Movement: Automatic
• Case Diameter: 45 millimeters
• Water Resistance: 200 meters
• Strap: Genuine Silicone

Pros 

• The color combination complements any attire.
• It has excellent value for its price.
• It can also be a good snorkel watch.

Cons

• It tends to have a strong smell.
• It also tends to get scratched easily.

Where to Buy Bulova 98A228 Automatic Watch

2. Tissot V8 Automatic Mens Watch T1064071103101

The Tissot V8 Automatic Men’s Watch T1064071103101 is inspired by the racing cars from the 1960s. Hence it is strong and powerful to look at when worn. This watch appeals to users with an ample dose of adrenaline in their lives. Not only is it stunning to look at, but its technicalities are also of excellent quality as well. The driving force behind its power is its innovative automatic movement.

Water-Resistant

The case of this watch undergoes a variety of tests, such as a water-resistance check. This watch resists the penetration of liquid, dust, and gas. To do these tests, the watch replicates the conditions where the watch may find itself.

Sapphire

The presence of a sapphire crystal gives this watch the following features: high resistance to impact and excellent readability. Moreover, its sapphire crystals provide anti-scratch properties. 

Details 

• Movement: Automatic
• Case Diameter: 43 millimeters
• Water Resistance: 100 meters
• Strap: Stainless Steel

Pros 

• The quality of the watch is of great value.
• This watch is highly durable.
• Excellent condition for its price.

Con

• It tends to be uncomfortable at times.

Where to Buy Tissot V8 Automatic Mens Watch T1064071103101

3. Seiko PROSPEX Automatic Divers Men’s Watch Special SRPD21 Edition

The Seiko PROSPEX Automatic Divers Men’s Watch Special SRPD21 Edition features many perks that you could enjoy in a watch. These include a one-way rotating elapsed timing bezel, data calendar, LumiBrite hands and markers, a 41-hour power reserve, and screw-down crown and case back. 

Impeccable design

What we love about this Seiko watch is its stunning design. This watch features 24 jewels that have been meticulously placed around the watch. Its LumiBrite hands and indexes allow you to see the time even if it is already dark. The royal blue design adds to its spectacle.

Water-Resistant

The watch has a water-resistant level of 200 meters (660 feet). That is already an appropriate level for a diver’s watch. So you do not only get to use this on formal or casual occasions, but you can also use this when swimming.

Details 

• Movement: Automatic
• Case Diameter: 45 millimeters
• Water Resistance: 200 meters
• Strap: Stainless Steel

Pros 

• The watch is impressive to look at.
• It is comfortable on the wrist.
• It has a rock-solid workhorse movement.

Cons

• The dial tends to be misaligned.
• The strap cannot be resized.

Where to Buy Seiko PROSPEX Automatic Divers Men’s Watch Special SRPD21 Edition

4. Seiko Men’s Prospex Special PADI Edition Samurai

The second Seiko automatic watch on our list is the Seiko Men’s Prospex Special PADI Edition Samurai. It consists of the following features: Hardflex mineral crystal, luminous hands and markers, and date display. In addition to this, this watch comes with 24 jewels and a self-winding automatic movement with a hackable second hand.

Stunning design

Similar to the earlier Seiko watch, we also love the design of this particular watch. This automatic watch comprises 24 jewels that have been meticulously placed around the watch. Its LumiBrite hands and indexes allow you to see the time even if it is already dark. 

Water-Resistant

This automatic watch has a water-resistant level of 200 meters (660 feet). That is already an appropriate level for a diver’s watch. So you do not only get to use this on formal or casual occasions, but you can also use this when swimming.

Details 

• Movement: Automatic
• Case Diameter: 44 millimeters
• Water Resistance: 200 meters
• Strap: Stainless Steel

Pros 

• This is a stunning watch.
• The dial is cool when it catches the sun.
• The attention to detail is worth the price.

Cons

• The indices are not aligned with the markers.
• The watch is not keeping time properly.

Where to Buy Seiko Men’s Prospex Special PADI Edition Samurai

5. Seiko SRP777 Prospex Automatic Men’s Watch

The Seiko SRP777 Prospex Automatic Men’s Watch is a high-quality automatic watch with an in-house movement. Not only is this an excellent automatic watch for casual use, but we can also recommend this as a diver watch.

Wearability

Thanks to its square design and its squat lugs, you can wear this watch with utmost comfort. But if your wrist is so small, we do not think that this can be appropriate for you. Typically, diver watches are heavy to wear, but this is an exception. Hence you could wear it comfortably and with minimal problems.

Movement

Inside the Seiko SRP777 Prospex Automatic Men’s Watch, you can find the signature caliber 4R36 movement of Seiko. It features 25 jewels and a beat rate of 21,600 BPH. The movement is reliable and can last long.

Details 

• Movement: Automatic
• Case Diameter: 44 millimeters
• Water Resistance: 200 meters
• Strap: Stainless Steel

Pros 

• The case and strap are wonderful.
• Its value is worth the price.
• It is highly water-resistant.

Cons

• The watch has poor quality control.
• The dial has a tender to go loose.

Where to Buy Seiko SRP777 Prospex Automatic Men’s Watch

6. Seiko Men’s Prospex Automatic-self-Wind Watch SRPC44

The last of the Seiko watches on our list is the Seiko Men’s Prospex Automatic-self-Wind Watch SRPC44. This watch offers Seiko’s classic features, sparking some deep nostalgic feelings in the users. This watch is embellished with a gold-finish stainless steel case. The black dial shows a calendar with LumiBrite markers and hands.

Aesthetically Pleasing

One of the best features of this watch is that it gives off a strong vintage look. The gold finishes provide interest and liveliness. The squared case makes it seem that it is larger, making it more wearable.

Water-Resistant

This Seiko watch has a water-resistant level of 200 meters. That is already an appropriate level for a diver’s watch. So you do not only get to use this on casual events, but you can also use this for high-impact water sports.

Details 

• Movement: Automatic
• Case Diameter: 45 millimeters
• Water Resistance: 200 meters
• Strap: Silicone

Pros 

• The gold color is stunning.
• The price is reasonable due to its value.
• Its rubber strap is comfortable to wear.

Cons

• The movement tends to be incorrect.
• Its bezel seems to be made cheaply.

Where to Buy Seiko Men’s Prospex Automatic-self-Wind Watch SRPC44

7. PHOIBOS Wave Master PY010 300M Automatic Dive Watch

There are many things to love about the PHOIBOS Wave Master PY010 300M Automatic Dive Watch. This watch exudes beauty and durability, from its sapphire crystal with anti-reflective undercoating to its stainless steel case. It further features 15 layers of Super-LumiNova Dark Blue and BGW9 on its indices, hands, and bezels.

The Bracelet

The bracelet (or strap) of this watch features solid end links polished on the sides. What keeps it fastened is a milled deployment clasp with two pushbuttons. The bracelet feels sturdy. If it is pretty loose on you, you can take it to a professional to fix your wrist size.

The Case

The case is also in stainless steel, in style called Tudor. It is straightforward, with brushed lug-tops and polished sides. The polishing of the sides angles up to the edge of the lug-tops. This gives off contrast in terms of texture.

Details 

• Movement: Automatic
• Case Diameter: 42 millimeters
• Water Resistance: 300 meters
• Strap: Stainless Steel

Pros 

• This watch is worth the money.
• It has an excellent finish.
• The construction of the watch is superb.

Cons

• It has poor quality control.
• The bezel tends to have a lot of back play.

Where to Buy PHOIBOS Wave Master PY010 300M Automatic Dive Watch

8. Orient Watch ORIENTSTAR Automatic WZ0151DK

The Orient Watch ORIENTSTAR Automatic WZ0151DK has Japanese automatic movement and 40S63 caliber. The dial of this watch is blue. It consists of mineral glass. The round case is made of stainless steel.

Antimagnetic

One of the most prominent features of this watch is it is antimagnetic. This watch can work with minor or minimal deviations when in the conditions of the magnetic field.

Power Reserve Indicator

Thanks to this watch, you would always be aware of how much energy it has and when it should be winded or charged.

Details 

• Movement: Automatic
• Case Diameter: 40 millimeters
• Water Resistance: 50 meters
• Strap: Stainless Steel

Pros 

• The dark blue dial is beautiful.
• The mesh belt is fashionable.

Cons

• There is an issue with the adjustment frame.
• It has poor visibility.

Where to Buy Orient Watch ORIENTSTAR Automatic WZ0151DK

9. Tissot Men’s Le Locle Watch T0064071603300

The Tissot Men’s Le Locle Watch T0064071603300 displays excellent style with details such as the traditional Le Locle signature and Roman numerals. This watch utilizes a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to secure the dial. So if you are looking for an elegant watch, then you would indeed find this watch appealing.

The Case

The watch has a clean and simple stainless steel case. Thanks to its thickness, this watch will slip under a cuff without causing any problem. This case has been polished to ensure elegance. It has stunningly designed curved lugs that would extend from the case.

The Strap

The strap of this watch is made of black embossed cow leather. Aside from the beauty it exudes, what we love about the strap is its comfort on the wrist. If elegance is your game, you will never go wrong with a leather strap. 

Details 

• Movement: Automatic
• Case Diameter: 26 millimeters
• Water Resistance: 100 feet
• Strap: Leather

Pros 

• The watch is ideal for formal occasions.
• The butterfly clasp opens up large enough.
• Its strap is appropriate for a dress watch.

Cons

• The strap is somehow too short.
• The watch tends to have defects.

Where to Buy Tissot Men’s Le Locle Watch T0064071603300

10. Fossil Men’s Grant Automatic Mechanical Watch

Completing our list of the best automatic men’s watches under 500 is the Fossil Men’s Grant Automatic Mechanical Watch. This watch has been inspired by inventiveness and creativity. It has been designed to provide a stunning watch for every user, from its stylized Roman numerals to its classic movement.

Quality Materials

The materials used in the construction of these watches are ensured to look good over time. The leather bracelet, in particular, is known for its ability to look great over some time.

Water-Resistant

The watch is water-resistant. This means that you can wear this watch while you swim in shallow water. However, we do not recommend this for use in deep diving.

Details 

• Movement: Automatic
• Case Diameter: 44 millimeters
• Water Resistance: 165 feet
• Strap: Leather

Pros 

• It is a nice-looking watch.
• This watch is worthy of its price.

Cons

• The illumination on the watch is not the best.
• The quality of timekeeping is not that great.

Where to Buy Fossil Men’s Grant Automatic Mechanical Watch

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Automatic Watches under 500

Quality of the Component Parts

Probably the essential thing to consider when buying an automatic watch is the quality of its parts. You have to gauge whether the glass that protects your watch is made of scratch-resistant sapphire glass or a mineral. Next, ensure that the case of your watch is made of stainless steel. A stainless steel case is durable and long-lasting.

Quality of the Finish

The finish refers to the quality of polish on the surface of the watch. A well-polished surface would make your watch more sophisticated to look at. However, if the finish is done poorly, then your watch would look cheap. And you do not want to have that.

Water Resistance

Finally, you should consider the water-resistance of the automatic watch. To gauge if the watch is water-resistant at all, you can check its rating. The water resistance rating determines how protected your timepiece is against water.

If you want to go diving while wearing a watch, we think that 200 meters of water resistance are the standard. But if you only plan on casual swimming, then having 100 meters of water resistance is already enough. If your automatic watch is lower than 30 meters, then you may have a cheap timepiece. As much as possible, try to avoid getting it wet.

Closing Thoughts on Best Automatic Watches under 500

When it comes to the best automatic watches under $500, you have many things to consider before you can arrive at the most suitable one. You have to be a little more meticulous about the watch that you are going to buy. Choose quality over affordability. This way, you will have a watch that you would not regret buying later on. Gauge the benefits and drawbacks of these watches that we have mentioned above. This makes it easier for you to arrive at the watch that you will ultimately purchase.