Automatic Watches Under 500

Some people think it is impossible to find a good automatic watch for less than 500 dollars. Actually, today’s market offers quite a few admirable pieces that even watch snobs would consider very good buys indeed. The best automatic watches under $500 combine beauty, style, and efficiency to provide a top notch package at a reasonable price. If you are in the market for an automatic timepiece that won’t break the bank, here are some of the options you won’t regret investing in.

What to Look for in an Automatic Watch

Regardless of whether you are buying a watch that costs ten thousand dollars or one that will cost less than 500 dollars, the piece needs to be evaluated in terms of design and over-all quality. Automatic watches are very popular, and for good reason. Powered solely by the movement of the owner, the convenience of not worrying about batteries is an undeniably attractive feature. High end automatic watches are carefully constructed to keep accurate time for decades, provided the watch is worn fairly frequently. Given that automatic watches are purely mechanical, there is large degree of ingenuity that goes into their construction. For this reason, it is worth spending the extra dollar to ensure that the model is built with a high level of craftsmanship.

Bulova Men’s 96B175 “Precisionist” Stainless Steel Watch

As part of the Bulova’s “Precisionist” line, this model’s movements are accurate to within seconds in a year, and its chronograph timing is set to 1/1000th of a second. This kind of precision puts it at the top category with the best of watches.

The Bulova Men’s 96B175 “Precisionist” Stainless Steel Watch is sporty yet sophisticated. Its stainless steel case and bracelet are well crafted, and the different time-measuring units on its black face are aesthetically balanced. Water resistant up to 300 meters, this model is one of Bulova’s all time most popular watches.

Tissot-T41148353 Locle Black Watch

If you are looking for a watch that combines classic good looks and accuracy, the Tissot Men’s T41148353 Le Locle Black Dial Watch is the watch for you. Its stylish case and steel link bracelet perfectly complement its black textured dial with its silver-toned hands and its Roman numeral hour markers.

This self-winding automatic watch comes with a sapphire crystal that is both scratch resistant and anti-reflective. Those who have worn this watch say that it is better than most automatic watches, even those made in Japan. Lightweight and well-designed, this Tissot model is extremely comfortable to wear, and it is water resistant up to 30 meters. It winds smoothly, operates quietly, and the scratch resistant glass allows it to look good as new for years to come.

Invicta Grand Diver GT Automatic Watch

The Invicta Grand Diver GT is priced at well under 500 hundred dollars, so it is a good buy considering its youthful, attractive design and its many outstanding features. It is two-toned, with 18 k gold ion-plated links in the center of its bracelet. It has a unique blue dial, and its dial window is made of flame fusion crystal.

Water resistant at 300 meters, the Grand Diver GT also features gold tone scalloped detailing, a reliable fold-over clasp with a safety closure, and a date window at the 3 o’clock. Wildly popular since release, this particular model is easy to pass for a watch 10x the price.

Seiko SKX007K Diver’s Automatic Watch

The Seiko SKX007K is a spin-off from the iconic Seiko diver’s watch. Its timeless design makes it a watch lover’s favorite, but it owes its popularity mainly to its reliability in activities such as diving and hiking.

Hailed as a modern classic, the Seiko SKX007K is known for its durability, practicality, and accuracy. For the past ten years, the Seiko SKX007K has been one of the company’s top selling models, and this trend shows no signs of changing.

This watch functions without a battery, and it is water resistant up to 200 meters, making it a reliable accessory for recreational scuba diving activities. With its stainless steel case and its black dial, the Seiko SKX007K is also ideal for daily casual wear. At less than 200 dollars, this watch is a must-have item for any man’s wardrobe.

Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s 241197 Alpnach Watch

The Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s 241197 Alpnach watch has a brushed stainless steel bracelet with PVD coated outer links. Its black and white design and its blue dial give it a thoroughly contemporary and classy look. The Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s 241197 Alpnach Watch has luminescent hands and full chronograph function with three sub dials for hours, minutes, and seconds.
This model is water resistant up to 100 meters, which makes it a good accessory for snorkeling and swimming, but not for diving. However, with its 46-hour power reserve and its self-winding mechanical movement, this is a good watch to wear for field trips and outings.

This high performing product is part of Swiss Army’s more expensive Alpnach line. It is usually priced upwards of a thousand dollars inclusive of tax, so when a reliable online store sells it for less, you know you have a bargain too good to pass up.