More than an accessory on the wrist or a device to tell the time, the watch is an avatar of the person wearing it. It has undergone countless evolutions over time, to the point of becoming connected. But the ultimate in terms of prestige and robustness remains the automatic watch. In addition, its internal mechanism allows it to last forever! Find your automatic watch through this list.
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Benyar offers you a waterproof automatic watch that is particularly resistant to scratches. Elegant, it has a very thick glass on its skeletonized dial, all sold with an excellent quality/price ratio. Put it on your wrist and you will immediately look like a real gentleman!
More than just a fashion accessory, the Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB has a beautifully clean and sporty design. It requires a few adjustments, but this men's watch promises to be accurate.
Are you looking for a classic, refined watch with an automatic movement? The Bersigar brand offers a model that is both precise and capable of withstanding a pressure of 10 bars under water. This automatic watch is also scratch-resistant thanks to its sapphire crystal.
The Bersigar Business Casual is a beautiful automatic watch with a unique skeletonized dial with tachymeter spring. Made of stainless steel, this watch is sturdy and well finished. It is water resistant enough for shallow water immersion.
The Seiko SYMC18K1 automatic watch was designed with the durability of all parts in mind, as well as the style of the person who is supposed to wear it. Finely designed with a golden tone, it is just perfect if you imagine it as a gift for a loved one.
Using the Japanese NH35 automatic movement, the 007 Seamaster features a solid stainless steel bracelet and case, a rotating ceramic bezel and a convex synthetic sapphire crystal. This dive watch can be submerged up to 100 meters underwater and offers a clear reading thanks to its fluorescent notations.
This self-winding men's watch is made of stainless steel and has an impeccable finish. It is water resistant and can withstand up to 5 ATM of pressure. For its price and quality, it is a very good deal!
The Fossil ME3110 has an automatic timepiece. The clock face is blue and covered with mineral glass. Note the leather strap. This beautiful timepiece is a must have choice if you have less than 200 euros.
Invicta offers here a very well made unisex watch. The 9010OB Pro Diver can withstand up to 20 bars of pressure under water. The watch has a precise automatic movement and an elegant golden design. A very nice gift to give yourself!
If you are a water sports enthusiast, this watch deserves your full attention. With a precision of about +20 seconds per day, it is an automatic version reinforced by a mineral crystal glass. A material that ensures incredible hardness and water resistance.
Able to remain waterproof up to 10 bars, with 45 hours of autonomy for a single reserve, the Seiko SNZG15K1 will not fail to please those who seek a modern automatic watch. The nylon straps enhance its versatility. You can wear it on a daily basis or for your outdoor activities.
You will surely fall under the spell of this automatic watch with a Milanese mesh bracelet and skeleton dial. The Pierre Lannier 312B628 has been exceptionally designed to combine precision and refinement, keeping you on time with a simple wrist movement.
The elaborate and beautiful design of the Stührling Original makes it an eye-catching automatic watch. Its automatic mechanism is triggered by the natural movement of your arm and the watch needs to be wound every 2 weeks.
It is a wristwatch with automatic movement. The Seiko SSA231K1 has an irresistible look, enhanced by its retro and timeless feel. The leather strap, steel case and mineral glass give the watch a robust look while displaying distinguished indexes.
The finishing and precision of this watch are breathtaking. Its shell in super Titanium Duratect TIC allows it to be used up to 200 m under water. Pleasant to wear, easy to read and offered at an excellent price considering its quality of manufacture, it will be the envy of your wrist.
Featuring a stainless steel case with black silicone strap, this automatic watch is rugged and stylish. With the Orient RA-AC0L04L00B, you won't lose track of time, even in the dark, thanks to its luminescent hands and markers.
Time holds no secrets with the Tissot Matics III Daydate, as the automatic movement always remains visible through a transparent caseback. Tissot Mmatics III timepieces make an elegant statement, punctuated by a clever attention to detail, including a neat day and date display.
If there's one watchmaker capable of producing top-notch automatic watches in every imaginable style and movement type, it's Seiko. The Seiko SNZF17K1 is probably one of the brand's most successful series. Just look at the way it looks!
The Panzera Aquamarine Pro Diver Infinity Blue Pioneer automatic dive watch is part of a handcrafted line. With a contemporary design, it is water resistant to 300 m underwater and the crown and hands display the time very clearly even in total darkness.
This automatic watch with leather strap uses the new integrated Japanese multi automatic movement for a more accurate reading. The unique position of the "seconds" sub-dial accentuates the already innovative look of the watch. Withstanding 5 bars of pressure, its skeletonized dial offers a nice glimpse of the internal mechanism.
The famous Pit Crew family of watches captures all the attention with this case inspired by the air intakes of race cars with a mythical prancing horse on the front, in this case Ferrari. The rubber-covered crown and textured dial add to the elegance of this 50-meter waterproof watch.
This Swiss-made automatic chronograph is distinguished by its ultra-resistant sapphire crystal, its water-resistant O-rings and its reinforced casing. The Certina XL C001 427.16.037.01. is protected from all external constraints (pressure, humidity and dust).
The Jazzmaster Viewmatic Skeleton is the newest automatic watch with a multi-level dial from the Hamilton collection. On the crown, you can see the brand's iconic H signature. The price is matched only by the prestige of this ultra high-end watch.
Swiss-made, this watch with rubber strap stands out because it is automatic with the ETA 2824-2 caliber and its hands are consolidated with a layer of Super-LumiNova to allow for extended night vision. Wind it manually if you don't wear it regularly.
If you're looking for an automatic, easy-to-read, ultra-precise watch, the Stührling Original Limited Edition is for you. It can dive up to 200 meters underwater and has an impressive style and overall quality.
The Hamilton Intra-Matic H38416541 American Classic has a classic yet modern design. This ultra-precise, high-end chronograph exudes quality from every angle, from the dial to the sub-dials to the case and bracelet.
This automatic watch was designed to honor the career of the driver Mario Andretti and more precisely the 50 years of his victory at Indianapolis. Thanks to the tachometer, you can calculate your average speed during a race. Waterproof to 100 m, the Yema YRAL2019-AAS will enhance your daily wear.
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Your automatic watch reflects your personality, your emotions, your tastes, in a word your style. To that end, look for a watch that displays unparalleled originality, that is marked by the artist's signature, and that is not found on most wrists.
The size of the dial is a major factor that you must carefully consider. Make sure the watch is neither too big nor too small for your wrist. Currently, various automatic watch manufacturers offer 3 dial sizes: 44mm, 40mm and 36mm. Most men's automatic watches have a 44mm dial, while women's automatic watches come in 36mm. The 40 mm is more often considered the unisex size.
Make sure you have a watch made with the highest precision so you don't have to wind or recalibrate it too often. If you can afford it, opt for models produced by Swiss master watchmakers. Indeed, entry-level mechanical watches can drift by -/+ 1 min per day, while high-end mechanical watches range from -25 s to +45 s of drift per day.
Most fully wound automatic watches have about 42 h of power before they need to be worn again. Some models can have up to 10 days (240 hours) of power reserve. The choice will depend on your habits. If you plan to wear the watch daily, choose the model with 42 hours of reserve. On the other hand, if you wear your watch occasionally, turn to a model with a reserve of several days.
Aside from the time display, automatic watches offer other interesting features. On many automatic watch models, the timepiece can display the calendar date, moon phases, power reserve indicators, and also alarm functions.
Automatic watches usually have glass on the back so you can observe the mechanism and movement. Watches made with inferior materials can lose minutes a day. Opt for watches with Swiss, Japanese and German movements that are known for their high quality materials, ensuring they are sturdy, accurate and reliable.
Want to raise your social status and look even more stylish? Here is a short list of the best luxury watch brands.
As a guide, here is a small list of good brands (aside from those already mentioned in this guide) of automatic watches available for all budgets. These are both men's and women's watch brands that offer quality products that are highly appreciated by the vast majority of users.
| Watch price | Brands |
| Less than 150 € (£150) | Daniel Wellington, Fossil, Stührling, Nixon, Casio (sporty and streetwear spirit), Festina. |
| Around 150 and 450 €. | Seiko, Michel Herbelin, Bulova, Tissot, Lip, Zeppelin, Stührling. |
| From 600 €. | Frederique Constant, Bulova, Tissot, Junghans, Oris, Hamilton. |
This automatic watch is intended for daily use in an ambient environment. Depending on the brand, some standard models can resist scratches, while others are waterproof, but at a limited water pressure level: for use in a light shower or for swimming in shallow water only.
Automatic dive watches are made of ultra-resistant materials that allow them to remain waterproof even up to a hundred meters (or even more) underwater or at a pressure of up to 10-20 bar. Even though these models are made for diving, their elegant design and varied styling allow them to be quite versatile.
The automatic watch draws its energy from the movements of your wrist. To ensure its proper functioning, its owner must wear it regularly. This will prevent the oil contained in its gears from congealing. Unlike the quartz watch, the automatic version does not need batteries. It tells the time using only wheels and springs, and requires very little maintenance (a revision every 5 years). However, the automatic watch is sensitive to shocks and falls. And it is less precise than the quartz watch.
A quartz watch is a watch with integrated circuits at its heart. To operate, this mechanism requires batteries. Unlike the automatic watch, it does not need to be worn regularly and has a thinner movement. However, a quartz watch should not be left with a discharged battery as this could damage it. This type of watch is more accurate than the automatic version thanks to its chrono dials. Moreover, it costs less than the automatic watch.
In conclusion, nothing beats an automatic watch. Since it can last a lifetime, it can become a family heirloom that will be passed down from generation to generation. However, if you are only going to wear your watch for a particular occasion, the quartz version will be your best ally. It is both accurate, affordable and does not require regular wear as it is battery powered.
For its aesthetic side
With an automatic watch, the display of the time is much more aesthetic. This is thanks to the fluidity of the movement of the hands compared to quartz watches.
For its ecological side
The advantage of an automatic watch is that, in addition to being elegant, it is ecological: it does not need batteries to function. There is no need to go to your watchmaker every two years to replace the battery in your beautiful watch. Therefore, choosing an automatic watch allows you to make a nice gesture in favour of the environment.
For its ease of maintenance and durability
The maintenance of an automatic watch has been greatly simplified thanks to watch winders. The latter, as their name indicates, are used to reset the automatic watch to the correct time, especially when it is slow. In general, automatic watches only need to be serviced every five years, so that they can serve you over and over again.
A real jewel, passed down from generation to generation
Since an automatic watch can last you a lifetime, your children, grandchildren and subsequent generations will be able to inherit it. As a result, over the years, your watch will have sentimental value in the eyes of your family members who will cherish it and take good care of it.
To look stylish and gain respectability
With its elegant look, an automatic watch is a fashion accessory that will make the wearer look more stylish. It also reflects, in a way, the social status of its wearer, considering that not everyone can afford to invest in a luxury watch depending on the brand.
An excellent everyday accessory
For many people, a watch is a "friend" they can never part with. An automatic watch is an (almost) living object that functions at the pace of its wearer. The heart of the device beats in unison with yours.
In our opinion, the best brands of automatic watches in 2022 are :
Founded in 1901 by Shogoro Yoshida, Orient is a Japanese watch brand. It has established itself as a renowned manufacture and has held a place in the marketing of watches. Orient watches are made with its own in-house automatic movements.
The "Seikosha" factory was founded in 1892. Currently, Seiko is the reference brand when it comes to quality watches. In terms of quality and precision, Seiko is rather ahead of the competition.
The American brand was founded in 1985 and specializes in the sale of high-end items such as ready-to-wear, shoes, perfumes and watches. The latter stand out thanks to their timeless and particularly sophisticated design. Tommy Hilfiger has no reason to be ashamed of the competition.
This Japanese brand was created in 1918 and was the instigator of the EcoDrive technology. The first Citizen watch could be bought at a very high price of almost 20% of the monthly salary at the time! Citizen men's watches do not require battery changes or manual winding to operate!
After some ups and downs in its history, Invicta finally came back in force in 1991. The brand has since become a fixture on the watch market and has established itself as one of the most popular brands of the moment. Invicta offers a wide range of trendy and creative products, with themes ranging from Star Wars to the Marvel universe.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Do not place your automatic watch near a strong magnet
Magnetization seriously disturbs automatic watches. This is because they are entirely driven by moving metal parts. Magnetized automatic watches are severely lacking in accuracy.
Maintain your automatic watch
As a general rule, an automatic watch will need to be serviced and maintained every 3-5 years by a specialist, although this ultimately depends on how well your watch is running and what the manufacturer recommends. As an example, Rolex recommends servicing their watches every 10 years.
Don't leave your automatic watch unused for a long time
Are you into collecting automatic watches? Good for you! But since you can only wear one watch at a time and the others have to stay in their cases for a while, you risk freezing the oil in your unused watches. This can reduce their accuracy and over time, may even prevent them from working properly.
Keep your watch clean
It's important to keep your watch clean so it retains its shape and accuracy. Fortunately, most automatic watches are made of stainless steel, so cleaning them is an easy task. A piece of soft cloth will suffice to wipe down your automatic watch. You can also use water to make cleaning easier, especially if the watch is waterproof. Only use soap to treat stubborn stains.
Avoid using the automatic watch in extreme temperatures
Steel is sensitive to temperature variations (too cold or too hot) and the automatic watch uses steel in its mechanism. For this reason, any extreme temperature will interfere with its proper functioning. The precision of the watch will suffer due to the expansion or contraction of the parts. The lubricating oil, which keeps the gear running smoothly, could change its properties (solidify when cold, fluidize when hot). There could also be a problem of condensation inside the watch due to the temperature difference.
Energy is stored in a half metal disc called a rotor, which rotates when your wrist is in motion. This energy is used to power the watch and can keep it running overnight or when the watch is not worn. The stored energy can keep an unworn automatic watch running for 24 to 48 hours.
Push the crown of your automatic watch towards the case (if the crown is on the right side of the watch, push it all the way to the left). Turn the crown forward until you feel a slight "resistance". Once its reserve is full, it is ready to be worn.
A degaussing machine can be used to reduce or eliminate the magnetic field of an automatic watch. These machines are affordable and available for home use. You can also take your automatic watch to a watchmaker who can demagnetize it for you.
Use a sharp screwdriver or knife to open the watch cover. Next, disassemble your watch manually or with a tool such as a flathead screwdriver, but be careful not to scratch the case or damage the gears and other sensitive parts of the watch. Take a picture of the inside of your watch to remind you of the location of each part.
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