Some people still like to wear automatic mechanical watches because of their classic looks, longevity or just to pay tribute to the hard work and craftsmanship that goes behind making these modern marvels. Therefore these classic timepieces have still held their ground in the era of quartz watches that are many times more accurate than them.
If you are a soldier or firefighter for whom every second counts, then these watches are not meant for you because they are not very accurate. However, if you are a watch enthusiast or a watch collector who can bear a loss or gain of few seconds then these might be the best watches you could ever buy.
In this article, we have shortlisted some of the best automatic mechanical watches that generate power from your wrist movements and do not need any battery to operate. So let’s get started!
Quick links to specific parts of the article
- Best Automatic Mechanical Watch Comparison Table
- The 7 Best Automatic Mechanical Watches
- Final Verdict
- FAQs
Best Automatic Mechanical Watches Comparison Table
IMAGE | PRODUCT | SPECIFICATIONS | VIEW ON AMAZON |
Best Overall  | SEIKO Men's Automatic Stainless Steel Watch |
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Best Mid Range  | Seiko 5 Automatic Black Dial Stainless Steel Watch |
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Best Luxury  | Tissot Men's Swiss Automatic Silver Watch |
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Best Affordable  | Invicta Stainless Steel Automatic Dress Watch |
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The 7 Best Automatic Mechanical Watches
1. SEIKO Men’s Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
When it comes to making automatic mechanical watches there is hardly any brand that makes better watches than Seiko and this watch right here is a prime example of it. The watch is made out of stainless steel with a blue canvas band that provides it high durability which is a must in mechanical watches.
Moreover, it features a 37 mm analog watch dial at the front that shows you time and date and is gorgeous to look at. While the backside of the watch has a skeleton case that shows you the inner working of the watch i.e. the moving gears and small mechanical parts of the watch.
Also, since it is an automatic mechanical watch it winds by itself when you move your wrists. So no need to keep winding it like other mechanical watches that need to be winded every day to keep the time. Moreover, it shows you accurate time but it also depends on how often you move your wrist. The more you move the better it keeps the time.
Besides that, the watch also features illuminated watch hands that make reading time in the dark an easy affair. And it is also waterproof up to 30 meters so can easily withstand water splashes, rain, and sweat. Overall, it a great automatic mechanical watch from a great company that you can buy at affordable prices.
2. Bulova Men’s Automatic Brown Strap Watch 97A109
After Seiko, we have another legendary watchmaker for you, and it’s none other than Bulova. If you don’t know then the first-ever TV commercial that was aired in 1941 was of Bulova watches, so they have surely come a long way. Bulova makes all types of watches however the best from their brand are always the classic timepieces they make.
This watch right here also is an example of their craftsmanship as it looks so beautiful and at the same time works so well. The Bulova Men’s Automatic Brown Strap watch is a delight for people who love large watches. The 45mm large dial size allows you to read the time at a quick glance and also has enough space for you to see through the skeleton chronograph subdial.
The watch features 21 jewel movements that are visible through the on-screen chronograph subdial. Also, this timepiece self winds on itself so you don’t have to do anything specific to keep this watch running as it generates power from your hand movements. You don’t even need batteries to run these watches.
Overall, if you are looking for a large automatic mechanical timepiece that looks as good as it works then you should definitely have look at this watch.
3. Seiko 5 Automatic Black Dial Stainless Steel Watch
The third automatic watch on this list is a fully metallic build timepiece from Seiko. The watch case and band are made purely out of stainless steel that provides the watch attractive looks and immense durability. Moreover, the band has push-button deployment that makes the watch easy to wear and remove. Moreover, it comes with a safety lock feature for extra protection.
The watch has a decent size dial of 42 mm which is neither too large and nor too small, it’s perfect for reading the time and date out of the watch at a single glance. You get the date window at three o’clock on the watch dial. Also, the watch hands are illuminated so they glow in the darkness making it easier for you to read the time at night.
The display of the watch is protected by the Hardlex crystal which protects the watch from scratches and daily wear and tears. Also, it is waterproof up to 100 meters so you can take it in the pool and lakes with you. Overall, in terms of durability, the watch gets full points from our side.
So if you are looking for the best automatic mechanical watch under $500 which is good-looking and also durable then your search should end here.
4. Invicta Stainless Steel Automatic Dress Watch
If you could not buy the Seiko stainless steel watch which we discussed previously due to its high price then we have an affordable alternative to it. Invicta automatic dress watch is entirely made out of stainless steel and looks amazing. Moreover, it has a blue color dial that enhances its looks and makes it a perfect dress watch for parties and functions.
The watch features a smaller dial which is 40 mm in size that also has a date window at 3’o clock. It is perfect for men with medium and small size wrists. The back case of the watch has a see-through or as many call it skeleton window. This cutout window helps you to see the functioning of the watch i.e. how the gears are moving inside the watch.
Not just that the watch is also capable of diving as it can go as deep as 660 ft underwater without any damage, so it can also work as a Navy SEAL watch. Overall, it’s one of the best budget automatic watches that you can get without compromising on looks and durability.
5. Tissot Men’s Swiss Automatic Silver Watch
Are you a fan of luxury watches and willing to pay a good amount to get one premium-looking mechanical watch? If yes then you can go with this Tissot Men’s Swiss Automatic Silver Watch which is the best automatic skeleton watch on this list. It costs you around $2000 but it worth every penny when you look at it.
Made out of stainless steel this silver color Swiss timepiece is a sight to behold. It features a 42 mm large watch dial that is protected by scratch-resistant and anti-reflective glass. Inside the glass, you can see a full skeleton window through which you can see even the smallest movements of the watch.
Not just from the front but you can also see the watch functions from the backside of the watch as it features a see trough back case as well. Besides that, the watch is also waterproof up to 165 feet which is sufficient for tasks like swimming, bathing, washing hands, and more.
Overall, if you want a luxury self-winding timepiece then this is the best automatic mechanical watch you can get for under $2000.
6. VIGOROSO Men’s Automatic Mechanical Watch
If you don’t believe in showing off and looking for a watch that looks plain and beautiful then this Men’s Automatic Mechanical Watch from VIGOROSO is the thing for you. This minimalistic timepiece is also the cheapest automatic watch on this list. So if your budget is strictly tight you can still buy this product.
It features a small size dial that comes with a tiny date window which is sufficient to read the time and date at a quick glance. The color combination of the watch is its highlight as it features a white color dial with blue color watch hands and a brown color leather band. All these colors compliment each other and provide this watch a great look.
Moreover, it is a self-winding watch that can keep accurate time for 36 hours straight when fully winded. Also, it is water-resistant to some extent and can easily tackle water splashes. Overall, at such an affordable price you cannot get a better mechanical automatic watch than this one right here.
7. FEICE Unisex Square Watch Men’s Bauhaus Automatic Watch
All watches on this list were the ones with the circular dial, however, if you prefer a square dial then we have it for you on the last position of our list. The square dial also makes it unisex as look good on both men and women’s wrist.
Also at just 10 mm thickness, it is one of the thinnest watches on this list hence perfect for both men and women for all occasions. The white dial background with blue watch hands and silver bands gives this watch its due appearance and therefore it is one of the best-looking automatic mechanical watches on this list.
In terms of durability also the watch is quite good as it has the protection of sapphire crystal on the watch face and is also water-resistant to some extent. Moreover, you get a 2-year warranty with this watch and also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Overall, if you are looking for a unique automatic mechanical watch that looks good for both genders then this is the watch to go for.
Final Verdict
Unlike smartwatches whose value depreciates with time, some automatic mechanical watches may increase in value over time. So when you are buying a mechanical watch you are making an investment and not wasting your money. So make sure you choose the best automatic mechanical watch and take good care of it and who knows it may return a good profit in future.
FAQs
Are Automatic Watches Better Than Mechanical Watches?
You can say that because these watches wind by themselves, unlike mechanical watches where you have to manually wind the watch. However, mechanical watches keep time more accurately than automatic watches so both have their pros and cons.
Is It Bad To Let Automatic Watches Stop?
No, it’s not bad and you should not worry about it. Once it stops you can manually wind the watch and wear it on your wrist and it shall work fine.
What Is The Battery Life Of An Automatic Watch?
Upon fully winding an automatic watch it can last a couple of days or 40 to 50 hours.
Are Automatic Watches Worth It?
It depends from person to person if you are someone who needs the most accurate watch then an automatic watch is not worth it. However, if you are looking from a perspective of a watch enthusiast then they are totally worth it.
