12 Best Affordable Automatic Watches Under $500

Introduction

The affordable automatic watch market has never been better. In 2025, you can buy a reliable, well-built mechanical watch for under $100—something unthinkable a decade ago. Whether you want a daily beater, a dress watch for special occasions, or a dive watch for weekend adventures, there's an automatic watch under $500 that fits the bill.

We've tested dozens of affordable automatic watches and narrowed it down to 12 standout options across four price tiers. Every watch on this list offers genuine value—reliable movements, solid build quality, and designs that punch above their price.

Our selection criteria:

• Proven automatic movements (Seiko NH35/36, Miyota, Orient in-house)
• Solid build quality for the price
• Good value proposition
• Positive owner feedback

Quick Picks

Best Cheap Automatic Watches Under $100

Yes, you can get a real automatic watch for under $100. These won't have luxury finishing, but they'll keep time, wind themselves, and introduce you to mechanical watch ownership without financial risk.

#1: Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB

Price: $70-90 | Movement: Seiko NH35A | Size: 40mm | Water Resistance: 200m

The Invicta Pro Diver is the gateway drug of automatic watches. At $70-90, it's almost irresponsibly cheap for what you get: a genuine Seiko NH35A movement (the same caliber in $300+ watches), 200m water resistance, and Submariner-inspired styling. The bracelet is the weak point—hollow end-links and a stamped clasp—but swap it for a NATO strap and you have a legitimate beater dive watch.

Pros: Incredible value, proven NH35 movement, 200m WR, screw-down crown

Cons: Cheap bracelet, Invicta branding polarizing, basic finishing

Best for: First automatic watch, beater, testing if you like dive watch style

#2: Pagani Design PD-1661

Price: $80-100 | Movement: Seiko NH35A | Size: 40mm | Water Resistance: 100m

Pagani Design has built a reputation for delivering shocking value. The PD-1661 offers Datejust-inspired styling with an NH35 movement, sapphire crystal, and decent finishing—all for under $100. It's not going to fool anyone up close, but from wrist distance, this looks like a much more expensive watch. Quality control can be hit-or-miss, but at this price, it's worth the gamble.

Pros: NH35 movement, sapphire crystal, dressy styling

Cons: QC lottery, hollow end-links, "homage" design

Best for: Budget dress watch, testing Datejust aesthetics before upgrading

Best Affordable Automatic Watches Under $200

The $100-200 range is where things get interesting. You start seeing established brands with proper quality control, in-house movements, and designs that stand on their own merits.

#3: Seiko SNK809

Price: $100-130 | Movement: Seiko 7S26 | Size: 37mm | Water Resistance: 30m

The Seiko SNK809 is a legend. This military-inspired field watch has been the go-to recommendation for "first automatic watch" for over a decade—and for good reason. The 37mm case wears perfectly on most wrists, the day-date complication is practical, and the 7S26 movement is virtually bulletproof. The only downsides: no hacking, no hand-winding, and minimal water resistance. But for a daily-wear field watch, it's hard to beat.

Pros: Legendary reliability, perfect size, classic design, affordable

Cons: No hacking/hand-winding, low WR, basic strap

Best for: First automatic watch, field watch enthusiasts, smaller wrists

#4: Orient Bambino

Price: $150-180 | Movement: Orient F6724 | Size: 40.5mm | Water Resistance: 30m

The Orient Bambino is arguably the best value in affordable automatic watches. For around $150, you get an in-house Orient movement, domed mineral crystal, applied indices, and a dress watch design that genuinely looks expensive. Multiple versions offer different aesthetics—from vintage cream dials to modern blue sunburst. If you need one dress watch under $200, this is it.

Pros: In-house movement, beautiful domed crystal, multiple style options, excellent value

Cons: Low WR (not for swimming), leather strap only, no bracelet option

Best for: Dress watch, special occasions, office wear

#5: Orient Mako II

Price: $180-200 | Movement: Orient F6922 | Size: 41.5mm | Water Resistance: 200m

Orient's Mako II is a proper dive watch with an in-house movement—a rare combination at this price. The F6922 caliber offers hacking and hand-winding (unlike the original Mako), 200m water resistance is legitimate for recreational diving, and the overall build quality punches well above $200. It doesn't pretend to be a Submariner homage—it's Orient's own design, which some prefer.

Pros: In-house movement with hacking/hand-winding, 200m WR, solid bracelet

Cons: Mineral crystal (not sapphire), busy dial design, larger at 41.5mm

Best for: Dive watch enthusiasts, Orient fans, those who avoid "homage" designs

Best Affordable Automatic Watches Under $300

The $200-300 range offers the best balance of quality and value. You get better materials, more refined finishing, and features like sapphire crystals and ceramic bezels that were previously reserved for higher price points.

#6: Seiko 5 SRPD Series

Price: $200-280 | Movement: Seiko 4R36 | Size: 42.5mm | Water Resistance: 100m

The modern Seiko 5 Sports (SRPD series) updates the classic Seiko 5 formula with a 4R36 movement featuring hacking and hand-winding. The 42.5mm case is larger than vintage Seiko 5s, and the design leans sporty/diver rather than dressy. Multiple colorways and dial options make it versatile. It's the safe choice—backed by Seiko's reputation and available everywhere.

Pros: Seiko brand reliability, 4R36 movement, huge variety of styles

Cons: Larger case (42.5mm), hardlex crystal (not sapphire), common/ubiquitous

Best for: Seiko fans, those wanting brand recognition, everyday sport watch

#7: SKYRIM Mod Submariner

Price: $289 | Movement: Seiko NH35 | Size: 40mm 

SKYRIM's Submariner alternative combines premium materials with a proven movement. The 904L stainless steel (same grade Rolex uses) offers superior corrosion resistance, the ceramic bezel insert won't fade or scratch, and the NH35 movement is serviceable by any watchmaker. Hand-assembled in the USA with a 1-year warranty, this is the dive watch for those who want Submariner aesthetics without compromise.

Pros: 904L steel, ceramic bezel, NH35 movement, US warranty, free shipping

Cons: Homage design, smaller brand recognition

Best for: Submariner aesthetic lovers, those wanting premium materials at accessible price

→ Shop Seiko mod Submariner

#8: SKYRIM Mod Datejust

Price: $289 | Movement: Seiko NH35 | Size: 39mm

The Datejust silhouette is timeless—fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet, date window at 3 o'clock. SKYRIM's interpretation delivers that classic dress watch aesthetic with 904L steel construction and reliable NH35 movement. Multiple dial options (silver, blue, two-tone) let you match your style. For office wear or special occasions, this offers Datejust elegance at 3% of Rolex's price.

Pros: Classic dress watch design, 904L steel, Jubilee bracelet, multiple dial options

Cons: Homage design, not for those who dislike "inspired by" watches

Best for: Dress watch needs, Datejust aesthetic lovers, professionals

→ Shop Seiko mod Datejust

#9: SKYRIM Mod Day-Date

Price: $285 | Movement: Miyota 8285 | Size: 40mm 

Want the day AND date displayed? The Day-Date complication shows the full day of the week at 12 o'clock, adding executive presence to your wrist. SKYRIM's version uses the Miyota 8285—one of few affordable movements with genuine day-date functionality. Gold-tone, rose gold, and steel options cover different tastes. It's the "President" watch aesthetic without the $36,000 price tag.

Pros: Day-date complication, Miyota 8285 reliability, executive styling

Cons: Miyota movement (not Seiko), homage design

Best for: Day-Date aesthetic lovers, those wanting both day and date display

→ Shop Seiko mod Day-date

Best Affordable Automatic Watches Under $500

At $300-500, you enter the territory of established Swiss and Japanese brands with serious horological credentials. These watches offer better finishing, proven long-term reliability, and brand recognition that holds value.

#10: Seiko Presage Cocktail Time

Price: $300-400 | Movement: Seiko 4R35 | Size: 40.5mm | Water Resistance: 50m

The Presage Cocktail Time series showcases Seiko's dial-making expertise. The textured dials—inspired by cocktails like the Manhattan, Martini, and Mojito—catch light beautifully. It's a dress watch with genuine visual interest, backed by Seiko's proven 4R35 movement. For around $350, you get a watch that looks like it costs twice as much.

Pros: Stunning dial finishing, Seiko reliability, great value for design

Cons: Hardlex crystal on some models, dress watch only (low WR)

Best for: Dress watch enthusiasts, those who appreciate dial artistry

#11: Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80

Price: $400-500 | Movement: Powermatic 80 | Size: 40mm | Water Resistance: 100m

The Tissot Gentleman represents Swiss watchmaking at its most accessible. The Powermatic 80 movement delivers 80-hour power reserve (nearly double most competitors), and "Swiss Made" on the dial carries weight. The design is versatile—dressy enough for the office, sturdy enough for weekends. At under $500, it's the entry point to legitimate Swiss automatic watches.

Pros: Swiss made, 80-hour power reserve, versatile design, sapphire crystal

Cons: At the top of "affordable" pricing, conservative styling

Best for: Swiss watch entry, daily wear, those wanting brand prestige

#12: Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic

Price: $450-500 | Movement: H-10 | Size: 38mm/42mm | Water Resistance: 100m

Hamilton's military heritage dates to supplying watches for American forces in both World Wars. The Khaki Field continues that legacy with a Swiss-made H-10 movement (80-hour power reserve), sapphire crystal, and timeless field watch design. Available in 38mm and 42mm, it works for most wrists. If you want one watch to wear with everything from jeans to a suit, this is it.

Pros: Military heritage, Swiss movement, 80-hour reserve, versatile sizing

Cons: Near the $500 ceiling, common recommendation (you'll see others wearing it)

Best for: Field watch lovers, versatile daily wear, American military heritage fans

How to Choose Your Affordable Automatic Watch

By Style

By Budget

• Under $100: Invicta Pro Diver (dive) or Pagani Design (dress)
• $100-200: Orient Bambino (dress) or Orient Mako II (dive) or Seiko SNK809 (field)
• $200-300: SKYRIM Submariner/Datejust/Day-Date (best value-to-quality ratio)
• $300-500: Tissot Gentleman or Hamilton Khaki Field (Swiss credibility)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cheap automatic watches reliable?

Yes—if they use proven movements. The Seiko NH35/NH36 and Miyota 8215 have been produced in millions of units with excellent reliability records. A $70 Invicta with an NH35 uses the same movement as $300+ watches. The difference is in finishing, materials, and quality control—not fundamental reliability.

What's the best first automatic watch?

The Seiko SNK809 ($100-130) remains the classic recommendation: affordable, reliable, perfect size, and backed by Seiko's reputation. If you want a dive watch, the Invicta Pro Diver ($70-90) lets you test mechanical watch ownership with minimal financial risk.

Automatic vs quartz—which is better?

Neither is objectively "better"—they serve different purposes:

• Automatic: Mechanical artistry, no battery needed, sweeping seconds hand, requires occasional wearing or winding
• Quartz: More accurate, lower maintenance, grab-and-go convenience, less expensive

Choose automatic if you appreciate mechanical engineering and don't mind the ritual of wearing/winding. Choose quartz if you prioritize accuracy and convenience.

Do automatic watches need servicing?

Yes, but not frequently. Most automatic movements should be serviced every 5-7 years to replace worn lubricants. For affordable NH35/Miyota movements, servicing costs $50-100—or you can simply replace the movement at that price point. High-end Swiss movements cost more to service but are designed to last decades with proper care.

NH35 vs Miyota 8215—which is better?

Both are excellent budget movements with slight differences:

• NH35: Hacking + hand-winding, 21,600 bph, more common in mods
• Miyota 8215: No hacking, higher beat rate, smoother seconds hand

For most users, NH35's hacking and hand-winding features make it more practical. The Miyota 8215 is reliable but lacks those conveniences.

Start Your Automatic Watch Journey

Ready to join the mechanical watch world? SKYRIM offers hand-assembled automatic watches with premium materials, proven movements, and US-based warranty support.

• ✓ Free US Shipping
• ✓ 1-Year Warranty
• ✓ Hand-Assembled in USA
• ✓ 904L Steel Construction

→ Shop All SKYRIM Watches