In today’s digital world, automatic watches may appear to be an outdated concept. Still, there are times when you can’t invariably depend on your mobile to tell the time. And since you must always charge your phone regularly, and quartz watches require backup batteries, you need a decent automatic watch that powers its own. By the way, most automatic watches are designed to last and perform for years.
An automatic watch is a reasonable choice for any gentleman who would rather use their arm to wind their watch instead of relying on a battery. However, with new automatic watches striking the market daily, it can be challenging to pick just one. So, to make your shopping experience more convenient, we’ve researched for you. So, in this article, we’ll look at some of the finest automatic watches on the market.
What is an Automatic Watch?
An automatic watch winds “automatically” or on its own. Anyway, this isn’t meant to be taken literally because the energy must come from something else. The movement of the person wearing it provides power to automatic watches.
Even though the first automatic watches emerged in the 18th century, they stayed as a niche product until the emergence of the wristwatch in the early twentieth century. The simplicity of the pocket was replaced by the consistent movement of the wrist in this new way of wearing a watch. And it had finally come time for automatic-winding technology to make a significant advance.
What is the process of automatic winding, you might ask? Well, the crown of a manual watch is turned to wind it. Then there are automatic timepieces. Every fully automated watch has a rotor built of a heavy material such as tungsten, gold, or platinum to wind the movement. The rotor swings as the wearer move their arm, adjusting the gears in motion and winding the spring. Turn your watch over to view this procedure in real-time if it has a glass case back.
Best Automatic Watches for Men
Invicta Men’s 8928OB Pro Diver
An automatic watch is essential for your protection if you’re searching for a dive watch. An automatic watch’s dependability guarantees that you’ll always know if you’ve spent so long underwater.
The Rolex Submariner is the best model for diving watches. Still, the Invicta replicates both its sense of aesthetics and remarkable features for less than a hundred dollars. This sophisticated timepiece will look equally at home in the conference room under the sea. The scalloped edge bezel is made of the same material as the Submariner and provides precise timekeeping for diving adventures.
The unidirectional pivoting bezel and screw-down crown are also comparable, reducing the risk of errors in high-pressure diving surroundings. Even without the high-quality diving qualities, this is one of the best cheap automatic watches you’ll know.
Tag Heuer Formula 1
Tag Hauer’s Formula 1 watch is pricey. Still, it is to be anticipated given that it’s made by one of the world’s most widely respected high-end watch brands. An incredibly high quartz motion powers this pure stainless steel automatic watch. Still, its big selling point is its luxurious yet understated design.
The black, white, and silver design stand out without becoming overpowering. The gray face has a fantastic gradated gunmetal luster that looks amazing in any light. This is a watch that will attract attention at a party or board conference without the need to shout.
Timex M79
Timex has ‘kept a lickin’ but keeps on ticking like their old tagline.’ After years of highs and lows, the American historic watchmaker is now hotter than it has been in decades, thanks to a string of well-designed vintage-themed editions.
The M79 is one such watch. It shifts the brand’s blockbuster Q Timex Reissue quartz watch into an extremely appealing automatic, with bi-color bezels purchasable in real iconic color options like Batman and Coke.
Hamilton Unisex Khaki King
Hamilton’s Khaki King is an automatic field watch that men can wear casually or professionally. Influenced by Hamilton’s line of timepieces designed for soldiers during WWII, the Khaki features good and straightforward numbering and a stylish but not extravagant design. The day and date window on the upper edge of the face takes up the twelve o’clock position without crowding out irrelevant details, and a sapphire mineral glass protects it.
The brightness isn’t of the high quality in luxury diving watches, but it should suffice in most low-light situations. Then there’s the stainless steel casing and the comfortable, sturdy, sleek band. It’s a straightforward watch that nails the fundamentals and should fit in nicely with anyone’s watch stash.
Seiko Men’s SNK809 Seiko 5
Seiko automatic watches are among the most preferred choices available. The Seiko 5 SNK809 has been one of the world’s most widely known wristwatches for many years. It doesn’t have a long set of features or a design that will impress your family and friends. Still, it’s a dependable option at an affordable price. And as far as automatic watches under $200 go, this may be the ideal option.
It has all the standard features you’d expect from an all-purpose wristwatch, such as water resistance, a day and date window, and a precise automatic mechanism. And the design is excellent. The face is understated but easily readable, and the crown is placed at 4 o’clock to avoid friction burns in your wrist. The case is made of stainless steel for its sturdiness, and the dial window is made of Seiko’s Hardlex mineral glass.
Fossil ME3098 Automatic Self Wind
There are very only several watches that look like the Fossil ME3098. It takes the Townsman’s subtle art deco sensibilities. Also, it amplifies them with noticeable Roman numerals and glaring black markers that convey the sense of a 1920s clock tower. It also has an open skeleton window that offers a look into almost the whole guts of the watch.
The open back provides just that if you want a closer look at the watch’s interior. Everything is a luxurious two-tone style that combines pink and maroon to create a unique design.
The Bottom Line
For a long time, battery-powered watches were the default bearers for watch innovation, but that is evolving. Automatic watches have become a popular pick for people from all walks of life as watches have become more about fashion than timekeeping. So, make sure you get yourself one today or one of these days.
READ ALSO: What Are the Different Watch Styles for Men?
