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Battery-free watches

8 Best Battery-Free Watches that Require Kinetic Energy

These watches don't need batteries. They are powered by mechanical parts.
Aug 02, 2021

Battery-free watch is a watch that is powered solely by others means it doesn't require electricity. It can be a lot of methods, but traditionally is through gears and such, also known as Mechanical parts. One of the types for battery-free watches is called automatic watches. 

An automatic watch gets the power to tell the time from kinetic energy. You are actually transferring energy to your piece once it hugs your wrist. These types of watches are a hit among the big watch companies due to its practical use. Better yet, some of the brands exhibit the open case-back, so that you can catch sight of the watch working.

However, it is a little bit hard sometimes to find the best automatic watches without throwing off the durability. But, it is not impossible. Some recommendations below are the proof. They are not only sturdy, but also legible, affordable, and fashionable. Without further ado, enjoy today's article about the top 8 battery-free watches you can rely on.

Steinhart Flighttimer Vintage Black

If an aviation watch is attractive to you, then Steinhart Flighttimer Vintage Black definitely will win your heart. This modern-day vintage-pilot-style is inspired by aviation history where it became the most vital tool for flight calculations and it has been that way ever since. Therefore in this series, Steinhart completes its best battery-free watch with chronograph complication and 48-hour power reserve to aid the pilot mission. Although it is functionally built, the brand does not forget to present the aesthetics design. The grey canvas bracelet and cathedral hands style offer you a retro character. It is perfect for your work or even your casual outfit.

Steinhart Flighttimer Vintage Black

Dimensions:44mm height, 16mm thick, and 22mm lug width

Movement: Swiss-made ETA Valjoux 7750 Elaboré Premium

Aristo Vintage Military - 3H147 - Sapphire

This German watch brand founded by Julius Epple, Aristo, has been around us since 1907. So, it came as no surprise when most of their models stay faithfully to the heritage and its nation's history. One of the greatest examples is Aristo Vintage Military - 3H147 - Sapphire that took much inspiration from the 60s German military watches. The dial is presented in simple Arabic numbers since it wants to stick to the basics theme.

Aristo Vintage Military - 3H147 - Sapphire

Dimensions: 43mm height, 11mm thick, and 53.5mm lug to lug

Movement: Swiss-made automatic caliber, ETA2824-2

Glycine Combat SUB 42 Vintage Blue Ref. GL0260

Need a battery-free watch for diving at a reasonable price? Try out Glycine Combat SUB 42 Vintage Blue Ref. GL0260. Combat collections boast a timeless classic model, reliability, powerful specifications at the best price. Plus the bold hour markers do provide legibility both in day and night. You don’t even need to worry it’ll get stuck or stop ticking because it has got a 38 hour power reserve.

Glycine Combat SUB 42 Vintage Blue Ref. GL0260

Dimensions:42mm height, 11mm thick, and 49.5mm lug to lug

Movement: GL224 Swiss automatic movement

Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Automatic Ref. AL-525BBG4SH6

Another alternative for a vintage-inspired pilot watch that doesn’t need a battery? Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Automatic Ref. AL-525BBG4SH6 stands out among the crowd. The Swiss no battery watch brand ‘Alpina’ is highly respected for fabricating aviation wristwatches addressed to military pilots during World War II. Now, it is much admired by watch enthusiasts for their legendary horological heritage. Therefore, this battery-free watch got a lot of vintage touch: the hunter caseback that brings back the memory of vintage pocket watches, the prominent onion-style crown that sticks to the traditional pilot timepieces, and the brown leather strap that matches the whole theme. Limited to only 1883 pieces, this model is worth collecting.

Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Automatic Ref. AL-525BBG4SH6

Dimensions: 44mm height, 11.55mm thick, and 50mm lug to lug

Movement: AL-525 automatic movement based on Sellita SW200-1

Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Auto Gold - Leather Ref. H38475751

But, if you are currently seeking for something a bit more exceptional for an everyday dress watch, Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Auto Gold - Leather Ref. H38475751 is here making your wish come true. It’s a mid 60s re-interpretation that defined Hamilton's American roots, specially manufactured for those who cherish classic American style. This dress piece features PVD case treated, domed sapphire crystal, silver sunburst minimalist dial, SuperLuminova indexes, 50m screw-down crown, and a black leather strap. 

Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Auto Gold - Leather Ref. H38475751

Dimensions: 38mm height, 10mm thick, 45mm lug to lug

Movement: Swiss-made automatic movement ETA 2892-2

Seiko Spirit Automatic Classic Magnum Ref. SZSB014

While there aren’t so many Japanese watch brands out there that cover amazing features, Seiko comes to us with their extensive catalogs that expose a dose of luxury, and Seiko Spirit Automatic Classic Magnum Ref. SZSB014 adorning the list. Reflecting on the SARB line design, Seiko did some watch upgrades to the recent series. The case has been sharpened and everything on the dial is polished by hand using GS Zaratsu technique. This manual process by hand is the reason why Seiko has a very high standard for its products.

Seiko Spirit Automatic Classic Magnum Ref. SZSB014

Dimensions: 40mm height, 12.7mm thick, 48mm lug to lug

Movement: 4R35 Seiko automatic movement

Squale 20 ATMOS Heritage Ceramic - 1545 - SEL Bracelet

One of the battery-free watch brands you can rely on is Squale. Squale, a dive watch specialist brand, surprises watch lovers with its new case construction, new crown system, and new material in the Squale 20 ATMOS Heritage Ceramic - 1545 - SEL Bracelet. Another most noticeable element here is the new bezel insert crafted in brown ceramic combining gold markings. The matte black dial and gold handset are there to speak for its dive watches heritage in the 60s and 70s. Be ready to feel a better underwater experience with this 200 meter water resistant timepiece.

Squale 20 ATMOS Heritage Ceramic - 1545 - SEL Bracelet

Dimensions: 40mm height, 13mm thick, 48mm lug to lug

Movement: Swiss automatic movement ETA 2824-2/SW200

Mido Baroncelli Big Date White - Bracelet Ref. M027.426.11.018.00

Since 1877, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world's oldest shopping malls, has been a landmark of Milan. The building architecture later influences the design of Mido Baroncelli Big Date White - Bracelet Ref. M027.426.11.018.00. This dress watch is nicely crafted providing a 5-links style bracelet, a balanced date window, open caseback, flat sapphire crystal, double sided anti-reflective crystal, and 80 hours power reserve. No more reasons to not add this best battery-free watch to your cart.

Mido Baroncelli Big Date White - Bracelet Ref. M027.426.11.018.00

Dimensions: 40mm height, 10.38mm thick, and 46mm lug to lug

Movement: Swiss automatic movement Caliber 80 based on ETA C07.651

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