10 Best Automatic Watches Under 500 Dollars in 2024

Automatic watches tend to be more expensive compared to quartz watches as they require more complex and expensive movements. However, not everyone can afford thousands of dollars for each new timepiece. If you’re searching for the best automatic watches under $500, we got you covered. 

There are plenty of watch brands that offer collections of automatic watches for less than $500. Hitori, Seiko, and Steinhart are a few notable watchmakers that serve you worthwhile options. Their line-up watch collection consists of admirable automatic watches without straining your wallet. 

Here, we have compiled a recommendation of the best automatic watches under 500 dollars. Without any further ado, let’s dive into it a little deeper. 

Why Automatic Watches? 

The significant advantage that automatic watches have is the self-winding feature. As long as you wear the timepiece regularly, it will wind itself automatically. This self-winding feature allows your watch to keep time accurately. 

On the other hand, mechanical watches still require manual hand-winding. Hence, automatic watches assure you of convenience through their automatic winding. Besides, by using great automatic watches under 500, it is nice not to forget to keep your watch wound. In addition, some also come with a really great power reserve, even up to 50 hours.

Most importantly, you’ll still be able to get the quality craftsmanship that mechanical watches typically present. That said, automatic watches also allow the wearers to experience unique craftsmanship, which includes the movement’s construction, materials, and appealing designs. 

Read also: How Long Do Automatic Watches Last? A Brief and How to Care

The Best Automatic Watches Under 500 Dollars to Own

Now that you’ve managed to convince yourself to wear good automatic watches under 500, let’s explore the best automatic watches under 500 dollars and steal a deal!

Steinhart Ocean One Black

Our first recommendation falls to Steinhart Ocean One Black. Captivating the wearers with the simple and elegant design and well-built materials. This timepiece is powered by a Swiss-made ETA 2824-2/SW 200 automatic movement and is equipped with a 30m water resistance. 

Through this timepiece, Steinhart has exhibited great value with the stainless steel bracelet and well-finished sturdy visual. It also comes with a 2-year international warranty that guarantees you full support of any parts or services for your purchased timepieces. 

Price: $470.00 USD

Aristo Dessau Automatic Schwarz Edition 7H109 – Sapphire

Next, we have Dessau Automatic Schwarz Edition 7H109 – Sapphire from Aristo. You’ll be captivated by its clean, minimalistic appearance that brings forth elegance and simplicity. A really perfect dress watch for daily wear. 

Aside from the top-notch look, it also features a water resistance of 50 meters, so it can endure water splashes from washing your hands or being caught in the rain. The clean matte black hue will also give you maximum legibility in any environment. 

Price: $460.00 USD

Seiko Prospex “Save The Ocean Pengu” Monster 200M Automatic Ref. SBDY115

Through this timepiece, Seiko exhibits the mesmerizing seascape through the blue oceanic texture on its dial. As it’s a form of the “Save The Ocean” initiative, this is a special edition to show their commitment to protecting the ocean. 

A portion of the purchase of this watch will go to a non-profit organization called The Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Centre (FCOLC) which is committed to sea conservation. 

This dive watch comes with a case diameter of 42.2 mm and a thickness of 13.44m, along with a short lug design that will fit on smaller wrist sizes. The LumiBrite on the handsets and hour markers also exhibits exceptionally bright glow-in-the-dark conditions. 

Last but not least, this Prospex “Save The Ocean Pengu” Monster 200M Ref. SBDY115  features a 41-hour power reserve, accompanied by its remarkable anti-shock system. This timepiece surely makes a great option for the best automatic watches under 500 dollars.

Price: $464.00 USD

Steinhart Nav B-Uhr 44mm Automatic A-Type

The Steinhart Nav B-Uhr II 44mm Automatic is powered by a Swiss-made automatic movement. This Pilot watch collection is designed with historical appeal, along with the black dial and Arabic numbers and markers. 

It comes with 30m water resistance and a thick brown strap with double rivets. Not only that, its hands are also equipped with Superluminova C1, which allows it to glow in the dark. With a simple and minimalist visual, it’s totally suitable for any occasion. Interested in making this as yours? 

Price: $500.00 USD

Seiko 5 Japan Seiko 5 Sports “Field Suits Style” Automatic 36 Green Ref. SBSA203

Looking for a more sporty look? Seiko 5 launched their latest collection of Seiko field watches that bring forth a military-inspired yet contemporary look. Seiko 5 Sports “Field Suits Style” Automatic 36 Green Ref. SBSA203 is constructed out of stainless steel and dark brown colored leather straps. 

It also runs on the reliable caliber 4R36 automatic movement with a power reserve of about 40 hours. In addition, it also features a date and day calendar at the 3 o’clock position. With the incredible value it offers, this timepiece has arguably been one of the most affordable automatic watches on the market. 

Price: $330.00 USD

Read also: Top 6 Affordable Automatic Watches for Your Collection

Glycine Combat 6 Vintage Green Ref. GL0458

Now we’ll take you to the vintage-style automatic watch from Glycine. This Combat 6 Vintage Green Ref. GL0458 is made out of a sturdy stainless steel case with a military-style dial. Moreover, this watch also houses a durable sapphire crystal which promotes scratch resistance, making it strong for everyday use. 

It is powered by the Swiss Automatic movement GL224 and enables you with precise accuracy. This watch has 25/26 jewels with a 38-hour power reserve. Enduring strength, durability, and classic design, this timepiece can be your best choice among other men’s automatic watches under 500 dollars.

Price: $470.00 USD

Orient Star Contemporary Standard Blue Ref. RK-AU0005L

Next, we move on to the premium piece from Orient, namely the Orient Star Contemporary Contemporary Standard Sunburst Blue Ref. RK-AU0005L. This timepiece features an incredible horology engine with 22 jewels, holding a 50-hour power reserve. It is made from solid stainless steel, along with the 10-bar water resistance. 

The in-house caliber F6N43 makes the top-of-the-line automatic movement, running a daily tolerance of +25 to -15 seconds per day. Overall, this watch has showcased a modern yet robust, sturdy impression that anyone could ask for. 

Price: $498.00 USD

Hitori Habuka 39 Graphite Black

Still looking up to other automatic sports watches? Hitori Habuka 39 Graphite Black can be on your next watch collection. Through this collection, Hitori has exuded marvelous quality with excellent attention to detail. This watch is powered by 24 jewels and Caliber Japanese automatic movement, which also ensures a quick date correction capability. 

The bracelet is also designed from a satin-polished surface. Furthermore, it has drilled lug holes, allowing watch fashionistas to easily change to other straps.  The frost black dial also gives you a notion of classic and elegance. 

Price: $297.00 USD

Steinhart Ocean 39 Green Ceramic

Onto the next recommendation, also coming from Steinhart’s watch collection, this timepiece is called Ocean 39 Green Ceramic. This full stainless steel 300m diver watch appears with a simple yet elegant design. The 47mm lug-to-lug dimension also makes this watch really comfortable for most wrist sizes. 

Additionally, it has a ceramic bezel that supports an additional scratch resistance. Moreover, it comes with a sapphire crystal and an anti-reflective coating, providing excellent clarity under various lighting conditions. The important point is that they assure you with a 2-year international warranty, which eases you to find any services or parts of your purchased item. 

Price: $490.00 USD

Hitori Ryukyu Diver Coral Blue

Finally, we’ve come to the end of our best automatic watches under $500 recommendations. Hitori Ryukyu Diver Coral Blue stands out for the captivating dial color which resembles the mesmerizing hues of the ocean, emphasizing the diving spot in Japan. 

The dial beautifully dances depending on the lighting, creating different sunburst effects for wearers. It comes with a reliable 20mm sports bracelet, thoroughly fabricated from the nifty satin-polished surface. It also has drilled lug holes that allow you to switch up the straps based on your style and liking. 

Lastly, the movement is made with 24 jewels with a quick date correction capability, all that accompanied by 41 hours of power reserve. This great functionality has certainly exceeded this timepiece’s price point. A worthy piece you can get among the best automatic watches for under 500 dollars.

Price: $388.00 USD

Read also: Exploring the Reliability of Aristo Automatic Watches

Final Thought

All in all, the best automatic watches under 500 dollars we have recommended above have offered a compelling blend of affordability, quality, and style. Whether you’re about to make use of the timepiece for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, these watches are sure to impress. 

Make your choice wisely and enjoy the enduring charm and functionality of a fine automatic timepiece without straining your wallet.