You don’t need to break the bank to own a high-quality automatic watch. In this blog, we’ll look at 10 of the best automatic watches under $1000, offering great value for the money while maintaining elegant style and reliability. These are watches you can dress up better than your Apple watch, and some even cost less. Plus, you can get most of them on Amazon capitalize on that cash back!
Below is a list of our favorite automatic movement watches under $1000:
10. Bulova Aerojet – $245 to $450
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
42 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
21 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
41mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Bulova Aerojet is a vintage-style classic automatic watch that’s stylish and affordable. With its clean dial, dauphine hands, and distinctive crosshair markers, the Aerojet has an elegant look suitable for both casual and formal occasions. The Bulova Aerojet a reliable automatic movement and featuring a sleek stainless steel case, it offers great value for those seeking a sophisticated timepiece with classic appeal. The Aerojet’s design nods to Bulova’s rich heritage while delivering the precision and durability expected from a modern watch.
9. Seiko 5 – $150 to $400
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
41 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
24 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
38mm – 42.5mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Seiko 5 Sports (SRPD63 configured in the image) is a great looking and well made automatic watch that combines Seiko’s legendary reliability with modern appeal. This configuration has a striking green dial and bezel, this timepiece is part of the updated Seiko 5 Sports line. Powered by Seiko’s 4R36 automatic movement, it has a 41-hour power reserve and includes a day-date function. The 42.5mm stainless steel case, along with 100 meters of water resistance, ensures durability, while the luminous hands and markers provide excellent visibility in low light.
This watch is a great introductory watch for someone who wants to test out an automatic diver. As a plus, get one that has “Made in Japan” written on it as this is the Japanese model which has a unique secondary language day complication.
8. Orient Open Heart – $150 to $300
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
41 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
24 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
38mm – 42.5mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Orient Bambino Open Heart is a sophisticated automatic dress watch that beautifully blends classic style with modern craftsmanship. The primary appeal is the open-heart dial, which offers a glimpse of the watch’s internal movement, adding a touch of elegance to the minimalist design. Powered by Orient’s in-house F6T22 movement, it boasts a 40-hour power reserve, 22 jewels, and hacking capability for precise time setting. With a sleek 40.5mm case and domed crystal, the Bambino Open Heart is perfect for those seeking a refined and affordable timepiece with mechanical charm.
7. Timex Marlin – $150 to $300
The Timex Marlin is a sleek, retro-inspired mechanical watch that has a classic look and adds a nice looking sub-dial. With its timeless style, the Marlin features a clean, minimalist dial and polished stainless steel case, offering a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern refinement. Powered by a hand-wound mechanical movement, it appeals to traditional watch enthusiasts. Available in various sizes and dial colors, the Marlin is a versatile, affordable option for those seeking an iconic, heritage-style timepiece.
There is another configuration here which is a remake of the 1960s watch that has a really classic look that only watch enthusiasts will recognize.
6. Raymond Weil Maestro – $500
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
38 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
26 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
40mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Raymond Weil Maestro is a the first true Swiss-made automatic watch that makes the list. Known for its classical design, the Maestro comes with a sleek 39.5mm to 40mm case, Roman numeral markers, and often a guilloché-patterned dial. This watch has a reliable automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve and 26 jewels, it also includes hacking capability for precise time setting. The Maestro is perfect for those seeking a sophisticated, dressy timepiece that blends traditional Swiss craftsmanship with understated luxury.
5. Seiko SSA397 Presage – $500
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
41 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
29 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
40mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Seiko Presage SSA397 is a sophisticated watch that’s very good looking and functional, especially in this Japanese Garden Green color. The Seiko Presage has a white baton dial with a power reserve indicator and a unique open-heart design, it offers a glimpse into the precise mechanical movement within. The watch is powered by the reliable 4R57 automatic movement, housed in a 40.5mm stainless steel case, making it both stylish and functional. Perfect for those who appreciate timeless design and technical excellence, the SSA397 is a standout piece in Seiko’s Presage collection.
4. Hamilton Khaki Automatic – $500 – $750
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
80 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
25 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
38mm – 40mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic is a rugged, military-inspired timepiece known for its reliability and precision. Powered by the H-10 automatic movement, it has the highest power reserve of any in our list – 80-hours power reserve and features hacking for accurate time setting. With its stainless steel case available in sizes from 38mm to 42mm, and a minimalist, legible dial, this watch is designed for durability and versatility. The Khaki Field Automatic seamlessly blends vintage military aesthetics with modern Swiss craftsmanship, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a durable, everyday timepiece with timeless appeal.
This one isn’t as dressy, but really functional and the 80-hour power reserve shows the build quality of the movement. Another plus – this is the watch Chris Hemsworth wore in The Avengers.
3. Luminox Atacama – $710
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
42 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
26 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
42mm – 44mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Luminox Atacama Field Automatic is the second truly Swiss-made watch on our list. This watch has a more rugged, adventure-ready design for those who thrive in the great outdoors. Featuring a durable stainless steel case and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, this watch is built to withstand tough conditions. The movement is as reliable as anything else on this list and the power reserve is on par. The Atacama’s bold dial, enhanced with luminous markers and hands, ensures excellent visibility even in low-light environments. With its blend of functionality and style, the Luminox Atacama is perfect for adventurers and watch enthusiasts alike. This is one you could wear on a suit, or out on an adventure.
2. Certina Powermatic 80 – $710
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
80 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
25 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
40mm – 41mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Certina Powermatic 80 is another Swiss-made automatic watch on this list, also with 80 hours of power reserve. This movement is innovative and offers superior accuracy and longevity compared to standard automatic watches. With a sleek case size typically around 40mm, sapphire crystal, and water resistance, the Certina Powermatic 80 is designed for both elegance and durability. Its hacking capability allows precise time setting, making it a perfect blend of performance and classic Swiss craftsmanship, ideal for daily wear or formal occasions.
This watch is the only one on the list with a titanium dial, which is major bang for buck.
1. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 – $710
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
80 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
25 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
40mm |
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Where to Buy |
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Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is at the top of our list with a timeless look and very high build quality. This watch is a stylish and contemporary automatic that pays homage to Tissot’s iconic designs from the 1970s. Featuring a sleek 40mm stainless steel case, it boasts a modern integrated bracelet and a vibrant dial that can come in various colors. Powered by the innovative Powermatic 80 movement, it offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve, ensuring reliability and precision. With its hacking feature for accurate time setting and a water resistance of up to 100 meters, the PRX Powermatic 80 seamlessly blends functionality with elegance, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
This watch is fantastic, and comes in a variety of fun colors, like this unique blue color.
Have any other watches you recommend under $1000? Drop a comment below!
