Automatic watches are truly the latest and neatest innovation when it comes to the world of wrist watches. The fact of the matter is that you don’t need batteries, you don’t have to wind these watches, and you don’t have to worry about accuracy. We are here to help you find some of the best automatic watches for under $1,000 that are on the market right now.

Sure, there are way more expensive watches out there, but most people have a budget, and the watches we are going to look at below are of a very high quality either way. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg just to get your hands on a decent automatic watch. As long as it is durable, accurate, stylish, and does everything you need it to, you don’t have to ruin your budget for a nice wrist watch.

Set your budget at $1,000 and you’ve got a range of high-quality watches at your disposal. Gone are the high costs associated with owning a precision-engineered automatic watch. Each of these three options exhibit style and quality with matching practical functionality. They look and perform better than any other watches in their class, while each being versatile enough to be used every day no matter where you work or what you do. Here’s a look at the best automatic watches under $1,000 so that you know you’re making a long-lasting purchase which will exceed your expectations.

  • Bulova 98A179 Automatic Collection

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    The Bulova 98A179 is from their Classic Automatic line, with a casual, fashionable, durable style. The case, lugs, and bracelet are made of gunmetal grey ion plated stainless steel, secured with a double press deployment closure. The case measures 46 mm in diameter, and 13.2 mm thick. The open aperture skeleton dial is black with silver accents, protected by a synthetic sapphire dial window for durability. The three hand analog display has automatic quartz movement, and can keep time for up to 40 hours with no motion. It has an exhibition case back, and is water resistant to 30 meters (330 ft.). This watch is backed by a limited 3-year warranty from Bulova.

    Features

    • Type and power reserve: Automatic watch with up to 40 hours reserve power
    • Case: Gunmetal grey ion plated stainless steel with exhibition case back that reveals the rotor motion of the automatic watch.
    • Bracelet: Gunmetal grey ion plated stainless steel with double press deployant closure
    • Crystal: Synthetic sapphire
    • Dimensions: 46mm diameter, 13.2 mm thick, 25.25mm bracelet width
    • Display: Chronograph functionality with date display window and minute track.
    • Movement: Skeleton automatic movement with 21 jewels
    • Dial: Open aperture skeleton black dial with silver tone accents and a black inner dial ring. As with all Bulova’s, the dial is highlighted with statement-sized Roman numerals.
    • Luminescence: Luminescent indices and hour markers
    • Water resistance: Water resistant up to 100 meters (330 ft.)

    Pros

    • The open aperture black dial with silver accents is handsome and sporty
    • Comes attractively packaged
    • Very good value for the look and quality of the watch
    • Backed by a 3-year warranty

    Cons

    • The design of the indices and placement of luminosity can make it difficult to read in low light
    • Often does not reserve power for a full 40 hours
    • Sometimes the second hand moves unintentionally when you set the time, which can bother those who prefer precision
    • It’s fairly heavy, but some men prefer the more solid feel of a heavier watch.
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  • Orient Ray II Automatic Diving Watch

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    Another diving watch worth considering is the Orient Men Ray II diving watch. Intrigued already? Check out the link above to purchase this watch. It has several features highlighted below which could assist you in making up your mind. This Orient watch has garnered a level of hype capable of getting the worst critic anxious.

    Features

    • The visible surfaces of the bracelet are well-polished
    • It has a sapphire crystal dial window
    • The bezel, which works in a unidirectional manner, allows for 120-click movements
    • The Orient Ray II is 41.5 mm in diameter and 11 mm in thickness
    • Analog display
    • Stainless steel design
    • The back cover is screwed down

    Pros

    • Superior appearance
    • Hacking movement is commendable
    • Day and date display
    • Water resistant
    • The clasp of the Orient Ray II is convenient

    Cons

    • The bezel comes off as stiff
    • The inside of the bracelet isn’t polished
    • It’s a little faster than normal
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  • Bulova BVA Series Dual Aperture Dial

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    To complete this list is another watch from the Bulova brand. The 96A118 is an elegant watch with a catchy dial appearance just like the self-winding mechanical watch from Bulova. To help you make a more informed decision about this watch, we have provided a critical review of the 96A118.

    Features

    • Luminous dial hands
    • Mineral crystal window construction
    • White colored
    • Indigo-blue colored dial hands
    • Analog display
    • Marks on the dial are indicated by Roman numerals
    • The mineral crystal has a domed appearance over the face
    • The case diameter is about 42 mm
    • The thickness of the case is about 11.2 mm
    • It has a 21-jewel movement
    • Hand winding the watching is possible
    • Double clasp
    • The dial of this watch has two sub-dials; one measures the time in seconds, the other indicates a 24-hour display
    • It has a crown located on the side of the watch
    • Partial skeleton sub-dial which allows you to see through to the jewel components

    Pros

    • Sensational appearance
    • Bracelet is lightweight with no discomfort all day
    • Automatic winding
    • Decent clasp
    • Quality stainless steel bracelet
    • The contrast between the silver dial and the indigo blue color of the hands of the watch makes it easy to read the time

    Cons

    • Pins which are supposed to make the bracelet firm appear loose
    • The hands of the watch might be luminous, but they don’t radiate enough light in the dark
    • A bit inaccurate
    • The mineral crystal window construction isn’t scratch resistant
    • It doesn’t store enough power, so it requires winding rather often
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  • Seiko SKX009K2 Automatic Diver

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    Seiko is one of the world's legendary watch brands, and the Men's SKX009K2 Diver's is a great addition to their automatic diver's collection. The automatic movement is battery-free and can operate for up to 40 hours without winding. The two-tone rotating bezel has luminous hands, with ½ minute detentes. It has a 3 o'clock window that displays the day and date. The stainless steel case is 42mm in diameter and 13mm thick, with a rugged Hardlex dial window, and the watch is water resistant up to 200 meters (660 ft.). The five-link stainless steel band is 22mm wide, secured with a sturdy fold-over safety clasp.

    Features

    • Type and power reserve: Automatic watch with up to 40 hours power reserve
    • Case: Brushed and polished stainless steel with the crown at 4 o’clock, and the Seiko wave design on the case back
    • Bracelet: Brushed and polished stainless steel with fold over locking buckle clasp
    • Crystal: Scratch resistant Hardlex crystal
    • Dimensions: 42mm diameter, 13mm thick, 22mm wide bracelet
    • Bezel: Two-tone unidirectional bezel with detentes at ½ minute positions. This watch has the famous “Pepsi” bezel that makes it stand out from any other.
    • Movement: Japanese automatic 7S26 movement with 21 jewels
    • Dial: Blue dial with day and date window
    • Luminescence: Luminous hands and indices with LumiBrite illumination for greatly improved glow intensity and longer glow duration
    • Water resistance: Up to 200 meters (660 ft.)

    Pros

    • Easy to read face with long luminous glow, so it’s extremely clear in day and night conditions
    • Automatic movement with 21 jewels
    • Stainless steel case and bracelet are durable and handsome

    Cons

    • Although it is a dive watch in style, and water resistant, it isn’t suitable for diving
    • Requires automatic winding machine; it tends to run down more quickly than in 40 hours, and has no manual winding capability. However, it can be restarted with a simple shake if it runs down
    • May have some issues with timekeeping accuracy
    • Not packaged very attractively
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  • Seiko Astron Solar GPS Titanium

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    The Seiko Astron Titanium doesn't make the sub-$1,000 price bracket, but it does need a notable mention. It is one of the best semi-automatic watches, delivering astounding value which far exceeds its cost. This is a watch that matches higher-priced options in every way, outperforming most of the competition in terms of performance and affordability. Anyone considering a feature-packed automatic watch needs to take a look at this excellent offering from Seiko. We'll be taking you through a look at exactly what makes this such an outstanding timepiece.

    Features

    • Anti-reflective sapphire glass protection
    • Brushed titanium casing
    • 44 mm case diameter, 13 mm case thickness
    • Solar charging
    • Crocodile leather strap with buckle
    • High readability brown dial
    • Japanese automatic movement
    • Chronograph
    • Date and world time
    • Water resistance to 100 m
    • 1 lb. weight

    Pros

    • Solar charging works well
    • GPS locks in quickly and reliably
    • 6-month power reserve
    • 2-year standby operation
    • Sapphire glass comes with anti-glare coating
    • Lightweight for its size
    • Practical controls and easy to use buttons
    • High accuracy movement

    Cons

    • Water resistance isn’t good enough for diving
    • Chronograph buttons could be more tactile
    • Fairly large watch
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  • Tag Heuer Formula 1 Swiss Automatic Watch

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    The TAG Heuer Formula 1 CAZ1010.BA0842 is a stunning watch which delivers matching service and timekeeping. The automatic movement is among the best you'll find for under $1,000, and the functional value is astounding. From professional quality water resistance to 660 ft. to a titanium bezel with tachymeter markings, there are lots of bells and whistles. Every feature of this watch works. Let's take a closer look at another fine product from TAG Heuer timing.

    Features

    • Scratch-resistant sapphire glass protection
    • Brushed stainless steel with stainless steel bracelet
    • Fixed black carbide titanium bezel with tachymeter markings
    • 43 mm case diameter, 12 mm case thickness
    • Swiss automatic movement
    • Luminous silver-tone hands with index hour markers
    • Arabic numerals at 12 o’clock positions
    • Chronograph displays 60 second, 30 minute and 1/10th of a second
    • Solid black rounded case with screw down crown
    • Crown and push buttons featured
    • Water resistant to 660 feet (200 m)
    • 16-oz. weight

    Pros

    • Above-average scratch and glare resistance
    • Water resistance suited to professional marine activity and water sport
    • Outstanding durability thanks to titanium carbide coating
    • High readability under low light conditions
    • Easy to operate chronograph
    • Versatile design aesthetics
    • 2-year warranty

    Cons

    • Not suitable for diving
    • Not a true mechanical movement
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  • Hamilton Men’s JazzMaster Swiss Automatic Watch

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    The Hamilton Men's 'JazzMaster' is a truly stylish automatic watch boasting astounding value. It's attention to detail gets the blend of sophistication and sleek design just right. This is a watch that can be worn anywhere, matching any outfit. You're even given light water resistance to 165 ft. which is ideal for recreational swimming. We'll be taking you through a closer look at what makes the JazzMaster an affordable high-value introduction into automatic watches with a Swiss movement.

    Features

    • Anti-reflective sapphire protection
    • 40 mm diameter x 11 mm thick stainless steel case
    • 23 mm lug width
    • Black calfskin leather strap
    • Fixed stainless steel bezel
    • Date display at 3 o’clock
    • Sub-dial above 6 o’clock
    • Swiss automatic movement
    • 165 ft. (50 m) water resistance
    • Luminescent hands
    • 16-oz. weight

    Pros

    • Highly scratch resistant
    • Glare resistant
    • Reliable durable automatic movement
    • Functional chronograph
    • Easy to operate chronograph controls
    • Skeleton display case
    • Outstanding value for money

    Cons

    • Poor water resistance suited to recreational swimming only
    • Heavy design made heavier by optional metal band
    • Calfskin leather strap instead of alligator leather/metal
    • Luminescence is average
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  • Tissot PRC 200 Automatic with Chrono

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    Up to 71% Off

    Tissot is probably one of the most popular, reputable, and widely distributed brands of wrist watches out there today. This brand is now a part of the Swatch Group, the largest producer and distributor of watches today.

    Just to give you an idea of the Tissot brand name and its popularity, these watches have been proudly warn by people like, Elvis Presley, Grace Kelly, Nelson Mandela, Michael Owen, Danica Patrick, Nicky Hayden, and many others. This is the kind of watch that celebrities wear.

    However, lucky for everybody who is not a celebrity, the Tissot Men's T0554271105700 PRC 200 Stainless Steel Automatic Watch is absolutely beautiful, accurate, rugged, and it does not cost all that much. In fact, this particular watch is a little less expensive than the first one that we looked at above, yet it is no less functional or attractive.

    The Tissot T0554271105700 PRC 200 Automatic Watch is made with only the highest quality of components to ensure an insane level of durability, accuracy, and of course a really stylish look too. Tissot is a Swiss brand that has been around for over 150 years and they continue to pump out awesome products like this Tissot T0554271105700 PRC 200 Automatic Watch. You can wear this particular automatic watch at home, to dinner, on a date, or to a big business meeting. It is nice enough for any occasion, and rugged enough to boot. The fact that you don’t ever have to wind it is just a big bonus as far as we are concerned.

    Features

    • Stainless steel casing
    • Swiss automatic movement
    • Self-winding
    • 45-hour power reserve
    • Anti-reflective sapphire dial window
    • Analog display
    • Stainless steel link bracelet
    • Fold over clasp
    • Water resistant to 660 feet
    • 60 second, 30 minute, 6 hour displays
    • Date display
    • Luminous hands and markers

    Pros

    • Extremely accurate time telling
    • Very durable construction
    • Various time displays
    • Easy to read due to luminous hands and markers
    • Easy to maneuver and secure clasp
    • Water resistance
    • Very stylish
    • Not all that expensive considering its high quality design

    Cons

    • Not waterproof
    • Chronometer function does not always work
    • Case is thick and heavy
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    Up to 71% Off
  • Bulova AccutronAutomatic 64C104 Gemini

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    If you are searching for an absolutely beautiful automatic watch, the Bulova Men's 64C104 Gemini Watch is, in our opinion, one of the best automatic watches for under $1,000 on the market right now. This is true for many different reasons, the least of which is that it looks extremely elegant.

    This is the kind of watch that you could wear to impress a date, a boss, or anybody in between. Bulova is a big-time brand name in the world of wrist watches and they never fail to deliver high-quality products, as evidence by this Bulova Men's 64C104 Gemini Watch.

    The plethora of neat features which the Bulova Men's 64C104 Gemini Watch brings to the table will need to be discussed in further detail. This automatic watch does not need any winding; the movement from your arm is more than enough to power it, a big convenience factor.

    Another impressive aspect here is the great accuracy at which the Bulova Men's 64C104 Gemini Watch tells time. It uses a special timing mechanism that is much more efficient and accurate than quartz. Besides that, the Bulova Men's 64C104 Gemini Watch is a very good looking and durable watch. Not only is it built to look nice, but to last for many years to come as well.

    Features

    • 12-hour chronograph function
    • Precise to within 1/1000th of a second
    • Much more accurate than quartz
    • Stainless steel bracelet and housing
    • Secure clasp clip
    • Leather band
    • Curved mineral crystal watch face
    • Multiple layer carbon fiber dial
    • Luminous markers and hands
    • Water resistant to 300 meters
    • Screw back and screw down crown
    • Exhibition back
    • 60 second, 30 minute, and 12 hour sub dials
    • Displays day and date

    Pros

    • Extreme accuracy – to within seconds in a year
    • Very durable – stainless steel and waterproof
    • Rugged leather band
    • Very secure and easy to maneuver clasp
    • Displays time, day, date, in various ways
    • Luminous hands and markers for very easy reading
    • Extremely stylish and elegant design
    • Comes with a nice padded box

    Cons

    • Very large
    • Bulky
    • heavy
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  • Orient Bambino Automatic (2nd Generation)

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    Orient makes another appearance on this list with a dress watch which is affordable when compared to other dress watches on the market. It’s simple, which makes it suitable for any outfit. A lot of users speak highly of the watch, and this might be due to its price point. However, let’s take a more in-depth look at the Bambino 1.

    Features

    • It has a case diameter of 40.5 mm
    • Domed mineral crystal window
    • Case thickness of about 11.8 mm which is perhaps due to the domed crystal window
    • Well fitted crown with the Orient logo
    • Self-winding
    • Date display at the 3 o’clock position
    • Bold face
    • Leather band
    • Buckle clasp
    • Japanese movement
    • Round black face
    • It has the inscription ‘Water Resistant’ on the dial just above the 6 o’clock position
    • Stainless steel bezel

    Pros

    • Hacking movement
    • Large face makes it easy to read the time
    • Great look
    • Water resistant to a depth of 100’

    Cons

    • No sapphire crystal window construction like we have become accustomed to
    • Leather might take some time to break in
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  • Bulova w/ Open Heart Stainless Steel Automatic

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    Produced by Bulova, a reputable manufacturer of watches, the 96A119 is a combination of automatic and mechanical movement. It is priced at far below the $500 mark, establishing a value-for-money claim among watch enthusiasts. The design of the 96A119automatic watch is one which might appear loud to a lot of people, though this isn’t quite true. There have been a lot of positive reports about this watch, but a more in-depth review wouldn’t be out of place.

    Features

    • Black colored face
    • Luminous hands
    • The dial is quite bold
    • Mineral crystal protection
    • A case diameter of 42 mm
    • Case thickness of 11 mm
    • Stainless steel band
    • Deployment clasp
    • Automatic movement
    • Self-winding
    • Built using a 21-jewel configuration
    • Mineral crystal protection makes the case back transparent
    • Two smaller dials on the face—one delivers a 24-hour time display while the other measures time in seconds

    Pros

    • Classy look
    • Water resistant to a depth of 100’
    • Automatic movement
    • Large face
    • Contrasting dial background making it easy to read
    • Self-winding

    Cons

    • No date display
    • Ambiguous dial
    • No hacking movement
    • Doesn’t reserve much power
    • Mineral crystal easily scratched
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  • Hamilton Men Khaki Navy Scuba Automatic

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    Produced by the renowned Hamilton Watch Company, this automatic watch might come across as expensive when compared to similar diving watches. If you are familiar with the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto Watch and would like to purchase it, you can visit the link above. To paint a clearer picture of the attributes of the Navy Scuba, we have outlined some of the features of this Hamilton watch.

    Features

    • The dial of the Navy Scuba is sleek
    • The hands of the dial glow a dull green color in the dark
    • Bezel moves in one direction with a 60 click construction
    • The dial of the Navy Scuba displays the day in full
    • The hour and minute hands appear ordinary
    • The numerals ‘9’ and ‘3’ are emboldened on the dial
    • It has a sapphire crystal window
    • The dial has a diameter of 41 mm
    • It is made of stainless steel
    • The watch case has a thickness of 14 mm

    Pros

    • It displays the full name of the day like TUESDAY
    • The movement of the second hand of the Navy Scuba Watch is elegant
    • The crown is easy to adjust
    • Water resistant to a depth of 328’
    • Displays the date
    • Comes with extra slips for the bracelet

    Cons

    • Donning the bracelet of the Navy Scuba can be a big ask
    • The dial is complicated with so many things going at the same time.
    • Heavy
    • Dial appears smaller than the case measurement suggests
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  • Hamilton Khaki Field with Black Dial

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    Another watch from the stable of the Hamilton Watch Company is the Khaki Field Watch. In complete contrast to the Navy Scuba, the Khaki Field watch might be regarded as a simple watch with ‘uncomplicated’ features. Thrilled by the Khaki Field watch already? Check it out through the link above. Before you purchase a watch, especially one as costly as the Khaki Field, you should consider what makes it different from those sold on the street and we are aware of that. We have laid down the features of the Khaki Field to make things easy.

    Features

    • The case diameter is about 38 mm
    • It has a sapphire crystal window construction
    • Case thickness of about 11 mm
    • Bracelet is made of genuine leather with contrast stitching
    • Case is made of stainless steel
    • It has an immobile bezel also made of stainless steel
    • It has a large crown
    • Dial is engraved with Arabic numerals
    • Date is visible at the 3 o’clock position
    • The date visible on a white background is smaller than the numerals on the dial
    • Within the dial, the word ‘Hamilton’ is inscribed just below the numeral 12
    • The face is black in color
    • The hands of the watch are luminous in the dark
    • The second hand, which glides fluidly, has a red triangular end
    • Its stainless steel bezel is fixed

    Pros

    • Simple and yet classy
    • The accuracy of the watch is commendable
    • Water resistant to a depth of about 328’
    • Suitable for a wide array of individuals
    • Convenient buckle clasp

    Cons

    • Not suitable for diving
    • Reflective sapphire crystal surface
    • Crown is made of nickel which could be a problem if you are allergic to the metal
    • Small dial frame
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  • Men’s Hamilton Jazzmaster Under $500

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    The Jazzmaster is another Hamilton watch considered on this list. Just like the Khaki Field, it’s simple and stylish but with a much wider face. This automatic watch comes highly rated if reviews by current users are anything to go by. If you want to check out the Jazzmaster, you can visit the link above. Aside from the name which has a nice rhyme to it, the Jazzmaster has some unique attributes which will be examined in this review.

    Features

    • Wide face
    • It has a case diameter of 40 mm
    • Sapphire crystal window construction
    • The case has a stainless steel build
    • The thickness of the case is about 11 mm
    • Stylish appearance
    • The luminous hands of the watch all have the same color
    • Black colored dial
    • The only Arabic numerals visible on the dial are 3, 6, 9, and 12. The numeral ‘3’ has been replaced by a compartment for the date function.
    • Brown leather bracelet
    • Buckle clasp
    • Large crown
    • Sapphire crystal protection for the back of the watch case
    • Seconds enumerations visible on the dial
    • Immobile stainless steel bezel
    • Automatic movement

    Pros

    • Resistant to a maximum water immersion depth of 165’
    • Crown is easy to adjust
    • Durable
    • Large dial display
    • No batteries
    • Classical appearance

    Cons

    • Requires 15-17 winds for a 40-hour working time
    • Bracelet seems rather flimsy
    • Rather too simple for the price
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