The 8 Best Automatic Watches Under $500

In this hands on guide, we’re taking a look at the best affordable automatic watches. These timepieces employ nothing but movement from the wrist of the wearer to coil the mainspring which then spools and unspools in rhythmic fashion much like the beating heart of its wearer. We’re also adding another important qualifier, and will just focus our attention on our favorite automatic watches under (or around) $500.

Purchase Links:

Video Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:10 Timex M79 Automatic
03:40 Citizen Tsuyosa
05:40 Seiko SRPK17 (55th Anniversary Edition)
08:08 Laco Valencia 39mm
11:03 Baltic HMS 002
13:37 Unimatic UC4
16:30 Lorier Falcon SIII
19:14 Nodus Sector Deep (Destro)
22:22 Conclusion

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[FredHenry]

It is amazing how just a little more research will reveal something different that fits your specifications better.

[turnbasedtoddy]

The Lorier and the Baltic are just strait class! 2 of my favorite microbrands. The quality in your videos are just 🤌🏼🤌🏼

[IgorBagayev]

Great list! Would like to add the Orient Mako 40 to the list. Really good one piece

[gilnevo]

I agree with everyone - really great choices here... Not a fan of the Laco but otherwise quality picks of some beautiful unique designs.

[rocco]

Timex is on the verge of being my go to under $300.oo watch, their quality seems to have gotten better within a certain range. Some of the movements they use could be quieter.

[BoozewithNick]

Not a bad list, could’ve skipped the Seiko for an Orient Mako II, but fun to see the more affordable Laco and Unimatic models.

[moviesisaw]

Nice to see that Keanu likes reasonable priced watches.

[WatchesCanBeFun]

Laco makes really handsome watches. I like clicky bezel's video on the laco watches

[gman]

Great list! To add to it - I feel weird saying this, but I’d honestly add some of the AliExpress watches to my own top 8 list under 500. Their quality is getting insane for the price, let alone the seagull 1963 which is the cheapest mechanical chronograph and has a more beautiful movement than anything under 1k

[boxlad]

Regarding water resistance for the Tsuyosa, it doesn't really bother me personally. I find that watch enthusiasts over exaggerate the importance of water resistance. If you aren't diving, then 50m of water resistance is enough for of all situations you'll ever encounter, and if you are diving, you're not getting this watch. Also side note, idk what it is with watch reviewers calling it the "Toyosa", it's Tsu (as is Tsunami) yosa. If you can't make the Ts- sound just call it the Suyosa, would be way more accurate, don't get hung up on the T

[Sakomaru]

I did strongly consider buying every single one of these watches at some points. Good choices, fully agree with em

[blakepeterson]

A decent spread of brands and styles while avoiding the SM / Orient knock offs! I have that HMS3 salmon on a BOR bracelet on my list somewhere. The rest here are decidedly not for me.
For my taste, 600 opens a lot of doors.. traska, zelos, halios.. so id have preferred your top 8 NH35, i mean automatic, watch list at that price. Haha cheers

[kevco]

Killer collection and great pieces. Feel like only change I would make is moving your navitimer to a different day to not have two chronos back to back, but do like your reasoning on both. Also, I think you would benefit from a nice simple dress watch or calatrava for those rare special occasions, espcially with those two remaining slots 😊

[GatorAidMedical]

"supply watches to the germany military during WW2" man I wonder what those guys were up to?

[brendondorff]

You have the best taste in your collection Ive seen since 2008! ❤ Although you d wear the watches too tight. IMO. I think you should should be able to put a finger or 2 in the inside the bracelet. So watch floats alittle around your wrist to minimize breakage. Nice presentation. Peace.

[WatchmakerErik]

If we are using Rolex model names to describe the citizens bracelet, that design is more like a president than a jubilee.

[Gikt]

Purely visually, my favorites are Laco and Lorier.

[i_read_bad_reviews]

WHEN EDITING TURN DOWN THE HIGHS! YOUR VIDEOS ARE QUALITY BUT YOUR S'S ARE EAR PIERCING

[ragnarlothbrok]

You can already see the scratches on the Baltic at 13:13.. if only they went with a sapphire crystal instead of hesalite.

[Christophe-ks]

Four venerable brands and four new ones, and for all thèse brands, an interesting watch. A great selection, thanks!