Automatic watches are often seen as the most desirable type of watch due to the expert craftsmanship required to build one and the accuracy and longevity they can provide. Many automatic watches come with a high price point due to the expensive materials that are used to create them. However, some automatic watches are more affordable, allowing these traditional and quality timepieces to become a part of many more people’s collections. If you are interested in browsing automatic watches whilst on a budget, keep reading for our top 5 automatic watches for under £1000.
What are Automatic Watches? How Do They Work?
Automatic Watches are sometimes referred to as self-winding watches as they are built to be able to wind and power themselves. Unlike traditional mechanical watches that require winding frequently in order to continue running, automatic watches use the natural movement of the wrist to power the watch. As long as the automatic watch is worn regularly, it will not need to be wound and will remain accurate.
These kinds of watches work using a freely oscillating rotor. The spinning motion of the rotor creates energy which the movement uses to wind the mainspring. The mainspring is the part of the watch in which power is stored. The energy from the mainspring is then distributed and regulated by the escapement and balance wheel in order to move the hands by the correct distance.
On average, automatic watches are accurate to +/- 25 seconds per day. Some watch manufacturers strive for a higher level of accuracy, especially when producing specialist timepieces for divers or the military. Different automatic movements have different power reserves, but the average tends to be around 42 hours. If an automatic watch is not worn frequently, it will need to be set to the correct time and date and hand wound in order to start the movement once again.
Our 5 Recommendations
Rotary | Men’s Henley | Serrated Bezel | Black Dial | Black Leather GS05380/04
This automatic watch by Rotary is incredibly stylish whilst remaining a budget friendly price. This watch features a black, gloss finish dial with silver baton indices and silver hour, minute and second hands. The dial exhibits a weekday and date aperture in the 3 o’clock position for optimal timekeeping. A stainless steel bezel surrounds the dial. It has a serrated edge, creating a modern and eye-catching look. The dial of the watch is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire glass. This model is water-resistant up to 100 metres (10 bar), making it suitable for some water-based activities. The watch is secured with a black genuine leather strap that fastens with a pin buckle. Rotary have made every effort to use the highest quality materials in every aspect of this watch to ensure for a high-quality, low price automatic timepiece that will complement any outfit.
Bering Automatic | Men’s | Polished/Brushed Grey | Grey Dial 16743-377
A dark colour scheme is always a good choice for timeless style and class. This model from Bering features a dark grey dial with silver baton indices. The hour and minute hands are silver, whilst the second hand is red to ensure that it is easy to keep track of short time intervals. The dial has an open-heart cut-out between 8 and 9 o’clock, allowing the wearer to observe and enjoy the automatic movement that powers this timepiece. A dark grey stainless steel case frames the dial. It measures 43mm in diameter and 12mm in depth. The larger size will make it stand out on the wrist. The watch is finished with a dark grey stainless steel mesh bracelet that fastens with a fold over clasp. This model is splash resistant, so it is more suited to formal occasions and office wear than the outdoors.
Seiko Alpinist | Black/Brown Nylon Strap | Black Dial SPB211J1
The Seiko Alpinist is an iconic model within the brand’s portfolio, and this new model uses the traditional design and combines it with a calibre 6R35 automatic movement to create a timeless and precise watch. This movement is accurate up to +25 to -15 seconds per day. The brushed grey dial exhibits gold Arabic indices, gold hour, minute and second hands and a date aperture at the 3 o’clock position on the dial.
The watch features a screw-down crown which aids the 200 metres (20 bar) water-resistance rating. This model also has a stop-seconds hand function. The dial is protected by anti-reflective curved sapphire crystal which gives this watch a vintage look, typical of the original Alpinist models. This watch is finished with a stainless steel case and a brown nylon strap that fastens with a deployment buckle. This automatic model is perfect for outdoor adventures and would look equally stylish with a suit.
Tissot Luxury Powermatic 80 | Green Dial | Stainless Steel Bracelet T0864072209700
The Swiss brand Tissot have been designing and creating high-quality mechanical watches since the brand was founded in 1853. Over the decades, Tissot have perfected their craft and now produce some of the highest quality automatic timepieces on the market. The design of this model is inspired by vintage 1950s Tissot watches, giving this watch a timeless and classic look. The watch has a green dial that features gold-coloured indices and hands. A gold-coloured bezel surrounds the dial and perfectly complements the gold features on the dial. A date aperture can be found in the 3 o’clock position. Domed, scratch-resistant sapphire glass protects the dial, ensuring that it will retain its brand-new look for years to come.
This watch is finished with a stainless steel bracelet that fastens with a butterfly clasp. The automatic movement that powers this watch has an impressive 80-hour power reserve. It can be viewed through the exhibition case back, allowing the wearer to take pleasure in the automatic movement that powers their new timepiece.
Junghans Meister Automatic Black Leather Black Dial 027/4051.00
Junghans’ Meister collection captures the core values of the brand and uses them to create a family of high-functioning and attractive watches. The brand is known for their luxury timepieces, as they use the finest materials and movements to produce reliable and quality models. This watch features a polish black dial that exhibits silver baton indices and silver hour, minute and second hands. A date aperture is placed at the 3 o’clock position on the dial. The simplicity of the dial makes it look elegant and places the focus on the quality of the watch. The dial is framed by a stainless steel case that measures 38mm in diameter and 10mm in height. The case back is transparent, allowing the wearer to observe and enjoy the automatic calibre J800.1 movement within. This model is secured with a black leather strap that fastens with a stainless steel pin buckle.
What did you think of our 5 automatic watches for under £1000? Will you be adding any to your collection? Let us know in the comments below!
