Introduction
Let’s be honest here. As much as we all love fine luxury watches from the likes of Rolex, Patek, or Vacheron, not everyone is able or willing to spend thousands of dollars on their newest watch acquisition. And don’t get me wrong, I certainly think that spending a lot of money on a well-crafted luxury timepiece is worth every penny, but that’s certainly not the case for everyone. It is especially true for people who aren’t necessarily watch enthusiasts, and just want to have a nice watch that looks good and tells them the time accurately.
And since there are a plethora of options out there for sub-$1000 watches, I decided to create this guide of 30 potential timepieces, which will help both watch enthusiasts and one-time watch buyers to decide on their next purchase.
Some Ground Rules
For a watch to be featured on this list it has to check two boxes. First, the watch’s retail price needs to be under $1,000, minus a couple of exceptions, which will be flagged in the short description text. Second, the watch has to have an automatic movement inside. To bring some structure into this article, I grouped these watches according to their respective style categories Dive, Dress, and Everyday.
And finally, as always, I try to feature the best of the best options out there, but please understand that I can’t feature every watch under $1,000. Because then, this would be the last article I have ever written. But nevertheless, if you feel that I missed a very important piece, please feel free to write a comment below or contact me via the contact form.
And now, relax, grab a coffee, and enjoy this guide.
Dive Watches
For everyone ranging from the most passionate watch collector to the absolute watch newbie, dive watches are a very popular field of watches. By the way, if you are interested in dive watches under $500, I also have an article solely on that topic. You can check it out here.
Baltic Aquascaphe
First up is the Baltic Aquascaphe. Featured by many blogs, magazines, and YouTubers, this watch definitely deserves its spot on this list. The watch features an automatic Miyota 9039 movement housed in a beautifully polished 316L stainless steel case. Inspired by the vintage era of dive watches, the black dial of the Baltic Aquascaphe is kept in a very simplistic look, only featuring the classic hour and minute markers, Rolex Submariner like hands, and minimalistic branding. The diver’s typical dial, the 200 meters (656ft) of water resistance, the strap choices of either a rubber or a stainless steel bracelet, and the price tag of just $705 make this watch a very serious competitor in the diver’s category.
Specifications: Price: $705, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 12mm, Lug-to-Lug: 47mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 200m, Movement: Automatic Miyota 9039 movement, Power Reserve: 42 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Doxa Sub 200
Unveiled at Baselworld 2019, the Doxa Sub 200 features a case made from 316L stainless steel, housing a Swiss-made automatic movement decorated by Doxa. At a diameter of 42 mm, the Doxa Sub 200 is topped off by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating and the distinctive look of the past era, which the watch pays tribute to. Waterproof to a depth of 200 meters (656ft), this watch features a unidirectional rotating sapphire bezel. To ensure maximal legibility in the dark, all of the elements providing dive-relevant information, have a Super‑LumiNova luminescent coating. The watch comes either on a 316L stainless steel bracelet or a rubber strap. The Doxa Sub 200 can be bought for $950 directly from Doxa’s website.
Specifications: Price: $950, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 14mm, Lug-to-Lug: 46mm, Lug Width: 19mm, Water Resistance: 200m, Movement: Automatic Swiss-made movement, Power Reserve: 38 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Squale 1521
Back in the 1970s, the Squale 1521 was considered as one of the most influential diving watches of that era and to this day continues to be a reliable tool on the wrists of real divers. Designed to be an elegant yet robust watch that could endure the harshest conditions that professional drivers may face, the 1521 features an automatic Sellita SW 200-2 movement, which is housed in a case made from blasted 316L stainless steel. Details like the simplistic and clean dial, the bright orange minute hand that will tell you in the blink of an eye how much diving time you have left, the uni-directional bezel, and water resistance of up to 500 meters, all make this watch predestined for it to be used deep under the surface.
Specifications: Price: $1,000, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 13mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 500m, Movement: Automatic Sellita SW 200-2 movment, Power Reserve: 38 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Certina DS PH200M
The Certina DS PH200M with its distinctive vintage looks features a 316L stainless steel case, which measures 42.8mm in diameter and 11.9mm in height. Inside the watch beats the Powermatic 80 caliber which features an entirely new balance spring made of Nivachron™, making this watch more resistant to magnetic fields and more shock resistant. Inspired by the vintage era of dive watches, the DS PH200M has a glossy blue dial with diamond shape hands, imprinted Super-LumiNova hour and minute markers, and a date window on the 3 o’clock position. Adding to the vintage vibe is the slightly domed rotating bezel, made from glossy ceramic. Certina presents the watch on a blue NATO strap.
Specifications: Price: $980, Case Size: 42.8mm, Thickness: 11.9mm, Lug-to-Lug: n/a, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 200m, Movement: Automatic Powermatic 80.611 movement, Power Reserve: 80 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Yema Navygraf Marine Nationale
The Yema Navygraf Marine Nationale is a military-grade, rugged and durable watch, which was designed by French navy personnel to withstand the harshest conditions out on the high seas. The Navygraf features a 316L stainless steel case, which measures 39mm in diameter, a height of 12.15mm, and a lug to lug distance of 45mm. Equipped with the automatic in-house YEMA2000 movement, the watch provides 42 hours of power reserve. The matte blue dial features exclamation mark shaped hour markers, a distinct signature of the 1970’s vintage Navygraf model. The golden Navygraf inscribing underlines the heritage of the watch. Topped off by a sapphire crystal, the Navygraf is water-resistant up to 300 meters or 990ft for my American readers.
Specifications: Price: $790, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 12.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: 45mm, Lug Width: 19mm, Water Resistance: 300m, Movement: Automatic in-house YEMA2000 movement, Power Reserve: 42 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Lorier Hydra Series II
Back in the 1960s, a kind of dive watches burst onto the scene: the Twin-crown Super Compressors. Used by brands from Longines to JLC, the distinctive two-crown design was visible everywhere. And to pay tribute to this past era, the Lorier Hydra Series II features the same twin-crowned 316L stainless steel case, which we saw back in the 1960s. What is not the same as in the 60s, is the modern automatic Miyota 9015 movement, which provides around 42 hours of power reserve. Waterproof to a depth of 100 meters (330ft), this watch features a rotating internal bezel. To ensure maximal legibility in the dark, the hands, hour markers, and internal bezel have a Superluminova BGW9 luminescent coating.
Specifications: Price: $499, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 11.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: 47mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 100m, Movement: Automatic Miyota 9015 movement, Power Reserve: 42 hours, Crystal: Hesalite
Unimatic U1-FM
The Italian brand Unimatic has a reputation of creating good-looking, minimalistic timepieces, which also boast some impressive specs. And the Unimatic U1-FM is no exception to that. Coming in a 316L Stainless steel case, the watch is powered by a self-winding Seiko NH35A movement, which delivers 41 hours of power reserve. The black matte ultra-minimalistic dial is what attracts most people into buying this piece. And when I say ultra-minimalistic, I mean ultra-minimalistic. The dial literally only has hour markers, minimal branding and hands. That’s it. And the black aluminum minimal bezel with a raised lume dot rounds off this look perfectly. If you are into minimalistic watches and are prepared to spend around $600, this watch is definitely for you.
Specifications: Price: $600, Case Size: 41.5mm with bezel, Thickness: 13.6mm, Lug-to-Lug: 49mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 300m, Movement: Automatic Seiko NH35A movement, Power Reserve: 41 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Dan Henry 1970
The brand Dan Henry was founded by, you’ve guessed it, Dan Henry himself. Henry collected over 1500 vintage watches over the span of 30 years and managed to acquire some of the most iconic and sought-after timepieces of the last century. He proceeded to build his own watch brand which now offers vintage-inspired watches that offer a lot of value. And the Dan Henry 1970 is no exception to that. Featured in other articles on horologisto.com, the 1970 diver is a recurring guest. The watch features an automatic Seiko NH35 movement, which beats inside a vintage-inspired twin-crown compressor case. And to make it clear that, in the end, this is indeed a real diver, the watch is waterproof up to 200 meters and features a dial, which is reminiscent of those of 1970’s divers.
Specifications: Price: $290, Case Size: 40mm, Thickness: 14.8mm, Lug-to-Lug: 45.7mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 200m, Movement: Auto Seiko NH35, Power Reserve: 41 Hours, Crystal: Mineral
Seiko SRPH11K1
Introducing the Seiko Prospex SRPH11K1, which comes in a limited edition of 8000 pieces and can now be preordered. The SRPH11K1 is in a true Seiko-diver manner quite the hefty watch. The case measures 43.8mm in diameter, 13.4mm in height, and 48.4mm from lug to lug. The watch is powered by an automatic Seiko 4R35 caliber, which provides around 41 hours of power reserve. This Seiko is topped off by a Hardlex crystal, has a water resistance of up to 200 meters (656ft), and is delivered with a black rubber strap, that complements the black case and dial perfectly.
Specifications: Price: Around $600, Case Size: 43.8mm, Thickness: 13.4mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48.8mm, Lug Width: n/a, Water Resistance: 200m, Movement: Automatic Seiko 4R35 movement, Power Reserve: 41 hours, Crystal: Hardlex
Seiko SRP777 ‘Turtle’
Ultra-rugged and heavy-duty come to mind when first seeing this watch. The Seiko SRP777 ‘Turtle’ basically is the quintessential dive watch. Featuring the tried and tested automatic Seiko 4R36 movement, the watch is reliable and offers 41 hours of power reserve. But what really makes this Seiko a Seiko is the case. Measuring a hefty 45mm (!) in diameter and 13.4mm in height, the case made from 316L stainless steel is designed in a typical Seiko manner. Complementing the rugger case is the simplistic black dial, the iconic Seiko hands, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and a silicone strap. With a durable design and a water resistance of up to 200 meters, this watch is made to be used as a tool, doesn’t matter if on or under the surface.
Specifications: Price: $495, Case Size: 45mm, Thickness: 13.4mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48mm, Lug Width: 18mm, Water Resistance: 200m, Movement: Automatic Seiko 4R36 movement, Power Reserve: 41 hours, Crystal: Hardlex
Dress Watches
Dress watches are defined through their understated yet refined style and their ability to be worn with formal attire like a suit or a tuxedo. By the way, if you are interested in dress watches under $500, I also have an article solely on that topic. You can check it out here.
Baltic HMS 002
The origins of Baltic as a brand can be found on the shores of the Baltic Sea, up in north Poland. This is where the father of the founder, Etienne Malec, was born and this is what served as a huge inspiration for the brand as we know it today. The Baltic HMS 002 was their first watch and was immediately welcomed with open arms by the watch community. And that is no accident, the HMS 002 has a timeless design which is inspired by the 1940s and offers a lot of watch for just $410. The watch features an automatic Miyota 821A movement, which is housed in a case made entirely from stainless steel. Measuring 38mm in diameter and 12mm in thickness, this watch is made to be worn with a more casual suit or a pair of chinos and a casual shirt.
Specifications: Price: $410, Case Size: 38mm, Thickness: 12mm, Lug-to-Lug: 47mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 50 meters, Movement: Automatic Miyota 821A movement, Power Reserve: 42h, Crystal: Hesalite
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time ‘Old Clock’
This Seiko Presage with its distinctive vintage looks is inspired by the Japanese cocktail culture and a specific drink from the Skybar in Tokyo’s sophisticated Ginza area. Namely the Old Clock cocktail. Honestly, I wasn’t able to find what exactly goes into the Old Clock cocktail, but from what I can tell from the pictures, I assume it’s something on the more extravagant side. Equipped with an automatic Seiko 4R35 caliber, the Seiko Presage features a simple and elegant stainless steel case that measures a near-perfect 38.5mm in diameter, 11.8mm in height, and 45.4mm from lug to lug. Movement and case sizing aside, the dial is the real star of the show. The rich navy blue dial features a beautiful diamond-like pattern, which is complemented by dauphine style minute and hour hands alongside vintage-inspired numerals.
Specifications: Price: $400, Case Size: 38.5mm, Thickness: 11.8mm, Lug-to-Lug: 45.4mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 50m, Movement: Automatic Seiko 4R35 movement, Power Reserve: 41 hours, Crystal: Hardlex
Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80
Named after the brand’s hometown in the Swiss Jura mountains, the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 features the new automatic Swiss-made Powermatic 80.111 movement, which provides a whopping 80 hours of power reserve, which is quite impressive. The new caliber is housed in a 39.3mm stainless steel case which is topped off by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, making it durable enough to wear without having to be afraid of potential damages. The case is complemented by a classic-inspired black dial, which features Roman numerals, elegantly shaped hands, and the iconic Le Locle lettering just above the 6 o’clock position.
Specifications: Price: $575, Case Size: 39.3mm, Thickness: 9.8mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48.25mm, Lug Width: 19mm, Water Resistance: 30m, Movement: Automatic Swiss-made Powermatic 80.111 movement, Power Reserve: 80 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Junghans Max Bill Automatic
The Junghans Max Bill line is a tribute to the famous designer and architect Max Bill who invented the iconic Bauhaus Style as it’s seen today, everywhere from watches to bar stools. No kidding. And the Max Bill Automatic from Junghans is one of their most successful models due to the minimalistic Bauhaus style and the automatic movement. Popular with watch enthusiasts as well as with non-enthusiasts, the watch features a minimalistic and modest-sized stainless steel case and an understated white dial with simple hands and indexes. The dial is highly legible, simple and due to its understated looks, pairs well with more formal attire. Equipped with the automatic in-house J800.1 caliber, the watch provides 38 hours of power reserve. The black leather strap rounds off the overall look.
Specifications: Price: Around $1,000, Case Size: 38mm, Thickness: 10mm, Lug-to-Lug: 40mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30m, Movement: Automatic in-house J800.1 movement, Power Reserve: 38 hours, Crystal: Plexiglas
Hamilton Intra-Matic
Full of personality and genuine vintage flair, it’s a timepiece that stands out in all the right ways. This is how Hamilton describes their Intra-Matic on their website. And after digging into this timepiece a little more, I can only confirm this statement. The watch features a polished 38mm stainless steel case, which complements the champagne dial with its precisely carved indexes, simplistic hour and minute hands, and a well-fitting date window, perfectly. The Hamilton Intra-Matic is powered by an automatic ETA 2892-A2 movement, which delivers a cool 50 hours of power reserve. I really love that they made an Intra-Matic version with the salmon/champagne dial. The combination of the dial and the understated case gives this watch a very classy look.
Specifications: Price: $845, Case Size: 38mm, Thickness: 10.2mm, Lug-to-Lug: 43.9mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 50m, Movement: Automatic ETA 2892-A2 movement, Power Reserve: 50 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Bulova Breton
Next up is the Bulova Breton. I must admit that I never heard of this timepiece before doing some research on affordable dress watches. But I’m glad I did find it in Teddy Baldassarre’s shop because this is a watch that you have to see. The Bulova Breton has a rectangular case, which has a case diameter of 32mm and a lug to lug distance of 46mm. Bear in mind, that with rectangular watches, the lug to lug distance is more important than the diameter. The open caseback showcases the automatic Swiss-made Sellita SW200 movement,h featuring the Joseph Bulova signature, “1875” and a custom-designed rotor. The unique design of the dial with the painted Arabic numerals and the overall vintage vibe that it gives out, is a winner. If you have a budget of around $1,050 and are looking for a rectangular-shaped watch, this should be a no-brainer for you. The Breton is a limited edition of just 350 pieces, so be quick.
Specifications: Price: $1,050, Case Size: 32mm, Thickness: 10.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: 46mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30m, Movement: Automatic Swiss-made Sellita SW200 movement, Power Reserve: 38 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Zodiac Olympos
When the Zodiac Olympus was first introduced back in 1961, the unique signature Manta-Ray case shape, led to surprise among watch enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Jumping forward in time, the Olympos was revived and hit the ground running. And even after 60 years, the modernized version of the Olympos was a success. And part of that success was due to the decision that they preserved the same 37.5mm case, which the original timepiece had. Inside the gold PVD-coated stainless steel case, beats the automatic STP 3-13 caliber, which provides you with 44 hours of power reserve. The dials are also exceptionally executed, featuring a beautifully brushed surface, applied markers, and curved hands, which elevate the whole look.
Specifications: Price: $795, Case Size: 37.5mm, Thickness: 10mm, Lug-to-Lug: 45mm, Lug Width: 19mm, Water Resistance: 50m, Movement: Automatic STP 3-13 movement, Power Reserve: 44 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Mido Baroncelli Heritage
Since 1918, the Swiss watch manufacturer Mido continuous to produce high-quality, swiss-made timepieces, that can be bought at reasonable prices. And the Mido Baroncelli is no exception. Designed to be worn by the sophisticated gentleman of today, the watch features a simplistic and understated design which in some way, still manages to look classy. Equipped with an automatic Mido 1192 movement, the watch will keep telling you the accurate time for 50 hours, before it stops ticking. The movement, which is based on the ETA 2892A2 caliber, is housed in an elegantly sized case that is made from stainless steel and features a sapphire crystal. The white dial is sleek and understated, only featuring simple applied indexes, a date window, stainless steel hour and minute hands, and a blue seconds hand that provides a splash of color.
Specifications: Price: $990, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 7.3mm, Lug-to-Lug: 44mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30m, Movement: Automatic Mido 1192 movement, Power Reserve: 50 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Longines Conquest Heritage
Continuing with the Longines Conquest Heritage dress watch, which I have to admit, is slightly over our budget of $1,000. But I decided to add it anyway, due to the immense value you get for just $1,100. So what values are they? The Conquest Heritage features an in-house, swiss-made Longines L633 movement, which is powered by the movement of your wrist and provides 38 hours of power reserve. The silver sunburst dial with the golden indexes and golden hands is absolutely beautiful and stunning. But what really sets it aside from the other options and what makes it worth the extra $100, is the brand. Longines is one of the most respected Swiss watch manufacturers, with a ton of history. And usually, their watches are priced significantly higher than this one.
Specifications: Price: $1,100, Case Size: 35mm, Thickness: 9,9mm, Lug-to-Lug: 42mm, Lug Width: 18mm, Water Resistance: 30m, Movement: Automatic in-house, swiss-made L633 movement, Power Reserve: 38 hours, Crystal: Hesalite
Stowa Antea Klassik
Inspired by the era of Bauhaus design, the Stowa Antea Klassik bears a lot of resemblance to the watch selections from brands like Junghans or Nomos. And like the previous watch from Longines, I also decided to go slightly over budget on this one. And not only that but this watch is also powered by a hand-winding movement, rather than the promised self-winding one. I wanted to include this piece into this list because I think it would be a missed opportunity for me to not tell you about this watch. Anyway, the Stowa Antea Klassik features a polished stainless-steel case, which measures 35.5mm in diameter and only 6.9mm in height, making this the ideal size for more formal occasions and outfits. Perfectly complementing the case is the beautiful dial with its understated yet very refined appearance. Adding to the classy look is the well-placed small-seconds sub-dial just above the 6 o’clock position. The Antea Klassik is powered by a hand-wound Peseux 7001 movement, which was beautifully decorated by Stowa. Topping off the whole package is a sapphire crystal, which provides sufficient protection for your dearest.
Specifications: Price: Around $1,100, Case Size: 35.5mm, Thickness: 6.9mm, Lug-to-Lug: 44.6mm, Lug Width: 18mm, Water Resistance: 30m, Movement: Hand-wound Peseux 7001 movement, Power Reserve: 45 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Everyday Watches
Combining sportive attributes with a dressy and refined look is what an optimal everyday watch should strive to achieve. A watch that can be dressed up or down, a watch that can be worn in almost every scenario you can think of. This is what we are looking for in this part of the list.
Lorier Hyperion
First up is Lorier and their Hyperion GMT. I set my eyes on the Hyperion the minute it was released, but unfortunately couldn’t get my hands on one, due to it being sold out almost immediately. And I think that speaks volumes to the quality and design of a watch. Anyway, the Lorier Hyperion features a marine-grade stainless steel case, which measures 39mm in diameter. Inside the case beats the automatic Soprod C125 movement, which has an independent GMT hand and provides 42 hours of power reserve. Taking in some of the allures of the glorious jet-setting days and the cool GMT watches that came with it, the Lorier Hyperion utilizes the typical Pepsi colors for the bezel. This adds even more vintage apparel to the overall look and feel of the watch.
Specifications: Price: $799, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 10.7mm, Lug-to-Lug: 47mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 100m, Movement: Automatic Soprod C125 movement, Power Reserve: 42 hours, Crystal: Hesalite
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
Some of you may know the Tissot PRX, a 1970’s inspired sports watch with an integrated bracelet. When Tissot first presented the watch at the beginning of 2021, everyone was hyped because of the iconic design that shares some similarities with the AP Royal Oak. And then, the bummer. The watch was only available in Quartz. I remember thinking to myself that if they only had produced one with a mechanical movement, I would be the first one to stand in front of a Tissot Boutique. And now, sometime later, Tissot finally introduced the PRX Powermatic 80, which has the same design, the same proportions, but is now equipped with an automatic movement. To be precise, it’s the Powermatic 80.111 movement, which has a power reserve of around 80 hours. You can see the 80.111 calibres through the open caseback, which is a cool feature, considering the price tag of just $650.
Specifications: Price: $650, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 7.3mm, Lug-to-Lug: 44mm, Lug Width: n/a, Water Resistance: 100m, Movement: Automatic Powermatic 80.111 movement, Power Reserve: 80 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Sinn 556 I
The German brand Sinn was founded back in 1961 in Frankfurt am Main. Their core business back in the day was the production of navigation watches and pilot chronographs. And this heritage can be seen to this day in several of their collections. And the Sinn 556 I is no exception to that. Honoring the rich heritage, the Sinn 556 I features a 38.5mm stainless steel case as well as a simplistic black dial, with a very high level of legibility. This was very important for pilots and navigators back in the day. Powering the watch is the tried and tested automatic Sellita SW200-1 movement, which you can look at, through the open caseback, made from sapphire crystal.
Specifications: Price: Around $1,000, Case Size: 38.5mm, Thickness: 11mm, Lug-to-Lug: 45.4mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 200m, Movement: Automatic Sellita SW200-1 movement, Power Reserve: 50 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Autodromo Group B Series 2
With unfettered technical ingenuity, space age exotic materials and turbo-boosted horsepower, the 1980’s romantic era of motorsport serves as an inspiration for countless watches. And the Autodromo Group B Series 2 is one of them. The automatic Miyota 9015 movement is housed in a lightweight 39mm titanium case composed of 2 parts, which comfortably sits on the wrist via an integrated bracelet. The whole package then is topped off by a sapphire crystal, making it ideal for everyday use. If you like motorsport, are in the market for a unique watch, and are willing to spend $975, then this is an ideal watch for you.
Specifications: Price: $975, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 9mm, Lug-to-Lug: 49.75mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 50m, Movement: Automatic Miyota 9015 movement, Power Reserve:42 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Nodus Contrail II
Introduced back in August 2020, the Nodus Contrail II features a case made from 316L stainless steel, housing a Japanese Miyota 9015 automatic movement, which provides an accuracy of +/- 8 seconds per day. At a diameter of 40.5 mm, the Contrail II is topped off by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. Waterproof to a depth of 200 meters (656ft), this watch features a unidirectional rotating sapphire bezel. The combination of a 12-hours GMT bezel, the 200 meters of water resistance and modest case size make this watch perfect for every occasion. Doesn’t matter if you are on the sea, in the sky, or on land, it can do it all. If you are interested, the watch will set you back $675 and can be bought from Nodus’ website.
Specifications: Price: $990, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 7.3mm, Lug-to-Lug: 44mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30m, Movement: Automatic Mido 1192 movement, Power Reserve: 50 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
MkII Cruxible Type A-11
The MkII Cruxible A-11 is inspired by the iconic A-11 watch which was developed for the soldiers of the US Army and their allies during the second world war. The watch went on to be worn by tens of thousands of soldiers, making it one of history’s most significant military timepieces, and earned it the name: ‘The watch that won the war’. And to honor the sacrifices that the soldiers had to make, MkII decided to revitalize the iconic watch, making it more modern and affordable for everyone that wants a piece of history on their wrist. The MkII Cruxible A-11 features a 39mm stainless steel case, which houses an automatic Seiko SII NE15 movement inside. The design of the watch was modernized but still looks very similar to the original A-11, which is very important, due to its historic significance.
Specifications: Price: $649, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 13.55mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48.5mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 100m, Movement: Automatic Seiko SII NE15 movement, Power Reserve: 50 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Melbourne Watch Company Burnley
Combining classic dress style with a modern angular case profile that tapers perfectly into an integrated stainless-steel bracelet, the Melbourne Burnley makes for an ideal everyday piece. The watch features an automatic Miyota 9015 caliber, which is housed in a 42mm stainless steel case. The case is complemented by the stunning blue dial, which really, is the star of the whole watch. The dial features brushed applied indexes, geometrical hour and minute hands, a seconds hand that feature the Melbourne Watch Company Logo on the back tip, and a date window that fits surprisingly well into the whole aesthetic. The watch features a sapphire crystal on top of the watch as well on the bottom, enabling you to actually see the beautifully decorated movement.
Specifications: Price: $600, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 10mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48mm, Lug Width: n/a, Water Resistance: 50m, Movement: Automatic Miyota 9015 movement, Power Reserve: 40 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Lorier Falcon Series II
And now on to a watch that will cater to the gold-loving, more eccentric watch enthusiast out there. No offense, I too love golden watches, it’s just that if you want a more subtle piece, you should probably skip to the next watch on the list. Anyway, as mentioned before, the Lorier Falcon Series II features a golden PVD-coated stainless steel case that measures a modest 36mm in diameter, 11mm in height, and 44mm from lug to lug. The dial is kept simple and complements the classy look of the case perfectly, making this watch a very nice choice if you are looking for an everyday piece with a dressier and more refined look. The watch is powered by an automatic Miyota 90S5 movement, which provides around 42 hours of power reserve. With its golden case and the refined look, you would never imagine that you will only have to pay $549 to get one for yourself.
Specifications: Price: $549, Case Size: 36mm, Thickness: 11mm, Lug-to-Lug: 44mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 100m, Movement: Automatic Miyota 90S5 movement, Power Reserve: 42 hours, Crystal: Hesalite
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
Next up is a blacked-out version of the iconic Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical. And now some of the attentive readers out there will think, but wait for a second, the Khaki Field Mechanical is powered by a hand-wound movement. And yes, you are right. I know this list should only contain automatic watches, but I think with the status and the value that the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical brings with it, it deserves a spot, regardless of its movement. Offering a modest-sized case, a hand-wound in-house movement, and an iconic design, the Field Mechanical offers immense value for the $545 you have to pay to get your hands on one of these.
Specifications: Price: $545, Case Size: 38mm, Thickness: n/a, Lug-to-Lug: n/a, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 50m, Movement: Automatic H-50, Power Reserve: 80 Hours, Crystal: Sapphire
Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium
Built with the intention to be used as a multi-purpose watch, that can either be dressed up or down, the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 checks all out the boxes when it comes to choosing an everyday watch. The timepiece features a 40mm stainless steel case which houses the automatic Powermatic 80.811 movement in it. You can see the movement through the open caseback, which is protected through a sapphire crystal. If you are in the market for an automatic swiss-made watch that offers a lot of value for a price of just $725, then this certainly is a watch for you.
Specifications: Price: $725, Case Size: 40mm, Thickness: 11.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48mm, Lug Width: 21mm, Water Resistance: 100m, Movement: Automatic Powermatic 80.811 movement, Power Reserve: 80 hours, Crystal: Sapphire
