The Most Stylish Automatic Watches for Men

What is an automatic watch, you ask? Compared to a watch with a quartz movement, a watch with an automatic movement derives its energy from the wearer, rather than a battery. The self-winding watch uses harmonic oscillators to tell time precisely. An automatic watch is also seen as more desirable than a quartz watch because of its movement. It's perceived as a watch of higher quality and with more durability among watch collectors.

How does a watch with an automatic movement work?

An automatic watch movement features a rotor that oscillates freely within the watch. Every time the wearer moves his wrist, the rotor spins. That energy from the intrinsic spinning motion then winds the mainspring in the watch… automatically.

Consider the following automatic watches for your next time-teller:

Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono

Photo by Hamilton.

This retro-looking watch can shuttle between casual and smarter days. Based on an original signature piece from 1968, the Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono is updated with an exclusive H-31 automatic movement and an eye-catching panda dial. The tanned natural leather strap also gives it extra style points.

Timex Navi XL Automatic 

Photo by Timex.

Here’s another blast from the past: Timex takes inspiration from its early dive watches, coming up with this new classic: a stylish, all-black diver-style piece that offers a maximum of 40 hours of energy thanks to its 21-jewel automatic movement. The white-on-black font exudes a laid-back, retro vibe. We also love the modern feel its dark monochromatic palette brings, with its black stainless steel case, uni-directional rotating top ring, black dial, and black leather strap.

Oris Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph

Photo by Oris.

Many great-looking automatic watches take a page or two from the archives—this Oris Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph is one of them, having been based on the very first diver’s watch that the brand designed in 1965. Today’s iteration comes with modern features, with a stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and an automatic Swiss-made movement. A bronze bezel edge and rose gold-plated dial also recall the good old days.

Seiko 5

Photo by Seiko.

When it comes to watches that offer a lot of mileage for a modest budget, there is Seiko. The Japanese brand has mastered the creation of value-for-money timepieces that are both timeless and well-made. This Seiko 5 is a great choice for starting watch enthusiasts who want a legitimate automatic movement at an affordable price.

Tissot Luxury Powermatic 80

Photo by Tissot.

Nothing beats performance and style, and this Tissot Powermatic has both. It features an impressive 80-hour power reserve, which allows you to take off the watch for a few days and put it back on without re-winding the piece. Its sleek chrome body has a subtle appeal, while its jewel-blue face stands out in its own way.

Tissot Heritage Visodate Automatic

Photo by Tissot.

If you’re a fan of vintage sporty aesthetics, you will enjoy this Tissot’s polished steel appearance. The Tissot Heritage Visodate’s design is based on an original model from the 1950s, with its crocodile-style leather strap adding even more of a retro appeal. The Visodate comes with a date function in addition to its automatic movement.

Orient Mako II Automatic Diving

Photo by Orient.

Since you won’t be leaving the comforts of your home anytime soon, why not make the Orient Mako II diving watch your companion for the work-from-home life? The watch, which is equipped with water resistance to 200m, a 40-hour power reserve, and a 120-click bezel, offers good value for its price, too.

Oris Classic Date Black Dial Automatic

Photo by Oris.

Whether you’re going on a quarantine date or dressing smartly for a video meeting, the Oris Classic Date lends a dressed-up style that’s not too stuffy. Boasting Swiss craftsmanship, the timepiece gets its contemporary look from its slim 37mm stainless steel case and dark face. For an automatic watch, the price isn’t half bad, either.

Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic

Photo by Frederique Constant.

Looking for something refined? This Frédérique Constant Classics Index timepiece has a smooth dark blue face with a high-polish stainless steel case that makes it perfect for smart dress codes.

Tudor Black Bay

Photo by Tudor.

Many dream of owning a Rolex, specifically a Rolex Submariner. While it’s certainly a worthy investment for your collection, there are much less intimidating pieces for casual enthusiasts or first-time buyers. A great alternative for the Rolex luxury diver watch is the Tudor Black Bay, a timeless watch with a nautical-inspired face and dial.

Girard-Perregaux 1966 Automatic

Photo by Girard-Perregaux.

This luxury brand may not be as popular as Rolex or Cartier, but its 230-year-old history cannot be ignored. Consider its 1966 collection, which is filled with beautiful, elegant pieces that seasoned collectors gravitate to. The Girard-Perregaux 1966 Automatic is fitted with a sapphire crystal case back, a silver opaline dial, and an alligator leather strap. Also, there are diamonds.

Bulova 98A165 Automatic

Photo by Bulova.

Lots of monochromatic watches are usually in a steel or black palette, but there is something interesting about brown and rose gold. This Bulova watch features stainless steel and rose gold finish, along with a domed crystal, a patterned dial, more rose-gold accents, luminous hands and markers, and a brown leather strap.

Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Automatic

Photo by Victorinox.

Who can resist a Victorinox watch? Its pieces are classic and debonair, a seamless fusion of aesthetic and engineering excellence, this one included.

Victorinox INOX Carbon Mechanical

Photo by Victorinox.

The INOX Carbon Mechanical is for the person who doesn’t settle for less. Borne from prestigious mechanical engineering practices, the watch merges time-honored automatic processes with a contemporary twist. Carbon composite offers strength and durability while being edgy and lightweight. The watch also has great readability thanks to its illuminated hands and indexes. It’s a true modern watch with Swiss craftsmanship.

Skagen Holst Automatic Gunmetal Steel Mesh

Photo by Skagen.

Leave it to Skagen to introduce a modern, automatic gunmetal watch. The model merges different styles, introducing exposed mechanical parts to its signature Danish aesthetic.