Automatic watches have a bad reputation as expensive watches unattainable for common citizens on a budget. While there are many fantastic luxury watches out there with quality automatic movements, there’s also a litany of great low-cost timepieces for you to consider as well!
While automatic movements require more regular maintenance and care than quartz movements, they reward the wearer with an artful display of watchmaking prowess and craftsmanship. Whether you choose a watch with a Japanese automatic movement or a Swiss automatic movement, you’re virtually guaranteed a horological experience unlike any other.
To help you on your quest to find the best automatic watch for the lowest price possible, we’ve scoured far and wide to curate our list of the 7 Best Automatic Watches Under $200. We’ve included some of the best watch brands and the best cost-effective timepiece ever produced, all for your watch shopping convenience.
The 7 Best Automatic Watches Under $200 For 2021
7) Timex Marlin Automatic Watch
- Timex Marlin Hand-Wound Mechanical Watch
- 32MM watch width; 7.5 inches band length
- Fits up to 7.5 inches wrist size
- Silver dial; Black leather strap
- 30 Meter water resistant
Let’s start with a striking update of a former crowd favorite. The new Timex Marlin Automatic Watch is a wonderful update of the original Timex Marlin, featuring an easy-to-use three-hand manual movement and a stylish black leather band. The dial projects minimalism at its most appealing, and the even-numbered Arabic numeral format lends this timepiece a personality all its own. And while it’s a dressier timepiece, it can also withstand brief immersion in water down to 30 meters in depth!
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 32 mm
Case Thickness: 10 mm
Strap Material: Plastic
Strap Length: Leather
Strap Width: 17.7 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Beige
Movement: Manual Three-Hand
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- If you enjoyed the original Timex Marlin, this will easily be your favorite new watch.
- The beige dial is simple in the best of ways. It’s uncluttered and easy on the eyes.
- The manual three-hand movement is so easy to operate.
Cons
- The crown is extremely stiff to pull out and push in.
- The included leather strap needs to be worn a few times to get comfortable.
6) Seiko Men’s SNK355 Automatic Dress Watch
- SILVER DIAL: this menâ€s watch features a striking silver-on-silver dial with luminous dial indicator hands and markers so you can tell the time even in low light conditions
- DURABLE UTILITY: this watch is water-resistant to 30M, and boasts a silver skeleton-back stainless steel watch case and fold-over clasp bracelet, a robust yet stylish sports watch built to last
- DAY & DATE CALENDAR: with the handy calendar function, keep track of the date right on the watch face
- 7S26 CALIBER MOVEMENT: powered by the reliable 7S26 caliber, these Seiko automatic watches for men ensure accurate self-winding timekeeping with 41 hours of reserve power
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The first of three watches from our favorite low-cost Japanese watch brand, the Seiko Men’s SNK355 Automatic Dress Watch is an understated stunner that contains much more than meets the eye at first. Everything from the lined hour markers to the pop of red in the date function window is aligned perfectly. And if you look closely at the dial, you’ll see an array of interesting textures and Seiko 5 logos. Classy without being boring, this durable dreamboat is a go-to option for both office days and dinner get-togethers.
Specs
Display Window Material: Hardlex Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Push-Button Fold-Over Clasp w/ Safety
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 37 mm
Case Thickness: 10.3 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 21.2 mm
Strap Color: Silver
Dial Color: Silver
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Japanese Automatic
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- The Hardlex crystal dial window is impressively scratch-resistant.
- The design is versatile and will match up with most outfit choices, casual and formal.
- There are little personality quirks here that are just fun to look at.
Cons
- The band is hard to adjust without professional help.
- It may be a bit too lightweight for some tastes.
5) Vostok Amphibian Automatic Self-Winding Watch
- Classic Vostok model
- 200 m (20 Bar) Water Resistant
- Dimensions: approx. 41x45x15 mm. Lug size 22mm
- Automatic VOSTOK self-winding movement with 31 ruby jewels (no hands winding required, but watch can still be wound up with winding stem if it has not worn been worn for some time) Fully wound watches run at least 31 hours. Anti-shock (shock resistant) balance, Central second hand, Graduated rotated bezel
- Luminous hands and dots. The watch assembled for US sales by Sputnik TM technology.
If you want to buck trends and go your own way with your choice of automatic watches, you can’t do much better than the quirky Vostok Amphibian Automatic Self-Winding Dive Watch. A great choice for water sports or mornings at the gym, this atypical Russian diving watch features one of our favorite analog display designs at this or any price point. Also known as the “Scuba Dude” thanks to the cool drawing in the middle of the dial, this blue dial blockbuster features a quality in-house automatic movement that’s quite easy to maintain.
Specs
Display Window Material: Acrylic
Display Type: Analog
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 41 mm
Case Thickness: 15 mm
Strap Material: Nylon or Stainless Steel
Strap Width: 22 mm
Strap Color: Multiple Colors
Dial Color: Turquoise
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Automatic/Manual
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Pros
- The turquoise dial and “Scuba Dude” sketch both help this timepiece to zig when others zag.
- This watch is fully submersible in water to a depth of 200 meters.
- It’s available in two different strap types with multiple colors to choose from.
Cons
- The edges around the strap are sharp out of the box. You may want to sand them down.
- The acrylic dial window scratches easier than most.
4) Seiko Men’s Recraft Series Automatic Casual Watch
- DAY/DATE CALENDAR: stay organized with the convenient day/date calendar displayed on the beautiful blue dial
- STURDY STAINLESS STEEL CASE: designed for durability, this men's watch features a stainless steel watch case that can withstand everyday wear and tear SEIKO QUALITY: handcrafted timepieces for every occasion
- CLASSIC BROWN LEATHER STRAP: the combined sophistication and versatility of a supple leather watch band make these the perfect men’s watches for any occasion
- 50M WATER RESISTANT: whether you're washing your hands or snorkeling off the coast, these men's wrist watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters, providing peace of mind in any situation
- SMOOTH AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT: our self-winding automatic watches for men deliver precise and smooth movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping LUMINOUS HANDS AND MARKERS: even in low light conditions, the luminous hands and markers ensure that you can read the dial indicator
If you’re looking for a dress watch that doubles as a time machine to the heyday of 1970s fashion, you’re gonna love the Seiko Men’s Recraft Series Automatic Watch. The rectangular watch case, gold-tone watch hands and hour markers, and sleek brown leather band combine to create a groovy homage to the classier timepieces of yore. And in terms of head-turning appeal, the green sunray dial offers mesmerizing depth and detail that’s simply a joy to gawk at.
Specs
Display Window Material: Hardlex Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 41 mm
Case Thickness: 13 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: 9.25 inches
Strap Width: 22 mm
Strap Color: Brown
Dial Color: Green
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Pros
- There aren’t a lot of modern watches out there with this kind of boxy, retro feel. It’s refreshing.
- The green sunray dial is nuanced and catches the light in really cool ways.
- The leather band is quite high-quality and not super stiff out of the box.
Cons
- Pulling out the crown to change the time does not halt the second hand.
- We’d prefer a hand-wind movement option.
3) Orient Mako II Japanese Automatic Diving Watch
- Mineral Crystal.Power Reserve:Approximately 40 hours.
- 120-Click Unidirectional Bezel
- Case Diameter: 41mm.Power Reserve:Approximately 40 hours.
- Movement:Orient Cal.F6922 Automatic, Hand-winding, Hacking Movement
- Water Resistant 200m (660ft): in General, Suitable for Professional Marine Activity and Serious Surface Water Sports, but not Diving
If you’re not familiar with the Orient brand of sports watches and dress watches, the Orient Mako II Japanese Automatic Diving Watch is a heck of a good place to start. Thanks to its clean calendar function date window, stark and stunning black dial, and gorgeous stainless steel construction, this elegant offering from the underrated Japanese watch brand is primed for both the water and the dancefloor. And thanks to its recessed bezel, it conforms nicely to most wrist sizes!
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Push Button Fold-Over Clasp w/ Safety
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 41 mm
Case Thickness: 13 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Silver
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Automatic (Hand-Winding, Hacking)
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Pros
- The hand-winding, hacking movement keeps time better than most automatic movements for under $500.
- There are multiple color options to choose from with different splashes of black, blue, and red.
- This watch is quite sturdy and offers great water resistance down to a depth of 200 meters.
Cons
- The crown is small and really hard to unscrew without a tool.
- It may wear a bit small for some larger wrists.
2) Seiko 5 SNK805 Stainless Steel Automatic Watch
- Military-inspired timepiece featuring green dial, luminous accents, and day/date functions.Case dimensions: 37mm,Strap length: 7 inch
- Automatic movement with analog display; Hardlex crystal
- Features green nylon strap with buckle closure. When setting the minute hand of a quartz watch, advance it to a few minutes ahead of the time and then turn it back to the exact time
- Water resistant to 30 m (99 ft): In general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming.
Originally conceived as a pilot watch, the Seiko 5 SNK805 Stainless Steel Automatic Watch is one of the most well-reviewed automatic watches under $200 ever produced. There are subtle touches to this watch that make all the difference. The sword-shaped hands are elegantly curved and perfectly counterbalance the field-watch design scheme. It also has a very legible date window and a unique setup for hour indices that push them towards the center of the dial. Durable and attractive, this is arguably Seiko’s finest achievement.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 37 mm
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Strap Material: Nylon
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 18 mm
Strap Color: Green
Dial Color: Green
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- The green-on-green design is both clean and unique.
- The nylon strap is very comfortable to wear and doesn’t cut into your wrist.
- You know you’re getting a long usage life when you purchase a Seiko timepiece.
Cons
- It loses about four to five minutes a week, so you have to keep maintaining it.
- It may be too small for some bigger wrists.
1) Invicta Pro Diver Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
- Stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14.1mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands.Band Length: 205mm
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight 155 grams
- Includes gift box, instructions and 3 year limited manufacturer warranty; Invicta Customer Service can be reached at 1-800-327-7682 for questions (re: Additional links, band replacement, band adjustment, warranty questions, etc.)
Are you a fan of the Rolex Submariner? Have you always wanted to own one, but can’t bear the thought of parting with thousands of dollars to do so? Rather than taking out a second mortgage on your house, consider the Invicta Pro Diver Automatic Watch as a more-than-suitable alternative! A loving homage to everything that makes the Submariner great, this gorgeous low-cost dive watch looks like it’s worth hundreds of times its actual retail value. And thanks to a rugged build and quality materials, it’s got a usage life that rivals any other watch option at its price point.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Fold-Over Clasp w/ Safety
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 14 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Silver
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Japanese Automatic
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Pros
- This is one of the coolest tribute watches ever released.
- It’s a combination of a dress watch and dive watch that balances great water resistance with a refined design.
- It’s available in multiple color options that will make every garment piece in your closet stand out that much more.
Cons
- The rotating bezel may be somewhat tight in some models.
- While the mineral dial window is sturdy, it can be scratched with just the wrong sort of impact.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Automatic Watch Options
Are automatic watches worth it?
Mechanical watches are well worth it for those looking for the best men’s watches out there right now! And if you can find a timepiece with a quality Swiss automatic movement or Japanese automatic movement at an affordable price, that’s even better! The inner workings make all the difference!
(And while an automatic movement may not be as accurate as a quartz movement, a mechanical movement is much more fun to play with and maintain!)
The best automatic watch offerings balance either a modern look or classy look with impressive features like a unidirectional bezel, Eco-Drive technology (or comparable solar power sources), a lengthy power reserve, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal dial window or something similar, a screw-down crown, luminous hands, and multiple strap options to choose from. And for under $200, you can choose from the affordable watches on the list above and bypass expensive watches altogether!
What is the best watch under $200?
Our pick for the best automatic watch under $200 is the aforementioned Invicta Pro Diver Automatic Stainless Steel Watch. When discussing affordable dive watches, there’s this beauty and then there’s everything else! A perfect pick for either a newbie or a watch expert, this beautiful timepiece comes from a reputable brand known for crafting high-quality budget diving watches. Water-resistant to a depth of 200 meters, it features a fully-aligned 120-click bezel and a fantastic hacking, hand-wound Seiko movement.
Add in a clean dial design, easy-to-read date window, and comfortable stainless steel band, and there’s no reason why this Invicta standout shouldn’t be your next automatic watch.
Closing Thoughts
Automatic movements aren’t just a luxury watch kind of thing. Whether you prefer dress watches, casual watches, or sports watches, you can secure a great automatic piece for well under $200! Rest assured, there is a great watch out there at a price tag that’s kind to your wallet. Make your next watch a big deal, both literally and figuratively. Grab one of our highlighted timepieces right away and experience the best of low-cost automatic watches for a minimal investment.