best-kinetic-watches-for-men

Best Kinetic Watches for Men

Kinetic watches are among the most impressive fashion and function accessories in existence. They use your normal arm, hand, and wrist movement to wind the watch as you go — keeping you from having to conduct constant battery changes as you would with a quartz time piece.

Inside of watches with kinetic power supplies are intricate systems of gears and springs, along with power reserve capacitors which stores energy throughout the day. And even if you don’t wear your kinetic watch all the time, you can use a self-winding machine which will move it for you to charge its power supply!

For those men who like simplicity of use combined with the complexity of amazing gadgetry, watches with kinetic energy supplies are for you. However, which kinetic watch should you choose? After all, there are hundreds upon hundreds of options out there in online marketplaces and brick-and-mortar retail shops.

Rather than leaving you to do the legwork yourself, we’ve made it easy by boiling the best kinetic time pieces down to our in-depth countdown of the Top 6 Men’s Kinetic Watches In 2021. We’ve even included a useful Frequently Asked Questions section to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

However, let’s first get to our countdown!

The 6 Best Men’s Kinetic Watches In 2021

6) Seiko Men Kinetic Black Dial Black Leather Watch

SEIKO Kinetic Black Dial Black Leather Men's Watch SRN051P1
  • Case
  • - Case Material: Stainless Steel (polished), Stainless Steel (brushed/polished)
  • - Case Shape: Round
  • - Case Colour: Silver
  • - Bezel made of: Stainless Steel (brushed), Stainless Steel (polished)

The first of three Seiko watches on our list, this kinetic beauty combines a sleek design with the rugged construction we’ve come to know and love from the brand. The black-on-black aesthetic is enhanced by the silver case, and the elegant yet simple watch face is a real looker. Seiko takes special pride in making kinetic time pieces which last, and the inclusion of a scratch-resistant Hardlex dial window is emblematic of that.

Specs

Dial Window Material: Scratch Resistant Hardlex

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 42 mm

Case Thickness: 14 mm

Band Material: Leather

Band Width: 20 mm

Band Length: 8.75 inches

Band Color: Black

Dial Color: Black

Water Resistance: 100 Meters

Movement: Hybrid Quartz Automatic

Pros

  • Seiko’s hybrid quartz automatic movement is both super precise and effective at storing energy from your normal movements.
  • While it’s not sapphire crystal, the Hardlex dial window is super sturdy and effective at avoiding scratches and scuffs.
  • This watch is low key yet breathtaking. The black-on-black-on-silver color scheme makes this watch perfect to wear with nearly any outfit you can think of.

Cons

  • Out of all the watches on our countdown, this is probably the hardest one to read for those with visual impairments.
  • The crown can be a bit cumbersome and catch on your pants pockets when trying to reach into them.

5) Bulova Men’s Automatic Watch

Sale
Bulova Men's Classic Maquina Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel 3-Hand Automatic Watch, Skeleton Dial Style: 98A179
  • Bulova's Men's Classic Automatic Collection features meticulously crafted beautiful timepieces with self-winding movements that are powered by the motion of your wrist.
  • 3 Hand, Automatic, Full Skeleton
  • Black Ion Plated Stainless Steel
  • Sapphire Crystal
  • 100M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty

If you like to make a bit of a statement with your watches, we recommend the Bulova Men’s Automatic Watch. The gunmetal case and strap are super appealing to the eye, but it’s the skeleton dial facing which really does it for us. This peek into the machinations of this kinetic watch masterpiece is both impressive to look at and eye catching for anyone around you. Add in a synthetic sapphire crystal dial window and you have durability and aesthetic impression to the max.

Specs

Dial Window Material: Synthetic Sapphire Crystal

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Push Button Deployment Clasp

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 46 mm

Case Thickness: 13.2 mm

Band Material: Stainless Steel

Band Width: 27 mm

Band Length: 10.25 inches

Band Color: Gray

Dial Color: Black

Water Resistance: 100 Meters

Movement: Automatic

Pros

  • The skeleton dial will make you do a double take when you first take it out of the box. It’s really that cool to look at.
  • The choice of a gunmetal case and band presentation really accentuates everything else this watch has to offer. It was the perfect color to choose.
  • While the dial window is made of synthetic sapphire crystal instead of actual sapphire crystal, it’s pretty close to the real thing when it comes to durability and scratch resistance.

Cons

  • This watch is definitely a bit on the heavy side. If you have sensitive wrists, it could be an issue.
  • It’s a bit on the pricey side compared to some of the more budget-friendly offerings on our list.

4) Seiko Men SNK805 Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch

Sale
Men's SNK805 SEIKO 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch with Green Canvas
  • 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.

The second of three Seiko watches on our countdown, this green-on-green beauty is both affordable and super lovely to look at. It’s also really comfortable to wear with a nylon canvas band that sits easy on your wrist and conforms with ease. And the way that the lighter green of the strap plays against the harder green tone of the dial is something to behold. Seiko created a world of wonders with this one, and it’s even more wondrous considering its affordable price tag.

Specs

Dial Window Material: Mineral

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 37 mm

Case Thickness: 11 mm

Band Material: Nylon

Band Width: 18 mm

Band Length: Men’s Standard

Band Color: Green

Dial Color: Green

Water Resistance: 30 Meters

Movement: Automatic

Pros

  • This kind of watch quality is extremely hard to come by at a price point that’s even a fraction of this. This is a real steal of a deal.
  • We really dig the comfort of the nylon canvas strap. No matter what size your wrist is, it’ll sit just right.
  • The green-on-green look really pops with a multitude of outfit choices. It’s not too overpowering at all, but it’s just enough color to add something to any wardrobe.

Cons

  • The luminous hands glow for a bit but don’t last all night.
  • The water resistance of this watch is on the low end for Seiko watches. Try to keep it out of the water as much as you can.

3) MVMT Men’s Chronograph Watch

MVMT Chrono Men's Gunmetal Sandstone Stainless Steel Case Watch with Sandstone Leather Strap, 45MM (Model: MC01GML)
  • A MINIMALIST CHRONOGRAPH. Our first chronograph ever, this stripped down dial keeps it clean the California Minimal way and features unexpected color pops like our favorite sneakers.
  • CHRONOGRAPH TMI VD53C. Chronographs are cult classic favorites in the watch world, iconized for their functionality and inventive origins. Worn by pilots and astronauts, chronographs combine a stopwatch function with a traditional timekeeping display. But you don't have to be an aviator to make the most of them. Use your chronograph for cooking, running, racing, or anything else you need tracked.
  • DURABLE AND WATER RESISTANT- Water Resistant up to 5 ATM/50 Meters. Perfect for carefree everyday use and can withstand a brief submersion under water, but should not be taken swimming or bathing. Glass case made of hardened mineral crystal for enhanced durability.
  • DESIGNED IN THE USA- Premium on-trend Watches and accessories, designed at our headquarters in Los Angeles.
  • TWO YEAR GUARANTEE- We're so confident you'll love what we do that we offer a two-year guarantee on everything we make

Our choice for the top kinetic watch for younger men and teens, the MVMT Men’s Chronograph Watch is a real stunner in the looks department. The minimalist dial and contrasts of soft blue second and subdial hands with the stark and muted black tones is absolute breathtaking in person. We also like the choice of a soft brown leather strap as it frames the rest of the watch with a balanced presentation. For those young watch aficionados dressing to impress, here’s one for you.

Specs

Dial Window Material: Glass

Display Type: Analog

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 45 mm

Case Thickness: 12 mm

Band Material: Leather

Band Width: 22 mm

Band Color: Brown

Dial Color: Black

Water Resistance: 50Meters

Movement: Japanese Automatic

Pros

  • This watch is tailor made for young watch lovers. Its minimalist design is just what millennials and Generation Z are looking for out of their time pieces.
  • This watch is a beautiful study in contrasts. The soft blue and soft brown accents draw even more attention to the hard black dial.
  • You can wear this with anything and it’ll look just as good. It’s very versatile that way.

Cons

  • The two buttons above the crown appear to be just for aesthetic purposes with limited to no function.
  • There have been quality control issues with online orders, so be sure to double check everything after receipt.

2) Invicta Men’s 8926OB Pro Diver Stainless Steel Automatic Watch

Invicta Men's Pro Diver Collection Coin-Edge Automatic 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.)

For those who want luxury looks for a fraction of the cost and a sporty construction built for the water and for any activity you can think of, Invicta made this. We love the simplicity of the design and the contrast between the stainless steel band and black dial. And the rugged construction of this kinetic beauty means that it’ll able to take anything you throw its way — be it deep water, a long run, or just a hard day at the office.

Specs

Dial Window Material: Mineral

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Deployment Clasp With Safety

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 40 mm

Case Thickness: 14 mm

Band Material: Stainless Steel

Band Width: 20 mm

Band Length: Men’s Standard

Band Color: Silver

Dial Color: Black

Water Resistance: 200 Meters

Movement: Japanese Automatic

Pros

  • This looks like a luxury watch but doesn’t come with the exorbitant price point. That’s a great combination!
  • The inclusion of a Seiko Japanese Automatic movement was a brilliant choice. This watch is great at gleaning energy from movement and storing it.
  • This watch is definitely built to last. Whether you’re using it as a dress watch or wearing it on your next trip to the ocean, it’s gonna stick with you in good shape.

Cons

  • The bezel is pretty stiff and doesn’t have much give to it at all.
  • The strap feels a bit on the cheap side. It’s not as comfortable as other bands on this list.

1) Seiko Men SUN065 Special Edition Padi GMT Diver Watch

Seiko SUN065 Special Edition Padi Kinetic GMT Diver Watch by Seiko Watches
  • Blue Dial
  • Unidirectional Rotating Bezel
  • Screw Down Case Back
  • Screw Down Crown
  • Three (3) Year Limited ManufacturerÕs Warranty

Everything about the last and top Seiko watch on our list screams quality. The only watch with a true sapphire crystal dial window on this countdown, this Seiko standout is almost impossible to scratch without using power tools. There’s a reason why a luxury brand like Rolex uses sapphire crystal for their dial windows. It’s at the peak of quality materials. We’re also in love with the comfy silicone band and blue dial with red and cream accents. There’s just so much to love here. Seiko outdid themselves with this one.

Specs

Dial Window Material: Sapphire Crystal

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 47.5 mm

Case Thickness: 15 mm

Band Material: Silicone

Band Width: 24 mm

Band Length: Men’s Standard

Band Color: Black

Dial Color: Blue

Water Resistance: 200 Meters

Movement: Automatic Movement

Pros

  • We adore the aesthetic of this watch, full stop. The blue dial is a great backdrop for multiple accents on the hands and dial markers. This is a true masterpiece in the looks department.
  • Seiko paired with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors to create a watch that’s built for the water in even the most extreme sporting circumstances.
  • The silicone strap is so comfortable. It fits to the form of your wrist, never feeling too snug or too loose when you cinch it right.

Cons

  • The silicone strap may be a touch too long for shorter wrists.
  • The plunger button is hard to loosen up and to grip altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will a kinetic watch last?

A kinetic watch battery/storage capacitor will last 10-20 years before it’s in need of a replacement. That’s about five to ten times the lasting power of a normal watch battery! And if you take care of your automatic watch, the watch itself can last for generations after generations. A cost-efficient quartz watch may crap out on you after a handful of years, but even the most affordable kinetic watches have the potential to go on for decades. (Especially if you get a Seiko watch. We’ll talk about that more later.)

Are kinetic watches any good?

If you’re a fan of battery changes, no. For everyone else, the answer is a resounding yes! While a quartz watch can offer more timekeeping accuracy over a longer period, dealing with having to change a battery every couple of years is pretty dang annoying. It honestly can get out of hand, especially if you are unlucky enough to get a defective battery.

Kinetic watches wind themselves based on your body’s movement. When your hand or wrist moves, it generates kinetic energy which winds your watch for future use. Just by your normal hand twitches and movements, you have a working watch that can last you for decades upon decades in the best of instances. Whether you want a dress watch, dive watch, or field watch, there’s a kinetic watch for everyone.

Does Seiko still make kinetic watches?

Yes! Seiko has updated their technology in recent years, but they still make amazing kinetic watches which are of the highest quality. That’s why we included three Seiko kinetic watches in a list of six — Seiko is that impressive when it comes to kinetic watch construction.

Seiko uses a rechargeable titanium lithium ion cell for storing power and keeping a power reserve, an update from early capacitors which weren’t nearly as reliable. Seiko dubs these ion cells as kinetic energy storage units and uses them as the backbone of their automatic movements. Each cell’s construction portends energy storage for anywhere from one month to four full years. Seiko has mastered the art of the kinetic watch, for sure.

Closing Thoughts

For those looking for a reliable automatic watch which turns the natural kinetic energy of your hand, arm, and wrist into lasting timekeeping power, the six kinetic watches on the list above are the best of the very best.

Discerning men who want an automatic watch that lasts and those looking for gifts for such men should circle one of the six options above. They are the true pinnacle of kinetic watch quality, be them a dress watch or otherwise.

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