Automatic watches by nature require no manual winding by the user. They’re perfect for everyday wear because they can happily sit there and you don’t have to do a thing! There is no shortage of choice when it comes to automatic watches, but, of course, you want value for money. And what better value than Swiss automatic watches. You know you’ll get accuracy, reliability and style all in one.
Prices vary wildly, as with all other types of watch. If you’re on a budget that taps out around $1,000, you don’t have to worry because we’ve compiled a list of nine affordable Swiss automatic watches.
Swatch
Unisex Sistem
We had to start our list of Swiss automatic watches with one of the most iconic Swiss brands out there. Swatch. This black and red unisex offering has a minimalist style uncluttered other than the date indicator sitting at the 3 position. We think this would appeal to younger adults.
It has a 39mm case which is only 14mm thick. It’s perfect for outdoor adventure lovers as it’s scratch-resistant, thanks to a protective sapphire glass face, and water-resistant to 30m. It has luminous hands so you can see the time in the dark.
This Swatch costs around $130.
Invicta
Pro Diver
Invicta means “invincible” in Latin and this word is entirely apt for this particular watch as it offers above-average durability.
The Pro Diver has a Quartz movement inside, which guarantees a high level of accuracy consistently.
It has a 39mm case, made of stainless steel, flame fusion crystal face, unidirectional rotating bezel, and offers 200m water-resistance. It has luminous hands if you do take it diving.
On the whole, this is a classy-looking dive watch that can offer you reliability and accuracy if you’re a fan of scuba diving.
This range costs around $100 – $150, giving it a well deserved place on our list of affordable Swiss automatic watches.
Read our review of Invicta watches here.
Vostok
Amphibian Scuba Dude
There’s some debate about Vostok’s authenticity as a Swiss company as there are a lot of connections with Russia. However, we’re looking at affordable Swiss automatic watches for all intents and purposes, and we’re not going to argue about the precise origins of this one. Let’s go with it.
The Amphibian Scuba Dude from Vostok has a retro look and fits in well on most occasions. It measures 39mm by 15mm and has an acrylic crystal face. The dial itself comes in several different colours, but the main one is green and teal.
The only real drawback is the strap, which lets an otherwise great watch down a little. Vostok could’ve spent a little more on making a better quality strap as the nylon lets it down. However, it is interchangeable, so all is not lost. You can purchase something else that will last longer.
You’ll find the Vostok Amphibian Scuba Dude Automatic for under $100.
Fossil
Modern Machine Automatic Self-Wind
This men’s watch from Fossil has an unusual design that really stands out. Firstly, it has an ion-plated stainless steel case which is superb for longevity. It comes with a premium-grade leather band that not only adds to the durability but enhances the look.
It is an analogue display watch with index hour and minute markers surrounding the face, set off by luminous hands in silver. The coolest part is the clear case back, which lets you into the timepiece’s inner workings.
It’s fairly chunky, at 45mm by 14mm. The band is 24mm and offers comfort. What’s more, it offers 50m water-resistance, so you don’t have to worry about splashes, showers or heavy rain.
This watch will cost you between $150 – $220.
Seiko
5 Sports Automatic Black Dial Stainless Steel
The Seiko 5 Sports collection comes in stainless steel, which gives it a premium look and feel right off the bat. It has Arabic numerals and minute markers with luminous hands. Plus, there’s a date display at the 3 position. Definitely a favourite of all the Swiss automatic watches.
The case itself is 42mm by 12mm and the band is 20mm.
It offers water-resistance to 100m, perfect for those who enjoy wet activities like swimming and snorkelling, though it’s not recommended for diving.
You can buy this for around $200.
If you like Seiko, read our review of the best Seiko watches for men, here.
Bulova
Men’s Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
Again, we’re pushing the definition of Swiss here, as Bulova is an American brand, however, the automatic range is defined as ‘Swiss-made’.
The Bulova Men’s Automatic Stainless Steel Watch, similarly to the Seiko mentioned above, definitely feels premium. Now, the price is lightly higher than others on the list, but the quality you get for the extra bump is truly worthwhile.
It has a 46mm case of gunmetal stainless steel. It offers 100m water-resistance so it’s OK for swimmers.
What’s special about this watch is its skeleton dial, which Bulova have designed with extreme attention to detail. So if you’re looking for style above all else, this is certainly a watch to consider. As we say, though, considering the brand and the price, it’s a triple threat of looks, reliability and accuracy.
It costs around $300.
Hamilton
Khaki King Automatic Watch
Another American brand using Swiss movements. Also, this is another unisex offering. The Hamilton Unisex Khaki King Automatic has taken a lot of its design elements from their military watches. Though this isn’t a lazy option from the brand, they’ve carefully designed this watch, so it is unique. It’s a mix of military and contemporary vibes.
With this link to the military, you’d be right to expect durability. And it delivers. The case is made from high-grade stainless steel, which will tough out knocks and scrapes. It’s got a 40mm case and is reasonably thin compared to others on this list at an 11mm thickness.
The sizing is what defines it as a unisex watch. It comes with a leather strap, which differs from its military siblings with NATO straps. The band is 20mm.
Again, this recommendation is on the higher end of the scale, but we still think it’s affordable. You can pick this timepiece up for around $400 – $500. But if you need more information, click here to read our review of Hamilton watches.
Victorinox
Maverick
Victorinox has two slots on this list, and the first is the Maverick, an automatic dive watch with an abundance of style. If you know your brands, you’ll notice a striking resemblance to the likes of the Submariner or Seamaster.
This watch offers precision and power, having a 38-hour power reserve. The movement inside vibrates at a rate of nearly 29,000 per minute, which is around 9 vibrations per second, and hence why it offers so much accuracy.
The case measures 43mm by 11mm. The dial is protected by sapphire crystal, one of the most durable materials used in watchmaking. It offers a unidirectional rotating bezel, too.
This watch is both beautiful, durable and precise. We think it blends in with most occasions.
This is a little more expensive than the others on this list, at around $1,000.
Swiss Army Men’s Ambassador Clous de Paris
Our second Victorinox suggestion offers a clean look. The Clous de Paris offers quality and precision, much like its sibling, thanks to the Swiss automatic movement inside.
This 45mm by 22mm stainless steel case has a black dial which carries a date window, chronograph and luminous hands. A sapphire crystal face protects this. Its sleek look is set with either a matching stainless steel bracelet or contrasting leather strap.
It offers 100m water-resistance, however, at around $750, you might not want to subject it to possible corrosion by seawater.
Japanese Alternative
Orient – Bambino Version IV Japanese Automatic
We’ve covered several Swiss automatic watches that should suit any budget up to $1,000. This last recommendation serves as an alternative because whilst Swiss-made watches hold the best regard, Japanese-made alternatives offer solid competition.
The Orient Bambino Version IV is a slimmer version of its siblings within the range. It has a 42mm stainless steel case and leather band, making it an awesome dress watch that you can dress down with more casual clothing. The leather strap is worth mentioning because it’s been ergonomically designed for comfort.
The watch itself has an analogue display with a date window and offers consistent accuracy thanks to the Japanese movement inside.
Also, it’s got a water-resistance rating of up to 30m, which is OK for things like splashes and the rain, but it’s certainly not for swimming.
Conclusion
Automatic watches are the best choice for everyday wear as they stay wound thanks to the natural movement of your wrist. Yes, there are some very expensive premium timepieces within this category, but hopefully, our list here of affordable Swiss automatic watches under $1,000 has opened up the opportunity for you to own one.
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Anyone who deals a little with watches knows the quality of Swiss watches. There are also inexpensive automatic watches from Switzerland or watches with Swiss clockwork. I have a clock from Botta Design. It is a German watch with a Swiss movement. I have a 24-hour model and would like to get a one-hand model as well. These variants are also available in an automatic version. I am fascinated by the technology behind the automatic watches. This is still real craft. In my opinion, this craftsmanship should be more valued. So instead of buying a lot of quartz watches, you should at least own an automatic watch.