30 Best Automatic Watches Under $1,000 in 2018 – The Best Watches For Every Budget

I have to admit that automatic watches is THE type of watches that I love.

The novelty of its mechanical parts moving to keep time, instead of relying on the ubiquitous electric-quartz movement is what I consider the best characteristic of the watch – and that is shared with many other automatic watch lovers =)

In addition, automatic watch also does not need a battery to run, so there is no problem with a watch battery suddenly dies on you at inopportune moments.

Automatic watch is run purely by potential energy stored inside its mainspring, which in turn is keep tighten either by self-rotating rotor as the hand moves or manually winding/rotating the crown.

It’s also has the unique sweeping second hand that’s soothing to look at.

Not only that, some automatic watches also have exhibition caseback and/or open dial that let us peek into the internal mechanical parts of it.

Such things are something that’s totally unique and won’t be found in other electric-based watches.

1. Style and Aesthetics

Arguably, the most important criteria for watch is how good it looks. It might seem shallow but nobody wants to wear an ugly watch right? LOL!

A beautiful watch is something that’s pleasing to look at and will gather attention from those nearby – which can be a nice conversation starter too.

Dial and hands design, placement of elements, shape of the watch, and overall aesthethics are evaluated in this criteria.

2. Movement

A good movement is very important as it’s basically the heart of any automatic watch.

The movement receives potential energy from the mainspring and runs the watch through a set of gears and escapement assembly.

In this criteria, additional aspects such as accuracy, extra complications (chronograph, day, date, moon phase, etc) will be given extra points.

3. Brand Name and History

“Watch snobs” are the term given to those that will only wear the most expensive watches (e.g Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, etc) and trash those of lesser values.

I certainly don’t agree with them but their main idea is actually right: more expensive and distinguished brands are better than cheaper and less known brands, in terms of built quality and overall aesthethics.

Most importantly, old brands that were established decades even centuries ago are “proven” to work and this will give an ease of mind to watch owners.

4. Versatility

A good bang for buck watch is something that’s versatile and can be used in many occasions and not just for one purpose only. We all love a 2-in-1 products right?

For example, dive watch with refined styling (read: Rolex Submariner) is so beautiful it can even be used with a tux even though it’s actually a watch to be used for diving.

5. Value For Money

What’s a good value watch for money? In my opinion, the watch need to offer more (style, movement, extra functions, etc) for the price it’s being sold at.

6. Unique Factor

This is one criteria that we can’t really put our hands on. A unique factor (or X-factor) is something special about the watch that makes people flock to buy it.

It could be a perfectly designed dial, or a very unique case (such as the V-shaped case of Hamilton Ventura). Nonetheless, these unique factors are an integral part of the process to select a good watch.

A gorgeous dress watch by the Japanese brand surely belongs at the top of this list for obvious reasons.

For one, the dial is truly stunning, made by enamel technique that can easily command prices much more expensive than this, had it been done by a Swiss brand.

The white enamelled dial is beautifully coupled with blued hands for a very classy look. The markers are tall and thin roman numerals which is the best combination with the slim hands.

Everything on the watch is tall and slim, yet still very readable due to the high contrast with the white dial underneath.

It has the Seiko Cal. 6R27 inside it that has a maximum 45 hours power reserve.

The watch also has what some people say the best complication on an automatic watch – power reserve indicator.

With the indicator at the left side of the dial, there is no more guessing whether the watch has full power or not.

This makes it very easy to either manual wind it or use it at once to avoid the watch from stopping.

Another interesting element about the watch is the date indicator uses a subdial instead of a small window like what most watches have.

Truthfully speaking, this does not has any additional advantage save for the fact that it looks way cooler and much more interesting.

Besides, who want to wear something that everyone else already wearing right =)

For a truly stunning automatic dress watch, get the Seiko SARW011.

The Hamilton Khaki X-Wind H77616533 is one timepiece that will surely blow you away. Its masculine and rugged style looks very good especially for casual use.

Make no mistake though, the watch is designed to be used outdoor. For a start, the Khaki X-Wind is a chronograph watch – means it has an additional stopwatch function in it.

As with most automatic chronographs, the main second hand of the watch is only for the chronograph function.

That means it’s not ticking during normal operating time. The subdial at the right of the watch does the ticking instead.

The top and bottom subdial do the chronograph time measurement up to 12 hours. Inside the cool black dial is an outer chapter ring which is used for cross wind calculation (normally only pilots use this).

The ring can be rotated using the two screw-down crowns at the right side of the watch.

True enough, the layout of this Khaki X-Wind is a bit out of the ordinary as the main time setting crown and the chronograph pushers are at the left side (these are usually at the right side).

Regardless, the protruding crowns as well as the bulky 44 mm case lends to the masculine look and feel of the watch.

And with 100 m water resistance, this is one of the best watch to be worn if you’re a budding pilot, or just want a cool watch to wear.

One of the most eye-catching watch in this list is the Bulova Gemini 64C104. It’s a very refined dress watch with gold plated case that’s surely going to capture many attentions.

Not only that, the dark gray dial is finely textured with gold accents on its markers and hands. Without a doubt, a very beautiful dress watch.

A normal gold plated dress watch would have been really good but the Gemini 64C104 takes it one step further with the chronograph complication.

The addition of the 3 subdials (running second hand, 30-minute and 12-hour subdials) make the dial more complex and yet much more mesmerizing.

You’ve got to agree that the numerous gold plated markers and hands do wonders on a dark gray dial. In all fronts, the watch is a perfect balance of dress with functionality.

In addition to the chronograph, it also has the day date display at the right side of the dial.

Plus, there is an exhibition caseback to allow us to peek at the internal workings of the ETA-Valjoux 7750 movement powering the watch.

Wanting a very nice gold plated watch? This Bulova Gemini 64C104 could just be what you look for.

Next up we have the Hamilton Pan Europ H35405741, a stunning watch with blue colored dial. It’s a simple watch with traditional 3 hands and day date display.

But what’s interesting about the Pan Europ is the sort of retro style that has been modernized for today’s consumption.

It has a very racing oriented dial that just screams sportiness. The watch has an eye-catching reflecting blue dial at the center with white outer edge where the index markers sit.

Hamilton did a nice job with the design as we can see the silver/white and blue colors are layered on top of each other from the center of the watch to the blue bezel and lastly the silver stainless steel case.

It’s bezel is actually a unidirectional rotating bezel – which means we can actually rotate the bezel counterclockwise.

I’m not sure why they put it on this watch as this rotating bezel is usually put on a diver’s watch.

Either way, the rotating bezel is a nice addition and can help with simple timekeeping, if you know how to use it (Click HERE for my guide on how to use rotating bezel).

The Pan Europ boasts the Hamilton H-30 Caliber that has a huge 80 hours power reserve – that’s almost double the hours than a normal automatic watch!

Lastly, Hamilton also has been kind to put in an matching Nato strap inside the package. And there’s also a tool to help changing the strap too!

Sure, a Nato strap does not cost much but having it coming with the watch FOC is a good deal in my opinion.

If what you’re looking for is a fun casual watch with retro feel, the Hamilton Pan Europ H35405741 should be in your watch list.

The Raymond Weil Parsifal 7260-STC-00718 is another dress chronograph that’s just stunning to look at. It has a 40 mm diameter case with a brown dial on it.

The center of the dial has black weaving texture with a matching roman numerals on its edge.

The use of black numerals on a brown dial reduces the readability of the watch, but you can’t deny it makes the watch looks very good.

The dial also becomes a bit busy due to the three chronograph dials on it. There’s also a small tachymeter scale on the outer edge of the dial that can be used with the chronograph to easily determine the speed of a moving object.

At the 4.30 o’clock, there’s a date display with a magnifying cyclops to make reading the date much easier.

There’s not much brown colored watch out there, and this Raymond Weil Parsifal 7260-STC-00718 surely comes out at the top of the most beautiful brown watches ever.

Oris Artelier Pointer Date 01 744 7665 4054-07 5 22 71FC (it has a very long reference no. LOL) is the exquisite dress watch that you might have been looking for.

For a start, it looks very beautiful with that textured black dial that oozes its cool style from the first glance.

Then, we notice that there is no normal second hand on this watch. There is a small subdial at the left side of the dial for seconds.

The slim hand of the watch with the red crescent tip is for the date and there is an inner circle showing all 31 dates.

It’s truly an ingenious design that will be loved by those looking for something new and exciting in their new watch.

Inside the watch is the Oris Cal. 744 movement with 38 hours power reserve. If you’re looking for a refined classic dress watch with a slight twist, the Oris Artelier Pointer Date is the right choice for you.

Next we have the Luminox Field Automatic Day Date 1801, a military watch by the famed Luminox brand.

It’s a very cool looking watch, with all the elements at the right place. I just love how precise and balance the dial is.

Luminox is famous with tactical watch gears for Navy Seal – the big bulky black watches – but I never thought they are capable of producing such fine automatic timepiece such as this.

The dial is black-gray in color with textures in inner dial. The two parts of the dial is divided by a silver ring with 24-hour markings on it.

There’s a day date display at the 3 o’clock for added functionality. And as you’ve guessed it, the watch comes with tritium lumes on its hands and markers, a sort of signature of the brand.

Unlike other lume which need to absorb light before it can glow in the dark, the tritium lume can glow on its own.

The secret lies with the tritium material – a radioactive element that continuously divide itself while releasing energy (in this case, light). Hence, the “self-illuminated” lume that Luminox boasts about.

Is it dangerous to wear radioactive material on your wrist? Not so much with this watch as the tritium is enclosed in glass tubes and is perfectly safe to use.

With a beautiful dial and self illuminating tritium lume, thhe Luminox Field Automatic Day Date 1801 is one of the coolest military/field watch that you can own.

Among Seiko dive watch fans, the Seiko Shogun SBDC029 is one of the most sought after dive watch in the sub-$1000 region.

It has the unmistakable dive watch styling with index markers, oversized hands and rotating bezel.

Seiko has always been not a fan of dressy dive watch (a-la Rolex Submariner) and the Shogun is another example of a more-action type of dive watch with its relatively simple dial.

Despite that, the watch is also still very good to look at and will make a nice companion to various functions.

It has a matte black dial with complimenting black bezel. The big bulky hands which are filled with lume to the brim will be a real treat in the dark, courtesy of Seiko’s Lumibrite technology.

Perhaps the best feature of the Seiko Shogun (and the one that jacked up its price) is the titanium case and bracelet.

The usage of titanium, a material around 50% lighter than steel, had made the watch very lightweight and a totally different experience to wear than any other dive watch.

It’s a different feeling knowing that the watch you’re wearing looks heavy and yet so light on the wrist.

For the dive watch lovers out there that want a dive watch that’s very comfortable on your wrist, this Seiko Shogun SBDC029 is your best choice.

Tissot has done it again with their PRS 516 T0794272705701 watch. This is a sports chronograph watch from the Swiss brand with obvious racing elements on it.

This 45 mm diameter watch has a black textured dial. It’s also very busy with the three subdials for chronograph function as well as a unique date display at its right.

I really love the date display as it reminds me of how an ancient digital display looks like. The watch is primarily black and white/silver with yellow accents sprinkled here and there.

The 6 hours chronograph can be operated by the 2 pushers at the right side of the watch.

There’s also a tachymeter scale printed on its bezel for its owners to easily determine the speed of an object such as a racing car.

On its back is an exhibition caseback with steel beams, of which I can only assume to be a homage to a racing wheel’s rim.

Finishing the touch on this sports watch is the black rubber band with yellow sides.

The PRS 516 T0794272705701 is one good looking sports watch that definitely belongs in a racing track. If you need a cool sporty chronograph, this one is it.

As iconic as ever, the Hamilton Ventura is one sight of a watch. Elvis catapulted it’s popularity in the 1950s-60s by wearing the watch in many occasions.

Though I’m pretty sure even if he didn’t, the uniquely futuristic and edgy V-shaped case of the Ventura would’ve been very popular all the same.

This Hamilton Ventura XXL H24655331 watch model is a reissue of the famed ventura watch with a bigger case at 46 mm diameter (hence, the XXL model name).

The watch has a black dial, though if you look closer, the dial actually has lots of small holes/mesh and we can see its automatic movement inside which is pretty cool to look at.

Due to the 90-degree angled V-shaped case, the watch is not symmetry like any other watch and can take quite some time to get used to.

At its back is an open caseback where we can see the ETA 2824-2 automatic movement. The watch is coupled with a rubber band which to be honest, is a let down as I feel a nice black leather strap would’ve been more befitting to such an iconic watch.

If you’re looking for a very cool watch with lots of history or you’re just a hardcore fan of Elvis, this Hamilton Ventura XXL is definitely for you.

One of the best looking watch in this list is the Bulova Accutron Calibrator 65B148, a gold-black dialed dress watch that’s stunning to look at.

The dial is relatively simple with gold plated numeral markers on the black dial.

The dial can be segregated into two sections: the inner dial with waffle texture and the plain black outer dial.

This design is not out of ordinary, but I like how it make the simple watch more complex and a joy to look at. Not to mention the usage of gold plated markers and hands on a black dial is really a nice combo.

There’s also a date display at the right side of the dial for added functionality.

The biggest selling point of this watch is of course the left side of the dial where the External Fine Adjustment System (EFAS) is located at.

The “crown” at its left side can be attached to a screw lug and used to adjust the watch’s accuracy. We can then use the subdial at the left to keep track of how the movement is functioning.

Truthfully, I’m okay with a bit of deviation in accuracy here and there. But to be able to adjust the accuracy without opening the caseback and tinkering on the movement is a very cool feature.

And at its sub-$700 price, this Bulova Calibrator is definitely a great watch for those wanting a bit more from their typical dress watch.

Tissot T-Classic T0874075506700 is a classic dress watch with a twist (or two). It has a real beautiful design with the gray textured dial and gold accents on its markers, hands, bezel and bracelet.

I love the vertical texture on its inner dial and how the gold markers interact with the gray dial. Good looks aside, I need to highlight two aspects of the watch that make is a great deal, especially at this price point.

The first is the material used in this watch is titanium, famous for its lightweight properties. Thus, the watch is actually much lighter than what it looks like.

Secondly, Tissot had equipped the watch with its Powermatic 80 ETA C07.111 automatic caliber which boasts a good 80 hours power reserve.

To put this in comparison, a normal ETA 2834 used in many Swiss automatics only has 38 hours power reserve.

This makes the T-Classic T0874075506700 able to stay on for more than 3 days without having to be worn or wound.

Without a doubt, this Tissot T-Classic T0874075506700 is not just an ordinary beautiful dress watch, but it also has huge upgrade in its technical specification.

Read my in-depth review of the watch HERE

Do you like the sci-fi hit Interstellar by Christopher Nolan? I loved it for the fast paced action, cool sci-fi story, and great acting. Sure, a few things don’t really added up but those things don’t really bother me (it’s just a movie after all).

Like all watch fans, I also was intrigued by the two watches shown in the movie.

The most prominent watch is the black Hamilton with mercedes hands that’s used by Cooper to transmit morse code to his daughter.

It has a really nice design with retro styling but unfortunately it was specifically made for the movie and Hamilton don’t have any plan to sell it (which is a let down).

The second watch is the automatic Hamilton Khaki Pilot H64615135 and fortunately this one is for sale in the brand’s current collection.

This is the pilot watch with stainless steel case and bracelet which was worn by Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) throughout his journey from earth to space and beyond.

While the first watch is distinctive in its retro style, the Khaki Pilot is the modern version of pilot watch, befitting a pilot and astronaut.

It has the well-loved inner hour markers remisniscent of B-Uhr Type B watches with oversized minute markings. The watch also features a full day display at the top and a date display at its bottom of dial.

If you’re looking for a cool pilot watch (or just want to be like the humanity’s saviour), the Hamilton Khaki Pilot is the watch for you.

Read my in-depth review of the watch HERE

This Tissot Le Locle T41.1.423.33 does not need to be introduced to automatic watch fans any longer. It’s one of the more famous Tissot due to its affordability and beautiful design.

The name Le Locle was given from the birthplace of Tissot at the Swiss’ Jura Mountains.

The watch company was founded in 1853 and was one of the few watch companies that survived the Quartz Crisis back in the 70s.

Being in existence for more than a century tells a lot about the reputation and heritage of the company and the Le Locle is meant as a homage to that rich history.

Back to the watch, the white dial is very simple yet so elegant with the guilloche pattern on top of it. The roman numeral markers are very readable as well as the slim hands.

Even the caseback is elegant as well, with beautiful engravings on it. I’d prefer a full open caseback than the half open as this one but I have to admit, the engravings on the back are really nice and out of ordinary.

While the dial is a simple and refined, the caseback is flamboyant and totally opposite of it.

This Tissot Le Locle T41.1.423.33 should be in your list if you’re looking for a beautiful Swiss automatic dress watch with rich history.

Read my in-depth review of the watch HERE

The Victorinox Infantry Chronograph 241526 is a true military watch from a glance.

It has a gray dial with black gunmetal PVD case that just looks like something you’d wear into the war zone (or for most of us, outdoor activities).

The dial is quite busy no thanks to the chronograph subdials but the complexity gives it a cool factor – just like all chronograph has.

Its gray dial has fine texture over it and the numeral markers as well as the hands are painted with lume material for a nice and readable contrast.

The main feature of this watch (besides it very military look) is the automatic chronograph function, operated by the two pushers at its right side.

An automatic chronograph is a real treat as the complication is a very massive upgrade over a normal automatic movement.

The ETA-Valjoux 7750, particularly is a famous chronograph movement having been used in many Swiss watches with great track record.

The watch also features a telemeter scale which is very different than the normal tachymeter scale on many chronographs.

Telemeter scale is a way to use the chronograph to find out the distance between the source of an event and yourselves.

I won’t go into the detail of it but some example of practical use can be to know the distance of a firework/guns/explosions to the user. You can google it up to know more about it.

If what you’re looking is a fine military watch with automatic chronograph, this Victorinox Infantry Chronograph 241526 is the one to check.

The racing inspired Tissot PRS 516 T0444302104100 is a sports watch that can also be a classy dresser, thanks to its beautiful dark blue dial.

It has a rich dark blue metallic dial that easily changes depending on reflection. Tissot has managed to make the racing watch maintain its masculinity, while also being subtle.

The usual “T” hand is there, in red color to bring to everyone’s attention the 8 beats per second sweeping second hand of the ETA 2836-2 automatic movement.

The watch is also encased in thick stainless steel with accompanying bracelet – there is no doubt that this is a hefty watch which is good if that’s what you’re looking for.

For an authentic Swiss racing watch from the historical brand, the Tissot PRS 516 T0444302104100 is one of the best watch to get.

This Frederique Constant Classics Index watch is one truly beautiful dress watch. It has a simple design and yet the watch oozes refined classical timepiece that the brand is well-known of.

I really love the white dial – sometimes, less is more – and this is very true for the watch. It does not have much elements in the dial and yet it looks as stunning.

On top of the dial, there are silver index markers & hands, date display and minimal signatures of the brand.

The case is highly polished befitting of a dressy watch. Not only that, the 40 mm diameter size of the case plus its thin profile will make it very comfortable to be used for any formal events where you’d expect your watch to slip in right under your sleeve.

For a true dress watch that’s also an automatic and won’t make a hole in your pocket, this Frederique Constant Classics Index is the one to pick.

As a dress watch, this Raymond Weil Maestro 2847-STC-30001 clearly is something on its own.

It has a white dial but unlike the Frederique Constant above with simple dial, the Maestro has textures on its dial on its inner and outer layers of dial.

Like any simply styled dress watch, there is only minimal signatures on it with a small date window at its right.

Silver index markers are used for the watch with complementing hands of the same color. I like how the hands are designed as its a bit unusual.

Normal watch hands will has straight lines in the form of dauphine or sword shapes as its easier to be manufactured.

But the hands on this Maestro has circle tips with curvy lines, undoubtedly harder to make and is very unique.

If you need a twist to normal dress watch, the Raymond Weil Maestro 2847-STC-30001 watch is a great choice.

The Victorinox Maverick 241705 is a handsome and manly dive watch that’s surely going to be a presence on our wrists.

I’m not really sure why it’s called “Maverick” but I sense the futuristic, modern and a bit aggressive style lends to the credence of that name.

Not to mention the use of gray color on the dial and bezel which is quite unusual for a watch makes it look more rugged.

It uses a great combination of the gray dial with the stainless steel silver of the case, bracelet, bezel markings, hands and dial markers.

Never once I thought that gray is a good color for a watch, and this Victorinox Maverick proves me wrong!

Apart from its good looks, the watch also has all the feature of a dive watch such as unidirectional rotating bezel, lume, screw down crown and 100 m water resistance rating.

If you’re looking for an automatic dive watch that’s also can be paired with suit anytime, the Victorinox Maveric 241705 is surely what you’re looking for.

Paying over $500 for a Citizen watch might not bode well for some, but we can’t deny the watch is a true beauty.

While Citizen is famous for its Eco-Drive solar watches, the Japanese brand’s automatic watch is not that prominent.

Like Seiko, the brand started with automatic watch but then focuses more on Eco-Drive solar technology which is why its automatic watch is not popular and relatively unknown.

The Grand Classic is an example of a refined dress watch with its white dial and highly polished case.

The moderate size of 42 mm diameter makes it wearable for any wrist size while also keeping the resemblance to classic dress watch size.

What I like the most about its dial lies is the blue hands that just like popped up from the dial. The blue color contrasts with the background white is very nice to look at and greatly improves its readability.

This Citizen Grand Classic NB0040-58A will be a great watch for anyone looking for a subtle and unique automatic dress watch.

Read my in-depth review of the watch HERE

The first watch in this section is the Seiko SARB065, or more commonly known as the cocktail time.

The reason for the nickname seemed to come from the origin of the watch. The design of this watch was a collaboration between Seiko and Shinobu Ishigaki, one of Japan’s top bartender.

The result is a watch that can only be assumed to be Mr Ishigaki’s ideal watch while sipping a cocktail, a very beautiful watch that looks stunning upon first impression.

I really love how the dial’s numerous vertical lines helped to create that impressive sunburst imaginary.

It’s paired with a highly polished stainless steel case for the ultimate dress watch you’ll need.

There’s no doubt that serious effort was put into the creation of this watch, and the best part of all, it’s less than $500! How is that for a good value for money?

Technical specification wise, the 40 mm diameter is not too big nor too small. It’s the average watch size that can easily be fit into any wrist sizes.

Inside the Cocktail Time is Seiko’s own Caliber 6R15 featuring a good 50 hours power reserve.

Being a true dress watch, the watch only has a paltry 50 m water resistance but to compensate, it also has an exhibition caseback to be able to look at the back of the movement.

If you want a gorgeous piece of automatic watch that looks way more than what you have to pay for, this Seiko SARB065 is the perfect choice for you.

Next we have the Orient Vintage FFD0F001W, a classic styled dress watch from another Japanese manufacturer.

It features a traditional white dial but with a twist – the center of the dial has guilloche pattern that gives off a nice reflection from different angles.

In addition, the watch hands are blue in color thus making it popped up from the dial. I really love this as it makes the watch much more readable than the normal silver hands.

The watch has an in-house movement with Orient Caliber 46N45 that gives a 40 hours power reserve.

What’s interesting is the Orient Vintage FFD0F001W also has a power reserve indicator at the top of the dial which in my opinion is one of the best complications that an automatic watch should has.

It enables user to know how many hours the watch can stay running before we need to either use it or manual wind it.

It’s a very nifty feature for sure, and it’s something that’s prominent in many of Orient’s automatic watches.

If you need a beautiful dress watch with a power reserve indicator, this Orient Vintage FFD0F001W is one of the best candidate for you.

At first glance, this Orient President EV0J003W looks very familiar. Well, that’s not surprising since this is actually a homage to Rolex Day Date.

Everything about the watch is about the same as the legendary watch: the small diameter case, the fluted/grooved pattern bezel, the squeeky clean dial, date display with cyclops and the most telling of all, the bespoke fullly spelt day display at the upper dial.

Surely, the original watch is miles better with precious materials and actual diamonds for its markers, but the Rolex Day Date will easily cost more than 20 times of the price of this watch.

Not only that, there’s a sapphire crystal equipped on top of the watch. Sapphire is known as the best glass for watches due to its high scratch resistance.

This Orient President EV0J003W comes really close in terms of the closeness to the original watch and since it’s much more affordable, it’s a good choice when you want to wear an iconic watch on your wrist.

Read my in-depth review of the watch HERE

The Seiko SBDC033 or Sumo is a popular watch with Seiko fans. Not only due to its unique nickname (a Sumo watch anyone?) but also for its practical dive watch look that’s a beauty to look at.

This particular model (SBDC033) has a matte dark blue dial and bezel which I absolutely adore. There is also the black version (SBDC031) for those that prefer the more original look of a dive watch.

The dial was made for total readibility either in the dark or normal lighting condition. We can see that the markers are big circular index markers while both the hands are oversized.

It’s very easy to read in broad daylight and the huge amount of lume on it makes the watch glow brightly in the dark.

The unidirectional rotating bezel is easy to be used and produces satisfying “clicks” when rotated that just sounds quality.

Inside the watch is Seiko’s in-house Cal. 6R15 with 50 hours power reserve.

As with any quality dive watch from the brand, this Seiko Sumo sports a good 200 m water resistance as well as complying with ISO 6425 dive watch standards.

If you’re looking for a serious dive watch that not only looks great but also functions as it should be, this Seiko SBDC033 Sumo might be what you’re looking for.

Read my in-depth review of the watch HERE

The Visodate is one of Tissot’s most popular automatic watches, and rightfully so. Apart from it’s more affordable pricing, the dress watch is a total stunner with beautiful white dial that’s just mesmerizing to look at.

This particular model is actually a homage to the first Tissot Visodate produced in the 1950s. So we can say that this new Visodate is a continuation of the legacy of the model.

Tissot had modernize the design for this version by making it larger (at 40 mm) to accommodate current taste for bigger watch.

But the clean white dial still remains the same (though there’s also the black dial version for you to choose).

I like the use of day and date display at the right side of the watch. It makes the watch much more practical and useful, rather than just telling time.

The stainless steel case is highly polished and has a straight sides for a clean cut look. The almost non-existant bezel around the edge of the watch makes the watch appears larger as the dial encapsulates the watch to its extent.

There’s also an exhibition caseback that lets us see the ETA 2836-2 automatic movement from the back.

The movement is one of ETA’s most popular movements and has 38 hours power reserve.

For a beautiful dress watch with a rich legacy of history, this Tissot Visodate TIST0194301603101 is a great fit.

I’m pretty sure most guys will agree with me that the Bulova BVA 96A107 is one very unique watch. The dress watch has a beautiful open dial that shows in all its glory the Miyota 8N24 automatic movement inside it.

Not only that, the pairing of the circular open dial with the surrounding white metallic dial is impeccable and well suited.

And of course, the square shaped 40 mm case is another unique feature in this watch. There’s not much square shaped watches nowadays and Bulova did it beautifully with this watch.

One thing about square shaped watches is we are actually getting more dial area than a circle watch of the same diameter/dimension. More bang for bucks? LOL!

Jokes aside, the case of this watch is by no means a straightforward square shaped.

The edge of the watch has ridges that not only gives the watch a bit of character, but also shows how the designer tried to impart some beauty on an otherwise boring case shape.

If you want a unique dress watch that’s surely going to attract attention, this Bulova BVA 96A107 should be one of your top candidates.

Read my in-depth review of the watch HERE

Seiko SARB033 is one of the more simple dress watch in this list. It’s simple, but at the same time exudes elegance due to its understated beauty.

The silver hands and markers on top of the black dial makes for a very easy to read watch. The simplicity in its dial design is something that can be traced back to the Grand Seiko models.

In a way, the SARB033 can be said to be a baby GS due to this =) (The watch also comes in white color which is the Seiko SARB035).

Another great thing about the watch is how immaculate the craftsmanship, especially to the case. The stainless steel case is engraved with layers of brushes and polishing creating a nice texture.

Not only that, the lugs are curved so as to hug the wrist neatly. This same curved lugs are typical of many Seiko models including the Seiko Sumo mentioned above.

Another important characteristic of this SARB033 is how versatile it is. Compared to a very flashy dress watch, a simple but refined watch like this is more versatile.

Despite its price, the SARB033 also has a sapphire crystal which is the best crystal for a watch. It will ensures the glass is kept clean from any deformities even after years of use.

It’s without a doubt a dress watch, but it can also be used for other usages such as casual, work and many more.

For a elegant dress watch that’s versatile, this Seiko SARB033 should be in your collection.

Read my in-depth review of the watch HERE

Another dive watch in this list: the Hamilton Khaki King Scuba H64515133 is the Swiss brand’s take on the popular dive watch style.

The watch has everything that a dive watch should have such as the easy to read dial and most importantly, the unidirectional rotating bezel.

There’s also the scratch resistant sapphire crystal that can keep the crystal pristine for years of use.

The use of black and white color makes the watch easily readable, which is very important for a dive watch.

Not only wanting to make a mere Submariner copy, Hamilton injected their own Khaki King style into this watch.

I’m always a fan of a fully spelt day display on the top of the dial. It’s unique and much easier to read than normal short-formed day display.

There’s also 24-hour markers in the inner part of the dial and the date display on the bottom.

If you love Hamilton’s Khaki King watch, this Scuba version is a must for you.

Fancy a classic aviator watch? Then this Laco Aachen 861690 is something that you should take a look at.

Made by the prestigious German firm, the Aachen has the famous flieger or B-Uhr Type B dial.

It’s definitely a unique dial design as the main markers are the minutes while the smaller markers in the inner dial are the hour markers.

It’s very contrasting with the normal watches but I find it’s actually more practical. I find the inner hour markers are placed as such due to the shorter hour hands and the same with the minute markers/hands.

This makes the watch much easier to read as the markers and the hands are on top of each other at the same spot, especially the hour markers.

The sapphire crystal on top of this watch will do a great job of avoiding any scratches on it, especially when you take it outdoor.

That aside, the watch has Laco 21 or Miyota 821A automatic movement inside it which has a good 42 hours power reserve.

I believe one of the main reasons why this watch can be sold for less than $500 is due to the Miyota based movement which is much cheaper than a Europe based movement.

Unfortunately, the movement does not hack (second hand will keep on running while setting time).

But for such a lovely aviator watch, this is a small disadvantage – unless you’re dead set about wanting the perfect time.

Read my in-depth review of the watch HERE

Last but not least is the Victorinox Alliance 241666 automatic watch. It’s a good looking dress watch from the Swiss brand featuring a clean and sleek dial.

The dial on this model (241666) is creamy white and there is also another model (241668) with dark gray dial. I just love how the silver metallic hands and markers complement the white dial.

The harmony is just there and gives off a soothing and elegant vibe. There’s the red second hand that’s intended to popped up from the white dial while also showcasing the sweeping second hand of this automatic watch.

The 40 mm diameter stainless steel case is immaculately polished creating the ultimate sleek dress watch.

It also has a scratch resistant sapphire crystal to protect the watch from any accidental scratches.

The Alliance is powered by none other the ubiquitous ETA 2824-2 automatic movement which is lauded for its accuracy and robustness.

There’s also an exhibition caseback for its owners to look at the movement.

If there’s a watch you need for formal or casual events, this Victorinox Alliance 241666 is the perfect watch for you.