If you want to buy a decent automatic watch with a limited budget of $200, then it can be a painstaking experience to find a reliable watch in that price range when hordes of cheap chinese knock-offs are strewn about online. Fret not, we have done the graft and reviewed 10 of the best automatic watches under $200 that will ensure no compromise on quality from reputed watchmakers. If you are looking for automatic timepieces beyond the $200 range, then this list of best automatic watches will suffice.
You can find a wide range of watch styles that run the gamut from dive to dress watches in our review of the best automatic watches under $200 online. All these intricate timepieces have automatic movement and are made by trusted watchmakers such as Seiko, Timex, and Fossil to name a few. So, without further ado let’s get started.
Note: At the time of writing this review, all these smartwatches were listed for $300 or less. Prices may or may not have fluctuated since.
10 of the Best Automatic Watches Under $200
1) Seiko 5 Blue Dial Automatic Watch (SRPB37K1)
Fond of aquatic sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving? The Seiko 5 is just the right fit for you. Interestingly, its water resistance is measured in ATM (atmospheres) and it resistance to pressure of 10 ATMs. What’s more, the Seiko 5 is one of the best automatic watches under $200 that can handle a depth of 100 meters completely submerged underwater.
Powered by 24 jewel automatic movement, the Seiko 5 comes with a solid stainless steel case and band, and a nifty push-button deployment clasp with safety lock that is a great fit for diving.
The watch face is composed of 44m hardlex mineral crystal glass with 13 mm thickness which is just the right amount for scuba diving expeditions and yet feels light as a feather on the wrist. It also features luminus first, second, and third hand markers with a day and date window placed at 3 o’clock position.
2) Orient ‘Bambino Version 4’ Automatic Dress Watch
From reputable watchmaker since 1950, Orient, the “Bambino Version 4” is an automatic dress watch that brings to the fore Japanese street fashion through its snazzy aesthetics. Coupled with the fact boasts unique mechanical movements makes it a steal at this price point.
Sporting a domed matte black watch face glass for accented bronze hour markers, the Bambino Version 4 is classy to the brim. It also features bronze hour markers and gold accented first, second, and third hands and a date window at 3 o’clock position. Paired with a brown calfskin wrist strap, it can be worn for both casual and formal events.
With a 41mm case diameter, the Bambino Version 4 is powered by Japanese-automatic movement. Not to mention, it is water-resistant up to 30m making it splash resistant. However, you cannot wear it while swimming or bathing.
3) Bulova Men’s Classic American Clipper (96C130)
The Bulova Men’s Classic American Clipper is an elegant timepiece bereft of extra bells and whistles. It comes with a day/date window at 3 o’clock position and a decent 40-hour power reserve. For those of you looking for a self-winding automatic dress watch, the Bulova men’s classic is a great budget timepiece.
What’s more, the watch is water-resistant and can survive splashes and immersion in water for brief periods of time.
With a thickness of 11.5mm and case diameter of 42mm, this lean and lightweight timepiece is comfy enough to sit easily on your wrists. All in all, it is one of the best automatic watches under $200 for those on a tight budget.
4) Timex Men’s Marlin Automatic 40mm Watch
Massively popular for their quartz timepieces, Timex has introduced the Timex Marlin as an automatic watch with dual-tone colors. It packs in a classic look thanks to a gold bezel, and luminous watch hands set in a black background.
Both the watch face and strap sport a classic black color. The simple date window at 3 o’clock position will surely entice minimalism fans who like their automatic watch with a throwback to the mid-century design.
Powered by 21-jewel automatic movement and a 40-hour power reserve, the Timex Marlin is reasonably priced. Its 20mm stainless steel gold-tone bracelet can fit up to 8-inch wrist size. Moreover, the domed acrylic crystal glass safeguards the watch face, and it is water-resistant for up to 30m.
5) Vostok Amphibian Automatic Self-Winding Military Diver
A diver’s dream come true, the Vostok Amphibian Automatic boasts a waterproof rating of up to 200 meters. You can use it for numerous watersports and outdoor excursions. Whether it be swimming, scuba diving, surfing, or trekking up the mountains, the Amphibian Automatic is one of the best automatic watches under $200 for adventure sports enthusiasts who prefer a sporty watch that can also withstand the rough and tumble.
Powered by 31 ruby jewel self-winding movement, it comes with a power reserve of up to 31 hours. Not to mention, the Amphibian Automatic is shock-resistant, comes with a rotating bezel, luminous hand markers, and dotted markers for night visibility. and central second hand, and dots for night visibility.
6) Swatch Irony Automatic Movement Black Dial Unisex Watch
Sporting a white-on-black offset design, the Swatch Irony unisex watch is the epitome of every Swatch watch in existence. Stylish with a high-end demeanour like its counterparts Tissot, Omega and Longines (all from Swatch), the Swatch Irony is very affordable. It features white and black luminous hands, date window at 3 o’clock position with a clever inner time, and outer stopwatch for both style and functionality.
Powered by swiss quartz movement, the Swatch Irony Unisex timepiece is water-resistant up to 30 meters. Furthermore, it has a very robust build design thanks to a 42mm case diameter and mineral crystal watch face. A black tuff wrist strap really adds to the charm and panache of this automatic timepiece.
7) Seiko Recraft Automatic Blue Dial Watch (SNKN37)
Boasting a rugged and durable build, the Recraft from Seiko screams longevity like no other watch on our list. With a 43.5 mm stainless steel case and a nifty day/date window at the 3 o’clock position, the Seiko Recraft is also comfy to the hilt thanks to its distressed leather band with buckle closure that makes it comfortable for all-day wear.
It is powered by Seiko’s trademark automatic self-winding movement, and sports a slick blue watch face, stainless steel hands and numerals, making it a great fit for both official and casual occasions. All together, the Seiko Recraft is one of the best automatic watches under $200 from the house of Seiko.
8) Orient ‘Bambino Open Heart’ Japanese Automatic Dress Watch
Japanese watchmaker Orient’s Bambino Open Heart is a unique timepiece that features a distinct watch face and unique self-winding movement at an affordable price range. It is a very lightweight automatic dress watch that sports a modern skeleton style look, hence the name “Open Heart”. On the design front, the dark leather band compliments gold tone dial making it a eye-catching stunner at casual meetups.
With a 40.5mm diameter, and a domed mineral crystal watch face, the Bambino Open heart fits easily under sleeve cuffs. What’s more, it is water-resistant up to 30 meters, however, not quite suitable for bathing and swimming.
9) Stuhrling Original Men’s Automatic Watch Skeleton Watch (33151)
Sporting a stunning skeletal dial, the Stuhrling Original is a rare automatic timepiece that also boasts a second-hand sub-dial which gels well with the plume-style hands aptly. For those looking for a chic watch with edgy design quotient, the Stuhrling Original features hour markers that use a shark-teeth motif. It is powered by automatic self-winding 22-jewel movement.
What’s more, a 22mm alligator embossed leather strap gives it a raw attitude-driven look. To top it all off, the watch is quite durable as it comes with a solid 2-year international warranty.
10) Fossil Men’s Townsman Automatic Stainless Steel Mechanical Watch
Rounding off our list of the best automatic watches under $200 is the Fossil Townsman Stainless Steel watch that will fit your wrists perfectly for any occasion: whether it be a cozy date night, bachelor party, gym workout, or work, you name it. Boasting a solid 48mm case, this timepiece stands out among the rest with its skeleton-style dial that makes inner workings visible.
It sports a mineral crystal watch face and is powered by Fossil’s trademark automatic movement with a 3-hand display. What’s more, you get to use interchangeable bands along with this watch that Fossil offers as complimentary gift.