If you are just getting into watches you may be a bit intimidated by the endless available options, debating on which option will fulfil your expectations. Whether you are looking for your first automatic watch, already have a collection and are looking for a lower budget watch, or if you are searching for a beater watch than this article will benefit you. While watches can quickly turn into an endless money pit regardless of a persons budget, they don’t have to be. There are numerous watches that are aesthetically pleasing, of good quality, and are sure to get respect within the watch community. In this article we will be covering 5 watches for under $500 that are worth your attention. Before we get into it, it should be mentioned that a few of the "watches" mentioned are actual a manufactures line of watches which have various options within the line that are under the $500 mark; for those we highlight a couple watches within that product line.

The five watches we cover in order of increasing price are:

Seiko 5 - $295
Seiko Presage (SRPE45, SSA405, & SPRE15) - $425-475
Tissot Gent XL Swissmatic - $450
Seiko Prospex (SRPB53 & SRPB99) - $495
Hamilton Khaki Automatic - $550 (MSRP, can be had for cheaper)

Seiko 5 Sport:

The first watch on the list that would be hard pressed not to mention is the Seiko 5 sport lineup. It is the cheapest of the watches on this list, but offers quite a bargain for a person entering the world of automatic watches on a limited budget. The Seiko 5 sport lineup is fairly expansive in design ques, a lot of which bluntly put are not aesthetically pleasing to the average person. However, sifting through some of the failed attempts leaves us with a couple of classic looking watches worth mentioning as an everyday wear.

SPRE63

**Price:** $275

**Water Resistance:** 10 bar (100m/330ft)
**Power Reserve:** 41 Hours
**Movement:** Automatic with Manual Wind, Caliber 4R36
**Crystal:** Hardlex
**Case Back:** Display Back
**Thickness:** 13.4mm
**Diameter:** 42.5mm
**Other Features:**
Day/Date Display
Lumibrite on Hands and Indices

The SPRE63 from Seiko seems to have a bit of a mix between the characteristics of a field watch when looking at the outer case and a dive watch when looking at the dial layout and the 4 O’clock crown position. While this watch does try to emulate a dive watch, it is not in terms of its functionality.

The water resistance of the watch is 100m which is substantial enough to wear this watch in most situations such as shower and swimming, but you would be hard pressed to wear this watch actually diving or during high impact water activities. That being said, this watch is going to be suitable for 99% of people as an everyday/every situation wear.

Unlike the Seiko Presage line mentioned below, the dials on the Seiko 5 series watches are fairly basic not offering much depth or detail. Basicness aside, the Seiko 5 series does offer two interesting features one which you would be hard pressed to find on many other watches at this price point. The first is the lumibrite on the hands and dial indices which is Seiko does well; unlike the Seiko Presage or many other dress oriented watches this watch will be viewable in low light situations. Secondly this watch has a date and day indicator which is an interesting complication to include at this price point.

SPRD55

**Price:** $295

**Water Resistance**: 10 Bar (100m/330ft)
**Power Reserve:** 41 Hours
**Movement:** Automatic with Manual Wind, Caliber 4R36.
**Crystal:** Hardlex
**Case Back:** Display Case Back
**Thickness:** 13.4mm
**Diameter:** 42.5mm
**Other Features:**
Day/Date Display
Lumibrite on Hands and Indicies
Unidirectional Rotating Bezel

The second option notable in the Seiko 5 lineup is the SRPD55. This watch takes a bit more the form of a traditional dive watch compared to the SPRE63, though similarly it still lacks some of the functionality of a true dive watch. The SPRD55 sees the addition of the uni-directional rotating bezel and plenty of lume which are both true to the “dive watch” DNA. This watch does lack in the water resistance department, offering a 100m water resistance unlike a true dive watch such as the Prospex lineup below which will have a 200m diver's water resistance. However, if your not planning on diving then the point is moot and it would be more based on your individual preference. This watch does carry a day & date display at the 3 O'clock position, display back case, and again plenty of lumibrite making it easy to see in low light situations.

Seiko Presage:

The Seiko Presage line has numerous classic dress watches for nearly every style. The Presage line varies a fair amount in offerings, ranging from the entry level price point of around $450 which we will be discussing and all the way up to around $5600 for the more limited run watches in the line. We will stay away from these for the purpose of the article.

The Presage lineup has a handful of options under the $500 mark, offering a variety of dial colors, patterns, strap options, etc... While most of the mentioned watches have multiple color offerings, what is shown below gives a decent overview of the offered design cues under the $500 price point for the Presage line.

This watch, as with most of the Presage line, is designed for the person who wants an aesthetically pleasing watch for casual/formal wear but will likely not wear the watch all the time. With a 50m water resistance rating this watch can be considered splash resistance, making it a less than ideal option for a person looking to leave their watch on when showering, swimming, etc...

SRPE45

**Price:** $425

**Water Resistance:** 5 Bar (50m/165ft)
**Power Reserve:** 41 Hours
**Movement:** Automatic with Manual Wind, Caliber 4R35.
**Crystal:** Hardlex
**Case Back:** Display Case Back
**Thickness:** 11.8mm
**Diameter:** 38.5mm
**Other Features:**
Date Display

The SRPE45 seen above offers a styling somewhat reminiscent to the Seiko Alpinist with regards to color of the dial and indices combining the emerald greed dial with the gold lettering. The emerald dial offers a deep contrast courtesy of the mesmerizing triangulated texturing; this lends itself to numerous dial views depending on the light. In terms of features this watch offers a time (Hour, Minutes, Second), date indication at 3 O’clock, display case back, all on a leather strap. This is a slightly smaller offering in the Presage men’s line coming in at 38.5mm and would be considered a good option for those with a smaller wrist.

SSA405

Another watch from the Presage line is the SSA405. This watch does offer a bit of a different styling que than the watch above. The movement is slightly different than the watch above and below as it does not have a date window and only tells time via hour, minute, and second hands. However, what you get instead is an open heart on the dial of the watch meaning you will be able to see the beat of the watch.

This offers a nice touch for those interested in the mechanical interworking of the watch without having to take the watch off and look through the display back case.

The dial on this watch is displayed in a deep blue with crossing radial swirl pattern leading into the center which is not very noticeable from a distance but becomes apparent as you look closer.

SPRE15

**Price:** $450

**Water Resistance:** 5 Bar (50m/165ft)
**Power Reserve:** 41 Hours
**Movement:** Automatic with Manual Wind, Caliber 4R35.
**Crystal:** Hardlex
**Case Back:** Display Case Back
**Thickness:** 11.8mm
**Diameter:** 40.5mm
**Other Features:**
Date Display

The last notable option on the line of presage watches is the SPRE15. This watch carries the same movement as the first Presage watch above giving time (Hour, Minute, Second) in addition to a date window. This watch also has a deep emerald color paired with black in a linear streak like pattern culminating to the center of the dial.
While this watch does not offer a open heart, nor does it have dial number indications it is quite classical and possibly suited for more formal attire.

Tissot Gent XL Swissmatic:

Tissot Gent XL.png — **Price:** $450

**Water Resistance:** 10 Bar (100m/330ft)
**Power Reserve:** 72 Hours
**Movement:** Swiss Tissot Automatic Caliber 12 1/2"
**Crystal:** Sapphire
**Case Back:** Display Case Back
**Thickness:** 12.3mm
**Diameter:** 43 mm
**Other Features:**
Date Display

The Tissot Gent XL Swissmatic is somewhat of a classical styled watch. The dial is fairly unimpressive in detail compared to some other watches mentioned but it does look fairly clean thanks to it’s minimalism. The dial includes a swissmatic symbol in addition to another insignia stating “Swiss Made” at the 6 O’Clock position letting you know that it is in fact of swiss origin.

This watch offers time (hour, minute, second) and date display with a fair sized power reserve of 72 hours. This watch comes with a sapphire crystal which is an impressive offering at this price point. This means the front crystal is going to be much harder to scratch (unless you’re scratching it with a diamond) when compared to the synthetic crystals (i.e. Hardlex) used in a fair amount of other watches at this price point.
Water resistance comes in at 100ft making it a suitable watch for getting wet by showering or swimming, though it may be unwise with the leather band. The case is fairly sizable at a diameter of 43mm. That being said, if you have a substantial sized wrist this may be the watch for you.

Seiko Prospex SRPB53/SRPB99:

SRPB53

**Price:** $495

**Water Resistance:** 200m/660ft Diver's
**Power Reserve:** 41 Hours
**Movement:** Automatic 4R35
**Crystal:** Hardlex
**Case Back:** Stainless Steel Covered
**Thickness:** 13.4mm
**Diameter:** 43.8mm
**Other Features:**
LumiBrite on Hands and indicies
Screw down Crown
Unidirectional rotating bezel
Date display

The Prospex lineup has some of the most iconic offerings from Seiko. The first watch is the SRPB53 which is a true to life dive watch, featuring the uni-directional rotating bezel, 200m Diver's water resistance, and enough lume to light a dark room.
This watch offers time (hour, minute, second), date, and as part of the 200m water resistance, a screw down crown.
Aside from all of the functional characteristic, this watch is also aesthetically pleasing for a dive watch, offering more dial detail than the similarly styled Seiko 5’s above. The dial features a blue grid pattern that protrudes in pyramid like fashion and offers a decent level of “up close” detail. The outside of the dial has very clear hour indications followed by a second gradient on the outer perimeter, which tracks nicely with the red sweeping seconds hand. From a readability stand point this dial is up to par as should be expected on a functional dive watch. If you need the added comfort knowing that your watch can go 200m submerged had you ever felt the urge to dive that deep than this watch is for you.

SRPB99

**Price:** $550

**Water Resistance:** 200m/660ft Diver's
**Power Reserve:** 41 Hours
**Movement:** Automatic 4R35
**Crystal:** Hardlex
**Case Back:** Stainless Steel Covered
**Thickness:** 12.8mm
**Diameter:** 43.8mm
**Other Features:**
LumiBrite on Hands and indicies
Screw down Crown
Special Edition on Case Back
Unidirectional rotating bezel
Date display

The watch is somewhat of an extension of the watch above and is price slightly above $500, however it is worth mentioning for the potential collector in mind. The SRPB99 has all the features of the watch above with the PADI insignia on the center dial.

PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is one of the most regarded scuba diving institutions, having numerous diving centers all around the world and offering various level of professional dive courses. Being that diving is basically engrained in the Seiko DNA it was only right that a partnership be formed to formulate a line of PADI branded Seiko dive watches. While these pieces are not limited run, they do offer a interesting collaboration between two well respected entities in the diving community.

The SRPB99 is just as capable as the SRPB53 in terms of functionality. Aesthetically it is going to look a bit different; the case size is a bit different offering a slightly slimmer profile at the same case diameter. The dial gets the PADI insignia with a dial that has a black/grey dial background with wave like texturing, which seems less impressive in detail than that of the SRPB53. Addition of red accents can be seen on the perimeter of the minute hand as well as the 12, 3, 6, and 9 O’clock position gradients on the dials second hand indications. Turning over to the case back there is insignia letting you know it is in fact the PADI special edition. Lastly all of this comes on a bracelet with a double locking fold over push button clasp compared to the rubber strap on the SRPB53 above. All in all this is a decent alternative to the dive watch above for those seeking an additional collection factor from association with PADI.

Hamilton Khaki Automatic:

**Price:** $575 (MSRP), $400 (New)

**Water Resistance:** 10 Bar (100m/330ft)
**Power Reserve:** 80 Hours
**Movement:** Automatic Caliber H-10
**Crystal:** Sapphire
**Case Back:** Display Case Back
**Thickness:**
**Diameter:** 42mm
**Other Features:**
Date Display
Second Indication on Dial

The last watch on the list is perhaps one of the more interesting watches in the lineup; the Hamilton Khaki Automatic. While this watch MSRP is $575 it can be had for well under $500.

This watch offers the largest power reserve of any watch in this list at an impressive 80 hours and carries a water resistance rating of 100m meaning you can get this watch wet and not have to worry. The caliber H-10 movement is visible through the back of the watch thanks to the display back case which is always a nice addition for those who enjoy the mechanical aspects of a piece.

The dial on this watch is a bit more functional in comparison to other mentioned watches. The watch offers full hour indications from 12 to 12 (minus the 3 O'clock position due to the date window) as well as indication for military time (12-24) on the inner position of the dial. In addition the red second hand is tracked along the outside perimeter of the dial which has gradient second indicators from 0 to 60 seconds (in 5 second intervals) allowing for fast time indication. When talking functional watches and craftsmanship this is one of the more impressive watches in the lineup.

While there are watch offerings beyond this list that are under $500, this offers a start to a collection of reputable watches from reputable manufacturers that are sure to get attention. If you have any watches that you think are a good option under the $500 price point drop a comment below.

5 Automatic Watches Under $500