11 BEST AUTOMATIC WATCHES UNDER $1000 - REVIEW

Buying a watch for less than $1,000 can feel like a hopeless task. It's in the middle of the price spectrum between high-end luxury timepieces and the mass-market timepieces found in department stores. There is no need to panic if you find yourself in this situation: $1,000 can buy you a fantastic watch. In terms of functionality and build quality, the best watches under $1,000 can hold their own with more expensive timepieces.
With watches for every occasion and taste, we've rounded together the most coveted and wearable options, from rugged rubber strap divers to sleek black dial dress watches powered by precision mechanical movements. These are the greatest timepieces available for less than $1000. . So take a look below to discover our picks for the best automatic watches under $1,000.
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To develop a watch that is both precise and elegant, Shinola merged the classic elegance of the original Runwell with the most cutting-edge Swiss automatic movements available today. With sharp Arabic numerals, Super-LumiNova hands, and a tiny calendar aperture function at three o'clock, the deep blue face of this watch is both clean and attractive. This is protected with sapphire crystal glass and a stainless steel casing for long-term protection. The Sellita SW200-1 movement can be seen in action on the rear of the watch. To ensure accurate timekeeping, it has 26 diamonds to prevent friction. The straps on this Shinola watch may be swapped out and customized, but we prefer the brown leather with silver and blue dial combination because it's elegant but still casual enough to wear every day. When compared to other high-end automatic watches, this Shinola model is surprisingly inexpensive for a high-end timepiece. Even if you can afford to pay a little extra for the complete Shinola experience, we strongly recommend this one.
Product Pros
- A double-domed sapphire crystal finish
- Automatic movement from Switzerland
- 5 bar water pressure rating
- There are numerous design alternatives available.
Product Cons
- A little pricey.
The only thing that separates this diving watch from those that cost tens of thousands of dollars or more is the brand name on the dial, which is engraved into the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The depth is displayed in feet or meters at the dial's top. If you're diving to a depth of 30 meters or more, you're in the green zone. If you dive for 35 minutes, you'll need 15 minutes of decompression time to recover. You can keep track of your decompression time as the minute hand ticks by. Original color way of dial has been maintained, but the center of the dial and the bezel have been blackened out; date window integrated more discreetly; and depth gauge at 12 has been bilingual (feet/meters) instead of monolingual (feet/meters). Also, the hands match the original.
Product Pros
- Your watch may be noticed by someone.
- It's a fascinating piece of history.
- Ideal for the warm weather
Product Cons
- Some people may not like this style.
- Work is needed on curved crystal
- 21mm lugs seem out of place.
In the realm of luxury Swiss watches, Tag Heuer is one of the most recognizable names, making this sub-$1,000 Formula 1 a bargain. But don't be fooled by the watch's affordable price tag: it's made of high-quality materials and has a timeless look. It's easy to pair the Formula 1 with a suit for dinner or a pair of jeans and a t-shirt while travelling thanks to its black stainless steel case and rubber strap. With a sapphire crystal and a 100-meter water-resistance rating, the watch may be used for real diving.
Product Pros
- Both the brushing and polishing of the stainless steel are of a high standard for an entry-level luxury watch.
- The loom has a long lifespan and is brightly colored.
- If you're looking for a watch with an attractive and easy-to-read face, you'll be pleased with the blue sunburst dial with orange and silver colorings. However, this watch's display may be too wide for certain people.
- Up to 200-meter water resistance
Product Cons
- It has a single lock clasp, which should be a double lock clasp.
- The clasp should include at least one additional micro adjustment hole.
Massive in design and evoking a retro feel, G-Shock watches are the kind that draw attention. With this in mind, the GMWB5000D-1, which was inspired by the DW5000C, the brand's first watch, certainly lives up to its reputation. With a polished stainless steel band and case, this watch looks like RoboCop in timepiece form. It is compatible with smartphones through Bluetooth and displays the time in 300 cities around the world.
Product Pros
- Water-resistant
- Scratch-resistant
- This design is instantly recognizable.
Product Cons
- It's hardly the most brilliant lume
- Some wrists may be too small for the strap.
An excellent addition to the package is the hesalite-domed crystal, bezel, and hard plastic tactical diving watch box combo, which looks like something Daniel Craig might keep in his glove box. However, Certina has yet to establish itself as a reputable brand in the United States. The impressive 80-hour power reserve of the Powermatic 80 Automatic movement is a sight to see! Solid yet not too heavy or thick, the case is perfect. With a diameter of around 43mm, the case is too large for most people.
Product Pros
- It has a stunning look and feel.
- This is a fantastic box set (yes it matters)
- Incredible Movement of Testosterone Injection
Product Cons
- The cost of purchasing a new vehicle is prohibitively expensive.
- For most people, it's too big.
- Just 'Ok' with Certina Straps
Tissot's PRX integrated bracelet '70s throwback was one of the most popular watch releases of 2021, bringing Gerald Genta style to the public. Many watch collectors were put off by the fact that it was powered by a modest quartz movement. With the advent of the automatic version of the PRX, Tissot has added a waffle dial, a Powermatic 80 movement with 80 hours of power reserve, and a gorgeous retro casing and bracelet. As a result, you have absolutely no excuse for not purchasing one.
Product Pros
- Its integrated bracelet gives it a cool '70s flair.
- Precision in movement
- Exceptional value for money
Product Cons
- Bracelet micro-adjustment is unnecessary.
- There are no strap variations to choose from.
- Play with bracelet sizing fidgets
In the trenches of WWI, the first field watches were built for soldiers to keep track of their time. In order to tell time precisely, they needed to be easy to read and devoid of complexity, as well as resistant to water and dirt. The look has come to represent toughness and manliness over time. The Khaki Field Automatic from Hamilton has all of these qualities and more. The additional features include a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal face and a more appealing appearance than other watches in the same category.
Product Pros
- Water-resistant
- Scratch-resistant
- This design is instantly recognizable.
Product Cons
- It's hardly the most brilliant lume
- Some wrists may be too small for the strap.
It has a stainless steel case, a stainless steel bracelet, a synthetic scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a push-button deployment clasp, and a water-resistant rating of 30 meters. The black dial has a lot to offer, including a date display at 3 o'clock, luminous hands and markers, and a date window. The stainless steel band and basic black dial are all that's needed to make this watch fashionable and appealing. There is only one thing I don't like about my SARB033 and that is how easily the back of the case scratches. Aside from the fact that it is water resistant to 100 meters, the Seiko men's SARB033 is a great timepiece for swimming and snorkelling, but not scuba diving. While the watch is powered by a 23-jewel automatic movement, it also has a power reserve of around 50 hours.
Product Pros
- Versatile to the max. Easily dress up and down with just a change in strap.
- Slow release of details such as the dial and case. It means you will appreciate it more with extended wrist time.
- Even if the price has gone up, the product is still a good value. Even so, modern 6R15 timepieces are still more expensive.
Product Cons
- The price has gone up since it was discontinued, but that's to be expected.
- A superior AR coating is required.
- Bracelet it’s adequate, but there's room for improvement.
The Lunar Pilot is an eye-catching timepiece with a classic retro vibe. Added to this is Bulova's ultra-high-precision quartz movement, which ensures seconds-per-year precision. Because of this, it's no surprise that it looks like the first watch worn on the moon, the Bulova chronograph, worn by Apollo 15's mission commander in 1971. "Official" commemorative edition of the original chronograph, including the moon landing information on the back case.
Product Pros
- the Bulova Moon Watch is a low-cost watch
- Reproduction of the original Moon Watch in perfect condition.
- Collectible
Product Cons
- The case may be too large.
- Powered by a quartz clockwork
The Townsman is the most popular Fossil watch, which a remarkable achievement is given the company's long history of producing a wide variety of styles. Why? Just take a look at the striking blue dial, with yellow hands and hour markers, and a leather band with a lovely patina. It's no surprise that the watch is a popular choice.
Product Pros
- Stylish
- Water-resistant
Product Cons
- For some, the size is an issue.
The silver-tone stainless steel bracelet of the Seiko men's SARB033 automatic watch features a push-button deployment clasp. Even those who have little regard for aesthetics will be drawn in by the dial. There is a beautiful blue gradient sunburst dial on the analogue dial. Sapphire crystal would have been preferable, as the dial is protected by a spherical/domed hardlex crystal glass. At the 3 o'clock position, there is also a date display. Accurate time-telling is one of its best features, and its functionalities are excellent. This watch's 23-jewel movement, which enables manual and automatic winding, is one of its most impressive features. An additional power reserve of 41 hours, a magnetic resistance of up to 4,800A/m, and a second-hand halt mechanism are also included in this model. A lot of things can't be spoken about it in words.
Product Pros
- Reasonable dimensions
- Dial
- Affordable
Product Cons
- The back of the display enclosure
- Bracelet
- No lume could be an issue for some
Frequently Asked Questions
Watches of high quality are pricey. At the low end, a quality mechanical Swiss watch will set you back roughly $500. Most 'entry-level mechanical Swiss watches' cost between $1,000 and $3,000, whereas mid-range Swiss watches cost between $5,000 and $10,000 (or even more).
For CITIZEN, luxury isn't about showy, expensive frills, but rather about well-crafted, thoughtfully designed products that address the needs of both individuals and the earth as a whole
There are a number of advantages to purchasing vintage timepieces, including the fact that they are typically more unusual and unique than new or used watches. As soon as a watch is discontinued, its rarity begins to rise due to the destruction, loss, or ageing of other timepieces.
Generally speaking, a high-quality Swiss or German-made timepiece will set you back somewhere between $1,000 and $4,000 or $5,000, depending on the model and the quality of materials used.
Luxury timepieces can be expensive, yet many of these timepieces retain a significant portion of their worth over time. It's comforting to know that your watch will hold its worth better than other high-priced items if you change your mind or need to free up some cash.