Top 10 Automatic Watches Under £500
Tick-tock without the sticker shock.
Let’s face it — watch collecting can be an expensive hobby. But that doesn’t mean you need to remortgage the flat just to get a solid automatic on your wrist. Whether you're after classic style, rugged reliability, or a bit of everyday swagger, here are ten watches that offer incredible value and genuine horological chops — all under £500.
1. Seiko 5 Sports (SRPD Series)
Around £230–£280 - https://www.seikoboutique.co.uk/product-category/mens/seiko-5-sports/
Why it’s brilliant: Seiko’s SRPD models (aka “5KX”) are beloved for a reason. Reliable, durable, and with enough dial and bezel variations to lose a weekend over. Not quite ISO-certified dive watches, but they’ll take a splash and still look sharp in the pub after.
Case: 42.5mm
Movement: Seiko 4R36
Water resistance: 100m
Best for: First-time collectors & casual tool-watch lovers
2. Orient Bambino Version IV
Around £200 - https://www.orientwatch.co.uk/or/en_GB/brands/orient/orient-bambino-42mm/p/AC08004D
Why it’s brilliant: Elegant, affordable, and full of vintage charm. The Bambino has quietly become the go-to dress watch for enthusiasts on a budget. The domed crystal and in-house movement make it feel far more expensive than it is.
Case: 42mm
Movement: Orient F6724 (in-house)
Water resistance: 30m
Best for: Weddings, date nights, and dressing like you’ve got your life together
3. Citizen NJ0150 “Tsuyosa”
Around £299–£399 - https://www.citizenwatch.co.uk/tsuyosa-automatic-silver-tone-stainless-steel-watch-nj0150-56z.html
Why it’s brilliant: Integrated bracelet? Sunburst dial? Steel sports-watch looks for under £400? Yes please. The Tsuyosa is fast becoming a fan favourite, and it’s easy to see why — great value and genuinely stylish. Check out our review.
Case: 40mm
Movement: Citizen 8210
Water resistance: 50m
Best for: The Oyster Perpetual look without the waiting list (or cost)
4. Tissot Everytime Swissmatic
Around £360–£400 - https://www.prjonesjewellers.co.uk/tissot-mens-everytime-swissmatic-with-black-dial
Why it’s brilliant: From a heritage Swiss brand, this pared-back beauty is sleek, understated, and sneaks in an automatic movement with a 72-hour power reserve — at a very un-Swiss price. A great intro to “the real stuff”.
Case: 40mm
Movement: Swissmatic (based on ETA)
Water resistance: 30m
Best for: Daily wear with proper Swiss cred
5. Marloe Solent Automatic
Around £395 - https://www.marloewatchcompany.com/collections/solent-timer
Why it’s brilliant: Marloe is a proudly British microbrand designing thoughtful timepieces with character. The Solent blends nautical inspiration with a bold, legible dial and excellent finishing. Designed in the UK, powered by a Miyota, and built to last.
Case: 42mm
Movement: Miyota 9039 (no ghost date!)
Water resistance: 100m
Best for: Independent watch fans who love something off the beaten track
6. Mr Jones “A Perfectly Useless Afternoon”
Around £225 - https://mrjoneswatches.com/products/a-perfectly-useless-afternoon
Why it’s brilliant: Yes, it’s whimsical — but that’s the point. This quirky British brand uses automatic movements in genuinely creative ways. On this one, a man floats on a rubber ring while the hours and minutes are marked by ducks and umbrellas. Why not?
Case: 37mm
Movement: Seagull ST1721
Water resistance: Splash-proof
Best for: Conversation starters and anti-corporate charm
7. Timex M79 Automatic
Around £230–£270 - https://timex.co.uk/products/m79-automatic-x-peanuts-40mm-stainless-steel-bracelet-watch-tw2w47500
Why it’s brilliant: A nod to Timex’s 70s Q series, but with an automatic movement and plenty of retro styling. Chunky, charming, and surprisingly capable as an everyday knockabout watch.
Case: 40mm
Movement: Miyota 8205
Water resistance: 50m
Best for: Casual retro style with a hint of disco
8. Orient Kamasu
Around £280–£330 - www.watchnation.com/product/orient-kamasu-sports-diver-blue-dial-mens-watch-ra-aa0812l39b/
Why it’s brilliant: It’s one of the most complete dive watches under £500: sapphire glass, screw-down crown, 200m water resistance, in-house movement. It looks the part and performs brilliantly.
Case: 41.8mm
Movement: Orient F6922
Water resistance: 200m
Best for: Daily divers with real capability
9. Swatch Sistem Meche
Around £150–£180 - www.swatch.com/en-gb/sistem-meche-yis418m/YIS418M.html
Why it’s brilliant: Swiss-made and assembled entirely by robots. The Sistem Meche is light-hearted but technically fascinating, with a 90-hour power reserve and quirky modern design. A Marmite watch — but fun if you get it.
Case: 42mm
Movement: Sistem51
Water resistance: 30m
Best for: The horological hipster
10. Brew Metric Automatic (if available in the UK)
Around £450–£495 - www.brew-watches.com
Why it’s brilliant: Brew is a small US-based brand making huge waves thanks to its café-inspired design language. The Metric is sleek, colourful, and packed with charm. A proper indie darling, and yes — you can get them shipped to the UK.
Case: 36mm x 41.5mm
Movement: Seiko NH35
Water resistance: 50m
Best for: Indie style and flat-white fuelled flair
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a trust fund to enjoy automatic watches. Whether you want Swiss tradition, British design, Japanese reliability, or off-the-wall creativity, there’s loads on offer under the £500 mark. These are watches that will make you smile every time you look at your wrist, and they prove that good taste doesn’t always come with a ridiculous price tag.
