A quality watch gives you an elegant and stylish look. It can also complement your clothing and arm you with self-confidence. Mechanical watches are not only swanky but high-quality and durable. So, they will offer you great service while giving you a classy look. The popularity of mechanical watches has experienced steady growth. Whether you want to gift it to your loved ones or purchase it for your own use, you can never go wrong by purchasing a mechanical watch.
With a myriad of admirable mechanical watches on the market, choosing a suitable one can be quite a daunting task. However, the process does not have to overwhelm you. To help you narrow down the options and relieve you of the hassle and bustle of searching and trying each watch, we have prepared a list of the best mechanical watches. With this list, finding a suitable watch will be a walk in the park.
Below are 18 top-notch, affordable mechanical watches.
Bell and Ross Aviation Men’s Automatic Watch BR 03-92
The Bell and Ross Aviation is an automatic Swiss watch. It comes in a 42-millimeter stainless steel case and black rubber strap, making it long-lasting. It also features a stainless steel bezel. Its analog display has four positions, which are 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock. What’s more is a date display between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions. It has black dials and luminous hour makers, making it easily visible even at night.
One of the best features of Bell and Ross Aviation men’s automatic watch is that it is water-resistant at 100 meters depth. It also boasts of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and automatic movement. It offers seconds, minutes, hours, and calendar functions.
This timepiece has large hands and legible numerals, making it a stupendous watch. Its signature square shape measuring 42 x 42 mm does not only give it a unique design but is just a great size to rest comfortably in your hand. It is a truly magnificent watch that sends a message of elegance every place you go.
Seiko 5 SNK805
The Seiko 5 SNK805 is an affordable and worthy option. It from a popular Japanese brand that offers mechanical accuracy to the user. Some major features include luminous accents, a green dial, and both day and date function. This exquisite mechanical watch has automatic movement with an analog display.
It prides itself with easy-to-read markers, and the dial also features a date window near the 3 o’clock position. A 21 jewel automatic movement ensures that watch continues to function even without a battery. Arm movement automatically powers it.
With a green nylon strap, a 37-mm stainless steel case, and a military-inspired design, it is a perfect choice for the field, business meetings, and casual get-togethers. With a 30-meter water-resistance level, this Seiko watch can withstand brief water emersion, though it’s not ideal for swimming.
Junghans Form A
The Junghans Form A is a stupendous watch made in Germany. It features Swiss automatic movement. You will agree with me that your battery dying can be quite an annoying and inconveniencing experience. The Junghans Form A manufacturers understand this, and that s why it comes with a reserve that can last in your watch for 38 hours. It blends classic watch artistry and modern designs. The Junghans Form A offers you an ergonomic approach in addition to a three-dimensional dial.
This mechanical watch has unique self-winding movement and rapid time correction movement. A Jughans logo is engraved in a polished rotor. It also comes with a stainless steel case and a flat sapphire crystal that is designed with an anti-reflection coating. It is a pleasantly thin watch with a concave dial and superluminous strap material, which is environmentally friendly. The best part is that the Junghans Form A has a water-resistant depth of 50 meters. The silver dial color and blue calfskin band make this watch stand out.
Tissot Men’s Gentleman Swissmatic
Do you fancy a classy watch that will compliment your dapper sophistication? Well, if the answer is yes, this Swiss made, round all-black watch is your best bet. It comes with an adjustable leather strap to offer you a comfortable grip. Its sapphire crystal window is scratch-resistant. In case of power drain, a 72-hour power reserve has you covered. With a 100-meter water resistance level, you can confidently wear it when swimming without worrying about it being destroyed by water. It is not suitable for deep diving though. And the best part is that this Tissot watch, with all the good features, comes at an affordable price.
Victorinox Swiss Army Maverick
This Victorinox Swiss Army Maverick watch has a distinct shape and great presence on the wrist. If you are looking for a watch that is suitable for everyday wear, then this is a good choice for you. With a stainless steel bracelet, the Victorinox Maverick offers a sophisticated yet classic appearance. It blends form and functionality seamlessly. The main features are a stainless steel case, analog quartz movement, and unidirectional bezel rotation.
This mechanical blue dial watch is not only a luxurious accessory but a high-quality, practical watch. It comes with a 43-mm silver stainless steel case. Add in scratch resistance, affordability, and water resistance at 330 ft, and you will agree with me that this is truly a masterpiece.
Zodiac Olympos
First launched in 1961, the Zodiac Olympos is back with a re-imagined design that is far better than the original. It will not only keep you in the know as far as time is concerned but offer a classic style thanks to its innovative modern style. You will definitely love its authentic leather band. With a water-resistance rating of 5 ATM and 50 meters, it is suitable for swimming in shallow water. It features Swiss automatic movement, a stainless steel case, and a nude dial.
For more stylish timepieces like this, check out our selection of the best wooden watches.
Timex Marlin Automatic
The Marlin Automatic is among the latest and modern productions from Timex. The company is reputable for producing affordable and nice watches. If sleek watches tickle your fancy, then the Timex Marlin automatic might be just what you are looking for. Featuring a 40-mm stainless steel case and leather strap, it effectively brings out a sophisticated, classic look. An adjustable buckle ensures that you can wear it comfortably.
As if that is not enough, the date window display and watch hands and hour markers that have a golden tone. This round-shaped watch is water-resistant up 1,000 meters, perfect for swimming.
Orient Sun and Moon Version 3
The Orient Sun and Moon picked up from where its predecessor, the Version 2, left off to bring you a more refined mechanical watch. The Orient company has established itself as a reputable manufacturer of mechanical watches. In addition to automatic movement, the Version 3 adds hand-winding and hacking movement. Another awesome addition is the quickset day and date feature. With water resistance up to 165 feet, a sapphire crystal, and day and date calendars, Orient has managed to put together some awesome feature in a 42.5-mm case.
Here are some of the most popular dress watches on the market, as well. Check them out.
Bulova American Clipper
The American Clipper is yet another elegant and affordable mechanical watch from Bulova. Featuring a black leather strap, automatic movement, a black dial, and day and date functions, this watch is perfect for any occasion and look. Bulova’s America Clipper is comfortable to walk with, as it weighs 64 grams with a case diameter of 42 mm.
Your battery going flat should be the least of your worries because this watch comes with a 40-hour power reserve. Additionally, it has automatic self-winding movement and a calendar function. It blends a silver and black color of the case and dial, respectively, to form a simple yet exquisite watch under $500. Better still, it comes with a two-year warranty.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Watch
The Khaki Field mechanical is a bold design true to the original “Hack” watches launched in 1969. Although it still has a rugged and rough style, it has been refined and re-imagined to portray a modern design. Essentially, they are the new version of the US Army military watches crafted by Hamilton. It portrays classic design cues, perfect for a modern field. A 24-hour dial and hand winding maintain a classic design. The watch is firmly held together by a 38-mm case.
This is a slim watch with a 38-mm thickness and flies under the radar in aesthetics. What’s more is that it has a power reserve of 42 hours, a curved sapphire crystal, and a 50-m water-resistance level. It has a subtle charm but a very strong presence on the hand. If you are looking for a vintage-inspired watch that has polished edge finishes, you may want to try the Hamilton Khaki Field mechanical watch.
Invicta Men’s Pro Diver
It very hard to find a dive watch today, let alone an automatic one on a budget less the $100. Well, this is exactly what the Invicta 8926OB diver offers you. With a sturdy case and water resistance up to 200 meters, it is a great watch both under the water and for daily use. This Invicta watch does not stop there. Wearing this mechanical watch gives you a classy and elegant style.
The mineral dial window makes this a unique watch, while the stainless steel case and bracelet cement its durability. It also features a fold-over clasp and safety closure. Last, this Invicta has an automatic and noticeable analog display. It is a suitable choice if you fancy a round watch. The best part is that you do not have to dig deep into your pocket to acquire this watch.
Dan Henry 1970 Automatic Diver
Some men like to keep a collection of watches, while others prefer a minimal collection. Either way, you should have at least one solid watch for daily use. One such watch is the Dan Henry 1970 Automatic Diver, which has emerged as a solid and affordable piece. Originally released in 1970, this vintage watch has automatic movement. The stainless steel case is not so thin, but neither is it too thick at 14.8 mm with a diameter of 44 mm.
Each of Dan Henry’s limited edition pieces is individually numbered. The watch features an inner rotating bezel, a matte black dial, an orange chapter ring, and a black silicone strap. Additionally, this watch comes with a 4-hour power reserve. It is water-resistant up to 200 meters, so it’s great choice for exploring the fascinating underwater world.
The Dan Henry 1970 is a modern watch that pays homage to a classic style. It is a fantastic everyday timepiece worth purchasing.
You will find more amazing timepieces like this by checking out our guide to the top Citizen watches.
Zodiac Jet-O-Matic
The Zodiac Jet-O-Matic is a versatile watch that looks great on the wrist. With a close look at the case and bracelet, you will notice an industrial-quality finishing. Add in the flat printed dial and affordable price features, and you will have a functional and straightforward watch. As the name suggests, it has a vintage and aviation theme. According to the limited edition features, this watch features Swiss automatic movement, a 40-mm thick case, and 3 ATM water resistance. Since it water-resistant up to 30 meters, it can withstand water splashes and water immersion. It is, however, not suitable for swimming.
You may also be interested in some of the classy Omega watches from our list. Be sure to browse them.
Oris Big ProPilot
The Oris Big Pro Pilot is a functional watch with a compact and elegant case and enough size to create a presence. It also boasts of a legible dial with easy-to-read numerals from any angle. This Swiss-made watch is suitable for cockpit use and people who value the style. The price is reasonable given its high-end qualities. What’s more is that it comes with the manufacturers’ serial numbers tocement its authenticity. A unique deployment clasp completes the straightforward design. Modern lines and smooth curves make the watch look quite thin, though it also pronounces the tip-top appearance.
If you are looking for a refined watch that portrays the sporty nature of pilots, then this would be a good choice for you. It is well-designed with aesthetically beautiful finishes. It is an attractive pilot watch that easily grabs attention and also feels nice to wear. You can wear this watch when swimming as it is water-resistant up to 100 meters. The best part is that it has a 38-hour power reserve for emergency cases.
Tag Heuer Formula 1
The Tag Heuer Formula 1 is an especially popular model. This stainless steel watch employs caliber seven automatic movement. The strap is lightweight, but there’s nothing much to write home about its design. The case, bracelet, and bezel are all made from stainless steel.
The blue and black top is embroidered with GMT markings and brings out some stylish design. The black analog dial has two Arabic numerals marking the 6 and 12 o’clock positions. The hands and index hour markers have a luminous silver-tone for easy visibility. The Tag Heuer Formula 1 is water-resistant and scratch-resistant. It features Swiss automatic movement. While this mechanical watch has some awesome features and an affordable price, and while you can easily find a watch with similar qualities for a lower cost.
Seiko Men’s Automatic Diver Watch
This is yet another stupendous mechanical watch from Seiko. It comes with a large 45-mm case, which is a typical feature of the manufacturer’s history of producing high-quality and affordable diving watches. It also features automatic/self-winding movement and water resistance up to 200 meters. What’s more are a power reserve, vintage design, and incredibly comfortable wearability. Given its classic design and affordable price, this Japanese watch is a quintessential diving watch worth consideration.
Tissot T Classic Le Locle
The Tissot T Classic Le Locle is an automatic Swiss-made watch with a stainless steel case, black leather strap, and Swiss automatic movement. With a 39-mm case, the diameter is quite a bit smaller than most of the watches you’ll see. Like most mechanical watches, it is water-resistant and scratch-resistant too. If you are looking for a luxurious yet affordable mechanical watch, you may want to try the Tissot T Classic Le Locle.
And for more elegant options like this, check out our guide to the best-selling dress watches.
Nomos AHOI 554
Last on our list is Nomos Ahoi 554, which is a luxury watch made in Germany. It has common features that you will find in any mechanical watch. What makes it out from the rest is its siren blue dial and rhodium-plated hands. The case is made of stainless steel and has a silver-tone. This Nomos watch has noticeable Arabic numeral hour markers with a date display positioned at 6 o’clock. Its sapphire crystal is scratch-resistant, and the Nomos Ahoi automatic watch is water-resistant up to 200 meters.