The 8 Best Automatic Watches Under $500

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  • Опубліковано 9 чер 2024
  • In this hands on guide, we’re taking a look at the best affordable automatic watches. These timepieces employ nothing but movement from the wrist of the wearer to coil the mainspring which then spools and unspools in rhythmic fashion much like the beating heart of its wearer. We’re also adding another important qualifier, and will just focus our attention on our favorite automatic watches under (or around) $500.
    Purchase Links:
    Timex M79 Automatic ($289) - fave.co/3JhLPCF
    Citizen Tsuyosa ($360) - fave.co/4cVTyUl
    Seiko SRPK17 (55th Anniversary Edition) ($415) - amzn.to/3UjdkBT
    Laco Valencia 39mm ($440) - amzn.to/3U2rLch
    Baltic HMS 002 ($390) - bit.ly/3W20qJL
    Unimatic UC4 ($487) - bit.ly/4aXojX4
    Lorier Falcon SIII ($499) - bit.ly/49znXoN
    Nodus Sector Deep (Destro) ($599) - bit.ly/4aTnZc3
    Video Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction
    01:10 Timex M79 Automatic
    03:40 Citizen Tsuyosa
    05:40 Seiko SRPK17 (55th Anniversary Edition)
    08:08 Laco Valencia 39mm
    11:03 Baltic HMS 002
    13:37 Unimatic UC4
    16:30 Lorier Falcon SIII
    19:14 Nodus Sector Deep (Destro)
    22:22 Conclusion
    Affiliate Disclosure: ​
    Clicking on these links to purchase products may earn HICONSUMPTION a small percentage of the purchase price as a referral fee.
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    #watches #watchcollection #automaticwatch
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 92

  • @saber9089
    @saber9089 Місяць тому +28

    That Baltic is a pure ART

  • @IgorBagayev
    @IgorBagayev Місяць тому +9

    Great list! Would like to add the Orient Mako 40 to the list. Really good one piece

  • @brewwatchco
    @brewwatchco Місяць тому +1

    Some incredible watch designs here!

  • @SamuraiJackson
    @SamuraiJackson Місяць тому

    Great video!

  • @secretweiner
    @secretweiner Місяць тому +4

    This was vastly useful. Thank you.

  • @turnbasedtoddy7664
    @turnbasedtoddy7664 Місяць тому +6

    The Lorier and the Baltic are just strait class! 2 of my favorite microbrands. The quality in your videos are just 🤌🏼🤌🏼

  • @boxlad7583
    @boxlad7583 Місяць тому +20

    Regarding water resistance for the Tsuyosa, it doesn't really bother me personally. I find that watch enthusiasts over exaggerate the importance of water resistance. If you aren't diving, then 50m of water resistance is enough for 99.99999% of all situations you'll ever encounter, and if you are diving, you're not getting this watch. Also side note, idk what it is with watch reviewers calling it the "Toyosa", it's Tsu (as is Tsunami) yosa. If you can't make the Ts- sound just call it the Suyosa, would be way more accurate, don't get hung up on the T

    • @fishmeister2625
      @fishmeister2625 Місяць тому +3

      Exactly. I was going to make the same comment. When is the last time you, or anyone you know, were more than 50m underwater? I don't even wear my watches in the shower 😂

    • @agonizin
      @agonizin День тому

      That’s not really how it works, those are static tests, where if you jump into water like when you’re swimming the watch will feel incredibly high pressure when you hit the water. Pressure is merely force / area, and you experience high amounts of force when you jump into water.

    • @boxlad7583
      @boxlad7583 День тому

      @@agonizin ok so don’t go diving into a pool with your dress watch lol. If you want to go into water get a diver and never have to worry. Idk I get wanting to wear a watch, but trying to wear a dressier watch in a pool will always be silly to me, might as well swim with a suit and tie too at that point.

  • @vanquestgear
    @vanquestgear 18 днів тому

    Excellent overview! Loved the Seiko SRPK17 with the vintage 60's-era diver look. Also, nice details on the stainless caseback/flat bracelet and 40-hr power reserve. 👍-Alex@Vanquest

  • @GatorAidMedical
    @GatorAidMedical Місяць тому +94

    "supply watches to the germany military during WW2" man I wonder what those guys were up to?

    • @IlyaSolodky
      @IlyaSolodky Місяць тому +5

      You're absolutely right.
      The same question as almost all other German brands during WW2 period.
      What lovely Maybach were producing?

    • @jrwatches_sc6892
      @jrwatches_sc6892 Місяць тому

      😂😂😂😂😅

    • @nwerdscissorhands7475
      @nwerdscissorhands7475 Місяць тому +7

      Helping the correct side of the war

    • @Foxxnioxx
      @Foxxnioxx Місяць тому +3

      Honestly who cares

    • @avalchinov
      @avalchinov Місяць тому

      I agree: people forget that these German watch manufacturers were helping the Nazis. It is always omitted when people talk about these brands.

  • @BoozewithNick
    @BoozewithNick Місяць тому +2

    Not a bad list, could’ve skipped the Seiko for an Orient Mako II, but fun to see the more affordable Laco and Unimatic models.

  • @gilnevo
    @gilnevo Місяць тому +1

    I agree with everyone - really great choices here... Not a fan of the Laco but otherwise quality picks of some beautiful unique designs.

  • @WatchesCanBeFun
    @WatchesCanBeFun Місяць тому +3

    Laco makes really handsome watches. I like clicky bezel's video on the laco watches

  • @kevco01010
    @kevco01010 Місяць тому

    Killer collection and great pieces. Feel like only change I would make is moving your navitimer to a different day to not have two chronos back to back, but do like your reasoning on both. Also, I think you would benefit from a nice simple dress watch or calatrava for those rare special occasions, espcially with those two remaining slots 😊

  • @WatchmakerErik
    @WatchmakerErik Місяць тому +5

    If we are using Rolex model names to describe the citizens bracelet, that design is more like a president than a jubilee.

  • @user-wu9ky1xz3m
    @user-wu9ky1xz3m Місяць тому

    You have the best taste in your collection Ive seen since 2008! ❤ Although you d wear the watches too tight. IMO. I think you should should be able to put a finger or 2 in the inside the bracelet. So watch floats alittle around your wrist to minimize breakage. Nice presentation. Peace.

  • @rocco8222
    @rocco8222 4 дні тому

    Timex is on the verge of being my go to under $300.oo watch, their quality seems to have gotten better within a certain range. Some of the movements they use could be quieter.

  • @gman8877
    @gman8877 Місяць тому +7

    Great list! To add to it - I feel weird saying this, but I’d honestly add some of the AliExpress watches to my own top 8 list under 500. Their quality is getting insane for the price, let alone the seagull 1963 which is the cheapest mechanical chronograph and has a more beautiful movement than anything under 1k

    • @Mr1121628
      @Mr1121628 Місяць тому +2

      While I’m a fan of the ST1901 movement, the finish quality on it is pretty terrible. After a month or so, the novelty of looking at it mostly wears off and once you’re exposed to a well finished movement, it just looks like crap lol.

    • @gman8877
      @gman8877 Місяць тому

      @@Mr1121628 lol yeah movement finishing isn't really the reason I personally like the aliexpress watches. The fact that they have a mechanical chronograph in watches under 220 USD is whats dope to me. This specific point you have is one of the reasons I'm trying to teach myself about how to hand finish parts at home. Have a dream of completely refinishing an ST1901 to put in a seagull or sugess case

    • @davidf3974
      @davidf3974 Місяць тому

      They break easily too lmao

  • @i_read_bad_reviews
    @i_read_bad_reviews Місяць тому +32

    WHEN EDITING TURN DOWN THE HIGHS! YOUR VIDEOS ARE QUALITY BUT YOUR S'S ARE EAR PIERCING

    • @GhostGuyMan
      @GhostGuyMan Місяць тому

      Dude I’m here to enjoy the video and maybe find a nice watch to buy. Hiconsumption does great at what they set out to do. I’m pretty sure 99% of viewers don’t mind the Audio. Get back to producing p diddys music bro😂

    • @i_read_bad_reviews
      @i_read_bad_reviews Місяць тому +5

      @@GhostGuyMan it appears at least 24 people agree with me. Thanks for your input tho 🤫

    • @Mr1121628
      @Mr1121628 Місяць тому +3

      @@GhostGuyManso someone makes a legitimate criticism and your response is “I’m just here to mindlessly consume content. Go away. (Lame insult)”. I mean sounds about par for the course for a HiConsumption viewer. If you thought this was a “good” video on watches in any way other than the photography, then you were sadly mistaken.

  • @blakepeterson2533
    @blakepeterson2533 Місяць тому +1

    A decent spread of brands and styles while avoiding the SM / Orient knock offs! I have that HMS3 salmon on a BOR bracelet on my list somewhere. The rest here are decidedly not for me.
    For my taste, 600 opens a lot of doors.. traska, zelos, halios.. so id have preferred your top 8 NH35, i mean automatic, watch list at that price. Haha cheers

  • @Gabagoolll471
    @Gabagoolll471 16 годин тому

    I’ve been in the market for a watch and can’t do over 1k but I couldn’t find the Baltic online. Only in straps

  • @JanKenk
    @JanKenk Місяць тому

    Nezumi aviera was below 500 euros for a while, i did have a price hike recently idk if it still holds below 500$

  • @Sakomaru707
    @Sakomaru707 Місяць тому +1

    I did strongly consider buying every single one of these watches at some points. Good choices, fully agree with em

  • @thelegendoftheo
    @thelegendoftheo 28 днів тому

    Genuinely surprised this list didn't include a Seiko 5 Sport like everyone else's list but I'm impressed with the addition of much more unique choices.

    • @chuckt808
      @chuckt808 26 днів тому +1

      The third watch reviewed is literally a Seiko 5 Sports watch.

    • @thelegendoftheo
      @thelegendoftheo 26 днів тому

      @@chuckt808 sorry what I meant was the Seiko 5 Sport divers that have gotten popular over the last couple years. Like the SRPD59 or SRPD55

    • @zosothezephead837
      @zosothezephead837 6 днів тому

      How many unique choices are there? 😂

  • @zosothezephead837
    @zosothezephead837 6 днів тому

    "...screams in the most elegant way possible" 😂

  • @Clyne69
    @Clyne69 Місяць тому

    What’s your wrist size? That Laco looks so good btw

    • @Hiconsumption
      @Hiconsumption  Місяць тому

      Thanks! Wrist size is just under 8”

  • @shugertits
    @shugertits Місяць тому +8

    Automatics are cheaper than manual winders?
    I don't think that's true.

    • @shugertits
      @shugertits Місяць тому

      Nodus ftw, imo btw😄
      I like tool watches.

    • @Mr1121628
      @Mr1121628 Місяць тому +1

      Prices for watches are all over the board irrespective of movement. Theres 50$ autos and 50$ manuals and 50$ quartz. At every price point, everything exists.

  • @user-ke6xt1yl1l
    @user-ke6xt1yl1l Місяць тому

    Four venerable brands and four new ones, and for all thèse brands, an interesting watch. A great selection, thanks!

  • @WatchmakerErik
    @WatchmakerErik Місяць тому

    "if you want to watch exactly like this at this price point this is the best one." -elite journalism

  • @rozpie886
    @rozpie886 28 днів тому

    null skx or prx?

  • @nintendokings
    @nintendokings Місяць тому

    Did…did you lower the pitch on your voice? It sounds artificially deep lol

  • @WatchmakerErik
    @WatchmakerErik Місяць тому +2

    You think the Timex is luxury because you can hand wind it? Other than some extremely basic seiko's almost all automatics can be hand wound nowadays.

    • @Mr1121628
      @Mr1121628 Місяць тому +1

      Yeah this channel knows nothing about watches, yet confidently makes a video about them. 😂

  • @adistancu6545
    @adistancu6545 Місяць тому

    Precious ❤❤❤

  • @paulmendoza5857
    @paulmendoza5857 Місяць тому +10

    Under 500$ I can buy swiss mechanical watches such as Tissot, Certina, Hamilton, Glycine, also I can buy Orient Star under 500$ 😂

    • @gm2353
      @gm2353 15 днів тому +1

      Cool make a video.

  • @T_Timekeeper
    @T_Timekeeper Місяць тому

    Совершенно разные часы. Что их объеденяет? Только цена?

  • @latinballa88
    @latinballa88 Місяць тому

    This may be an odd one, but if Timex introduced a “proper” iconic logo I think they would elevate their brand. It’s not a deal breaker, but it would nudge me to pull the trigger on several models.

    • @Mr1121628
      @Mr1121628 Місяць тому

      Unfortunately the movement selection and quality are the biggest issue on timex. Terrible case finishing, terrible bracelet, overpriced, poorly specced, there’s really not much good I can say about Timex other than a few interesting designs.

  • @matricious
    @matricious Місяць тому

    Great choices to try out your first automatic watch!
    After the honey moon period you will realise that "servicing" these automatics means taking the old movement out and putting a brand new one in.
    Might as well go with quartz since you only swap the battery out in those.
    But if the watch bug gets you then you will probably end up doing a bit of the service work yourself.
    Either way, you learn from your past experiences so trying out something new is worth the risk.

  • @ragnarlothbrok936
    @ragnarlothbrok936 Місяць тому +6

    You can already see the scratches on the Baltic at 13:13.. if only they went with a sapphire crystal instead of hesalite.

  • @V59971
    @V59971 Місяць тому +1

    Vostok missing 😢

  • @nietzschegustav1397
    @nietzschegustav1397 Місяць тому +1

    A Seiko turtle 🐢 is missing in this imo

  • @robbied4766
    @robbied4766 Місяць тому

    You can get the M79 at Costco for 149 dollars right now.

  • @ikvangalen6101
    @ikvangalen6101 Місяць тому

    Don’t need a watch, I know what time it is!

  • @WatchmakerErik
    @WatchmakerErik Місяць тому

    Concerning the Laco, name a more iconic German and Japanese collaboration, ill wait...
    Oh yeah 😳

  • @chuckt808
    @chuckt808 26 днів тому

    The three row bracelet on the Tsuyosa is called a presidential bracelet, not a jubilee. A jubilee is five row.

  • @racamon
    @racamon Місяць тому

    No one seems to get the correct pronunciation of Tsuyosa. Weird, it is not that hard. Besides that, 5 out of 8 watches have Citizen movement, which says a lot. Seiko is falling behind.

  • @jonasclarebout
    @jonasclarebout Місяць тому

    Did i hear it correctly or not?
    Automatic is cheaper than hand wound mechanical movements? In what world ?

  • @darrylw9171
    @darrylw9171 Місяць тому

    I would get a Shinola, that’s a great watch

    • @Mr1121628
      @Mr1121628 Місяць тому +1

      Eh Shinola is kind of a crap company. They got in trouble for claiming their watches were USA made which they definitely weren’t, and they’re effectively a fashion brand. Don’t buy watches from a fashion brand.

    • @darrylw9171
      @darrylw9171 Місяць тому

      @@Mr1121628 I’ve been to the shop, are u sure ur not thinking of a different company?

  • @pureenlightmen
    @pureenlightmen Місяць тому

    Problem if we are wearing cheap watches, most of sales staff ( cars, property , boats ) don't respect you.

  • @Rhamirezz85
    @Rhamirezz85 8 днів тому

    I don't know, all these watches are very unique, maybe except Citizen, I don't like them, at all. Oh, after some thought, they are love or hate type of list ( at least for me).

  • @scottsalom3891
    @scottsalom3891 Місяць тому

    The seiko 5 is attractive but un buyable. With no sapphire crystal, it is way overpriced.

  • @juanprada3296
    @juanprada3296 17 днів тому

    Under 300$ you can buy a SAN MARTIN

  • @WatchmakerErik
    @WatchmakerErik Місяць тому

    "automatics are the bridge between manually wound watches and quartz watches"...
    Ummm...what? 🤔🤨 Not even close.

    • @lookatwrist
      @lookatwrist Місяць тому

      I've never looked at it that way. I can't say I've heard anyone else say that either.

    • @Mr1121628
      @Mr1121628 Місяць тому

      Yeah this video is a complete joke to any watch people.

  • @Bozejder
    @Bozejder Місяць тому

    When there are amazing value watches from Chinese scene, this list seems boring

    • @Mr1121628
      @Mr1121628 Місяць тому

      Yep made by a fashion channel not a watch enthusiast.

  • @Mr1121628
    @Mr1121628 Місяць тому +2

    This video is chocked full of mistakes. Things actual watch reviewers would KNOW to criticize or clarify. So many instances of lack of good information or recommendation. Also, HiConsumption is a terrible name for a channel lol. Overconsumption is a bad thing. Besides, if you really do “consume” a lot of watches, then why all the easy mistakes and screw ups? This is clearly a surface level video for those who know nothing about watches.

  • @waqarhaider2226
    @waqarhaider2226 Місяць тому

    Get one from a credible Chinese brand under $300 instead.

    • @Mr1121628
      @Mr1121628 Місяць тому +1

      Like San Martin. It blows 80% of these watches out of the water for half the price. But no mention because these are fashion people, not watch people.

    • @neutronalchemist3241
      @neutronalchemist3241 Місяць тому

      @@Mr1121628 Half the price as long as they make copycats.
      Their "originals" are still good value, but no more half the price, even if they are off-the-shelf pieces with an original dial.
      Using original case, hands and dial, and with 300m WR, like for the Unimatic here. How much you think you'll spare with San Martin? Fifty bucks?