Our selection of truly relevant, new, straightforward models
When we talk about an automatic watch for less than €1,000, we cover a fairly wide range of offers: between simple, reliable models and more advanced watches offered by established brands.
This guide is not intended to say that you absolutely must aim for the high range — rather it shows what becomes possible when we give ourselves this marginwhile remaining free to spend less.
Before moving on to our selection, let’s see what this budget actually allows in terms of quality, movement, design and everyday use.
What a budget of up to €1,000 allows
Setting a ceiling at €1,000 makes it possible to cover a large part of the supply of serious automatic watches, without entering into unreasonable budgets.
In this range, we find simple but reliable models, as well as more advanced watches, offered by established watch brands. This opens access to proven movements, better manufacturing quality and watches designed to be worn for a long time.
The idea is not to say that you have to spend €1,000 to choose well, but to show what becomes possible when we give ourselves this maximum marginwhile remaining free to spend less.
The table below allows you to quickly compare new automatic watches, all priced at less than €1,000, before going into the details of each model.
Comparison table: our selection of new automatic watches for less than €1,000
| Model | Style | Diameter | Indicative budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 | Versatile | 40mm | €700–1,000 |
| Seiko Presage | Dressed | 40mm | €450–900 |
| Hamilton Khaki Field Auto | Field | 38mm | €600–900 |
| Automatic Citizen | Sport | 37–43mm | €300–900 |
| Seiko Prospex | Diving | 39–44mm | €600–1,000 |
| Mido Ocean Star | Diving | 36–44mm | €800–1,000 |
| Certina DS Action Diver | Diving | 38–43mm | €700–1,000 |
| Baltic Aquascape | Neo-vintage diving | 39mm | €600–900 |
| Yema Superman | Diving | 39mm | €700–1,000 |
Prices vary depending on the versions and bracelets, but the idea is simple: stay in a realistic purchase, new, under €1,000.
Our detailed selection: 9 really relevant new automatics
1) Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80
If you are looking for a “unique”, versatile automatic watch that can be used in the office or on weekends, this is a very serious candidate. She doesn’t need to do too much: she gets the job done, and she does it well.
Why this is a relevant piece:
- maximum versatility;
- long-lasting look (you won’t get tired of it in three months);
- very good value for money in a mainstream Swiss brand.
Who it is suitable for:
- if you want just one automatic watch;
- if you like sober and effective styles.
What it is not:
- a “statement” or extravagant watch;
- a purchase for those who absolutely want a very distinctive design.
2) Seiko Presage
The Presage range has a real talent: offering, at a low budget, watches with a strong aesthetic identity. Some versions are more formal, others more versatile, but the idea remains the same: character, often with very beautiful dials.
Why this is a relevant piece:
- very recognizable style;
- excellent terrain to “have fun” while remaining consistent;
- good entry point into the Seiko universe.
Who it is suitable for:
- if you want a dressier watch, or a dial with relief;
- if you like pieces with personality.
What it is not:
- the most “toolwatch” watch on the market;
- the best option if you are looking for a unique, ultra-all-purpose watch.
3) Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic
It is a modern icon of the field watch. Readable, useful, coherent, with real historical legitimacy. It’s typically the kind of watch that gives confidence to a beginner: you know why you’re buying it.
Why this is a relevant piece:
- readability, simplicity, efficiency;
- timeless field look;
- very good “everyday” choice.
Who it is suitable for:
- if you like tool watches;
- if you often wear casual outfits.
What it is not:
- a dress watch;
- a watch made to shine in the evening.
4) Citizen automatic (sport / ProMaster depending on references)
Citizen is sometimes underestimated, even though the brand knows how to make solid watches, designed to be worn, not to stay in a box. The idea here: a “no-brainer”, robust, use-oriented automatic.
Why this is a relevant piece:
- strength/price ratio often excellent;
- watch made for reality;
- good choice if you want a consistent sports car.
Who it is suitable for:
- if you want a watch to wear without thinking about it;
- if you have an active lifestyle.
What it is not:
- a “dress watch”;
- a purchase for those who want very minimalist.
5) Seiko Prospex (diver)
If you want an “obvious” diver, with a recognized lineage and real credibility, Seiko is a natural choice. The Prospex family contains several references, but the idea remains the same: a robust, legitimate watch, designed to be worn.
Why this is a relevant piece:
- Diver DNA recognized;
- many variations according to your tastes;
- good balance between passion and use.
Who it is suitable for:
- if you want an iconic diver;
- if you want a versatile sports watch.
What it is not:
- a discreet watch;
- a dress watch.
6) Mido Ocean Star
Mido is often the right, rational plan: a coherent, serious Swiss diver, with an excellent balance between technique, comfort and price. This is typically the “smart” choice under €1,000.
Why this is a relevant piece:
- Swiss “value” diver;
- good overall coherence;
- very good choice if you want seriousness without paying for the image.
Who it is suitable for:
- if you want a sturdy Swiss diver;
- if you value consistency.
What it is not:
- a fashion watch;
- a diver with an extravagant design.
7) Certina DS Action Diver
Certina is a brand that speaks to people who like solid watches. The DS Action Diver, depending on versions and configurations, remains an excellent candidate for a durable and credible diver under €1,000.
Why this is a relevant piece:
- solid, technical, made to last;
- good reputation for use;
- very good choice “tool”.
Who it is suitable for:
- if you want a solid diver for everyday use;
- if you want a watch that you won’t be afraid of damaging.
What it is not:
- an ultra-thin watch;
- a watch for those who want something very dressy.
8) Baltic Aquascape
Baltic is a French micro-brand that has achieved a rare thing: making desirable, coherent, well-designed watches, with a real community. The Aquascaphe has become a “reference” model in its neo-vintage category.
Why this is a relevant piece:
- mastered neo-vintage design;
- strong identity;
- excellent “pleasure” option under €1,000.
Who it is suitable for:
- if you like neo-vintage style;
- if you want to avoid brands that are too obvious, without taking an absurd risk.
What it is not:
- a “big brute” diver;
- a purchase for those who absolutely want a highly distributed brand.
9) Yema Superman
Superman is a diver with a real French identity and history. Depending on the version, you can stay under €1,000 for a new one. It’s an interesting model if you want a diver that doesn’t look like everyone else, while still remaining horologically consistent.
Why this is a relevant piece:
- Strong DNA;
- shows character;
- credible alternative to the more expected choices.
Who it is suitable for:
- if you want an identity diver;
- if you like brands with a story.
What it is not:
- a totally neutral watch;
- a purchase “to please everyone”.
If you’re not sure, just ask yourself these questions:
- Want one watch to do it all?
→ look first at the versatile ones (Tissot Gentleman, some Seiko Presage). - Do you want an everyday “tool” watch that is easy and readable?
→ Hamilton Khaki Field Auto. - Do you want an iconic and credible diver?
→ Seiko Prospex, Mido Ocean Star, Certina DS Action Diver, Baltic Aquascaphe, Yema Superman.
And above all: choose a wearable size, a style that you really like, and a watch that you will want to wear often.
What is best to avoid under €1,000
- Buy only “for prestige”: at this budget, consistency is key.
- Buying a watch that is too big: this is the most common regret.
- Confusing watchmaking and marketing: a fashion brand can make a nice watch, but if your goal is to discover watchmaking, it’s better to go to a specialized house.
For less than €1,000, you can buy a real automatic watch, consistent, durable, and pleasant to wear, without snobbery and without “paying for a fuss” that does not serve you.
If you are completely new to this, also start with these two readings:
