The automatic watches market is experiencing a revival of major interest, in particular thanks to a new generation of amateurs seduced by marriage between watchmaking tradition and technical innovation.

Our selection focuses on models between 500 and 2000 €, a particularly dynamic segment where historical manufactures and contemporary brands rub shoulders. The selection criteria have favored the quality of the movement, the general finish, the value for money and the versatility of use.

These seven models represent the best of what the market can offer for demanding users seeking a reliable and elegant watch for daily use.

1. Tissot the PowerMatic 80

→ Ideal for: the classic professional looking for a first automatic quality watch

In short

• Price: 750 €
• Target audience: lover of classic watches looking for the Swiss watchmaking tradition
• Global note: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

User experience

The first contact with the Locle impresses with its refined guilloche and its perfectly proportioned 39.3mm box. The installation of the leather bracelet with butterfly loop is intuitive. On a daily basis, the PowerMatic 80 movement demonstrates remarkable precision and a generous 80-hour power reserve which alternates watches on weekends without worrying about reassembly.

Filter -free verdict

• ✓ Reliable and precise PowerMatic 80 movement
• ✓ High quality finishes for the price
• ✓ timeless and versatile design
• ✗ A little rigid original bracelet
• ✗ Average readability in night conditions

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2. Hamilton Jazzmaster Day Date Date

→ Ideal for: the lover of contemporary design looking for a versatile watch

In short

• Price: 895 €
• Target audience: contemporary design lover appreciating useful complications
• Global note: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

User experience

The 40mm box offers a balanced presence on the wrist. The H-40 movement impresses by its 80-hour power reserve and its reliability. The Date Date is practical on a daily basis, while the transparent background allows you to admire the movement. The sapphire glass anti -reflecting significantly improves readability.

Filter -free verdict

• ✓ Excellent movement H-40
• ✓ Modern and elegant design
• ✓ Practical day function
• ✗ Perfectible finishes on the bracelet
• ✗ slightly high price for the category

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3. Tissot Gentleman PowerMatic 80 Silicon

→ Ideal for: the enlightened amateur seeking a modern and technical watch

In short

• Price: 895 €
• Target audience: lover of sports-chic watches seeking technical modernity
• Global note: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

User experience

The diameter of 40mm and the thickness of 11.5mm offer excellent comfort. The silicon spiral brings real added value in terms of magnetic resistance and precision. The tightness of 100m allows daily use on a daily basis. The steel bracelet is particularly well finished and comfortable.

Filter -free verdict

• ✓ Innovative silicon technology
• ✓ Excellent value for money
• ✓ Exceptional versatility
• ✗ Design maybe too wise for some
• ✗ LAK Date absent

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4. Seiko Presage Cocktail Time

→ Ideal for: The design lover looking for a distinctive watch

In short

• Price: 650 €
• Target audience: lover of Japanese design and worked dials
• Global note: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

User experience

The blue sunshine effect dial immediately captivates. The 40.5mm box remains elegant despite its presence. The 4R35 movement ensures proven reliability, even if its 41 -hour power reserve remains modest. Hardlex glass, although resistant, is less premium than the sapphire of competitors.

Filter -free verdict

• ✓ Exceptionally worked dial
• ✓ Excellent value for money
• ✓ Unique design
• ✗ Limited Highlight Reserve
• ✗ hardxe glass less resistant than sapphire

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5. Mido Baroncelli II

→ Ideal for: The purist looking for a high -precision dressed watch

In short

• Price: 890 €
• Target audience: lover of ultra-classical and fine watches
• Global note: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

User experience

The 38mm box favors elegance and discretion. The chronometer movement with Spiral silicon impresses with its precision and its 80 -hour power reserve. The sleek design and the immaculate dial make it an excellent dressed watch.

Filter -free verdict

• ✓ Chronometric movement
• ✓ Successful ultra-classic design
• ✓ finesse of the case
• ✗ Size may be too modest for some
• ✗ Little versatile style

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6. Frederic Constant Classics

→ Ideal for: the beginner looking for a reliable classic watch

In short

• Price: 695 €
• Target audience: lover of classic watches at affordable prices
• Global note: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)

User experience

The 40mm box offers a nice presence. The quartz movement, although less noble than an automatic, ensures flawless precision. The finishes are correct without being exceptional. Sapphire glass and 5 ATM waterproofing ensure good sustainability.

Filter -free verdict

• ✓ Excellent value for money
• ✓ Classic design well executed
• ✓ Reliability of the quartz movement
• ✗ No automatic movement
• ✗ Average finishes

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Conclusion

The Gentleman PowerMatic 80 silicon Tissot stands out as our absolute favorite, combining technical innovation, versatility and excellent value for money.

For tighter budgets, the Seiko Presage offers a unique design and proven quality. The purists will appreciate the Mido Baroncelli II for its chronometric precision, while the Tissot Le Locle will satisfy lovers of classic design.

For each user profile, this selection offers a relevant option, with excellent global value for money on this market segment.