The 10 Finest Automatic Watches Released in 2016

Of all the types of watches in existence, one of the most convenient is the automatic watch. It’s precise, yet you don’t have to wind it up if you wear it each day — the natural motion of your wrist is enough to enable an automatic watch to perfectly keep time. Energy in automatic watches is typically stored with a spinning rotor, although some high tech models store energy by different means.

The first model of this type came on the scene in the early 1920s and was made by John Harwood. Legendary watchmaker Rolex improved upon Harwood’s design in the 1930s and released their own line of automatic watches, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual — this collection is still well loved and in production today. Over time, other tweaks and improvements to the automatic watch have come about and it’s now more popular than ever. Not only are automatic watches a pleasure to wear, they’re quite versatile fashion wise.

Here are ten of the finest automatic watches released in 2016.

Tudor Pelagos – $4,400

The cool blue and brushed steel color combo of this watch is awesome in itself, but the real beauty is in how well it performs. This second generation model of Tudor’s Pelagos is one of the best automatic watches on the market in terms of looks and function. Plus, it has an excellent reputation that still holds up to this day. The in-house movement of this watch is built for precision, and the entire timepiece itself is as sturdy as they come. It’s also water resistant up to 500 meters, which makes it a very stylish and dependable divers watch.

Tag Heuer Monza – $5,200

This model is a remake of a classic Tag Heuer watch from the 1970s of the same name, and it’s a beautiful reissue. Not only does its look perfectly pay homage to the original, its function is top notch. The Monza has a grade 5 titanium case that’s coated with titanium carbide for ultimate durability — it’s a workhorse that’s built to perform. This iteration of the watch has a larger diameter, 42 mm as opposed to the original’s 39 mm, and its racing style strap makes it a bit more masculine.

Rolex Datejust – $12,330

This is one of the most prestigious automatic watches to debut in 2016, and not only because it bears the Rolex name. The style of the model is classic, sophisticated luxury at its finest, and it’s an excellent dress watch. The movement in the revamped 41 mm Datejust has a maximum power reserve of up to 70 hours and it contains 14 new components. As far as appearance goes, the Rolex Datejust is a sure winner and you truly can’t go wrong no matter how you wear it.

Seiko Prospex (SRP775) – $495

This Seiko watch sports a classic design that’s based on one of the brand’s most well known models, a vintage diver called the Seiko 6309. Its aesthetic is clean, simple, and versatile enough to be worn with a wide range of attire, and the watch performs well. This is one watch that you’ll be able to depend on for years to come and it’s highly durable.

Drive de Cartier – $6,250

Cartier’s Drive de Cartier is an automatic watch with a case shape that’s refreshingly different. Also known as the Cartier Drive, this watch has an in-house movement, 40 mm case that’s slim rather than bulky, and a very classic guilloche dial that features Roman numerals. The case is available in rose gold or steel, and each version looks incredible.

Bremont Jaguar MKI – $11,395

Though Bremont’s watches are usually associated with the aviation industry, the British watchmaker has always been fond of showing off its roots, which is why Bremont teamed up with Jaguar to release this automatic wristwatch. It’s a car and watch aficionado’s dream and commemorates Jaguar’s creation of six new E-type coupes. The dial on the MKI watch is designed to mimic the style of the tachometer gauge on the E-type car. This 43 mm watch is a bit sporty, definitely distinguished, and a much anticipated release.

Ball Engineer II Green Berets – $2,199

This Ball watch will turn heads with its tritium luminescence, which takes glow in the dark to a whole new level. In the daytime, the Engineer II Green Beret is a very attractive automatic watch that sports a Nubuck leather strap and a modern aesthetic, not to mention a well crafted movement.

Seiko Presage Automatic Chronograph (60th Anniversary Edition) – $2,300

This is another one of Seiko’s automatic watches that’s distinctive and highly sought after. Seiko made the world’s first automatic chronograph watch in 1969, and the limited edition Presage is a tribute to the brand’s history. Few other watches at this price point provide the same high level of quality and impeccable hand finished touches. Its gold rotor can be seen through the case back, and inside is a multi-hand power reserve and Seiko’s first caliber to have a center power reserve indicator.

MeisterSinger Perigraph –  $2,375

One of the latest automatic watches to come from MeisterSinger is the Perigraph, which features the brand’s trademark single hand style. This is the watch to choose if you want something a bit different and unconventional, but you still prefer classic styling and a quality movement with superb reliability. The watch is available in different color combinations, and each has a see-through case back.

Omega Seamaster 300 Titanium – $9,000

Omega is well known for engineering excellent quality automatic watches that stand the test of time, and the Seamaster 300 Titanium is no exception. It’s a reissue of the brand’s iconic Seamaster 300, which was made even more famous by the James Bond film franchise. This model is a limited edition production that will be limited to 7,007 units.