The Best Automatic Watches Under $200 to Start Your Collection

Looking for an affordable automatic watch that's built well enough that it won't break, and affordable enough so it won't break the bank? In this video, we cover some of the best entry-level automatic watches you can buy, for around or under $200.
WATCHES MENTIONED
Seiko 5 SNK803: amzn.to/3sdtDSK
Seiko 5 SNK809: amzn.to/35mgKNa
Orient Bambino: amzn.to/3vhhxtM
Orient Ray II: amzn.to/3paeVKm
Orient Mako II: amzn.to/3HsBpwJ
Orient Kamasu: amzn.to/3Hmss88
Seiko 5 Sports SRPE61: amzn.to/3IwgcDr
Seiko 5 SNK063: amzn.to/3HeUUIM
Seiko SKX009: amzn.to/3InLA72
Seiko 5 Sports SRPG35: amzn.to/3LTORgh
Seiko 5 Sports SRPD95: amzn.to/3v7m5TA
Invicta 1953: amzn.to/35mhHVK
Invicta Pro Diver Automatic: amzn.to/3IiC2dc
Vostok Komandirskie GMT: amzn.to/3t4sUmg
Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic 38mm: amzn.to/3t05YV3
Tissot Visodate: amzn.to/3sh91t3
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro - Best Affordable Automatic Watches
2:13 Seiko 5 (SNK803, SNK063, SNK809)
3:40 Seiko 5 Flaws
4:32 Wrist Check - Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic
5:08 Seiko 5 Sports
5:52 Seiko 5 Sports Upgrades
7:55 Seiko SKX009
9:47 Orient
10:05 Orient Bambino 2nd Gen Version 2
11:07: Orient Kamasu
12:10 Vostok
12:22 Vostok Komandirskie GMT
13:32 Invicta
13:51 Invicta 1953 Automatic Diver
14:41 Other Brands (Timex, Citizen, Hamilton, Tissot)
15:50 Conclusion
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[@rangersmith4652]

If I were recommending an automatic watch to someone who has never worn one before and just wants to "audition" the concept, it would probably be something from Orient. I wish watch "influencers" would stop calling watches at the low end of the price scale "entry-level." Watches in this price range are "end-game" for many people. Calling them entry-level assumes they are just a bridge to something "better" or the beginning of something that will inevitably have to grow, and it comes across as condescending.

[@ChronometerCheck]

I see where you're coming from, and I can't speak for everyone, but when I use the term entry-level it is simply because the watches I'm referencing are some of the most affordable you can get that fit this criteria (automatics in this case).

[@YahLovesYou86]

I’m about to go from Casio to Orient.

[@pwally2714]

Roger, I don't see any errors in your punctuation nor spelling. Three years ago I wore a $100 Cadisen watch, and a $160 dollar Invicta. Today I have a $20k Vacheron Constantin, $17k Rolex DJ 41 MOP / diamond dial, a $3900 Tudor Black Bay Steel, $1500 Tudor 1926, a $2000 Zenith, and a few $500 pieces. Upgrade your craft. Learn phone sales techniques and change your life. I don't see why you wouldn't make $150k per year in the sales industry. What's holding you back? Not condescending to me. I used my love for a Vacheron, Tudor and Rolex as motivation. Get it done 👍 👏

[@chicagotypewriter2094]

I think most of us would have a nice life rather than blow all our money on one watch so expensive that I’d die if I damaged it a bit

[@rangersmith4652]

@@chicagotypewriter2094 Definitely. I would never be able to truly enjoy wearing a watch that cost thousands of dollars; I'd be concerned every minute about damaging it or being robbed. My most expensive watch cost barely over $300, and that I can enjoy wearing and not worrying about. Plus, there are many other things on which I'd rather spend my money.

[@WristWatching]

Great video and amazing collection of watches! I've had half of these pieces in my collection and loved every single one of them. The Orient Kamasu felt like the best overall package, but I had a more emotional connection with the classic Seiko 5s. The SKX007 is the only one from this lineup that I still own - there's just something special about it.

[@ChronometerCheck]

Thanks very much! I'm pretty much in the same boat as you - I do believe the Kamasu is one of the most complete packages here and feels the least like an entry-level piece. With that said, like you, I love my Seikos - they helped kick off my addition.

[@WristWatching]

@@ChronometerCheck Seikoholics unite!

[@jazzman5598]

@@WristWatching lol! 🤪😂😆🤣😝

[@ChronometerCheck]

Thanks for watching! What's the best entry-level automatic (Under ~$200 in your opinion?)

[@boombya123]

My first watch was a Vostok then I followed that up with an Orient Kamasu then a Bambino all 3 are great watches in their own ways almost a year in the hobby now and I see many more watches in my future haha great video you've gained a sub

[@ChronometerCheck]

Thanks very much! Sounds like you have quite a well-rounded collection, would love to see a pic of it.

[@richardsmegma5081]

Great vid!

[@ChronometerCheck]

Thank you very much, Richard.

[@user-wr9fv7zm9n]

Good review, good set!

[@ChronometerCheck]

Thank you very much!

[@LamarFaciane]

I was looking forward to a full review of the Arabic dial Seiko 5

[@cosmodoc]

funny, almost all the watches you review on your channel are watches that I find interesting! Subscribed!

[@ChronometerCheck]

Glad to hear it, looks like we have similar taste

[@Visitor555]

Very good video bro, we have similar taste, most of the watches you show i had/have them, great value watches. In my opinion kamasu is still "big brand original design king" for the money. But in general if we dont mind specs my favourite watch is my Skx007 and i hope i can snag skx009 for fair price and condition in near future :)

[@ChronometerCheck]

Thank you very much, you have great taste. ;) I do agree the Kamasu is one of the best, original value propositions these days. And one of my personal favorites - that red dial is unlike anything else. Good luck on the 009 hunt! Check out watchrecon.com as it searches all the popular watch sale forums (like reddit watch exchange and watchuseek, and can notify you when one pops up for sale). Good luck!

[@pointshit]

Thank you for watching too :)

[@CravenD15]

Yeah, not so much into collecting, but this is useful for helping to buy one that is for say a job where we can't have battery powered watches.

[@koehrsen]

Cool! How would you compare that Seiko field watch to the Hamilton on your wrist? They look so similar that it makes me question the Hamilton price point! Haha

[@ChronometerCheck]

Lol. They are a bit different since the Hammy Khaki I own is the polished/brushed model, compared to the Seiko's sandblasted case, so it is a bit of an apple to orange comparison. With that said, they are both fantastic. If you don't care about Hamilton's heritage as a military-issued field watch, or the movement it houses, get the Seiko. Looks-wise, they are both such great looking pieces.

[@blackswan7568]

People really shouldn't knock Invicta in my opinion. I've got the Pro Diver (8926OB), and I absolutely love it. Yeah, it's basically a Submariner clone, but in reality, who can afford to spend $8,000 and up on a Rolex? The Invicta gives you the same look for a MUCH lower price, and that's a big win for me😁

[@ChronometerCheck]

Still one of the best watches under $100 imo

[@Louiscare]

That orient bambino's dial annoys me, lol. Having Roman numerals but writing four as "IIII" instead of "IV" might bring some symmetry to the watch but is also something of an eyesore I couldn't live with

[@nwerdscissorhands7475]

I want the Seiko srpe61k so bad but they're $300-$400 CAD now 😢

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

left side is nice. but after the last seiko, there was better choices...

[@Youtube_name5651]

3:54 lmao

[@alaingarcia4756]

When buying your first entry watch should you buy from an AD or grey market the orient watch prices vary .

[@ChronometerCheck]

As long as you buy from a reputable seller/grey market dealer with a good return policy, it's perfectly fine.

[@_guillermo]

Orient Tristar!

[@ChronometerCheck]

Good shoutout! I actually only recently got my hands on one, but haven't had the chance to put it through the ringer. I do agree, it seems like a great value, very competitive with the earlier Seiko 5s.

[@JB-wc9fz]

I own 4 of these plus 20 more. I have a problem.

[@pogmothoin602]

Just call the video 16 minutes of Seiko 5, the meh watch of all watches. They are good enough, but i guess as is a Casio. I wouldn't touch an ORIENT ÑĴwatch. Years of brainwashing from the government has led to a culture in which cutting corners and cheating is not just tolerated, but expected. Craftsmanship, quality of materials used, down to the quality of the tools used to make these watches are inferior to Japan and Switzerland and Germany, even USA and Russia for that matter. Hamilton is mentioned in passing and it should be at or near the top! Then Vostok or Seiko. And cry me a river with the whole "screw Russia, evil evil, poor Ukraine." It's war. It's tragic. So what.... I find it hard to have pity for a country whose last antic was to use an Only Fans "adult starlet" or as my GramGram, rip, would've said, a "Jezebel" to parade all over American TV, maybe Euro too, Idk, standing in front of a dilapidated church in Detroit while saying "This is my church" and then "This is my school" etc. Etc. to beg for money and pursuade the general public to turn a blind eye as a feeble minded president stabs the backs of his own people by taking food off of their plate to put it on a foreigners. BILLIONS WORTH. My aunt and my step son's fathers brother were both diagnosed with cancer and DENIED DISABILITY SSDI benefits. That wasn't going on 3 years ago! 3 years ago lazy trailer trash were getting benefits for ADHD and anxiety! Now the government wont help cancer patients with only a 50 percent chance of survival. Sickening. So don't lecture me on patriotic duty to NOT buy a Russian watch, i would buy 50 before ever buying an Orient. And patriotic duty is something our family has a long tradition of having a good dam clue about. I recommend one read the Medal of Honor Citation to my Uncle T. Sgt. Henry Schauer before thinking otherwise.

[@jimwatchyyc]

No one should buy a Vostok or any other Russian watch because Ukraine!

[@MsSethone]

then dont buy petrol because Saudi Arabia bombs and kill people in Yemen everyday

[@miguelzegarrarivera9139]

Actually Ukraine government is killing his own people due to the decision and ultra nationalism in their believings.Russia is doing the rigth criteria

[@AvidUTuber]

I love Vostoks! Greetings from 🇺🇸

[@Callatis]

Jewkraine is the most corrupt country in the world and the child trafficking capital of the world!

[@dejuanmcguire9348]

I was seriously considering a Vostok. Then the war in Ukraine started and I could not go through with a purchase. Not meant as a protest or a political statement. I just did not feel right buying a Vostok under the circumstances.