The 5 best automatic watches 2022

Automatic watches have one thing in common: They don't need to be wound daily. As soon as they're worn, they—as the name suggests—continue to run automatically. This makes them particularly suitable as luxury watches for everyday wear. Otherwise, there's a wide range of automatic watches available, each with a distinctly different feature set and design. We present this year's most beautiful models here.

Automatically good: These watches bring luxury into everyday life

The first automatic watches appeared in the late 18th century as pocket watches. However, there are now so many different models on the market that it's difficult to make the right choice. We hope this list makes the selection a little easier.

1. Rolex Oyster Perpetual – the timeless classic

Virtually the epitome of automatic watches – and the perfect luxury watch for everyday wear. With its elegant yet unpretentious appearance, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual encapsulates all the hallmarks of a Rolex: a unique minimalist aesthetic that exudes reliability and functionality.

Just as an oyster protects its pearl, the waterproof Oyster case of this Rolex protects the reliable Swiss movement. This automatic Rolex is available in various diameters (28-41 mm) to fit every wrist.

Here you really get the quintessence of a Rolex for your money – including the characteristic design that brings an extra dose of luxury to everyday life.

2. Zenith El Primero – Prime Time for Automatic Watch Lovers

Another classic among mechanical watches are certainly the Zenith models. The now legendary movement was originally introduced in 1969 as one of the first with automatic winding – hence the name "El primero."

Since its debut, the chronograph caliber has impressed with its 36,000 vibrations per hour, allowing it to measure time intervals with an accuracy of up to a tenth of a second.

After an extensive revision of the El Primero collection over the last two years, Zenith offers a classic with a unique design and state-of-the-art functionality with this model line.

With this collection, you can choose how traditional the design should be. However, you get excellent value for money with every El Primero model.

3. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra – The sea conqueror of a very special caliber

As the name suggests, this automatic watch is the perfect model for all water lovers. The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra impresses not only with its water resistance up to 150 meters, but also with its sporty, elegant, and modern design. The innovative, high-tech caliber is the icing on the cake.

"Innovative" here means that the Aqua Terra models, with a minimum diameter of 38 millimeters, are equipped with the Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber. These calibers are certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology. For watch enthusiasts, this means that such advanced movements are rarely available for this price.

4. Breitling Chronomat – where heritage style meets modern in-house caliber

The Breitling Chronomat is another classic watch to join our list. Since production began in 1941, this Breitling automatic watch has undergone several designs.

The latest relaunch of the model revisits the iconic design style of the 80s and makes the hearts of more than just die-hard connoisseurs beat faster.

The excellent price-performance ratio results from the timeless style – a tribute to the prestigious history of the manufacture – as well as the unwavering functionality of the movement.

5. IWC Portugieser – a cult watch with the highest precision

As early as 1930, when the IWC Portugieser was first presented, the goal was clear: IWC wanted to bring a marine chronometer onto the market with the Portugieser that, in addition to a particularly aesthetic design, also offered the highest precision in timekeeping.

With the Portugieser, the Schaffhausen-based manufacturer has succeeded in combining understated sportiness in design with one of the most precise movements on the market. Whether as an elegant sports watch or an aesthetic dress watch, this model transforms your wrist into a fashion statement.