Automatic watches have one thing in common: you don’t have to wind them up every day. As soon as they are worn, they continue to run automatically – as the name suggests. This makes them particularly suitable as luxury watches for everyday wear. Otherwise, there is a rich spectrum of automatic watches that differ greatly in their features and design. We present the most beautiful models of this year here.

Automatically good: these watches bring luxury to everyday life

The first automatic watches already existed in the late 18th century in the form of pocket watches. In the meantime, however, there are so many different models on the market that it is difficult to make the right choice. We hope to make the choice a little easier with this list. 

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 watch encapsulates all the qualities of a Rolex: a unique minimalist aesthetic that exudes reliability and functionality.

Like an oyster protects its pearl, the waterproof Oyster case of this Rolex protects the reliable Swiss movement. The automatic Rolex is available in various diameters (28-41 mm), making it suitable for every wrist.

You really get the quintessence of a Rolex for your money – including the characteristic design that brings that 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 models from Zenith. Originally, the now legendary movement was presented in 1969 as one of the first with automatic winding – hence “El primero”.

Since its premiere, the chronograph calibre has impressed with its 36,000 vibrations per hour. It can thus measure time intervals down to a tenth of a second.

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

With this collection, one is free to decide how traditional the design may be. But you get excellent value for money with any El Primero model.

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

As the name suggests, this automatic watch is the perfect model for all water lovers. The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is not only convincing because it is water-resistant up to 150 metres, but also because of its sporty, elegant and at the same time modern design. The innovative high-tech calibre is the icing on the cake.

Innovative here means that the Aqua Terra models with a minimum diameter of 38 millimetres are equipped with the Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre. These calibres are certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology. For watch lovers, this means in plain language that you can only get such advanced movements for this price in the rarest of cases. 

4. Breitling Chronomat – where heritage style meets modern manufacture calibre

The Breitling Chronomat is another classic on our list. Since the start of production in 1941, this Breitling automatic watch has gone through several designs.

The latest relaunch of the model revisits the iconic design style of the 1980s and thus makes not only the hearts of die-hard connoisseurs beat faster.

The excellent value for money comes from the timeless style – a tribute to the prestigious history of the manufacture – and the unwavering functionality of the movement.

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

As early as 1930, when the IWC Portugieser was presented for the first time, the goal was clear: with the Portugieser, IWC wanted to bring a marine chronometer to the market that offered not only a distinctly aesthetic design but also the highest precision in timekeeping.

With the Portugieser, the Schaffhausen manufacture has succeeded in combining unobtrusive sportiness in design with one of the most precise movements on the market. Whether as an elegant sports watch or an aesthetic dress watch – with this model, the wrist becomes a fashion statement.