Edit · October 2026 · 4 watches

The Automatic Edit

If you want a new mechanical watch for under £450, our three picks are the Orient Mako 40 for a compact sapphire diver, the Seiko 5 Sports Field HDB009 for a field watch with a compass bezel, and the Seiko 5 Sports Field GMT SSK059 if you travel and want a second time zone.

Orient Mako 40 with a slate-blue gradation dial, stainless steel case, unidirectional steel bezel and stainless steel bracelet Seiko 5 Sports Field HDB009K1 with a brown sunburst dial, brown compass bezel, stainless steel case and brown nylon strap Seiko 5 Sports Field GMT SSK059 with a white dial, orange GMT hand, steel 24-hour bezel, stainless steel case and stainless steel bracelet

Three new automatics from Japanese brands, all between £350 and £410 at RRP. All three wind themselves as you wear them, so there is no battery to replace. Each pick links to a first look with its sources.

  1. Orient Mako 40 with a slate-blue gradation dial, stainless steel case, unidirectional steel bezel and stainless steel bracelet

    Orient · Mako 40 RA-AC0Q14L

    The compact 39.9 mm version of the Mako, now with sapphire, 200 m water resistance and the better hands that reviewers asked for on the previous model.

    Dive

    We may earn a commission if you buy through this link. It never changes what we pick or say.

    Buy on Amazon Read first look
  2. Seiko 5 Sports Field HDB009K1 with a brown sunburst dial, brown compass bezel, stainless steel case and brown nylon strap

    Seiko · 5 Sports Field HDB009K1

    A 41 mm automatic field watch with a compass bezel, at a £350 RRP, for anyone who wants a tool watch that is not a diver.

    Field

    Buy on Amazon Read first look
  3. Seiko 5 Sports Field GMT SSK059 with a white dial, orange GMT hand, steel 24-hour bezel, stainless steel case and stainless steel bracelet

    Seiko · 5 Sports Field GMT SSK059

    A true travelling GMT in a 39.4 mm case, so it suits smaller wrists, with a polar-style dial and an automatic movement at £410 RRP.

    GMT

    Buy on Amazon Read first look

1 more worth a look

Questions people ask

Do automatic watches need a battery?

No. An automatic movement winds itself from the motion of your wrist. If you take it off for a couple of days it will stop and need setting again.

Which of these has a sapphire crystal?

The Orient Mako 40. Both Seikos use Seiko's own Hardlex mineral crystal.

No paid picks. Ever.

Brands cannot buy a spot.

Sources on every page

Every claim, cited and dated.

We earn a cut, not a say

Affiliate links, clearly marked.

Specs, not vibes

From brand sources, checked twice.