Automatic and mechanical watches are two types of watches that don’t need batteries to function. There are also Kinetic and Eco-Drive watches. They use a solar-powered battery, so claiming that they operate completely without a battery is misleading. However, because these battery-less watches have batteries that can be recharged and do not need to be replaced. They can be a good option for someone who simply does not want to deal with the hassle of replacing a watch battery. In this article, we’ll highlight the best watches that don’t need batteries.
When worn on the wearer’s wrist, automatic watches, are powered by motion, and some can also be manually wound. Hand-wound mechanical watches are the only ones available. Later in this article, you will see each of these watch types in greater detail.
Best Automatic Watches that don’t Need Batteries
Seiko 5 SNXS79
The Seiko 5 is a collection of affordable Seiko watches that all use an automatic mechanical movement rather than a battery. The watch is beautifully finished, and the dark charcoal dial adds a luxurious touch that makes it appear far more expensive than it is. When you wear the watch, the Seiko-built 7S26 movement inside is completely automatic and powered by the motion of your wrist.
Because they are so inexpensive, Seiko 5 watches are among the best entry-level automatic or mechanical watches that money can buy. I would recommend them to anyone looking for their first real watch – a mechanical watch with heart and soul, and, best of all, no battery.
They’re comfortable, inexpensive, and extremely durable, and they appear far more expensive than they are. Put them next to a luxury watch and you’ll be surprised at how well they compare. The Seiko 5 SNXS79 is a great choice for a batteryless watch and a great gateway to the wonderful world of mechanical watches.
Hamilton Khaki Field
The Hamilton Khaki Field is simply one of the best low-cost everyday watches available. It’s a casual look that anyone can put on for any occasion and never look out of place. The Hamilton Khaki Field is available in a variety of configurations, including automatic and mechanical versions. The Hamilton Khaki Mechanical has a hand-wound movement that is powered by winding and rotating the crown, while the automatic version can be charged simply by wearing it on your wrist. It features a high-quality Swiss mechanical movement, which is uncommon in such low-cost watches. The movement within the Khaki Field is fully automatic, which means it doesn’t need batteries charge it.
It has a simple and classic militaristic field-watch design that goes with almost any outfit. It has a simple and classic militaristic field-watch design that goes with almost any outfit. The sapphire crystal resists scratches very well. This watch does not show signs of wear and tear easily. This is ideal if you are physically active and work with your hands frequently, or if you enjoy recreational athletic activities.
The Hamilton Khaki Field is a watch that competes with watches that cost thousands of dollars due to its Swiss movement, brand heritage, and overall build quality. However, it is frequently available for a fraction of that price. The best part is that it will never require a battery.
Orient Bambino
If you prefer your watches to be more simple and elegant, the Orient Bambino is the one for you. The Orient Bambino is powered by an Orient Caliber 48743 automatic movement that does not require any batteries. It has a classic and timeless design with a dressy appeal, making it a great watch if you work in an office and frequently wear business casual, or even formal attire.
It has a domed acrylic crystal that isn’t the most scratch-resistant (the sapphire crystal on the Hamilton Khaki Field is better for that), but the distortion that the domed acrylic crystal provides adds an interesting visual element to the Bambino, reminiscent of vintage watches.
It’s a slightly larger dress watch, measuring 41mm, so I’d only recommend it to people with wrists 7″ or larger. Although larger watches are currently popular, it is not the best watch for small wrists in my opinion. The only drawback is that it lacks hand-winding, or the ability to manually wind the crown. This watch gets charged only while worn and in motion.
The Orient Bambino is one of the best low-cost dress watches. Simple, sleek, and one of the most affordable watches on this list. Don’t be fooled by the low price – this is a fantastic watch. And because of its automatic movement, it can operate completely without a battery.
Seiko SARB033/035
If you like the Orient Bambino’s dressy aesthetic but want something a little smaller and upgraded, the Seiko SARB033 or SARB035 is for you. With a slightly smaller 38mm diameter, this watch will fit comfortably on almost anyone’s wrist.
It is powered by a Seiko batteryless movement, the 6R15, which is known to outperform even some high-end Swiss movements. It is extremely accurate and dependable, and it can sometimes go for years without requiring service or repair.
The Seiko SARB also has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a solid bracelet (though you can replace it with a leather strap if you prefer), and a see-through case back, which allows you to see the movement through the back of the watch. This makes it the best amongst the list of watches that don’t need batteries.
Seiko Japan created the Seiko SARB line specifically for the Japanese market. When the American market realised what a great value it was, it began to sell like hotcakes. Seiko discontinued the SARB033 and SARB035 watches last year, but they are still available on marketplaces such as Amazon. We don’t know how long they’ll be available for purchase, so if you’re interested, I recommend you get one now.
The Seiko SARB is available in two dial colours: black (Sarb033) and cream (Sarb034) (Sarb035). Except for the colour of the dial, they are the same watch. Whichever one you choose is entirely up to personal preference.
Citizen Promaster
The Citizen Promaster is a fantastic diving watch. It has a water resistance of 200m. This means it can be used for swimming, showering, and even diving without being damaged by water. The Promaster employs an automatic movement that does not require a battery to operate. There is also a solar-powered Eco-Drive version.
It is extremely durable and made of high-quality 316L stainless steel. This is an excellent outdoor and physical activity timepiece. It also has a “dive bezel,” which is the ring that goes around the circumference of the watch. Divers used to use this to time how much oxygen was left in their air tank. However, you can use this to time anything in your day-to-day life.
It’s extremely useful, and I find myself missing it when I’m wearing a watch without this feature. The Promaster is available in a variety of colours to suit your tastes. You name it: green, black, or Pepsi (red/blue). The Citizen Promaster is a classic choice for athletic or casual wear if you want a batteryless dive watch that has been around for a long time and has stood the test of time.
Vostok Amphibia
The Vostok Amphibia is a tough Russian watch that was once issued to Russian military personnel. This watch has an automatic and mechanical movement, and you can power it by wearing it on your wrist or simply winding it. It is a dive watch with 200m water resistance, similar to the Citizen Promaster. The domed acrylic crystal on Vostok Amphibias is one of their cool features. The domed acrylic crystal rises above the watch to form a “dome,” distorting your view of the timepiece just enough to add an interesting visual dynamic.
While they are not the most scratch-resistant type of crystal, they do, in my opinion, look the best. One can easily remove the scratches with a bit of Polywatch or even a dab of toothpaste. Domed acrylic crystals are typically found in vintage or dress watches, so it’s interesting to see them in a modern (vintage-inspired) diver. This makes it the best amongst the list of watches that don’t need batteries.
Vostok Amphibians come in a wide range of interesting and unique designs. My Vostok Amphibia has a “scuba dude” on it. Boats, military ships, para drivers, and other variations of the Amphibia exist. Where else can you get such unique and interesting designs on a watch for less than $100?
My Amphibia has accompanied me on numerous adventures. It’s my favourite beach watch. It can take a lot of abuse and only has a few scuffs and scratches to show for it. I’m pretty sure it’s indestructible. The Vostok Amphibia is a retro-looking dive watch that was once used by the Russian military and is built like a tank.
You might also be interested to know about the Best Smartwatches under 5000 in India in 2021.
Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80
Tissot is frequently mentioned in discussions about the best entry-level Swiss watch brands. Swiss-made watches are widely regarded as the “best of the best.” While this is not always the case, Tissot is without a doubt one of the great brands of our time. The dial has subtle texturing that adds visual interest to a relatively simple watch. The roman numeral hour markings really add to the watch’s elegant appearance and feel.
It’s an excellent dress watch. Ideal for the office, interviews, holidays, weddings, or any other special occasion. Of course, you can also wear it with jeans and a T-shirt and look just as good. The Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 is an excellent budget Swiss watch. While affordable Swiss watches are often difficult to find, the Le Locle comes at a low price without sacrificing quality. The best part is that the automatic movement does not require a battery.
Tissot Visodate
The Visodate is a very simple and understated watch. Depending on the model, the dial is either all black or all white. I like how the minimal dial doesn’t try to impress you with fancy gimmicks, textures you’ll get tired of, or overly complicated complications just to beef up the specifications. The beauty of the Visodate, on the other hand, is in the details that make it one of the watches that don’t need batteries.
From the way, the hour markers are bevelled to perfectly bounce the light, to the twisted lugs at the end of the watch adding just a little bit of sparkle and character that adds some visual interest. This is not a watch that will immediately grab your attention with a “wow” factor, but it is one that you will grow to appreciate the more you wear it.
The Tissot Visodate is a dressy yet sporty watch that is simple, legible, and pays attention to watchmaking’s finer details. This is the watch for someone who simply wants a timepiece that can be worn every day, is subtle from afar, and yet quite impressive when viewed up close.
Seiko 5 SNK809
The Seiko 5 SNK809 is a tougher and more rugged field-watch variant of the slightly dressier Seiko 5 SNXS79 we looked at earlier in this list. It has a legible hour and minute markings, as well as a bright white set of hands that you won’t be able to miss. Despite its relatively small 37mm size, this watch is extremely legible and easy to read. In fact, because this watch is so small, it is ideal for those with smaller wrists or those who prefer a more traditional sized watch.
The Seiko 5 SNK series is the perfect size for me, and it will fit comfortably on almost any wrist while remaining easy to read. All Seiko 5s have an automatic movement that does not require a battery. They’re all very durable, have a great in-house movement made by Seiko, and last a very long time.
Orient Kamasu
The Orient Kamasu is a stunning Japanese dive watch that performs far above its price tag. With a sunburst dial that changes colour depending on the lighting conditions, the watch keeps your attention and appears to be a slightly different colour each time you look at it.
The Kamasu dive watch is nearly waterproof, with a 200m water resistance. It has a sapphire crystal that is nearly scratchproof, so you don’t have to be concerned about wear and tear on this watch. The Orient Kamasu is available in a variety of unusual colour schemes not typically seen in automatic watches, including blue/gold, red, black/gold, and teal. This is one of the best watches that don’t need batteries.
This is the ideal everyday watch for someone looking for something unique. It is yet durable and tough enough for everyday use, making the Kamasu the ideal affordable one-watch collection.
