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Automatic Watch Basics

How automatic watches wind themselves, how long they run off the wrist, how they compare with quartz and manual-wind watches, and how to wind and care for one.

Buying guides

Buying guide · Automatic Watch Basics Best Seiko Automatic Watches (2026): Seiko 5, Presage & Prospex The best Seiko automatic watches compared on movement, power reserve, size and water resistance, from the Seiko 5 Sports to the Presage and Prospex Alpinist. Read the guide

Buying guide · Automatic Watch Basics Best Automatic Dress Watches (2026): Slim, Classic Picks The best automatic dress watches compared on thickness, case size, crystal, power reserve and water resistance, from the budget Orient Bambino to Swiss Tissot. Read the guide

Buying guide · Automatic Watch Basics Best Automatic Watches Under $1,000 (2026): Swiss and Japanese Picks Read the guide

Buying guide · Automatic Watch Basics Best Skeleton Watches (2026): Open-Heart and Skeleton Automatics Read the guide

Buying guide · Automatic Watch Basics Best Pocket Watch Chains (2026): Albert, T-Bar and Belt Clip Read the guide

Buying guide · Automatic Watch Basics Best Pocket Watches for Men (2026): Mechanical, Skeleton & Swiss Read the guide

Buying guide · Automatic Watch Basics Best Automatic Dive Watches (2026), from Budget to Swiss Read the guide

Buying guide · Automatic Watch Basics Best Affordable Automatic Watches (to Pair with a Winder) Read the guide

How-tos & comparisons

Comparison · Automatic Watch Basics Seiko vs Citizen: Which Japanese Watch Brand Should You Buy? Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics How to Remove Links from a Watch (Pins, Screws and Clasps) Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics How to Clean a Watch Without Damaging It (Case, Bracelet and Strap) Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics What Are Jewels in a Watch? Why 17, 21 or 24 Jewels Matter Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics How Accurate Are Automatic Watches? Normal Ranges by Grade Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics Timegrapher Guide: How to Read Rate, Amplitude and Beat Error Read the guide

Comparison · Automatic Watch Basics Seiko vs Orient: Which Budget Automatic Should You Buy? Read the guide

Comparison · Automatic Watch Basics Fob Watch vs Pocket Watch: What’s the Difference? Read the guide

Comparison · Automatic Watch Basics Automatic vs Solar Watch: Which Movement Should You Choose? Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics How to Set an Automatic Watch (Time, Date and Day) Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics How to Demagnetize a Watch (and How to Tell If It’s Magnetized) Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics Vintage Pocket Watch Guide: Identify, Date, Buy and Care for One Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics Automatic Watch Stopped Working? Causes and What to Do Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics How to Wear a Pocket Watch (With a Vest, Suit or Jeans) Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics How to Wind a Pocket Watch (Stem-Wind, Key-Wind and Lever-Set) Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics What Is a Chronograph Watch? How It Works and What It’s For Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics Types of Watches Explained: Movements and Styles Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics Automatic Watch Running Fast (or Losing Time)? Causes and Fixes Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics How Often to Service an Automatic Watch (by Brand) Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics What Is an Automatic Watch? Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics How Do Automatic Watches Work? (Animated Movement) Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics How to Wind an Automatic Watch Read the guide

Comparison · Automatic Watch Basics Automatic vs Quartz Watches Read the guide

Comparison · Automatic Watch Basics Automatic vs Mechanical (Manual) Watches Read the guide

How-to · Automatic Watch Basics Automatic Watch Power Reserve Explained Read the guide