Most people assume that all wrist watches run on an electronic supply, and it’s not ridiculous to think so! It still boggles the mind to think of watches that never need a battery.
You would be surprised to know that the first versions of time-telling wrist companions were essentially watches without batteries and worked by being wounded.
Hand-wound timepieces conjure images of the distant past when electrical capabilities were non-existent. But a battery-less watch still occupies a niche and has become one of the more popular options.
These timepieces rely on a mainspring inside the watch’s body that tightens for gears to move. The only difference is that automatic watches do this on their own rather than being manually wounded daily.
Whether hand-wound or automatic, a watch that doesn’t need a battery provides a distinct appeal to watch-aficionados.
If you like collecting watches, we’d suggest investing in a no battery watch. Therefore, go through our recommendations and buying guide for an informed second opinion:
See Our Top Watches Without Batteries
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1 |
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2
Best Overall
2Fossil ME3110 Townsman Multifunction Watch
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3
Best For Low Budgets
3Seiko 5 SNZG13 Automatic Black Dial Watch
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4 |
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5
Best For Higher Budgets
5Tissot Couturier Swiss Automatic Silver Watch
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6 |
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7 |
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1. Fossil Men's Grant Mechanical Watch
- Three-hand quartz
- Interchangeable watch bands
- Water-resistant
- Stopwatch
This multifunction three-hand quartz movement watch by Fossil features three separate sub-eyes for the day, date, and 24-hour time.
This multi-functionality allows wearers to better manage their schedule and refer to any day of the month by looking at their wrist.
And it doesn’t just stop at that! This multifunctional chronograph also includes stopwatch functionality.
Moreover, this battery-less model is water-resistant and primed for use inside shallow bodies of water. Just don’t get carried away and go deep-water diving with it on your wrist.
This stellar no battery watch features a high-quality leather band that is comfortable to wear and will last a long time. This design also has a high customizability factor as it also allows the wearer to swap the strap.
Its quick-release pins allow you to change your bands and make the watch match with any outfit or occasion.
Specifications
Pros
- Automatic movement
- Durable mineral lens
- Can be dressed up or down
- Exudes a classic vibe
Cons
- Needs rewinding if not worn regularly
- Some users claimed that the band squeaks a little when wet
2. Fossil ME3110 Townsman Multifunction Watch
- Transparent movement
- Water-resistant
- Interchangeable bands
- Hardened mineral crystal lens
The Fossil Townsman allows wearers to monitor its inner mechanisms at work. It shows you just how the machinery plays out in a watch that doesn’t need battery — making for a neat party trick or conversation starter!
It’s also quite attractive, with a dark navy blue dial that is neither too flashy nor too dull, contrasting nicely with the copper hand and hour markings.
Coupled with the exquisite design, this timepiece also provides multi-functionality with two sub-dials that display the hour and seconds.
Moreover, it won’t stop running as long as it’s worn. However, it also boasts a 40-hour power reserve as a failsafe, so you can keep it off for a couple of days without having to wind it.
Fossil is known for making quality automatic watches, and this model continues its consistency. It will last you for many years if maintained properly.
Specifications
Pros
- Versatile
- Sleek and stylish
- Lightweight
- Quality build
Cons
- Some users complained that after wearing for a good number of days, time slows down by a minute or two
3. Seiko 5 SNZG13 Automatic Black Dial Watch
- Three-fold clasp
- Lume indices
- Black dial
- Water-resistant
This military field watch by Seiko looks good on all wrists, clocking in at a 42mm case that is neither too large nor too small for the average wrist size. It features a 24-hour clock with easy-to-read numerals.
To add to that, the hour and hand markers are luminescent and glow in the dark, ensuring maximum readability at all times, be it day or night.
Its dial is simple yet classy, featuring a recessed effect between the numerals and markings, exuding a unique look. The hand and hour markers also complement the simplicity of the dial.
Furthermore, its robust structural integrity will provide long-lasting performance. It’s built tough and meant to withstand regular wear and tear.
The best thing about this battery-less watch has to be that it’s so reasonably priced while giving a look and feel of a pricey Swiss timepiece with precise time accuracy.
Specifications
Pros
- Easy to read
- Simple
- Lightweight
- High precision
Cons
- Not suitable for swimming
- Some users faced difficulty telling time in dark settings
4. Bulova 96A135 Bva-Series 120 Automatic Watch
- 21 jewel movement
- Luminous hands and markers
- Two sub-dials
- Water-resistant to 330 feet
Bulova’s classic timepiece boasts a self-winding mechanical movement, with an eye-catching 21-jewels design. Its complex machinery is also visible through the dial aperture.
This model has an exquisite design and is exceedingly accurate at telling the time, even after years of use.
Furthermore, the main dial is black, accentuated with luminous hands and silver markers, along with two sub-dials. One for seconds and the other to tell 24-hour time.
It also comes with a smooth black leather band with a clasp that provides a tight wrist grip. This model conforms to conventional design elements but cannot be considered dull or boring.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance stylish watch that doesn’t need a battery to run, this model could be a smart choice for you. It’s durable, lightweight, and easy to use.
Specifications
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Some users found that reading the silver hands was difficult when they are positioned over the silver sub-dials
5. Tissot Couturier Swiss Automatic Silver Watch
- Luminescent hands
- Three-subdial chronograph
- Water-resistant to 330 feet
- Swiss-automatic movement
If you’re looking to make a one-time investment in a watch that will last you for a while, consider the Tissot Courier. You really can’t go wrong with a Swiss battery-less watch from Tissot.
This model exudes a meticulously thought-out design. It’s elegant and classy, yet simple to use. While it may be on the pricier side, you’ll be getting a watch of the highest quality that can resist durational wear and tear.
It’s the perfect weight for the average wrist, not too heavy nor too light. You can wear it for daily use or on momentous occasions.
Furthermore, its luminescent hand markers make it exceptionally easy-to-read at night, and the three-subdial chronographs help you track time in a much better manner.
Lastly, it’s also water-resistant, so wear yours into the shower without second-guessing! This Tissot design leaves a lasting impression on onlookers and elevates your outfit, no matter what you wear.
Specifications
Pros
- High precision
- Elegant
- Date display at 3 O Clock marker
- Quality build
Cons
- Some people found it to be a pricy option, but they agreed that it is justified
6. Citizen Grand Touring Self Wind Silver Watch
- Mechanical
- Anti-reflective sap crystal
- Blue dial
- Water-resistant up to 300 m
This Grand Touring Citizen’s timepiece is an automatic diver’s model without the hefty price tag. It costs a little less than a third of some of the pricier diver watches with similar features.
This watch delivers in the craftsmanship and design category. Its automatic movement promises utmost precision in time-keeping; plus, it stays accurate and works smoothly.
The silver stainless steel construction is of the highest quality and is extremely scratch resistant. The blue dial also complements the overall aesthetics of the watch.
Compared to the pricier Swiss watches, it matches well in quality, and you’d find it difficult to find a similar diving watch at this price, boasting water-resistance up to 300 meters.
And you’d surely appreciate the 48-hour power reserve. This no-battery watch is undoubtedly worth an investment if you want a high-quality option on a reasonable budget.
Specifications
Pros
- Suitable for swimming and snorkeling
- Stylish
- Lightweight
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Some users, especially those with smaller wrists, found the 44 mm case to be on the bulkier side
7. Vostok Amphibian Self-Winding Military Dive Watch
- Anti-shock-resistant balance
- Luminous hands and dots
- 200 M Water-resistant
- 24 hours self-winding movement with 32 ruby jewels
This military watch by Vostok invokes a vision of a Russian military style. If you’re someone who prefers classic style and a sophisticated look, this watch is right up your alley!
A diving watch of this caliber is a bargain for its features, mainly because of its automatic movement.
This battery-less watch is convenient to use and lets users seamlessly set time and date. And you can rely on it to maintain good accuracy as well.
The movement keeps good time, certainly more accurate than other similar variants. Moreover, if you ever lose or gain time on the piece, it’s pretty easy to rewind it manually.
This watch displays retro design elements, and it’s a good option if you’re looking for a diving watch on a budget. Don’t expect it to excel in deep-water diving; however, it can withstand brief immersion.
Specifications
Pros
- High accuracy
- Retro look
- Sturdy
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Some users found the strap to be a little tight, and their hair got stuck in it
Buying Guide For a Watch Without Battery
Watch Battery
Most people are unaware of the differences between quartz watches and mechanical watches. Mechanical watches are self-winding watches that harness kinetic energy to power their movement.
On the other hand, Quartz watches require batteries. These batteries can be of three main types: silver oxide, alkaline, and lithium batteries.
Mechanism Behind No Battery Watches
The battery-less mechanism is useful and convenient; it may also be difficult for some people to understand how it works.
They power themselves through the energy generated by your movement. So, in essence, these self-winding watches are self-powered, as long as you wear them on your wrist.
But since these watches depend on your movement, the downside is that they tend to lose track of time if they don’t receive adequate kinetic energy.
If you do not regularly wear your watch and keep it hidden away for prolonged periods, you will need to wind it manually before resuming wear.
Materials
Automatic watches wind themselves while on your wrist and eliminate the need for daily winding.
Standard automatic movement components include the crown, mainspring, the gear train, the escapement, and the jewels used to provide friction, primarily sapphire crystal.
Battery Vs Non-Battery Watches
With a no battery watch, you don’t have to worry about tedious battery replacements. Most automatic watches wind on their own using the kinetic energy from your wrist movements, like a kinetic watch.
The downside with these watches is that they stop when they are taken off. If you store them somewhere and forget to wind them, you’ll have to reset them every time you put them back on.
You don’t have to worry about continually rewinding with a battery watch but buying and sourcing a battery on short notice can be difficult.
Also, you might need to take your timepiece to a technician to have the battery replaced. Some battery-powered watches may even use batteries that are no longer available.
Pricing Range
When it comes to no battery watches, they can be broken down into three categories: basic, luxury, and ultra-luxury.
If you’re looking for a basic, affordable watch for everyday use, it can cost you between $50-100. However, when you veer towards luxury watches, average models can cost between $499 to $1000 and above.
Our Verdict
Our review of automatic watches that never need a battery found the Tissot Couturier to be an excellent choice for those with a higher budget.
If you’re constrained by price, you might want to consider the Seiko 5 or Fossil Townsman models for everyday use.