In short: Men’s automatic watches are powered by a rotor that winds itself through the movement of the wrist—no batteries required. They last a lifetime if properly maintained. In 2026, the Club de la Montre catalog features French automatic watches ranging from €60 (Kelton) to prestigious Michel Herbelin timepieces.
How does an automatic watch work?
An automatic watch, or self-winding watch, is powered by a mechanical movement composed of tens to hundreds of intricate parts. Its secret lies in a rotor—a semicircular component that rotates freely on the back of the movement. Every movement of the wrist drives this rotor, which in turn winds the mainspring (the “barrel”), storing the energy needed for the watch to function.
This energy is then released at a steady rate throughthe escapement —the beating heart of the watch—which regulates the release of energy several times per second. It is this mechanism that produces the “tick-tock” sound in mechanical watches, or rather a slight, steady glide in high-end automatic watches.
⚙️ The 4 Key Components of an Automatic Movement
Automatic vs. Quartz: The Real Differences
The question comes up time and time again: Is an automatic watch better than a quartz watch? The answer depends on what you're looking for.
| Criterion | ⚙️ Automatic | ⚡ Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Clarification | ±5 to ±15 seconds per day | ±0.5 s/day |
| Interview | Service every 5–7 years | Battery replacement every 2–3 years |
| Longevity | A whole lifetime (or even more) | 10–20 years |
| Admission price | Starting at €60 | Starting at €20 |
| Heritage Value | Strong, passed down | Low |
| Mechanical Fascination | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Our verdict: If you wear your watch every day, the automatic movement winds itself naturally—no need to worry about the battery. It’s also a timepiece that’s passed down from father to son, steeped in history. Quartz watches are the go-to choice in situations where absolute precision is required (timed sports, driving).
5 Criteria for Choosing the Right Automatic Watch
1. Power Reserve
The amount of time the watch runs without being worn. Recommended minimum: 38 hours, so you don't have to wind it every morning. Premium models offer 72 to 80 hours—perfect for the weekend.
2. Diameter and thickness
An automatic movement is thicker than a quartz movement. For everyday wear with a suit, aim for a diameter of 39–42 mm and a thickness of less than 12 mm. Slim automatic dress watches (such as the LIP Himalaya) fit under cuffs.
3. Waterproofing
3 ATM (30 m): splash-resistant. 10 ATM (100 m): suitable for swimming. For an automatic diver's watch, look for a minimum of 20 ATM. Michel Herbelin's Newport Diver is water-resistant to 300 m.
4. The bottom of the box
Choose a transparent sapphire crystal case back if you want to admire the movement. It’s one of the great joys of mechanical watches—watching the tiny parts dance beneath the glass. The Michel Herbelin skeleton watch fully exposes its caliber.
5. Brand and Origin
French watch brands offer excellent value for money: LIP (since 1867), Michel Herbelin (Charquemont, Doubs), and Kelton (affordable mechanical reissues). Buying French means supporting national craftsmanship while enjoying an exceptional timepiece.
Our 2026 Selection: 5 Automatic Men's Watches
From entry-level models to collector's items, here are five automatic watches available at Club de la Montre—all made in France.
? Summary of our selection
| Watch | Price (including tax) | Type | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelton Vietnam 2 | 60 € | Manual Transmission | Introduction |
| LIP Time Trial Rally | 1 587 € | Automatic chronograph | Sports Enthusiast |
| Herbelin Newport Diver | 1 350 € | 300-meter auto diver | Versatile |
| Herbelin Newport Skeleton | 2 200 € | Car Chassis | Connoisseur |
| Herbelin Newport Chrono PVD | 3 000 € | Chrono Auto Prestige | Collection |
Maintenance and Inspection: What You Need to Know
Contrary to popular belief, an automatic watch does not require daily maintenance. It runs on its own as long as you wear it regularly (or use an automatic winder). Here are the golden rules:
✅ To Do
- Wear the watch regularly
- Watch service every 5–7 years
- Rinse with fresh water after contact with seawater
- Store in a jewelry box when not worn
- Check for leaks every 3 years
❌ Avoid
- Exposure to strong magnetic fields
- Pulling the crown back too abruptly
- Violent impacts (golf, contact sports)
- Prolonged periods of extreme temperatures
- Chemicals (perfume, solvents)
? The Right Reflex
If your watch has not been worn for more than 40 hours, wind it manually using the crown (about 20–30 turns clockwise) before putting it back on your wrist.
Discover our automatic watchesFAQ — Frequently Asked Questions About Automatic Watches
What is the difference between an automatic watch and a mechanical watch?
Both are mechanical watches (battery-free). The difference: a mechanical watch is wound by hand using the crown, while an automatic watch winds itself using a rotor that captures the movement of the wrist. All automatic watches are mechanical, but not all mechanical watches are automatic.
How long does an automatic watch run without being worn?
Between 38 and 80 hours, depending on the caliber—this is the “power reserve.” Most modern automatic watches offer 40–48 hours. High-end models offer 72 to 80 hours. After this time, the watch stops, and you simply need to wind it by hand.
Can you wear an automatic watch every day?
Yes, and it's actually recommended! Wearing the watch every day keeps it wound naturally and lubricates the mechanical parts. An automatic watch worn regularly lasts longer than one left unused in a drawer.
What is the best French automatic watch?
It all depends on the budget. LIP (Besançon) and Michel Herbelin (Doubs) are the leading French names in automatic watches. LIP stands out with its Rallye chronographs (starting at €1,500), while Michel Herbelin is known for its Newport line (€1,350 to €3,000). For those just starting out, Kelton offers French mechanical watches starting at €60.
Where can I buy a reliable men's automatic watch in France?
Club de la Montre is an official retailer authorized by the brands (LIP, Michel Herbelin, Kelton, Casio, Ice-Watch, Ruckfield, etc.). All watches are brand new, come with a manufacturer’s warranty, and are shipped within France. See our selection of men’s automatic watches.
Ready to choose your first automatic car?
Our team is here to answer your questions before you make a purchase. All our automatic machines come with a manufacturer's warranty and are delivered in France within 48 hours.
Prices include tax and are current as of the date of publication. Check availability on each product page. Automatic watches are living objects—each movement has its own personality.