As a watch enthusiast, it's essential to have a watch that suits your style and preferences. On the other hand, diving or water sports enthusiasts should always invest in quality diving watches.
However, choosing the right one can be quite challenging, depending on one’s budget limitations, especially with the plethora of options available.
Fortunately, today’s article seeks to take a closer look at some of the best diving watches available on the market, from affordable to high-end options. So, without further ado, let’s dive in (pun-intended).
What is a dive watch?
A diving watch is a specialized timepiece designed to be worn while diving underwater. They are built to withstand the pressure and harsh environment of the ocean. Depending on their specification, they are typically water-resistant and can withstand a certain level of depth.
What is special about a diver watch?
Diving watches feature specific design elements that make them unique. For instance, they typically have a rotating bezel that can be used to track elapsed time underwater.
Furthermore, their hands and indices are usually luminescent, making them visible even in low-light conditions. Lastly, they are constructed with durable materials to withstand extreme water pressure and corrosion.
What is the difference between a water-resistant and a diver watch?
Water-resistant watches and diver's watches are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but there are some important differences between them.
Water-resistant watches are designed to withstand exposure to water to a minimal extent but aren't suitable for prolonged or deep submersion. The level of water resistance is usually indicated by a rating in metres or feet, such as 30 metres or 100 feet.
This rating indicates the maximum depth that the watch can withstand before water seeps into its internal components and causes damage.
On the other hand, diver's watches are specifically designed for use by scuba divers and are engineered to withstand the extreme pressures and depths encountered during deep sea diving. These are rated for water resistance to depths of 200 metres (660 feet) or more, and they are typically equipped with features such as a unidirectional rotating bezel to keep track of elapsed time, luminous hands and markers for visibility in low-light conditions, and a screw-down crown to ensure a watertight seal.
In summary, while both water-resistant watches and diver's watches can withstand exposure to water to some extent, diver's watches are specifically designed and tested to withstand the extreme conditions encountered during deep sea diving.
Can a dive watch be an everyday watch?
Yes, a diver's timepiece may be worn at any time. It is an excellent everyday watch, and you can rest assured that it was designed to withstand the rigours of water sports and should therefore be durable enough for daily use.
Additionally, their unique design elements make them stand out, giving them a distinctive appearance that can add a touch of style and class to any outfit.
Best brands for diver watches
Mido
Mido is a Swiss watchmaker that has been producing quality timepieces since 1918. Their Ocean Star range features several diving watches that are built to withstand extreme conditions underwater. These watches are constructed with high-quality materials and feature unique design elements that make them stand out. Today, Mido is part of the Swatch Group.
Seiko
Seiko is a Japanese watchmaker that has been producing quality watches since 1881. Their Prospex range features several diving watches that are designed for professional divers. These watches are built to withstand extreme conditions and come with unique features such as a helium escape valve and a rotating bezel. Seiko's Sumo range also features some excellent mid-range options that offer exceptional value for money.
Citizen
Citizen is also a Japanese watchmaker and has been producing quality watches since 1918. Their Promaster range features several diving watches that are designed for professionals and recreational divers alike. These watches are built to withstand extreme conditions and come with unique features such as a solar-powered movement and a depth sensor.
Tissot
Swiss watchmaker Tissot has been manufacturing high-quality timepieces since 1853. Their Sea Star collection includes several diving timepieces designed to withstand extreme underwater conditions. These timepieces are made from high-quality materials and include distinctive features such as a helium escape valve and a rotating bezel.
Top 5 affordable diver watches
If you're on an extremely tight budget, there are several excellent options available that offer exceptional value for money. Here are our top 5 affordable diving watches:
Seiko Prospex Solar
The Seiko Prospex Solar watches offer great value for divers and sports enthusiasts, as they are known for their high level of accuracy, durability, and functionality and bear a resemblance to an expensive but trendy diver watch, but for a fraction of the price.
SEIKO SPEEDTIMER "GO LARGE" SOLAR - SSC911P1
These watches feature a solar-powered movement that can store energy for up to six months, ensuring that the watch keeps running even in low-light conditions. They are also water-resistant, with some models offering water resistance up to 200 metres, making them suitable for scuba diving.
One of the critical features of Seiko Prospex Solar watches is their durability, as they are made with high-quality materials, like stainless steel and sapphire glass, which are scratch-resistant and can withstand daily wear and tear. In addition, they are also designed to be shock-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
In terms of design, the Seiko Prospex Solar watches are known for their sporty, rugged look. They typically feature large, easy-to-read dials and hands, and may have additional features such as a rotating bezel, luminescent hands and markers, and a date display.
Some models also come with a silicone or rubber strap, which is comfortable to wear and adds to the overall sporty look of the watch.
Check out some of these recommended picks:
Tissot Seastar 1000 36mm
The Tissot Seastar 1000 36mm is a high-quality diver's watch that offers a great combination of style and functionality. It is a smaller version of the Seastar 1000 line, designed to fit both men’s and women's wrists comfortably while still maintaining the durability and reliability of a professional diver's watch.
It should be noted that Tissot markets it as a unisex model, not just for women.
It is rated to withstand depths of up to 300 metres, making it suitable for professional divers as well as recreational divers. It also has a unidirectional bezel that can be used to keep track of elapsed dive time, as well as a helium release valve that allows the watch to depressurize during deep saturation diving.
In terms of design, the Seastar 1000 36mm has a clean and classic look that is both sporty and elegant. It has a stainless steel case and bracelet, with a black dial that features luminous hands and markers for easy readability in low-light conditions. In addition, the sapphire crystal is scratch-resistant and offers excellent clarity.
It is powered by a Swiss quartz movement, which ensures reliable timekeeping and low maintenance.
This watch can be purchased in various watch face colours like:
- Blue: Tissot Seastar 1000 36MM T120.210.11.041.00
- Black and Gold: Tissot Seastar 1000 36MM T120.210.21.051.00
- White: Tissot Seastar 1000 36MM T120.210.11.011.00
Seiko Prospex Turtle
The Seiko Prospex Turtle is a popular dive watch that is highly regarded for its durability, accuracy, and value for money. It is built to withstand harsh environments and has a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal.
Its case and bracelet are made of stainless steel and maintain a durable, brushed finish. It has a water resistance rating of 200 metres, making it great for diving and water sports. It is also powered by Seiko's in-house 4R36 automatic movement, which has a power reserve of approximately 41 hours.
Design-wise, it has a distinctive cushion-shaped case that is 45mm in diameter and 13mm thick, topped with a unidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute scale and a screw-down crown at 4 o'clock. The watch is available in various colours, for example:
- Blue: Seiko Prospex Turtle SRPF77K1
- Green: Seiko Prospex Turtle SRPE05K1
- Blue and Red: Seiko Prospex Turtle SRPE99K1
Seiko Prospex Monster
Also part of Seiko's Prospex line, the Monster has a distinctive design with a large, rugged case and a unidirectional rotating bezel. It is powered by a Seiko automatic movement, known for its high accuracy and reliability.
It is also water-resistant up to 200 metres (660 feet), just like the turtle, making it suitable for most recreational diving activities. Additionally, it features a screw-down crown and case back, which helps to ensure the watch remains water-resistant even at greater depths.
The Seiko Prospex Monster is available in a range of colours and materials. Our favourite picks include:
- A blue face and black dial: Seiko Prospex Monster SRPD 25K1
- An ocean face and white dial: Seiko Prospex Monster SRPG57K1
- A black face with a blue dial: Seiko Prospex Monster SRPE27K1
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Marine
The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Marine features a stainless steel case and bracelet, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and a screw-down crown to ensure water resistance up to 200 meters (660 feet).
It is powered by Citizen's Eco-Drive technology, which harnesses the power of light to keep the watch running, eliminating the need for a battery change. The dial features large, easy-to-read hour markers and hands, as well as a date window at the 3 o'clock position.
In addition to its dive capabilities, the Promaster Marine also has a variety of useful features for everyday wear, including a 24-hour subdial, a 1/20-second chronograph, and a power reserve indicator. It also has a scratch-resistant mineral crystal and a luminous dial and hands for visibility in low-light conditions. This watch can be purchased in the following variations of colours:
- Blue: Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Marine Limited Edition BN0225-04L
- Green: Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Marine BN0227-17X
- Brown: Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Marine BN0226-10P
Top 5 mid-range diver watches
Going a bit higher in the price point, here are the top five mid-range diver watches we recommend by popularity.
Seiko Sumo
The Seiko Sumo is a popular mid-range diver watch with a classic design that has been updated with modern features. It features a 44mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional bezel, a screw-down crown, and a sapphire crystal.
This striking timepiece is water-resistant to 200 metres, making it suitable for diving, and is powered by Seiko's automatic 6R35 movement, which has a power reserve of up to 70 hours.
The watch comes in several variations, including the SPB101J1, SPB103J1, SFK001J1, SFK003J1, SPB321J1, and SPB323J1.
Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80
The Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80 is a stylish and durable mid-range diver watch that offers great value. It features a 43mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional bezel, a screw-down crown, and a sapphire crystal, as well as luminous dials. The watch is water-resistant to 300 metres, making it suitable for professional diving.
One of the key features of the Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80 is its movement. In practice, it is powered by the automatic Tissot Powermatic 80.111 movement, which has a power reserve of up to 80 hours.
The watch comes in several variations, including the T120.607.17.441.00, T120.607.17.441.01, T120.607.11.041.00, T120.607.11.041.01, and T120.607.37.041.00.
Mido Ocean Star GMT
The Mido Ocean Star GMT is a versatile dive watch that is suitable for both diving and daily use. This timepiece has a 44mm stainless steel case with a screw-down crown, a unidirectional bezel, and sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating that safeguards the dial. It also constitutes hour markers and digits that are coated with Super-LumiNova, making them highly visible in low-light environments.
GMT complication is one of the most distinctive features of the Mido Ocean Star GMT. This enables you to monitor a second time zone, making it ideal for travellers or anyone who must monitor multiple time zones. In addition, the GMT hand is denoted by a vibrant red arrow, which adds a splash of colour to the watch's overall design.
The outstanding 80-hour power reserve of the Mido Calibre 80 automatic movement powers the watch, meaning that if you remove the watch on Friday and retrieve it on Monday, it will still be functioning. Additionally, the watch is water-resistant up to 200 metres, making it suitable for recreational diving.
It comes in the following variations. M026.629.17.051.00, M026.629.22.051.00, M026.629.11.051.01 and the special edition M026.629.11.041.00.
Seiko Captain Willard
The Seiko Captain Willard is a diver watch inspired by the one worn by Martin Sheen's character in the movie "Apocalypse Now." It features a 42mm stainless steel case with a green dial and black bezel. It is powered by Seiko's automatic 6R35 movement, which has a power reserve of 70 hours.
This unique watch is water-resistant up to 200 metres and has a screw-down crown and case back for added protection and also features a date window at the 3 o'clock position and luminescent hands and markers for easy readability in low light conditions.
The watch comes in several variations, including the SPB153J1 and SPB151J1.
Mido Ocean Star Tribute
The Mido Ocean Star Tribute is a classic mid-range diver's watch that pays homage to the brand's history. It has a sapphire crystal, a 40.5mm stainless steel case, a unidirectional bezel, and a screw-down crown. This unique watch is water-resistant to a depth of 200 metres and is powered by Mido's automatic Calibre 80 movement, which has an 80-hour power reserve.
The Mido Ocean Star watch comes in several variations, including the M026.830.21.051.00 and M026.807.11.041.01. The latter variation also comes with an additional strap.
Top 5 high-range diver watches
And now to the top of the pile. These ‘luxury’ diver watches cost a pretty penny but deliver accordingly, too.
Mido Ocean Star Diver 600 Chronometer
Elegant, precise, and rugged, the Mido Ocean Star Diver 600 Chronometer is a striking high-end diver's watch. This timepiece features a 43.5mm stainless steel case, a unidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic insert, and a screw-down crown with 600-meter water resistance.
This watch’s dial indices and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, making them highly legible in low-light conditions, and are propelled by the COSC-approved Calibre 80 automatic movement with an 80-hour power reserve.
Overall, the Mido Ocean Star Diver 600 Chronometer is essential for any diving devotee due to its exceptional performance and design.
The variations of this watch include the M026.608.11.041.01, M026.608.11.051.00, and the special edition M026.608.33.051.00.
Seiko 1970 Diver's Modern Re-interpretation
The Seiko 1970 Diver's Modern Re-interpretation is a limited edition timepiece that pays homage to Seiko's iconic 1970 diver watch. This modern interpretation features a 44.3mm stainless steel case, a unidirectional rotating bezel with a black and gold colour scheme, and a screw-down crown that offers a water resistance of up to 200 meters.
The black dial is adorned with a date window, luminescent hands and indices, and the "X" logo, which signifies the watch's water resistance. This unmatched watch is mechanically powered by the automatic Caliber 8L35 movement with a battery reserve of up to 50 hours.
With its classic design and contemporary functionality, the Seiko 1970 Diver's contemporary Re-interpretation is a stunning high-range diver watch.
Seiko Prospex Tuna 55th Anniversary Limited Edition
The Seiko Prospex Tuna 55th Anniversary Limited Edition is a commemorative timepiece commemorating the 55th anniversary of Seiko's first diver watch. This limited edition watch features a 52.4mm titanium case, a ceramic shroud, and a silicone strap with a titanium fastener. It is powered by the automatic Caliber 8L35 movement with a battery reserve of up to 50 hours. The dial features a black and gold colour scheme, luminescent hands and indices, and a date display.
The watch is water resistant up to 300 metres and is protected by a sapphire crystal.
With its exceptional design and functionality, the Seiko Prospex Tuna 55th Anniversary Limited Edition is a highly coveted high-range diver watch.
Seiko Prospex Antarctic 1968 Professional Diver Limited Edition
The Seiko Prospex Antarctic 1968 Professional Diver Limited Edition pays tribute to the 1968 Antarctic expedition, where Seiko timepieces were used by the members of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition.
This limited edition watch features a 44.3mm stainless steel case with a black silicone strap and a black dial with LumiBrite hands and markers for simple readability. It also has a day-date display at the 3 o'clock position and a unidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute scale.
Inside the watch is the automatic 6R35 movement, which maintains a power reserve of up to 70 hours. In addition, the watch is water-resistant up to 200 meters and has a screw-down crown and caseback to guarantee its durability.
The Seiko Prospex Antarctic 1968 Professional Diver Limited Edition is limited to 1,968 pieces worldwide, making it a highly sought-after timepiece for collectors and enthusiasts.
Seiko Prospex Astrolabe Limited Edition
The Seiko Prospex Astrolabe Limited Edition is a unique and highly sought-after diver watch. This limited edition watch is inspired by an astrolabe, a navigational instrument that sailors have used for centuries to find their way at sea.
It features a 44.8mm stainless steel case with a ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal, has a water resistance of 200 metres and is powered by Seiko's reliable and accurate 8L35 automatic movement. This unique watch is limited to only 1,200 pieces and comes with a special presentation box and a commemorative booklet.
Conclusion
Diver watches are more than just timepieces. They are remarkable instruments designed to withstand extreme conditions whilst providing accurate timekeeping.
Generally speaking, the diver watches listed above offer exceptional durability, reliability, and precision, making them ideal for professional divers and watch enthusiasts equally.
Each watch maintains unique features that cater to specific requirements and preferences, from the Tissot Seastar 1000 36mm to the Seiko Prospex Astrolabe Limited Edition.
Whether you're looking for a watch with exceptional water resistance, a GMT function, or a limited edition design, there is a diver watch that will suit your requirements. With their sophisticated technology and exceptional craftsmanship, these diver watches are investments that will last a lifetime.
Check out the complete range of Diver Watches at PolyWatch.