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23 Best Dive Watches For Every Budget

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By Lee Smith - Guide

Published: 28 Oct 2023, Last Updated: 12 June 2024

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If you are buying a dive watch, it pays to do your research. Whether it’s your first major purchase or you’re an experienced collector, knowing the ins and outs of what makes a dive watch special is critical to making sure you wind up with one of the best timepieces available.

While you could opt for one of the staple releases, such as the Rolex Submariner and Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms, there are a lot more dive watches to consider. From Seiko and Tudor to Panerai and Breitling, our guide to the best dive watches takes into account every budget, style and design you could ask for.

Best Dive Watches at a Glance

Our list of the best dive watches goes like this:

• The best dive watch overall: OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300m
• For luxury: Rolex Submariner
• For value-for-money: Seiko Prospex Turtle

Now we’ve had a look at our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.

RELATED: Looking for affordable options? These are the best dive watches under $1500.

1. OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300m

Sean Connery’s James Bond wore a Rolex Submariner, but Daniel Craig’s British agent favoured its rival, OMEGA’s famed Seamaster 300. It’s a well-known and popular diver that has its own unique styling including its notable bezel and waved dial. Part of the memorable look includes a Helium Release Valve at 10 o’clock and large, skeletonised hands.

Historically, the OMEGA Seamaster has been viewed as the ultimate deepsea diving tool, with the iconic Seamaster Ultra Deep holding the mantle of the world’s most durable dive watch for many years (it was recently dethroned by rival Rolex). The OMEGA timepiece was created to brave the depths of the Pacific Ocean’s Mariana Trench as part of Victor Vescovo’s 2019 expedition to the five deepest parts of Earth. Attached to his Deep Submergence Vehicle, the OMEGA Seamaster reached an incredible depth of 10,935 metres, courtesy of its robust 45.5mm diameter and ridiculous water-resistant capabilities.

While that fateful timepiece was a special edition, the Seamaster 300 is its commercially available sibling and an incredible piece of diving technology in its own right. The more recent models retain the ‘60s-style open Arabic numerals, while some stainless steel versions also feature the iconic central-seconds hand. The Speedmaster Super Racing also features the brand’s most accurate movement ever, certified to 0/+2 seconds a day.

Over the last decade, the Seamaster lineup has undergone an enormous revamp process, more closely aligning with sports and leisure. The Maison’s 2020 Tokyo Olympics special edition, for example, was powered by the highly accurate OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8800 and featured a unique colour scheme inspired by the Games emblem. Similarly, the limited-edition Seamaster Planet Ocean 35th America’s Cup in 2021 cemented a long-lasting connection between the sea and OMEGA. Characterised by a ceramic bezel that doubles as a countdown for racing, the timepiece was emblazoned with the red, white and blue colours of the American flag.

Reference no: 210.30.42.20.01.001

Dimension: 42mm
Movement: OMEGA Master Chronometer Calibre 8800
Case Material: Steel
Water resistance: 300M
Price: AU$8,875

2. Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight

Tudor’s Black Bay is at the heart of the brand’s line-up and was inspired by its own dive watches from the 1950s. There’s a bold vintage look to the watch, with the gold accents on the hands and markers being distinctive. The Black Bay features Tudor’s signature snowflake hands and opts for a simple case without crown guards.

The recent additions to the lineup are heavily influenced by Tudor’s 1954 Oyster Prince, giving a vintage-inspired finish that picks up on the current trend for smaller watches. This aesthetic is reinforced by the straightforward bezel and the lolly pop second-hand based on the original watch.

Best of all, the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight also offers a range of different finishes and case materials. The Bronze release is a favourite of ours, with Tudor revealing the inspiration was actually the “bronzes on old ships and other deep-sea diving equipment”.

Reference no: m79030n-0001

Dimension: 39mm
Movement: Manufacture Calibre MT5402
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 200M
Price: £3,280

3. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver

TAG Heuer’s top-flight dive watch is all about functionality. With 1000M water resistance it has 10x the minimum dive watch requirement. That focus on performance also includes a Helium Release Valve, a case forged from Grade 5 titanium and a tough crown guard. The dial is highly legible, with bold lumed markers and the twelve-sided bezel is easy to rotate when submerged. Even the box is tough and comes with a backup torch.

The most recent additions were unveiled at Watches & Wonders, with the 45mm dive watch arriving wrapped in grade 5 titanium. Water-resistant to a ridiculous 1,000 metres, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver receives ISO 6425:2018 certification, courtesy of the COSC-certified calibre TH30-00. When we spoke with TAG Heuer heritage director Nicholas Biebuyck back in 2022, he described the Superdiver as a “key” for the future of the brand.

“We’ve got some new watches, but all of these watches have hidden within them, some Easter eggs, some codes for the future, that will form the foundation. And the key for me is really the new movements with solar graph and the TH30, the new manufacturer Calibre and Superdiver,” he said. “This is really what we’re building on for the future.”

Reference no: WBP5A8A.BF0619

Dimension: 45mm
Movement: Automatic Calibre TH30-00
Case Material: Titanium
Water resistance: 1000M
Price: AUD$9,650

4. Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is one of the most iconic watches ever. Released in the early ’50s alongside Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms and Zodiac’s Sea-Wolf it was originally created for the new hobby of diving. It has a classic design that has outgrown Rolex and is now a look adopted by many manufacturers. And for good reason.

Over the last few years, the Submariner has become one of the most sought-after luxury timepieces on the market, prompting the brand to increase its prices year after year. As we noted back in 2022, one stainless steel Submariner Ref. 124060 went from USD$8,100 in 2021 to USD$8,950 in the US market, representing a 10.5 per cent increase. That being said, recent external factors have seen things swing back in favour of the buyer, but it’s still hard to find a Submariner amid the constant Rolex shortages.

Of course, if you do get your hands on one, the original Submariner is considered the best with various colourways given their own nicknames by fans. Make sure you check out the Hulk, Kermit and Smurf variations. Additionally, you could also check Rolex’s new watches for this year.

Reference no: 124060

Dimension: 41mm
Movement: Rolex 3230 Automatic
Case Material: Oyster Steel
Water resistance: 300M
Price: AUD$12,850

5. Seiko Prospex Turtle

Seiko’s King Turtle is an upgraded version of the Japanese watchmaker’s ever-popular cushion-cased diver’s watch. The style is instantly recognisable and was used on iconic watches including the Captain Willard model. This recent iteration uses an improved 4R36 movement and a beefed-up 45mm case. As a part of Seiko’s Prospex line, you can be sure that this watch will live up to its reputation as one of the most affordable and best dive watches you can buy.

Reference no: SRPE03

Dimension: 45mm
Movement: Seiko 4R36 Automatic
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 200M
Price: USD$625.00

6. Longines Legend Diver

You know when we explained that dive watches need to have rotating bezels to measure elapsed time? And that they had to be easy to turn underwater? Well, super compressor-style watches get around that by having an inner bezel that is rotated by a second crown. The Longines Legend oozes vintage charm and is a great example of a dual crown beauty. This model sports an unusual brown gradient dial and gives more than a nod to ’60s-style divers.

The recent editions are water-resistant to 300 metres, making them ideal for deepsea diving, but there is a lot more to take in. The case back, which hides the powerful Calibre L888.5 movement, sports an engraving of a spear-holding scuba diver, while the 42mm stainless steel case measures in at a thickness of 12.7mm, a reference to the original reference 7042.

Reference no: L3.774.4.60.2

Dimension: 42mm
Movement: Automatic Calibre L888
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 300M
Price: AUD$3,775

7. IWC AquaTimer Chronograph

IWC’s AquaTimer offers a strong contrast to the Longines model. It’s not an obvious dive watch and has design cues taken from aviation watches. But the functionality is there with a full 300M of water resistance and a screw-down crown. In common with the Longines, it has its own internal bezel that can be used for diving. It’s a good option if you need a watch with functional water resistance but without a dive watch look.

The IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000 Edition ’35 Years Ocean 2000’ is a favourite among fans, courtesy of its beastly 2,000m depth rating, while the Boesch Edition offers something special for fans of high-performance mahogany boat manufacturer Boesch Motorboote.

Reference no: IW376804

Dimension: 44mm
Movement: Automatic 79320 Calibre
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 300M
Price: CHF 8’600

8. Breitling Superocean Automatic 44

This is another heritage model that references the birth of scuba diving, this time with just as much emphasis on use in the beachside bar as the ocean. As we’ve previously noted, the dive watch is available in a few colourful variations, all with a robust 44mm case and an unusual dial and hand layout. We’re big fans of the large chapter ring and the quirky square minute hand.

If you’re looking to take the model to the extreme, the SuperOcean Heritage Chronograph Outerknown taps world-champion surfer Kelly Slater for an all-encompassing water-themed weapon. The unique timepiece arrives on a military-style NATO strap, woven with ECONYL nylon made from recycled fishing nets, while the design cops an ultra-hard scratch and shock-resistant unidirectional ceramic bezel.

Our top pick, however, has to be the latest edition which is a reworking of its own ’60s SuperOcean Slow Motion. Available in case sizes ranging from 36-46mm, the recent SuperOcean models are best characterised by the large contrasting dial ring, which is reinforced with bold markers and quirky hands, including a square minute hand. Performance and style, all in one.

Reference no: A17376211B1A1

Dimension: 44mm
Movement: Breitling Calibre 17
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 300M
Price: AUD$6,790

9. Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Bianco

Panerai dive watches are famous for two reasons. They were used by the Italian navy during World War II, and more importantly, they are associated with Hollywood legends Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Stallone knew an iconic watch when he saw one and the Quaranta Quattro Bianco is faithful to the Panerai house style that he champions.

Equipped with a heavy-duty case and the brand’s signature crown lock, the new Submersible QuarantaQuattro line runs on an automatic mechanical P.900 calibre movement with a three-day power reserve. Mainstay features include a seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock, modified date window, uni-directional rotating bezel, and metallic appliques filled with white Super-LumiNova. As Panerai CMO, Alessandro Ficarelli, told us back in 2022, the Submersible range is the brand’s ode to the ocean.

“When you want to change the rules, as we are trying to do…you have to challenge yourself every year, every month, every week, every day. Always inspire an evolution in terms of design, without creating a revolution, because the objective is to respect the brand roots, the aesthetic codes, and the collection. Panerai comes from the sea world and the ocean is the natural playground of the brand.

On the top end of the collection, the Submersible Forze Speciali Experience model – limited to only 50 pieces, represents the very pinnacle of Panerai’s dive watch expertise. With a whopping 47mm case diameter, the watch is forged from titanium with a black DLC coating. Inside, the P.9100/R automatic chronograph movement includes a flyback function and a unique Time to Target countdown – marked on the dial between the 6 and 12 markers. Each model has its own case back illustration, with the PAM01239 displaying a Marina Militare frogman, a nod to the early Panerai watches.

Reference no: PAM01226

Dimension: 44mm
Movement: P.900 Calibre Automatic
Case Material: Brushed Steel
Water resistance: 300M
Price: AUD$14,100

10. Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Auto

The Khaki Frogman is Hamilton’s most ambitious dive watch and ticks all the boxes you’d need. The design has a utilitarian appeal and features an oversized case with matching large hands. The orange accents aid legibility and the bezel layout is straightforward. The prominent crown guard adds a unique touch.

Reference no: H77825330

Dimension: 46mm
Movement: Automatic Calibre H-10
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 300M
Price: AUD$1,900

11. Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80

The Seastar is another chunky modern watch that takes its design cues from its watersports role. It’s a handsome piece with a neat and symmetrical dial layout, large hands and a case designed to take knocks. Importantly, it’s very affordable for a Swiss-made mechanical watch and a realistic purchase for most watch geeks.

Reference no: T120.407.11.041.03

Dimension: 43mm
Movement: Powermatic 80 Automatic
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 300M
Price: AUD$1,250

12. Bremont Supermarine Chrono Jet

British watchmakers Bremont are known more as an aviation brand than a designer of dive watches – check out the story behind the brand’s name – so the Supermarine Chrono Jet still has a strong aviation vibe. But make no mistake, it’s a watch that can operate in tough environments. With its blackout appearance, it’s more of a militaristic tactical timepiece than beachwear but the 200M of water resistance and rotating bezel provide the essential dive watch credentials we need.

Dimension: 43mm
Movement: Modified Calibre BE-54AE
Case Material: Jet Treated Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 200M
Price: AUD$9,750

13. Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver

Part of the appeal of dive watches is the cool stories associated with them. During the 1970s Bulova created a colourful watersports watch aimed at surfers. With a water resistance of 666ft, the watch has since been known as the Devil Diver. The current Bulova Oceanographer boasts the same bold styling and is a chunky workhorse of a watch. Like the Seiko King Turtle, it features a stainless steel cushion case. In a nice touch, the markers are lume-filled tubes.

Reference no: 96B350

Dimension: 45mm
Movement: Automatic
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 200M
Price: AUD$1,150.00

14. Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms Baracuda

The original Fifty-Fathoms debuted a year before the Rolex Submariner and was created for the French navy’s elite scuba squad, the Nageur de Combatand. The Barakuda model was a later civilian watch that has now been recreated in this wonderful limited edition. It’s a watch with a stunning vintage aesthetic and all the benefits of modern Swiss workmanship.

While there are a number of different Fifty-Fathoms models to consider, the top releases to highlight are, unsurprisingly, the special editions. The Fifty Fathoms No Rad, for example, was inspired by the mid-1960s diving instrument used by the German Navy’s Combat Swimmers. A play on the brand’s decision to not utilise luminescent materials composed of radium, this model copped a matte deep black dial punctuated by geometrical hour-markers and a date aperture highlighted by a white rim at 3 o’clock, in addition to the dominant yellow and red “no radiations” logo. Blancpain also recently announced titanium bracelets for the Fifty-Fathoms collection, which makes this luxury dive watch all the more enticing.

Reference no: 5008B 1130 B52A

Dimension: 40.3mm
Movement: Caliber 1151 Automatic
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 300M
Price: £13,100

15. Glashütte SeaQ

Germany’s representative on our list is a sporty model from luxury watchmakers Glashütte Original. It’s another watch that packages the latest watchmaking knowledge into a retro-looking case. This mid-sized piece has a no-nonsense styling that incorporates a simple-looking case and highly legible dial. Of course, the specs are excellent and the movement is an in-house automatic of outstanding quality.

Reference no: 1-39-11-06-80-70

Dimension: 39.5mm
Movement: Calibre 39-11 Automatic
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 200M
Price: £9,200

16. Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic

As pioneers of solar-powered movements, we don’t see many automatic watches from Japanese giants Citizen. This model, from its Promaster line, pays homage to a legendary watch from the brand’s back catalogue. First issued to the Italian Navy in the late ’80s, this is a heavy-duty piece that features a serrated bezel inspired by a Fugu fish (yes, we had to Google that one too). It’s a colourful sports watch that has a crown repositioned to 8 o’clock, an ergonomic consideration that gives the watch a unique appearance.

Reference no: NY0130-08E

Dimension: 44mm
Movement: Japanese Automatic
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 200M
Price: £349

17. Baltic Aquascaphe

The Aquascaphe is the brainchild of the French brand Baltic and is hand-assembled in France. Top release from one of our favourite microbrands, this handsome watch pays homage to simple, classic dive watches. That means it is equipped with a double-domed sapphire crystal, a spartan dial with vintage-style lume and a bakelike bezel. Taken together this makes for a great option if you want an authentic vintage-style dive watch.

Dimension: 38mm
Movement: Japanese Miyota 9039 Automatic movement
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 200M
Price: €580.00

18. Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver

Bell & Ross is renowned for its square watches inspired by aircraft instrument panels and the BR 03-92 Diver is the first dive watch to capture that look. It has the B&R DNA that we love and packages that in a modest 42mm x 42mm case. Like a cockpit display, the dial is easy to read and features a simple black-and-white layout. With its substantial crown guards and ISO certification this is the real deal.

Dimension: 42mm
Movement: BR-CAL.302. Automatic
Case Material: Satin Polished Steel
Water resistance: 300M
Price: £3,500

19. Zodiac Super Sea Wolf

Zodiac was there, alongside Blancpain and Rolex, when dive watches first appeared at Basel’s watch fair. The Sea-Wolf was Zodiac’s groundbreaking diver and the current iteration stays true to the original ethos. Now slightly larger at 42mm, the modern watch maintains the distinctive appearance that pairs bold markers with a unique set of hands. It’s a watch that’s been referenced in pop culture too, with both a film and book suggesting it was the watch worn by the notorious Zodiac killer.

Reference no: ZO3552

Dimension: 42mm
Movement: Swiss-Made Sellita SW200-1
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 300M
Price: $1,695.00

20. Doxa Sub 300T Professional

When you’re browsing dive watches and see bright orange dials you have Doxa to thank. An early pioneer of the dive watch, Doxa did a simple test in a murky lake. Using a variety of dial colours, it was determined that orange was the easiest to see underwater. The 300T Professional is the result and, like Bulova’s Devil Diver, was created for the image-conscious public rather than the military. Crucially, it was one of the first popular dive watches to come equipped with a Helium Release Valve. The latest version also boasts an impressive 1200M water resistance.

Reference no: 840.10.351.10

Dimension: 42.5mm
Movement: Swiss Automatic
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 1200M
Price: £1,890

21. Oris Aquis Date

Although Oris also mines its back catalogue for inspiration, we’re just as impressed with the brand’s modern creations. The Aquis is a versatile diver built for the modern man with the stunning gradient dial adding a touch of colour while retaining an air of sophistication. With a small date window at 6 o’clock, it also has a pleasing symmetry. It’s another Swiss-made model and compares favourably against divers from some of the country’s bigger names.

Reference no: 01 400 7763 4135-07 8 24 09PEB

Dimension: 43.5mm
Movement: Calibre 400 Swiss Automatic
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 300M
Price: £2,950

22. Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris pulls off the super-compressor style beautifully. It has a deep green dial and large bold numerals. It’s another vintage-inspired piece that upgrades a classic look for today’s watch fans and opts for a less sporty appearance.

Reference no: Q906863J

Dimension: 42mm
Movement: Swiss Automatic
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 200M
Price: AUD$16,200

23. Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer

In a sea of vintage-inspired dive watches Maurice Lacroix’s Aikon Venturer stands out as an unashamedly modern creation. The angular case and complex bezel give a robust appearance without overdoing the sports watch aesthetic. Indeed, it’s marketed as a watch for city workers that also has the attributes of a dive watch. It’s a bold piece powered by Maurice Lacroix’s own automatic movement.

Reference no: AI6058-SS002-330-1

Dimension: 43mm
Movement: Automatic ML 115
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water resistance: 300M
Price: 2,300.00 €

What is a Dive Watch?

In a nutshell, a dive watch is a timepiece that has been specifically designed to be submerged in water. Yes, the watch could have been created for actual diving, but the functionality of a dive watch could also be needed for other sports, work or often for use by the military. For a watch to be used for diving it requires at least 100M of water resistance and will often have a rotating bezel, a highly legible dial and good lume.

Why Are They So Popular?

If you’re a fan of watches then you’ll no doubt have a favourite dive watch – we all do. The big names of horology all have at least one in their stable. Rolex has the iconic Submariner and OMEGA has the Seamaster, a watch favoured by Daniel Craig’s James Bond. These watches were designed for a specific job and tend to have a functional aesthetic with a tough masculine edge. That styling is reinforced by a variety of functions and watchmaking innovations meaning that dive watches can be both elegant pieces of jewellery and hardcore tools.

Key Elements of a Dive Watch

Much like a GMT or dress watch, there are some basic (and not-so-basic) elements that go into creating a dive watch. It goes without saying that the watch must be able to function in water and there are several components needed to make that happen. In order to aid the user on an actual dive there are also specialist features that a dive watch is equipped with.

Bezel

One of the most important features of a divers watch is the bezel. This is used to measure the elapsed time, particularly important when you’ve got a limited amount of oxygen strapped to your back. A typical dive watch bezel will have markers that display the minutes and a diver can rotate the bezel to monitor the time elapsed rather than noting the current time. As a safety feature most dive watch bezels are uni-directional meaning they can’t be accidentally rotated the wrong way. Bezels will also be legible and have a knurled edge to make turning easier when underwater or when the user is wearing gloves.

Gasket

There are a few core ingredients in a dive watch’s design that ensure water doesn’t penetrate the watch, and the use of gaskets is a crucial component. Gaskets are usually rubber or silicone and are used to protect the most vulnerable areas of the watch. These gaskets most commonly protect the crown, caseback and where the crystal is attached to the case.

Screw-down Crown

If you’ve ever tried to quickly set the time on your dive watch you’ll be familiar with the crown not moving until you unscrew it. It can be a headache for those of us with multiple watches who have to constantly reset the date and time. But the crown screws down for a good reason. When screwed in place the crown adds another layer of protection against the entry of water.

Lume

It’s all well and good having a watch that can be fully submerged in water and has the ability to display the elapsed time. But what if you can’t actually read the time or make out the bezel? In challenging environments, you’ll need strong lume. Lume is the luminous material that is used on the hands, markers and bezel to allow them to glow in the dark. Along with a clear dial, lume ensures that the watch on your wrist is legible in even the toughest conditions.

Helium Escape Valve

A helium release valve is a feature for the big boys and, unlike water resistance and a rotating bezel, not a function that you’ll see as a standard on dive watches. That’s because a helium valve is only required for deep-sea diving. Surprisingly, it’s a feature that is designed for use in a dry environment. There’s a bunch of science that you probably don’t need to know, but it boils down to this. Deep-sea divers need to use decompression chambers after a dive due to a build-up of Helium in their bodies. So does your watch if it has been used at those depths. The helium release valve – pioneered by Rolex and Doxa – allows you to easily release helium molecules from your watch without causing damage.

How Man of Many Chose the Best Dive Watches

When it comes to choosing our list of the best dive watches money can buy, we turned to our watch expert Lee Smith and our fashion editors to choose their favourites. Man of Many has had the chance to get hands-on with the majority of watches on this list (often thanks to their friends in the industry, but one look at our coverage from Watches & Wonders could tell you that). Man of Many’s lists take into account three major perspectives to determine the overall rating, quality, price point, and availability. As one of the best watch blogs on the internet they have the knowledge to determine what makes a good dress watch, but in addition to their own opinions, they’ve also taken into account reviews via industry leaders such as Time and Tide, HODINKEE, and Worn and Wound.

Alternatives to Dive Watches

If you aren’t a fan of dive watches or want to try something a little different, why not check out our extensive guides to other watch styles and types?

• Best Dress Watches for Every Budget
• Best Chronograph Watches: Luxury to Affordable
• Best Pilot Watches for Every Budget
• Best Military Watches for Everyday Carry
• Best Dive Watches Under $1,500
• Best Gifts for Watch Lovers

Dive Watch FAQs