Best Automatic Dive Watch For The Money
Whether you're just diving into a huge workload at your desk, or actually spending some time deep underwater, one thing is clear — a dive watch would be great to have on your wrist. You don't need to go scuba diving often to appreciate these high-performing, beautifully designed, and undoubtedly utilitarian timepieces for everyday use. In this Carry Smarter guide, you'll get familiar with the basics of dive watches, what features to look for when buying a diver, and our picks for the best and most affordable options to help you take the plunge into the world of dive watches.
What is a dive watch?
The purpose of a dive watch is to monitor how long you've been underwater, and more importantly how much air you have left in your tank. They've been around since the turn of the 20th century and continue to be both fashionable and useful to this day.
The quintessential dive watch has an immediately recognizable look. They're larger (around 42mm), feature a rotating bezel, and rest on a metal bracelet or rubber strap.
Dive watches are ideal for EDC because they're built like tanks, they're easy to read, and they look just plain cool.
What makes a dive watch?
Aside from your budget, you should consider these four key features of a dive watch on your search. As an example, many members in the EDC community think the best dive watch is the Seiko SKX007. Shown here as an example, it delivers on these four hallmarks at a relatively affordable price point. Now, onto the four hallmarks of a great diver's watch.
Water Resistance: If you're buying a dive watch, it should have proper water resistance. While most watches claim 50m of water resistance, that really means that it will survive hand washes and maybe a shower. When looking at dive watches, 200m (660 feet!) of water resistance is common ground. If you plan on having a watch that will stand up to swimming, showering—and of course—diving, be sure to choose something with a high level of water resistance.
Build Quality: Divers entrust their watches with their lives to be able to know precisely how much time they have underwater. For dive watches, reliable durability and construction are critical. Look for a dive watch with a well-built case, a strong crystal (mineral and sapphire are best), and a good strap or bracelet. A solid dive watch will last for decades if maintained, and you can easily buy an heirloom piece in the $200 range.
Movement: The slight bump in price from our Military Watch Guide opens up more options for the type of movement that powers the watch. Automatic movements are popular in the diver market as they don't require a battery. Automatic watches "wind" from the motion of your arm, so they'll keep ticking as long as you keep them on your wrist. Also seen in this class of watches are day/date features, adding to the utility of the timepiece.
Legibility: When underwater, it's crucial to know exactly how long you've been diving. The bezel, a key component of the dive watch, tells you exactly that. The bezel's "12 o'clock" dot can be rotated to match up with the minute hand to keep track of time. As the minute hand moves, you can see how many minutes have elapsed by reading the bezel number as opposed to the watch face. Higher-end watches feature unidirectional bezels that only rotate counterclockwise to avoid accidentally overestimating how much time is left. Dive watches usually have large, illuminated indices (the hour and minute markings on the face) that are easy to read. This illumination (or "lume" in the watch world) not only looks awesome, but it helps you quickly tell time when the lights are out.
With the features to look for in a dive watch in mind, here are some of our favorite examples for this year.
The 18 Best Dive Watches in 2021
Content
- 1 - Seiko 5 Sports SRPD35K1 Dive Watch
- 2 - Marathon MSAR Automatic Dive Watch
- 3 - Victorinox INOX Professional Diver Ti
- 4 - Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Dive Watch
- 5 - Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Dive Watch
- 6 - Seiko Prospex SBDY047 Dive Watch
- 7 - CountyComm SR-35 Titanium Dive Watch
- 8 - Orient Star Sports RE-AU0302L Dive Watch
- 9 - Lorier Neptune Series III
- 10 - Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Dive Watch
- 11 - UNIMATIC U1-FDN Dive Watch
- 12 - Oris Aquis Date Relief Dive Watch
- 13 - Zelos Abyss 3 Dive Watch
- 14 - Deep Blue Daynight Scuba Tritium T-100
- 15 - Seiko Prospex Special Edition SRFF77 Dive Watch
- 16 - Steinhart Ocean One Vintage Red Dive Watch
- 17 - Orient Kamasu Dive Watch
- 18 - LIV GX-Diver's Gen 2 Dive Watch
Key Features
"Pepsi" bezel
Homage design
41-hour power reserve
LumiBrite markers
Specifications
Movement
Seiko 4R36 automatic
A homage to their iconic affordable dive watch the SKX007, these new Seiko 5 Sports timepieces evoke the classic looks, but done up in more modern and vivid colorways. The SRPD53K1 features the traditional red-and-blue "Pepwsi" bezel, combined with a deep blue dial. The same familiar Seiko 5 features are all here: Hardlex crystal, day and date display, see-through caseback, offset screw-down crown, unidirectional bezel, and LumiBrite treatment on the hands and markers. The 42.5mm brushed stainless steel case is rated for 100 meters of water resistance, while the in-house 4R36 automatic movement provides manual winding and a 41-hour power reserve—both make this a solid choice for an everyday diver-style beater watch.
Key Features
Tritium lume
Screwdown crown
Specifications
Movement
Swiss SW200 automatic
Marathon has extensive experience making bombproof watches with military and government service in mind, and that extends to the depths of the ocean with their dive watch offerings like this MSAR Automatic. It features a reliable Swiss-made automatic mechanical watch movement for accurate timekeeping. It's also water-resistant down to 300 meters or 30 ATM with its ISO 6245-compliant build featuring robust construction and watertight screw-down mechanisms. Where some dive watches have a "busy" look to them, legibility is the name of the game when it comes to this watch, with easily identifiable Arabic legends and a date complication that doesn't obscure the rest of the watch face. When things get dark outside (or down in the depths) the tritium lume and MaraGlo paint on the hands of the watch as well as the hour markers allows you to read the time at a glance.
Key Features
Swiss-made titanium case
ISO 6425 certified
AR-coated sapphire crystal
Date display
This diver's watch pairs titanium's light weight and corrosion-resistant properties with an anti-magnetic Swiss quartz movement for a robust offering in the dive watch category. The Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Diver Ti is an extremely durable and functional choice, passing the NIHS 92-11 (ISO 6425) standard for anti-magnetism, temperature tolerance, shock resistance, salt water resistance, luminosity, and finally, strap durability. On top of all that, it comes with a clear plastic magnifier attachment that goes over the watch face, case, and crown, for even more protection. It's a dive-certified watch you need not worry about taking anywhere and everywhere.
Key Features
Swiss-made automatic movement
80-hour power reserve
Magnetic shielding
Hacking and handwinding
Specifications
Movement
Swiss ETA 2724-2 automatic
Boasting an impressive 80-hour power reserve, the Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 is a diver's watch that made to keep on ticking, even if you leave it on your dresser over the weekend while you try other watches in your rotation. Not that you'd want to take this off anyway. Its 43mm wide case, contrasting color scheme, simple lumed dial, and black ceramic bezel provide the wrist presence this robust Swiss-made timepiece deserves. Inside lurks a Swiss-made ETA 2824-2 automatic movement that provides hackable seconds, handwinding capability, and magnetically-shielded accuracy. This tough beauty touts 300m water resistance—more than the usual for everyday dive watches—meaning it's more than ready for whatever you throw at it.
Key Features
"Batman" bezel
80-hour power reserve
Distinctive hybrid styling
Compact case
Functional and stylish, the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba pairs a compact and easy-to-wear 40mm stainless steel case with an H-10 automatic movement that gives this timepiece a robust 80-hour power reserve. It combines the readability of a field watch with the functionality of a diver's model. The black dial features lumed indices and field watch styled 24-hour markings, and is mated to a blue-and-black "Batman" bezel that sets off the blue minute markings and second hand. A 20mm black nylon NATO strap keeps the look sporty, and also features a hint of blue on its edges, completing the "navy" theme of the watch.
Key Features
Decorative blue wave dial
Day/date display
AR-coated sapphire crystal
Anti-magnetic
Specifications
Movement
Seiko 4R36 automatic
Part of Seiko's "Save the Ocean" campaign, this new "Great White Shark" edition of the classic King Turtle brings that models' distinctive silhouette up to date in 2020 with an in-house 4R36 automatic movement that features a 40-hour power reserve, high bph accuracy, plus hacking and handwinding capabilities. Despite a case size of 45mm, its 13mm height and 47mm lug-to-lug measurement means it fits on a bigger spectrum of wrist sizes. The textured blue dial hides Seiko's tribute to the animal this special edition was named after (try looking for the shark fin), and combined with the new sapphire crystal with magnifying cyclops optics, it creates a striking aesthetic for this limited edition timepiece.
Key Features
Compact size
Titanium case and bracelet
Triple Super-LumiNova treatment
Hacking seconds
Specifications
Movement
Seiko NH35 automatic
With a compact 40mm wide 6Al-4V titanium case, the CountyComm SR-35 presents a robust mid-sized dive watch option. It's powered by a Seiko NH35 automatic movement, which give you high bpm accuracy, a 40-hour power reserve, a date complication, and hacking seconds. Up front, a fully functional bezel and an offset screwdown crown give you dive watch looks and functionality, while the simple matte black dial provides high legibility with its Super-LumiNova treated minute markings and contrasting orange accents on the logo and second hand. From work to the weekend, The SR-35''s compact size and clean lines make this an everyday timepiece you can take just about anywhere.
Key Features
50-hour Power Reserve
Shock-resistant case
Sunburst dial
Date display
Specifications
Movement
Orient F6N47 automatic
The combination of classic and clean aesthetics with a sleek blue dial and bezel make the Orient Star Sports RE-AU0302L stand out among its luxury dive watch offerings. Satin-brushed finishing all over the 43.6mm stainless steel case sets off the sunburst blue dial, which features luminous capsule-shaped hour markers, a small date window, and a fan-shaped power reserve indicator. The in-house F6N47 automatic movement has an impressive 50-hour power reserve, meaning on a full charge, you can leave this watch for two days and still come back to it still strongly and accurately ticking. Housed in a 200m water resistant and shock resistant case, this is a sleek and sturdy timepiece that's heirloom-worthy.
Key Features
Minimal, highly-legible face and bezel
Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9 lume
Specifications
Movement
Miyota 90S5 automatic
The Neptune Series III is a minimal take on the classic dive watch with a vintage design that scraps the data overload you get with most dive watch designs. Instead, it offers big hour markers and hands for a highly-legible experience. Even the bezel is simplified, drawing your attention to the time instead of the periphery in the process. The watch itself features a Miyota 90S5 automatic movement, and a 316L marine-grade stainless steel that will stand up to the salty elements of a life spent beneath the waves. And even if you never take it down that fear, the 200 meter water resistance means it can more than stand up to regular handwashing or extended rain above ground.
Key Features
Iconic design
Compact case
C3 Super-LumiNova markers
Certified chronometer
Specifications
Movement
Fossil STP 3-13 automatic
The iconic diver design from Zodiac features 100% Swiss construction with a Swiss-made internals, namely Fossil's STP 3-13 automatic movement. The sharp aesthetics, including the elongated lugs and nylon slip-through strap, give the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 an unmistakable link to its well-known and well-regarded heritage. The watch face features skeletonized hands and blocky indexes that are treated with C3 Super-LumiNova luminous paint. They lie protected underneath scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass and are framed by a vivid mineral crystal bezel that, combined with a contrasting chapter ring, creates a striking watch face. Its sleek styling combines with true dive watch performance that's backed with 200 meters of water resistance and a chronometer certification for high accuracy.
Key Features
Limited edition 600 pieces handcrafted in Italy
Hacking movement
Specifications
Movement
Seiko NH35A automatic
The UNIMATIC U1-FDN is a handcrafted watch built around a Japanese-made Seiko NH35A automatic hacking mechanical movement. That means that you're able to synchronize your watch with other timepieces or to a standard for accurate timekeeping purposes. The clean look of the watch lends itself well to more minimal EDC aesthetics, but its scratchproof sapphire glass crystal and Super-LumiNova C1 luminous paint ensure that the great looks of this watch is matched by its practicality as well. If this watch appeals to you, make sure to buy it sooner rather than later because this particular model is part of a limited run of just 600 timepieces made, and after that it's gone forever.
Key Features
Special edition design
Full stainless steel bezel
Double-domed sapphire crystal
Relief indices
Specifications
Movement
Oris caliber 733 automatic
Inspired by the color of the stormy sea, the Oris Aquis Date Relief features striking aesthetics with its combination of a grey sunburst dial and polished silver accents. In a departure from the normal Aquis model, this version uses a solid stainless steel bezel that has the scale markings engraved in relief--hence the watch's name. A transparent caseback showcases the Oris Caliber 733 automatic movement, which features their signature red rotor. The 43.5mm stainless steel case features integrated lugs, a screw-in crown, and a 300 meter water resistance rating, meaning this special edition watch is not just for casual dips in the pool—it actually has full dive watch performance.
Key Features
3000 meters of water resistance
Manual helium escape valve
Double-domed sapphire crystal
Exotic case materials
Specifications
Movement
Swiss Sellita 200 automatic
This professional-level dive watch from microbrand Zelos proves that the smaller manufacturers can more than hold a torch to the bigger names in this segment. The Zelos Abyss 3 comes with an impressive depth rating of 3,000 meters and a pressure rating of 4,300 pounds per square inch. This is thanks to its well-sealed 43 mm case that features a manual helium escape valve at the 2 o'clock position, matched with a C3-lumed screwdown crown at 4 o'clock. A Swiss Sellita 200 automatic movement powers the internals, while high double-domed sapphire crystal protects the dial and keeps it visible and distortion-free at any viewing angle. You have your option of a steel or bronze case, plus different dial and bezel colors, including an version that features a meteorite dial and bezel insert.
Key Features
Swiss-made
Tritium markers
Luminous unidirectional bezel
Super-Luminova treatment
Specifications
Movement
Swiss Sellita SW-200-1 automatic
The Deep Blue Daynight Scuba Tritium T-100 is meant to be a timepiece that you can take anywhere and in any conditions. The large and legible dial has a sunray wave pattern, and it's framed by a luminous 120-click unidirectional bezel. The "Daynight" in the name refers to its all-conditions readability: markings on both the dial and bezel feature the Super-LumiNova treatment as well as 17 inlaid tritium gas tubes, making the watch glow in a distinctive combination of luminous orange, blue, and green when in low-light situations. The Swiss-made Sellita SW-200-1 automatic movement inside means you'll never worry about batteries, while the 45mm stainless case that's rated to 500 meters of water resistance makes the Daynight Scuba Tritium T-100 a solid and stalwart companion—be it on your everyday endeavors or out in the scuba depths.
Key Features
Lumibrite lume
Day/date complication
Special edition, unique aquatic design on bezel
Specifications
Movement
Seiko 4R36 automatic
Whether you're headed down to the depths or climbing up a mountain, Seiko's Prospex line of high-quality diver sports watches are always a good bet. New this year is the SRPF77, a blue limited edition timepieces that features a durable silicone band and a unique dial that depicts an underwater sea looking up at the sun with manta rays visible above. It has a classic divers style with a screw case back and screwdown back as well as a unidirectional rotatinz bezel. The 24 jewel Seiko caliber 4R36 automatic movement also features a manual winding capacity that lets you build up a 41 hour power reserve if you foresee not using it for a while when rotating watches in your collection, making it a great addition to your everyday carry ensemble.
Key Features
Vintage aesthetic
Domed sapphire crystal
Safety deployment clasp
Uni-directional bezel
Specifications
Movement
Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic
Homage watches can bring about some strong opinions. Some dislike them for being unoriginal designs, while others see them as the only affordable way to get the look they want in a watch without having to shell out thousands for the original. Opinions aside, Steinhart watches put out some seriously great watches—in function and form—for the price. The Ocean One Vintage Red is based on an older Rolex reference that regularly sells for $25k+. Hence, the appeal of the Steinhart is strong. The watch is made in Switzerland and features an automatic ETA movement with hacking second and a power reserve of 40 hours. You'll appreciate the premium features like a domed sapphire crystal, bracelet with solid end links, and sturdy unidirectional bezel.
Key Features
Day/date complication
Sapphire crystal
Specifications
Movement
Orient F6922 automatic
Orient's diver style watches offer great value for money, with a stylish design that doesn't skimp on build quality while also featuring movements that give you the features you expect from higher-priced alternatives. Their Kamasu features an in-house F6022 automatic mechanical movement featuring a day-date complication and a hacking capability. You can hand-wind it to maximize its runtime, or just let it ride on your wrist everyday to keep it going. While Orient doesn't explicitly bill this watch as rated for deep diving, it is water-resistant to 200 meters, and it's well-suited for EDCers who want the style of a diver's watch but don't necessarily ever go down to depth. Its sapphire crystal will also keep up with the scraps and scrapes of a life above board, and its 41.8mm case diameter makes it a great choice for most wrists.
Key Features
Swiss-made automatic movement
Sapphire crystal
Cyclops date window
Deep water resistance
Specifications
Movement
Swiss Sellita SW-200-1 automatic
LIV's second-gen diver is a bold 44m statement of stainless steel and marine themes, and ticks all the boxes of a fully loaded dive watch. Under the sapphire crystal beats a Sellita automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve and date complication, fueling a 3-hand movement with a stark orange second hand. This contrasts nicely with the cobalt blue wave dial, which also houses large pips and Arabic numerals with BGW9 lume. A screwdown crown and robust steel case rounds out the GX-Diver's features, and gives it an exceptional 300M of water resistance. Last but not least, a skeleton caseback lets you watch its movement in action.
Now that you know a thing or two about dive watches, how they could fit into your EDC, and examples of budget-friendly options, you're ready to get your feet wet with a diver of your own. What dive watch is next on your list? What watches did we miss? We want to hear what's on your wrist (or wishlist for now!) — leave us a comment below.
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Best Automatic Dive Watch For The Money
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