The 23 Best Dive Watches You Can Buy in 2024
The endless silent world awaits underneath the surface. Majestic coral reefs, ancient shipwrecks, mysterious creatures – diving opens a portal into this aquatic realm that stirs our imagination. But to fully experience the magic, having the right dive watch as your guide is crucial.
A great dive watch provides the rugged capability to perform any task, even in the crushing pressure of deep, unexplored waters. It captures your spirit of adventure while offering the tools needed to discover new frontiers.
This article will uncover the 23 best dive watches you can buy in 2024 based on key features, performance, quality, and value. From leading Swiss dive watch brands to Japanese companies innovating diving technology, we’ve curated the top contenders for every type of diver.
Moreover, to help you find the perfect diving watch that fits your budget, we’ve categorized our selection into three distinct price ranges: affordable dive watches under $1000, mid-range luxury dive watches between $1000 and $2000, and high-end luxury dive watches above $2000. So, whatever your budget is, there’s a dive watch for you.
Get ready to dive into the world of exceptional dive watches. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to discover your ideal diving partner.
Contents
- Affordable Dive Watches Under $1000
- 1. Casio Duro MDV106-1AV
- 2. Invicta Pro Diver Automatic
- 3. Seiko Prospex Solar Diver SNE573
- 4. Citizen Promaster Diver
- 5. Orient Ray II
- 6. Bulova Oceanographer 96B322
- 7. Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Diver Titanium 241812
- 8. Seiko Prospex PADI Special Edition
- 9. Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto
- 10. Luminox Navy SEAL Foundation Chronograph
- Mid-Range Luxury Dive Watches Between $1000 – $2000
- High End Luxury Dive Watches Above $2000
Affordable Dive Watches Under $1000
1. Casio Duro MDV106-1AV
With its large 44mm stainless steel case, the Casio Duro MDV106-1AV packs legitimate dive watch credentials into an ultra-affordable package. Its clean black dial protected by a mineral crystal features raised rectangular and circular indices filled with luminescent paint. A 120-click elapsed time bezel and 200m water resistance rating make it suitable for recreational diving.
Inside beats a reliable Japanese quartz movement. While the resin strap denotes cost-cutting, polished and brushed finishes on the case exceed expectations. Thanks to mass production scale, the Duro delivers capabilities comparable to watches costing 10 times as much. With a price tag of just $70, it’s the perfect affordable dive watch for beginners.
2. Invicta Pro Diver Automatic
Invicta’s Pro Diver channels the styling of Rolex’s Submariner into an affordable package. The 40mm stainless steel case surrounds a straightforward black dial with luminous hands and indices. A 120-click unidirectional bezel allows for precise timing of dives, while the date window at the 3 o’clock position adds a touch of practicality. With a water resistance of 200m, it is suitable for recreational diving.
The real draw lies inside, with the proven Seiko NH35A automatic movement beating away. It provides hand-winding, hacking seconds, and impressive accuracy. Pricing widely fluctuates between $55-$85. At the lower end, the Pro Diver becomes an unbeatable value for those wanting an automatic diver. While finishing doesn’t match pricier homages, its potent Japanese movement makes the Pro Diver a compelling budget option.
3. Seiko Prospex Solar Diver SNE573
This solar-powered 38.5mm stainless steel dive watch from Seiko combines functionality, sporty style, and affordability. The rechargeable battery means no replacements are needed, powered by any light source.
With sapphire crystal protecting the black dial, 200m water resistance rating, black unidirectional bezel, and luminous markers, it provides excellent capabilities for recreational divers. The Prospex Solar Diver packs premium features like a screw-down crown and caseback into a budget-friendly price point accessible for most buyers.
Price: $475
4. Citizen Promaster Diver
The Citizen’s Promaster Diver is considered to be one of the best diving watches among watch enthusiasts due to its solid construction, stylish design, and impressive features.
It never needs battery changes, thanks to its eco-drive solar-powered quartz movement. Housed in a 44mm stainless steel case with a polyurethane strap, it provides 200m water resistance through its screw-down crown and caseback.
The bold blue dial offers excellent visibility underwater. Features like a date window, luminous hands, and anti-reflective mineral crystal make it a well-equipped timepiece in and out of water. Built with Citizen’s excellent Japanese movement, the Promaster Diver is a competent dive watch priced affordably.
Price: $375
5. Orient Ray II
Orient’s Ray II automatic dive watch provides a 120-click unidirectional rotating bezel and 200m water resistance rating in a 41.5mm stainless steel case. The in-house Japanese automatic movement enables hand-winding and hacking at an affordable price point for an entry-level mechanical diver.
The blue dial and bezel insert provide a pop of color, contrasting nicely with the stainless case and bracelet. With its straightforward three-hand layout including lumed indices and day/date window, the Ray II focuses on display legibility. For buyers wanting a mechanical watch capable of recreational diving without a huge investment, the Ray II automatic diver provides excellent affordable value.
Price: $300
6. Bulova Oceanographer 96B322
Bulova’s Oceanographer 96B322 channels a retro dive watch aesthetic into its cushion-shaped 44mm stainless steel case. The black/green rotating bezel and straightforward dial strike a utilitarian look, while the vintage font and depth rating nod to its 1970s roots. An anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the face, which contains applied markers filled with luminescent material.
Powering the array of hands is a Miyota 821A automatic movement. With a screw-down crown and 200m water resistance rating, the Oceanographer meets ISO standards for diving. Its bold vintage style combined with modern construction makes this an appealing option. For under $650, the Oceanographer brings distinctive retro flair to the dive watch category.
Price: $638 – $795
7. Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Diver Titanium 241812
The I.N.O.X. Professional Diver Titanium 241812 brings Victorinox’s renowned Swiss craftsmanship to the dive watch category. It meets the ISO 6425 certification for diver’s watches with its rugged 45mm titanium case surrounding a simple black dial with luminous hands and indices.
The lightweight titanium provides corrosion resistance and comfort on the wrist. With its Swiss quartz movement, sapphire crystal, and 200m water resistance rating, it handles recreational diving and daily wear with ease. The uni-directional indexed bezel enables elapsed time measurement. Complete with a paracord strap and silicon rubber bumper, the I.N.O.X. Professional Diver brings versatility, durability, and standout styling together in a capable timepiece.
Price: $450 – $550
8. Seiko Prospex PADI Special Edition
Created in partnership with PADI, this Seiko Prospex dive watch celebrates recreational scuba diving. The colorful “Pepsi” blue and red bezel highlights the 45.3mm stainless steel case. With 200m water resistance, it is a capable tool for diving.
The distinctive PADI logo appears on its textured blue dial. While affordable, it still provides premium features like a Seiko’s Hardlex crystal, luminous markers, and a day/date window. Powering the watch is the 21-jewel automatic caliber 4R36 movement with a power reserve of 41 hours. For less than $600, this special edition Prospex pairs distinction with Seiko’s renowned reputation for value and durability.
Price: $550
Hamilton built this modern 45mm stainless steel dive watch with contemporary hues meant to pop. The black and blue “Batman” bezel contrasts the technical slate dial. Highly legible indices and hands combined with the date complication improve utility.
With 100m water resistance, applied markers, and a Swiss automatic movement, the Khaki Scuba diver is built for aquatic activities. The watch provides versatility and convenience by offering two different strap options – a stainless steel bracelet and a durable black rubber strap. Balancing an affordable price and Swiss pedigree, Hamilton crafted the Scuba diver for excellent value in its segment.
Price: $845
With its 47mm carbonox case, the Luminox XS.3590.NSF chronograph pays tribute to the elite Navy SEALs. Its desert tan colorway and insignia dial integrate camouflage styling. Powered by a Swiss quartz movement, it includes chronograph sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. The uni-directional rotating carbonox bezel enables underwater elapsed time measurement, while its 200m water resistance rating meets Navy requirements.
One of the most impressive features of Luminox watches including this Navy Seal is the use of luminescent material, specifically tritium gas tubes, that are placed on the hands and around the outer edge of the dial. These gas tubes can glow constantly for up to an incredible 25 years, providing a reliable and long-lasting source of illumination in any lighting condition.
The XL rugged build suits tactical use. With a textured rubber strap and Navy SEAL Foundation engraving on the caseback, this Luminox chronograph is one of the best Swiss diving watches at an affordable price.
Price: $645
Mid-Range Luxury Dive Watches Between $1000 – $2000
11. Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional
As an upscaled counterpart to Tissot’s popular Seastar 1000 dive watch, the Seastar 2000 brings more rugged specifications for aquatic use. Within its large 46mm stainless steel case lies a wave-textured dial protected by an AR-coated sapphire crystal. Bold luminous hands provide legibility when diving to its 600m water resistance rating.
Useful complications include a date window, helium escape valve, and hacking seconds. The Swiss-made Powermatic 80 automatic movement powers the array with an ample 80-hour power reserve. While its size may limit the wrist’s presence, the Seastar 2000’s pedigree and tool-watch capabilities make it a top-tier diving instrument for Tissot.
Price: $1125
12. Mido Ocean Star 200C
Mido built the 41mm Ocean Star 200C as a mid-range luxury Swiss-made dive watch. A rippled textured blue dial and robust stainless steel case offer bold styling. The in-house automatic movement provides an 80-hour power reserve when fully wound.
With a practical 200m water resistance rating, it’s built for recreational diving use rather than extreme depth. The Ocean Star 200C manages an elegantly colored, highly legible dial design that pops correctly. For buyers wanting Swiss provenance without the highest prices, Mido delivers a capable diver ready for aquatic activities.
Price: $1200
With a 46mm stainless steel case, the Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman brings avant-garde dimensions inspired by military Frogman watches in 1951. Its rugged look stems from design cues of vintage diving helmets, conveyed through the prominent crown guard.
Yet modern touches like a wave-textured rubber strap, uni-directional diving bezel, and 300m water resistance make this contemporary automatic diver sea-worthy. Powering its military-inspired black dial is a Swiss automatic movement with 80 hours of power reserve. At over 13mm thick and with a massive 53.5mm case width, the Frogman makes a bold wrist presence. For those wanting a conversation-starting diver that pays homage to Hamilton’s military lineage, the Khaki Navy Frogman brings a standout personality.
Price: $1245
14. Zodiac Super Sea Wolf ZO9269
First introduced in 1953, the Zodiac Sea Wolf helped pioneer early dive watches. The modern 40mm Super Sea Wolf ZO9269 channels this heritage through its colorful “Watermelon” design. Its stainless steel case surrounds a sunray silver dial with a bright pink outer minute track. The vintage-inspired steel bracelet pairs well with the green bezel.
Underneath, the Swiss-made STP 1-11 automatic movement powers its array of hands and center-set date complication. With 200m water resistance and a screw-down crown, the Super Sea Wolf meets modern diving standards. For those wanting a conversation-starting timepiece with legitimate history, the Sea Wolf ZO9269 makes a compelling choice. Its blend of heritage and bold, beachy fun creates a summertime wrist presence.
Price: $1595
15. Longines HydroConquest L3.730.4.96.6
Longines imbues this 41mm stainless steel dive watch with its signature elegance and quality. The blue sunray dial, matching ceramic bezel, and highly legible markers and hands maximize nautical style on land or sea. With 300m water resistance and a workhorse Swiss automatic movement, the HydroConquest handles diving activities with ease. The automatic movement provides 72 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
With a screw-down crown, screw-down engraved caseback, and durable sapphire crystal, the HydroConquest brings Longines’ excellent Swiss reputation to the mid-range dive watch category.
Price: $1775
High End Luxury Dive Watches Above $2000
16. Rado Captain Cook 42mm R32505153
With its 42mm brushed steel case, the Rado Captain Cook R32505153 brings a vintage-inspired diver to life in contemporary form. Its dark gray sunray dial provides a unique “ghosted” look, framed by a matching ceramic bezel insert. Powering the watch is the automatic movement, which provides an 80-hour power reserve when fully wound.
At just 12mm thin, it packs a svelte profile rare among 200m dive watches. And its beads-of-rice bracelet injects retro flair. With a curved sapphire crystal and bold luminous hands, the Rado Captain Cook melds heritage styling with modern luxury. For those wanting a head-turning dive watch that stands apart from the crowd, this grey dial version captures the essence of Rado’s vision.
Price: $2200
17. TAG Heuer Aquaracer WBD2110.BA0928
TAG Heuer’s 41mm Aquaracer pairs a black dial and stainless steel case with a uni-directional bezel insert, creating a distinctly modern aesthetic. With 300m water resistance and a TAG Heuer Caliber 5 automatic movement, it has the pedigree of a much pricier luxury timepiece.
The nautical styling and versatile size work well for either aquatic adventures or daily office wear. TAG Heuer also includes a date magnifier lens for easy viewing underwater. The stainless steel bracelet has a folding clasp with a diving extension for more flexible sizing with a wetsuit. For those who prefer a sporty look in their dive watches, the Aquaracer is one of the best luxury options available.
Price: $2600
18. Oris Aquis Clean Ocean
This limited edition Oris Aquis utilizes recycled PET plastic within its 39.5mm stainless steel case. The blue gradient dial contrasts the bright blue bezel insert. Along with 300m water resistance and automatic movement, the Aquis Clean Ocean allows environmentally-conscious buyers to enjoy a capable Swiss dive watch built with sustainability in mind. Only 2,000 pieces will be produced.
With sapphire crystal and a date window at the 6 o’clock position, the Aquis Clean Ocean makes a compelling statement for divers wanting high-end capabilities along with an eco-friendly production method.
Price: $2600
19. Doxa Sub 300
Doxa’s vintage-inspired 42.5mm Sub 300 channels the brand’s iconic 1967 dive watch design. The stainless steel case, bright orange dial, and retro logo font transport the wearer back in time. Yet modern touches like 300m water resistance, sapphire crystal, and Swiss automatic movement keep it relevant for today’s diving activities.
For those who appreciate tradition and character, the Sub 300 offers an homage to diving’s past in a watch built for many future adventures.
Price: $2,700 – $2800
20. Sinn U50
Constructed from German submarine steel with a TEGIMENT treatment, Sinn built the 41mm U50 to withstand diving extremes. The captive timing bezel and screw-down crown ensure water resistance to an extreme 500m depth rating.
An automatic movement with 25 jewels provides a power reserve of 42 hours. True to Sinn’s focus on durability, the U50 provides functionality paired with industrial German styling. The straightforward black dial concentrates on excellent underwater readability. With its anti-magnetic case construction, the U50 brings contemporary technology to an ultra-rugged dive watch ready for professional use.
Price: $3200 – $3400
21. Oris Aquis Date
Oris constructed this refined 43.5mm stainless steel diver for reliable everyday wear and 300m diving depth capacity. The in-house robust automatic movement powers its legible green dial with a date complication and luminous hands. An exhibition caseback showcases the mechanical movement, while an integrated stainless bracelet completes the Aquis Date’s sleek, versatile profile.
The uni-directional bezel provides elapsed time measurement, with a coin-edge grip for manipulating it with diving gloves. Bold luminescent indices provide excellent underwater visibility. With fine Swiss finishing, sapphire crystal, and a substantial 300m water resistance rating, the Aquis Date watch makes a compelling case as an everyday luxury sports diver suited for great depths.
Price: $3700
22. Tudor Black Bay 58
Tudor built a vintage-inspired 39mm dive watch with modern dimensions in the Black Bay. It channels mid-century Rolex Submariners in an affordable package with a 200m water resistance rating and a COSC-certified movement powering the snowflake hands. The black dial and bezel offer a monochromatic look while still retaining plenty of character.
Domed sapphire crystal, a riveted stainless bracelet, and gilt printing on the dial all provide retro flair. Yet its compact size works well for modern tastes. With a 70-hour power reserve and iconic Tudor styling, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight deftly combines heritage and performance.
Price: $4000
23. Omega Seamaster 300M
With bold wave-patterned dials, the Omega Seamaster 300M provides a modern 42mm take on the classic Omega diver. Features include 300m water resistance, helium escape valve, Master Chronometer automatic movement with 55-hour reserve, and iconic styling that epitomizes Omega.
The wavy dial and ceramic bezel insert add texture and color, making this watch instantly recognizable. With a sapphire crystal, transparent caseback, date window, and stainless steel bracelet, the Seamaster 300M backs up its heritage with modern technology. It manages to blend prestige, performance, and an elegance that is difficult to match.
Price: $5900
Conclusion
This list of the 20 best dive watches of 2024 aims to cover top options across all budgets for divers and sports watch fans. Choices exist for budgets from a few hundred dollars to nearly six thousand, while brands span from Japanese legends like Seiko to Swiss leaders including Omega. By showcasing detailed backgrounds on each watch, the goal is to provide a useful guide for buyers wanting capable timepieces built to explore the depths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideal specs include a 200m+ water resistance, stainless steel case, rotating timing bezel, screw-down crown, luminous hands/markers, and a reliable automatic or solar-powered movement. Sapphire crystal adds durability.
More affordable dive watches may lack a helium release valve, chronometer certification on the movement, or exotic case materials like titanium. But they still offer excellent functionality.
Yes, watches from brands like Seiko and Citizen often provide 200m water resistance in capable stainless steel cases, even at under $500. They make excellent recreational dive watches.
With proper maintenance, watches from reputable brands like Seiko and Oris should conservatively last for over a decade of regular recreational diving use before needing major service.
Basic recreational dive watches are rated to 200m. More rugged professional dive watches can go to 300m, sometimes exceeding 1000m. Only serious technical divers need ultra-deep water resistance.
To be ISO 6425 certified, a dive watch must pass minimum tests on water resistance, readability, durability, and other criteria. Certification provides confidence in its capabilities.
Most recreational divers don’t need a helium valve. It’s only useful for saturation diving where helium gas can enter the watch. Avoid this expensive complication if regular diving is your goal.
An annual service helps keep water resistance and performance sound. With heavy use, a biannual service may be wise. Make sure the gaskets are changed during a service.