Review of 6 of the Best Looking and Performing Dive Watches Under $1000 in 2024

Are you a watch connoisseur looking for a superior timepiece that can take your style to the next level? Or just a regular Joe looking for something to spruce up your wrist? Look no further than the always-versatile dive watch.

Sure, you don't have to be Jacques Cousteau to appreciate a good diving watch--they're great for any occasion. And you don't have to break the bank either. Our top seven picks provide amazing quality without burning through your wallet––all under $1,000.

You won't find any flimsy imitators here--these are top-of-the-line watches with robust construction and unique style. All perfect for both the passionate enthusiast and casual fan. Get set, go--the perfect diver's watch is waiting!

Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Watch: Top Choice

The Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 watch is a dreamy-dandy timepiece. It's the total package with a luxurious design, high quality Swiss watchmaking, crazy-cool features, and a reasonable price.

The movement offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve and water resistance up to 300 meters. Plus, it has a sapphire crystal dial and a ceramic bezel insert for extra protection.

This watch is loaded with awesome sauce features that make it stand out from the rest. It has an unidirectional bezel with applied hour markers, and a crown guard-style screw-down crown for maximum security.

There's also luminescent material covering the broad hands and markers so you can keep track of time even in low-light environments. And if you get thirsty while exploring the depths of the ocean, the rubber strap provides great comfort and fit.

The Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 is no slouch when it comes to looks either. The stainless steel case has a diameter of 43mm and measures 13mm in thickness, making it perfect for plenty of wrist sizes.

The lug width is 22mm, so you can switch out straps easily if you want to customize your look (pro tip - go with a curved-end strap!). But what really makes this watch shine is its brushed/matte finish and engravings – they add some serious flavor!

So why should you choose Tissot? Well, they offer great value for the money – high quality watches that come with super long warranties at price points that won't empty your wallet. Not to mention their large selection of classic dive timepieces that have been revamped with modern technology and clean, refined designs.

Plus, their Powermatic 80 movement is COSC-certified and comes with manual rate adjustment for enhanced accuracy. What's not to love?

Bottom line: If you're looking for a sporty presence with exceptional legibility that won't break your bank account, the Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 watch is definitely worth considering. Its classic, timeless design gives off an aura of luxury but still offers plenty of features like the round date window, Super-LumiNova markers for increased visibility in low light conditions, and 300-meter water resistance – all at an unbeatable price point!

So if you want a robust design engineered with super-tech escapement for precision accuracy coupled with a handsomely stylish presence at a reasonable rate? Boom – The Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 watch will do the trick!

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• The impressive 80-hour power reserve and water resistance up to 300 meters make this watch the ultimate tool for any water-related activity. And with its sapphire crystal dial and ceramic bezel insert, it's built to withstand even the toughest conditions.
• One thing that really sets this watch apart is the durable and scratch-resistant ceramic bezel. It's surprising to find a watch under $1000 with such a high-quality ceramic bezel. This adds to the overall badassness and cool factor of the watch.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 4/5

• I must say, this exquisite mechanical watch is a true statement piece, both visually and functionally. It's rugged metal construction and sleek design is sure to catch the eye of any discerning man. Plus, it keeps impeccable time, ensuring that I always arrive on time, looking my prime.

Luminox Scott Cassell: Great Value

The Luminox Scott Cassell: ready to go wherever you need to go.

Taking the phrase “deep dive” to a whole new level, this is the perfect timepiece for the serious diver or explorer.

This ultra-tough mechanical metal watch is designed to make an impression — both visually and functionally. Not only is it attractive and accurate, but it's also waterproof up to 300 meters, making it the ultimate diving watch. This timepiece also features Luminox's trademarked light technology for maximum illumination, so you have no worries about safety when traversing dark waters.

Its lightweight construction and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal make this watch comfortable and easy to wear — even in casual use. True to its name, the Carbonox used in this watch is strong and dependable, meaning that you can trust it to stand up to tough usage without sacrificing remarkable quality.

Aside from its superior durability, this piece is packed with features that make diving expeditions easier. It has a unidirectional rotating bezel and integrated hands for tracking time spent underwater, hour-markers for easy reading in murky conditions, and gas-tubes for maximum visibility in no-light scenarios.

You'll love the sporty look of its black bezel with white accents along with yellow minutes hand, blue silicone strap, green/orange hands and hour-markers — all fashioned with extreme attention to detail.

And it's not just divers who benefit from this remarkable piece; everyone from explorers to environmentalists will love it too! With its Swiss quartz movement, a protected screw-in crown, double security gasket and 200m water-resistance, even underwater filmmakers will appreciate this marvel of modern science.

But make no mistake — it doesn't skimp on looks either. Luminox Scott Cassell has action-packed styling in its 45mm case plus high visibility gas tube tech; making it look as good as it performs.

It's no wonder why this watch has become the preferred choice among elite forces such as the United States Navy SEALs — it carries a no-nonsense reputation for professional-grade deep sea diving watches that are dependable and trustworthy when you need them most.

So if you're a fan of adventure sports, or if you just need something reliable that can stay with you at all times, then there's no better choice than the Luminox Scott Cassell!

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• I demand nothing but stunning when it comes to my watches, which is why I choose the Luminox Scott Cassell. With its Swiss quartz movement, I know that I'm getting the most accurate timekeeping available. Plus, with its protected screw-in crown and double security gasket, I never have to worry about water getting inside and ruining my watch.
• One of the coolest things about the Luminox Scott Cassell is its gas-tube technology. These tubes provide maximum visibility in no-light scenarios, making it easy to read the time even in the darkest of environments. Whether I'm exploring a cave, diving deep into the ocean, or just out for a nighttime hike, I know that I can always rely on my Luminox watch to keep me on track.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 2/5

• I like my watches to be functional, and the Luminox Scott Cassell delivers it. With its sporty and action-packed styling, this watch looks just as badass as it performs. The black bezel with white accents, yellow minutes hand, blue silicone strap, and green/orange hands and hour markers all come together to create a watch that truly stands out from the crowd.

Timex Navi XL Watch: Top Affordable Selection

Timex Navi XL Watch is the perfect watch for a man on the go. It's robust stainless steel case, intricate dial and markers, and fabric slip-thru strap come together to form an elegant diver-inspired design.

Whether you're land-based or at sea, you'll be able to tell accurate time with the Navi XL watch.

The Navi XL watch has a classic round case with a polished finish, integrated crown protection and unidirectional bottlecap bezel featuring numeric detail, so it's always good to go. The Indiglo light-up watch dial makes it easy to read in any light – even underwater!

The three-hand analog display adds a touch of class with its traditional buckle closure and geometric-shape hour markers; military hour markers add a sporty touch.

The magnified date window at 3 o'clock conveniently allows you to keep track of the time, and the luminant hands glow brightly in all situations (especially romantically moody ones!).

The Timex Navi XL Watch also features water resistance up to 50 meters/165 feet (good for light water sports like swimming, snorkeling and diving) and Quartz movement for accuracy in all conditions: you'll never miss your appointment.

The woven canvas strap is comfortable even when worn all day -- according to one reviewer who is 5'7" and 135 pounds -- while the metallic sparkles glimmer when you enter the room. Even better, this watch is incredibly affordable, making it suitable for professional divers and collectors alike.

The Timex Navi XL Watch has put together luxury craftsmanship and robust design in one sleek package – masterfully combining all of the qualities that make a watch timeless. It’s sure to keep ticking for many years to come. The only thing left for you to decide is: which color? The flat black or pristine metallic?

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• The Timex Navi XL Watch has a touch of military-inspired style that sets it apart from other watches. The geometric-shape hour markers give it a sporty and rugged look that complements the classic round case and buckle closure. This unique style makes the Navi XL watch the perfect accessory for my active lifestyle, whether I'm hiking in the mountains or running through the city.
• As someone who loves water sports, I need a watch that can withstand the elements. That's why I love the Timex Navi XL Watch, with its water resistance up to 50 meters/165 feet. I can wear it while swimming, snorkeling, or even light diving, and never have to worry about it getting damaged. And with its Quartz movement, I know that my watch will always keep accurate time, no matter what conditions I'm facing.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 4/5

• One of the most impressive features of the Timex Navi XL Watch is its Indiglo light-up dial. With this advanced technology, I can easily read the time in any lighting condition, whether I'm in a dimly-lit room or exploring a dark cave. And with its underwater visibility, I can always tell the time even when I'm deep underwater. This feature is not only practical but also adds a touch of coolness to my overall look.

Seiko Prospex Analog Padi Watch

The Seiko Prospex Padi Watch is the perfect timepiece for the modern man with an eye for style and sophistication.

It boasts a sleek blue dial with luminous silver-tone hands and red hands, set in a stainless steel case with a stainless steel band and a three-fold clasp with push button release for added security. The diameter of the case is 44mm, and it’s 14mm thick, giving it an impressive look on your wrist.

This watch is loaded with features – from its automatic winding movement with hand winding capacity and Lumibrite [R] markers. It has a power reserve of up to 50 hours, to its 3 jewels, 10 bar/100 meter water resistance, magnetic resistance up to 4,800A/m and dive time limit of up to 120 minutes.

It also comes with a hacking mechanism (halts second hand), day-date calendar, bright lume markers and rounded edges for added comfort. Plus it has a screw down crown with a solid caseback for added durability.

But its features don’t stop there. This watch has a bezel with markers, second markers and date window that you can use to keep track of time elapsed or upcoming events. Plus, there is a bezel material of stainless steel too.

The minute hand is remarkable in its precision – like something you would expect from an expensive Swiss watch without their hefty price tag.

The minute details make this watch stand out: the Pepsi color scheme of the bezel — which is coordinated nicely with the placement of the crown, markers and second markers — gives it an extra flash of style; the bezel markers give it an extra touch of class; and the lume on the bezel is surprisingly bright when under a flashlight!

Plus, the bracelet is comfortable but stiff enough to stay securely on your wrist even during vigorous activity.

All in all, this watch is truly amazing: it looks great , feels solid on your wrist, and works perfectly. And not only that, but you get all these features at an awesome value . Quality is top notch – it feels like a much more expensive piece – which means you get way more bang for your buck.

In short: this watch rocks!

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• The lumibrite markers of the Seiko Prospex Padi Watch are not just functional, they are also cool and badass. With their bright and long-lasting glow, they make me feel like a superhero navigating through the darkness. Whether I'm exploring the depths of the ocean or just taking a nighttime stroll, these markers add an extra level of excitement to my adventures.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 5/5

• What really sets this watch apart is its exceptional comfort. The soft, comfortable strap conforms perfectly to my wrist, making it feel like it was custom made just for me. And the solid caseback and screw down crown add to the watch's overall elegance, giving it a sleek and sophisticated look. With its bold, eye-catching design and attention to detail, the Seiko Prospex Padi Watch is the ultimate expression of style. It's the perfect accessory for any occasion, from a day at the office to a night out on the town.

Orient Mako USA II Automatic/Hand-Winding 200 Meter Diver Style Watch

I'm here to review the Orient Mako USA II (MUSAII) watch [R] –– a timepiece that will leave you looking all dapper and feeling your prime. Robust and dependable with a classic size fit for most people, the MUSAII is a manly watch oozing with Swiss-level quality, precision, and dependability.

The MUSAII features a slick stainless steel design, a 41.5mm wide case with 13mm thick lugs and chiseled endlinks that "pop against" the bracelet for an unbeatable elegant look. Its large bezel is unidirectional, perfect for tracking your day-to-day activities and for any accidental bumps. The opalescent sunburst dial has applied markers and sword-style hands that look better than ever in the bright sunlight.

The MUSAII is packed with functions to excite any watch enthusiast. It boasts Orient's 46943 Caliber movement––a 40-hour power reserve----with hand-winding hacking capabilities and 21600 bph accuracy––giving accuracy within +20/-20 second a day variation. The chapter ring is hand applied and features Arabic numerals allowing for easy time-telling even when the light fades out. Additionally, it has 200m/660ft water resistance, so you don't need to worry about ruining it after splashing around in rough waters.

If you're looking for an over-sized yet stylish watch that fits for any occasion then the MUSAII might be perfect for you! This smartwatch can be dressed up or down with ease, from suits to jeans and T-shirts; the MUSAII effortlessly looks good regardless of your wardrobe choice!

So overall, I'd say this is a solid watch at its price point––bulletproof material construction, beautiful designs and accurate functions make it a great daily beater. Not to mention it has such a smattering of value compared to other watches of more than a few thousand dollars! With its unique design, classic size, moderate price point and excellent specs it'd be hard to pass on this one if you were considering an Orient purchase!

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• The Orient Mako USA II (MUSAII) watch's water resistance is not just practical, it's also badass. The watch can withstand rough waters without getting damaged. This feature makes it an excellent choice for those who love water sports or outdoor adventures. The watch's construction is bulletproof, adding to its overall toughness and making it a truly cool and badass timepiece.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 4/5

• The MUSAII's opalescent sunburst dial is not just beautiful, it's also a cool and unique feature that sets it apart from other watches. The applied markers and sword-style hands add an extra level of sophistication and elegance to the watch. It looks better than ever in the bright sunlight, making it a true statement piece that demands attention. This feature makes the watch an excellent choice for those who want a timepiece that is not only functional but also fashionable.

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Quartz Watch

The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Watch is the perfect accessory for any man. From its stainless steel case and dial to its legibility, reliability, and lume—this watch has it all.

The handset and Polyurethane strap provide an extra layer of comfort and support, making the watch a standout from any other watch on the market.

The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Watch is ISO-Certified and features a screw-down crown and uni-directional bezel that allows you to glance at the no-decompression limits with ease. The case shape and length (case width is 43mm) fit perfectly no matter the size of your wrist. And we can’t forget about the movement. Powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive Technology, this watch can stay in low charge two-second interval mode for up to 6 months time with a surprisingly accurate quartz oscillator frequency of 32,768Hz. You don’t have to worry about water resistance either—the special case structure can withstand up to 200 meters deep.

The dial also has a lot going on: the indices are framed in white while the hour marker has an attractive blue tone with a deep purple hue around it, making it easy to read even under intense low light conditions. Not to mention, the syringe style hour hand is accompanied by an arrow minute hand and second hand—which gives the watch an additional character that many people love. On top of all that, the AR-Coated mineral crystal prevents chips and scratches from occurring.

The strap is one of its own kind featuring a NATO style nylon strap with a near lugless design for a super lightweight feel and compact fit— lug to lug distance is only 48mm! But if you prefer something more classic, you can always upgrade it with a steel bracelet or sailcloth alternative from Strap Monster at an additional cost.

Overall, I’d say the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Watch is ideal for those who want something stylish yet neutral in design without wanting to cause too much pain in their wallet (the price range is quite decent). Whether you’re casually running around town or heading out for a hike at Lake Tahoe, this watch can handle your crazy lifestyle—it seriously seems like it was designed for Honda Civics! Moreover, if you keep it away from dark drawers or bright lights then you’re good to go!

All in all, this classic from Citizen is sure to become your new favourite addition--so why not put it in your arsenal as a Christmas gift battle? You won’t regret it!

NanaDC Badass Rating: 2/5

• The fact that my Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Watch is ISO-Certified and can withstand water up to 200 meters deep makes it one of the most reliable and badass watches out there. I love the screw-down crown and uni-directional bezel, which allows me to monitor no-decompression limits with ease. I can take this watch on any adventure, whether it's scuba diving in the depths of the ocean or snorkeling in crystal clear waters.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 2/5

• The syringe style hour hand on my Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Watch is seriously cool. The deep purple hue around the blue tone hour marker adds to the watch's attractiveness, and the AR-Coated mineral crystal prevents scratches and chips from occurring. I get compliments on this watch all the time, and I love that it's both functional and stylish.

Qualities That Define an Underwater Watch

Technically speaking, proper underwater watches should satisfy ISO 6425 standards.

These include minimum water-resistance of 100 meters, a secure measuring system to indicate diving time, low-light readability, and shock-resistance, among others.

However, many watches today are marketed as diver-inspired or diver-style watches, which may not be exactly the same as a true diving timepiece.

The designs and functions may be similar, but unless it's marked as "Divers" with its depth rating, then it may not have passed the ISO test.

Given this, make sure you research thoroughly or ask an in-store professional before you take your watch diving. With ISO-certified watches, dive to your heart's content!

To Sum It Up

The Timex Navi XL is the most affordable option, perfect for those after the dive-inspired design rather than its technical features.

Meanwhile, the Luminox Scott Cassell Deep Dive with its ergonomic design and advanced features is a great pick for serious divers and athletes.

For me, though, the top choice is the Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80. It's an all-around watch that's great for both diving and dressing up your look.

Final Thoughts

Watches are known to be expensive investments, but these diver's timepieces prove that you can get excellent functionality, quality, and style for under $1000!