Dive Watches Under $200 - Our 8 Top Choices for 2024

Diving stands out as a favorite pastime among tourists and beach enthusiasts. However, the experience is not complete without the dive watch.

Most diving timepieces go for high price tags because of their advanced features and premium materials. It can be hard to buy a diver's watch that fits the budget.

Luckily, this review touches on the best underwater timepieces under $200. These timepieces still deliver the same quality more expensive watches possess at a more affordable price.

Phoibos PX005B Diver Watch - Ultimate Choice

In Greek Mythology, Phoibos stands for "Bright, Shining One." The brand lives up to the Greek name by handcrafting watches that stand out above the rest. The PX005B model is no different.

We have to start by discussing its 1000-meter water-resistant rating, the highest among all submersible timepieces. The superior water-resistance level helps the Phoibos watch function underwater for extended stretches.

A helium release valve can prevent internal damage from happening during decompression. It releases trapped gas inside the case-back and stainless steel case.

The sapphire crystal window surrounds the blue dial for extra protection against scratches and water pressure.

Super-LumiNavo C3 luminous hands, hour, and minute markers contribute to the easy readability of the dial. Accuracy is Phoibos' calling card because of its reliable Swiss Quartz movement.

Orient 'Mako II' Japanese Diving Watch - Great Value

Orient has been in the business of handcrafting premium mechanical timepieces. The 'Mako II' Japanese Diving watch is a revolutionary diving watch that gives you the ultimate value for money.

Similar to most Orient watches, durability remains a constant in the 'Mako II' timepiece. Materials like a mineral crystal and stainless steel strap shield it from scratches and corrosion, respectively.

The easy-to-read cerulean blue dial is composed of Arabic numbers, a date display at the 3 o'clock position, and minute and hour line markers.

A 120-click unidirectional bezel gives accurately tracks time spent under the water. Since it is a mechanical diver's timepiece, the Orient watch employs a Japanese automatic movement.

A 200-meter water-resistance depth helps the dive timepiece withstand high water pressure levels.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• The stainless steel case of the Orient Mako 2 is well-constructed, with a satisfying heft to it. The 200-meter water resistance ensures it can withstand any aquatic activity, making it perfect for divers and swimmers alike.
• The Orient in-house caliber movement powering the Mako 2 is impressive, with a 40-hour power reserve and accuracy of plus or minus 15 seconds a day. It also has manual winding and hacking capabilities, allowing for precise timekeeping and ease of use.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 4/5

• The brushed and polished links of the bracelet on the Orient Mako 2 are easy to adjust, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. However, pairing it with a leather strap elevates its elegance and adds a touch of personal style.
• The bezel on the Orient Mako 2 is smooth when turning, adding to its sleek and slim profile. Its design makes it a great option for those who want a stylish and practical watch that can be worn in any setting.

Casio Duro Analog Watch - Top Affordable Selection

Casio is a familiar brand name when it comes to manufacturing cheap and reliable timepieces. The Dura Analog timepiece is a prime example, thus making it the ultimate budget option on the list.

Maximum visibility is made possible by a sleek black dial, white hour dots, a red sweep second-hand display, and luminescent hands.

Minute markers make up the outer dial for more exact time readings. A Japanese Quartz movement ensures utmost accuracy with each passing minute.

In case the Dura Analog timepiece starts displaying wrong time readings, a screw-down crown recalibrates the watch hands for more correct derivations.

Capping off the features are an anti-reverse unidirectional bezel, buckle clasp, stainless steel case, and mineral crystal.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• The use of high-quality materials, such as the brushed and polished surfaces on the case and bezel, gives this watch the appearance and feel of a much more expensive timepiece. I am impressed with its construction and attention to detail.
• With its 200-meter water resistance rating, this watch is a reliable choice for water activities such as swimming and diving.
• The use of solid stainless steel in the case, bezel, crown, and case back sets this watch apart from most other Casio digital watches. I appreciate the strength and durability of this material.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 4/5

• The dive-style rubber strap is softer than a G-Shock and has ventilation to keep my wrist comfortable. I appreciate this thoughtful design element.
• The arrow hour hand and sword minute hand, framed in silver and featuring a touch of red, are well-designed and add to the overall aesthetic of the watch. I love the attention to detail in the design.

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch

Citizen houses premier watches for casual wear or diving activities. The Promaster Diver timepiece can hold its own among other diving timepieces.

First, let's talk about the Eco-Drive technology. Unlike other watches that require batteries, an Eco-Drive-powered watch converts any light source into energy. As a result, Citizen timepieces can virtually last forever.

The mineral crystal is both anti-reflective and scratch-resistant. These play vital roles in the dial's protection and easy readability.

Three luminous hands and an Eco-Drive quartz movement guarantee accurate and reliable time readings.

The 200-meter water resistance lets you use the watch while doing marine activities like scuba diving and snorkeling. Citizen also provides a 5-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• As a full-on tool diver, this watch is rated to 200 meters and has a proven track record of being reliable and resilient in any situation.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 3/5

• The matte black dial and unique pentagonal-shaped indices make this watch truly stand out and add to its overall cool and modern design.
• The polished insides of the grooves on the bezel give this watch a touch of elegance and style without sacrificing its functionality as a tool diver.
• I love the blue loom on this watch, which adds a pop of color and makes the hands and indices easily visible in low-light conditions.

Invicta Pro Diver Watch

Invicta is no stranger to creating quality timepieces for diving. The Pro Diver timepiece delivers outstanding features and a classy design that may draw the attention of watch fans.

Both the watch strap and case use stainless steel material. Also, a mineral crystal window encloses the dial. Furthermore, the Pro Diver consists of a 200-meter water resistance depth.

All in all, these components protect the Invicta watch from damage brought by scratches, rust, and water pressure.

A 24-jewel Japanese Automatic movement yields accurate and reliable timekeeping abilities. The fold-over safety clasp secures the wrist with a tight and comfortable grip.

Summing up the timepiece's features are a 40 mm case diameter, 14 mm case thickness, and a 3-year warranty.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• As an affordable underwater watch, this Invicta Pro Diver offers excellent value for money, boasting specs that are hard to come by in this price range, such as its 200-meter water resistance and automatic movement with 24 jewels.
• One of the standout features of the Invicta Pro Diver is its Seiko NH35 automatic movement, which provides reliable and accurate timekeeping, even beating out many more expensive watches on the market.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 5/5

• The Invicta Pro Diver has some nice details that set it apart from other submersible watches on the market. With its unique design and style, it's a great choice for anyone who wants a watch that stands out from the crowd.

Stauer Evergreen Diver Watch

Stauer strives to live by its "Afford the Extraordinary" tagline. It does just that with the Evergreen Diver timepiece, which blends functionality and affordability.

Inspired by a submersible battleship design, the Stauer watch makes use of sturdy materials like a hardened case back, stainless steel casing, a gold-tone bracelet, and a sapphire crystal window.

The dial's use of green and gold colors improves visibility in deep waters. Luminous hands, hour, and minute markers complement one another to present exact and readable time displays.

The unique precision movement accounts for the watch's accuracy. The screw-down crown is in charge of fixing any inconsistencies with the time readings.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 5/5

• Stauer's Swiss-made diving watch is powered by the precise 2115 Cotswold crystal movement, delivering the same accuracy as many Swiss five-figure timepieces. This high-precision watch performs flawlessly and is a cost-effective option for watch enthusiasts.
• Stauer's Evergreen is designed for extreme durability, with water resistance up to 660 feet. It's a dependable, sturdy sports watch that can withstand any underwater adventure.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 5/5

• Stauer's green-faced diver's timepiece is visually stunning and easily noticeable, making it a fashion statement for any occasion. It's a unique and attractive timepiece that's sure to turn heads.
• Stauer's dive timepiece boasts an eye-catching design that has earned me several compliments. Its appearance is truly captivating, and it stands out among other timepieces.

Seiko 5 Sports Watch

Seiko is another versatile brand that handcrafts timepieces for casual wear, sports, and marine activities. [R]

The Seiko 5 Sports watch proves why the Japan-based brand never fails to impress watch aficionados.

A black silicone rubber band guarantees top-tier smoothness for the skin. The adjustable tang clasp provides the Seiko watch with a snug but comfortable grip.

Time spent underwater can be measured using an orange unidirectional rotating bezel. It helps determine when it is time to head back to shore for safety measures.

The 24-jewel self-winding Automatic movement provides accurate and reliable timekeeping. Luminous hands and large hour markers make it easy for users to view the dial.

Extra features like a date display, Hardlex crystal, and minute markers optimize the user experience.

Aviator Special Ops Diver Watch

The last watch comes from a brand that most army members, pilots, and professional divers use. Indeed, if the Aviator timepiece can appeal to these types of people, then it deserves a spot on the list.

A hardened mineral crystal glass underwent numerous hardening processes. Because of this, it is seven times more durable than acrylic crystals.

The waterproof construction and a 200-meter water resistance make it suitable for diving and other recreational marine activities. [R]

The Aviator watch also prioritizes comfort with its silicone rubber strap and tight buckle clasp. Precision and accuracy are made possible by a superior Japanese Miyota Quartz movement.

Besides diving, you can wear the watch during casual events or everyday use. Blue and black colors go well together, while the logo design gives it a stylish military-inspired finish.

Worst Under $200 Diving Watch - Casio MDV106 “Duro”

The Casio MDV106 “Duro” is a watch that, despite its affordability and rugged charm, has not eluded the discerning eyes of critics. Here are some points of criticism:

• Derivative Design: The watch's design is notably reminiscent of more prestigious brands like Rolex, which some might find lacking in originality and distinctiveness.
• Underwhelming Luminosity: The lume, while present, might not live up to the expectations of those used to the bright and long-lasting glow of higher-end models.
• Bezel and Crown Concerns: While the bezel turns more precisely than some might expect, its long-term reliability compared to luxury counterparts remains questionable.
• Uncomfortable Strap: The rubber strap is often criticized for its discomfort, prompting many to recommend an immediate replacement for better comfort and aesthetics.
• Accuracy: While its accuracy is commendable for its price, it's not without its slight deviations, which precision purists might find off-putting.
• Perceived Status: Some might view it as a "poor man's Submariner," lacking the cachet and prestige associated with luxury dive watches.
• Fading Lume: The lume fades quicker than expected, dimming the otherwise clear and legible display.
• Small Date Window: The date window is notably small, making it difficult to read without aid, and lacks a magnifier.
• Bezel Tightness: Some users find the bezel a bit too tight for its traction level, although this may improve with use​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

What Are the Advantages of Using a Diver's Watch Under 200?

As mentioned earlier, you cannot go diving empty-handed. Not only does the watch for divers serve as an underwater fashion statement, but it also helps navigate your way through the deep waters.

Here are some of the attributes and advantages of the top-tier dive timepieces under 200:

Satisfies ISO Standards

Rules and regulations from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) serve as the backbone of any watch product.

Indeed, most underwater watches satisfy ISO 6425 standards. In short, these timepieces have stood the test of time and passed multiple lab trials.

High Water-Resistance Levels

All diving timepieces mentioned in this review contain superior water-resistant levels of 100 meters and above. These watches are capable of withstanding high amounts of water pressure.

There will not be a need to worry about the diving watch disintegrating as you head toward the deeper depths of the ocean.

Durable Materials

Besides excellent water-resistant qualities, submersible watches use the most durable materials that will prevent them from cracking under pressure.

A semi or fully-sealed case-back prevents water from penetrating the dive timepiece. Most timepieces use either a brass, titanium, or stainless steel case. Therefore, there is no need to worry about rust and the accumulation of sea salt.

Easy Readability

The most amazing dive timepieces still offer easy readability when the water starts getting murky. As per ISO standards, most diving watches have luminous hands, tails, and tips.

These indicators guide you while in the middle of dark water environments.

Accurate Timekeeping

Reliable time derivations are another huge asset for diving watches. Whether you go for an automatic or Swiss quartz movement, expect the diver's watch to deliver accurate results. [R]

Also, most timepieces have a unidirectional bezel, which keeps track of the exact time spent underwater.

Affordable Price Point

While all these features are cool and beneficial, the nicest part is the diving timepieces cost less than $200. It goes to show that you do not need to pay for the most functional timepieces.

If anything, these reasonably-priced divers' watches are steals because they meet ISO regulations.

Aesthetic Appeal

The most stunning diving watches are also the most stylish. Each timepiece displays a unique design, which helps distinguish one from the other.

You can even wear some of these timepieces for other occasions like weddings, parties, and the like. In short, you get the most of both worlds in terms of functionality and aesthetics.

Are They as Good as Expensive Diver's Watches?

One cannot deny that the expensive timepieces apply more high-end materials, premium features, and stylish designs.

However, this does mean that cheaper diving timepieces are automatically inferior to their more expensive counterparts.

If anything, reasonably priced timepieces still underwent meticulous craftsmanship from watch manufacturers. These models also satisfy ISO standards, so you are still getting timepieces that are trustworthy and reliable.

Wrap Up

I hope you enjoyed going over the leading underwater watches under 200. Indeed, you will be getting your money's worth and also saving a lot of bucks.

Regardless of which diving watch you choose, each of these timepieces brings you one step closer to a holistic diving experience.

May you go for the underwater watch that fulfills your needs and provides a stylish get-up while in the water. For more questions, inquiries, or concerns, feel free to contact us.