Diving stands out as a favorite pastime among tourists and beach enthusiasts. However, the experience is not complete without the dive watch.
Most dive watches go for high price tags because of their advanced features and premium materials. It can be hard to buy a dive watch that fits the budget.
Luckily, this review touches on the best dive watches under $200. These timepieces still deliver the same quality more expensive watches possess at a more affordable price.
Phoibos PX005B Diver Watch - Best Overall
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 dive watches. The superior water-resistance level helps the Phoibos watch function underwater for extended stretches.
- 43mmX13.5mm brushed and polished 316L stainless steel case with 120-click unidirectional bezel
- Swiss Quartz Ronda 515 movement with analog display, wide date window at the 3 o'clock position
- Helium Release Valve at 2 o'clock position, with waterproof screw down crown
A helium release valve can avoid internal damage from happening while 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.
- Water-resistant of up to 1000 meters
- Helium release valve removes excess gas inside the watch case
- Rust-resistant stainless steel case
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Easy-to-read dial and analog display
- Precise and accurate Swiss quartz movement
- None
Orient 'Mako II' Japanese Diving Watch - Best Value
Orient has been in the business of handcrafting premium mechanical timepieces. The 'Mako II' Japanese Diving watch is a revolutionary dive watch that gives you the ultimate value for money.
- Mineral crystal
- Crown:Screwed-down.120-Click unidirectional bezel
- Japanese-automatic Movement
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, minute and hour line markers.
A 120-click unidirectional bezel gives accurately tracks time spend under the water. Since it is a mechanical dive watch, the Orient watch employs a Japanese automatic movement.
A 200-meter water-resistance depth helps the dive watch withstand high water pressure levels.
- Scratch-resistant mineral crystal
- Rust-resistant stainless steel strap
- Easy-to-read dial and analog display
- Japanese Automatic movement provides reliable time readings
- Water-resistant of up to 200 meters
- None
Casio Duro Analog Watch - Best Budget Pick
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 best 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.
- 200 M Water Resistance
- Diver Inspired Rotating Bezel With Anti Reverse, Screw Down Crown
- Date Display Regular Timekeeping Analog: 3 Hands (Hour, Minute, Second)
Minute markers make up the outer dial for more precise and 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.
- Easy-to-read analog display and luminous hands
- Minute markers provide exact time readings
- Accurate and reliable Japanese Quartz movement
- Buckle clasp tightly grips the wrist
- Stainless steel case is rust-resistant
- Mineral crystal is scratch-resistant
- Plastic band may be as strong compared to silicone or stainless steel
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.
- Iconic Promaster watches with advanced functions designed to venture to the deepest depths.
- 3 Hand, Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
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 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Eco-Drive technology charges the Citizen watch using light energy
- Anti-reflective and scratch-resistant mineral crystal
- Luminous hands can glow in the dark
- Precise and accurate Eco-Drive quartz movement
- Reliable 200-meter water-resistance
- Black dial may be hard to read underwater
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.
- Stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14.1mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous...
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight 155 grams
- Includes gift box, instructions and 3 year limited manufacturer warranty; Invicta Customer Service...
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 3-year warranty.
- Stainless steel bracelet and case are rust-resistant
- Mineral crystal is scratch-resistant
- Water-resistant of up to 200 meters
- Very accurate 24-jewel Japanese Automatic movement
- Comfortable and snugged fold-over safety clasp
- 5.29-ounce size may be too heavy for the wrist
- 14 mm case thickness may be too chunky for some
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.
- Eye-Catching Green Watch: Inspired by Swiss luxury timepieces, Stauer brings you this stunning...
- Swiss Precision: Our diver men’s wrist watches feature a precise 2115 Costwold crystal movement,...
- Made to Dive Deep: Stauer Evergreen diver watches for men are water-resistant down to 660 feet or 20...
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.
- Durable hardened case back
- Stainless steel casing
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal dial window
- Luminous hands can glow in the dark
- Precision movement deliver accurate time readings
- Case dimensions (44 mm case diameter and 14 mm case thickness) may be too chunky for some
Seiko 5 Sports Dive Watch
Seiko is another versatile brand that handcrafts timepieces for casual wear, sports, and marine activities. [R]
The Seiko 5 Sports Dive watch proves why the Japan-based brand never fails to impress watch aficionados.
- Featuring a Black Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant Hardlex Crystal
A black silicone rubber band guarantees top-tier smoothness for the skin. The adjustable tang clasp provides the Seiko watch with a snugged 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 for users to view the dial.
Extra features like a date-display, Hardlex crystal, and minute markers optimize the user experience.
- Comfortable silicone rubber band
- Adjustable tang clasp can fit any wrist size
- Diving bezel tracks elapsed time underwater
- Precise and accurate automatic movement
- Luminous hands can glow in the dark
- Minute markers provide exact time readings
- None
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.
- Scratch-resistant mineral dial window
- 200-meter water-resistant rating
- Comfortable buckle clasp and silicone strap
- Japanese Miyota Quartz movement delivers accuracy and reliable timekeeping
- Unidirectional rotating bezel measures time spent underwater
- 6.08-ounce size may be too heavy for some
What Are the Advantages of Using a Dive 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 best dive watches 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 dive watches satisfies 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 dive watch disintegrating as you head towards the deeper depths of the ocean.
Durable Materials
Besides excellent water-resistant qualities, dive 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 watch. 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 best dive watches 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 is another huge asset for diving watches. Whether you go for an automatic or Swiss quartz movement, expect the dive 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 best part is the dive watches cost less than $200. It goes to show that you do not need to pay up for the most functional timepieces.
If anything, these reasonably-priced divers' watches are steals because they meet ISO regulations.
Aesthetic Appeal
The best 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 best of both worlds in terms of functionality and aesthetics.
Are They as Good as Expensive Dive 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.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed going over the best dive watches under 200. Indeed, you will be getting your money's worth and also saving a lot of bucks.
Regardless of which dive watch you choose, each of these timepieces bring you one step closer to a holistic diving experience.
May you go for the dive 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.
Links, prices, and images were pulled from the Amazon API. Last updated on 2023-03-20.