Review of 8 Impressive Dive Watches For Sale Under $2000 in 2024

Written by – Updated on October 21, 2024

Woah! I was so pumped to get my hands on these relatively high-end dive watches!

With so many choices reviewed below, I'm sure you'll find something that fits your style and budget. And something that'll make a statement when you're out on the water. A watch that'll also last a lifetime. Let's get to it, and see what's the best and most most impressive watches from a technical perspective as well as a design and fashion approach that are still relatively affordable.⚡

Oris Aquis Date: Best Overall

The Oris Aquis Date is a top-notch watch that gets the job done no matter what kind of wear occasion you’re looking for. Blake Buettner from Worn & Wound loves it for its technical aspects, as well as the fact that you're much less likely to see one of these in the wild versus an Omega or Tudor. It might be pushing that $2k limit after tax, but it's still a great Swiss-Made value.

With its 41.5mm case, its bold and masculine look is sure to turn a few heads. The integrated lugs give it a unique identity and the chunky shaping around the midcase is sure to grab people’s attention. The polished and brushed crown guards, as well as the lug shape and angle, give the watch an obelisk-like shape.

The sapphire crystal broad bezel is anti-reflective and the luminous material used on the applied markers makes it easy to read the time from any angle. The Swiss movement of the Oris Caliber 733 has a 38-hour power reserve, and the date window is a nice addition to the overall package. Water resistance is also a major plus and the kettle-shape of the watch looks awesome.

The Oris Aquis Date is definitely a stunning watch that’s as tough as nails and as elegant as can be. It’s got a great blend of sophistication, functionality, and accuracy that you’d expect from a Swiss movement. The lume on the white dial is super legible, and the ceramic bezel adds another layer of style. Plus, the interchangeable straps give it a touch of versatility.

The only downside to this watch is its price point. It’s a bit steep for most people. But if you’re looking for a watch that can handle all your dive activities, the Oris Aquis Date is a solid choice. It's super secure and well-made, and you get what you pay for in terms of looks and feel. The crown is smooth and the side profile is nice, making it a great dress watch for a shirt cuff. Also, the rose gold and steel versions have a higher beat movement which gives the second hand a nice smooth motion.

Overall, the Oris Aquis Date is a good watch, and it’s definitely a well-made timepiece. It’s got all the specs and features you need and is built to last. At the end of the day, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with this bad boy. If you’re willing to shell out the big bucks for a good watch, you won’t be disappointed by the Oris Aquis Date.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

  • The bezel on this watch is incredibly precise, with 120 clicks that sound like a machine gun. There's very little play, making it a sturdy and reliable tool for divers.
  • While the rubber strap keeps this watch lightweight, its face has substantial weight and feels robust. It's a perfect balance of weight and durability.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 5/5

  • Despite being 45mm, this watch looks smaller on the wrist thanks to its special lug design. It's a clever feature that adds to the watch's sleek appearance.
  • The blue gradient dial on this watch perfectly complements the blue rubber strap, making it a unique and stylish accessory. It's the perfect watch for someone who wants to stand out from the crowd.

Benefits

  • Showcases originality
  • Highly durable
  • Water-resistant up to 300m
  • Oris Caliber 733
  • Meticulous, exceptional design
  • Elegant appeal
  • Flexible & comfortable wear

Drawbacks

  • None we could find

Casio G-Shock Master of G Frogman: Coolest and Most Useful

The Master of G Frogman watch is the epitome of toughness and functionality in a digital aquatic watch. Its design and construction are of unparalleled quality, making it an exceptional tool for diving.

It serves as an excellent backup to a dive computer, offering key dive information such as depth, ascent rate, temperature, dive time, surface time, maximum depth, and minimum temperature. With these features, the Master of G Frogman watch is able to accurately record all important dive data, providing peace of mind while exploring the underwater world.

Price will likely come in over $2k due to inflation these days.

The quality of this watch is second to none - it's made from a combination of stainless steel and resin, with a carbon fiber insert band for extra comfort and toughness. The item shape is round and the clasp is a buckle, so you can be sure it'll stay securely fastened. The case material is stainless steel, the case diameter is 52.4mm and the case thickness is 17.5mm. The band color is navy blue, and the dial color is black.

It's not just the look of the Frogman that's impressive, it's also packed with features. It also comes with gold front screws and a yellow inner band, plus a water depth meter, and a shock-resist structure with DLC treatment and a screw back. The watch has an anti-reflective coating with sapphire glass and is ISO 200m waterproof.

The Frogman also has a tough solar charge system with a radio reception function, multiband 6, and world time in 48 cities. It has a diving function with dive log data, orientation measurement, temperature measurement, and time stamp function. It also has a tide graph, moon data, stopwatch, timer, five alarms, battery indicator, and power saving function. Plus, it also has a full auto calendar, a 12/24 hour display, and an on/off beep switching. To top it all off, there's a white LED backlight - a really nice touch.

The only downside to this watch is that it's a bit pricey - but for all the features you get, it's worth every penny. Plus, the navy blue series looks real slick and it's light enough, weighing in at just over 160 grams.

In conclusion, the Casio G-Shock Master of G Frogman is a great watch for anyone looking for a durable and reliable timepiece that won't break the bank. It's got all the features you'd expect from a higher-end watch, especially the atomic timekeeping, but at an affordable price. Plus, it looks really slick and is sure to turn heads. What more could you ask for?

NanaDC Badass Rating: 5/5

  • I was impressed by how accurate the depth sensor of this watch is, as it can measure up to 80 meters deep. It is a great tool for scuba divers and free divers alike, as it activates the moment it comes into contact with water.
  • As someone who values precision, I appreciate how this watch's thermal sensor can be calibrated to ensure accurate readings. The carbon fiber strap and the silicone coating make it both comfortable and durable, even in harsh environments.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 2/5

  • The cool LED light of this watch is one of my favorite features, and I love how it can be activated by tilting it 40 degrees. Its modern and sophisticated design makes it perfect for any occasion.
  • This watch's stylish and unique design is sure to attract compliments and attention. As someone who appreciates high-caliber watches and large designs, I enjoy wearing this watch on my wrist and standing out from the crowd.

Benefits

  • Extremely tough & durable
  • Great price value
  • Shock-resistant
  • Carbon fiber band
  • Sporty appeal
  • Various outdoor features

Drawbacks

  • A rugged look doesn't suit everyone

Seiko Prospex 1968: Runner-up

The Seiko Prospex 1968 is a chunky, masculine, and refined timepiece that is fit for any occasion. Its 6R15 movement, 50-hour power reserve, and 200 water resistance make this tool watch a must-have for any diving enthusiast.

Its sapphire crystal, sunburst blue and matt black dial, and luminous silver-tone hands make it an exquisite piece of haute horlogerie.

The stainless steel case and black silicone band make the watch comfortable to wear while its durable build and great diving performance make it able to handle any everyday danger. The uni-directional rotating bezel, signed crown, and screw-down crown ensure you can safely take it into the water. The screws, polished finish, brushed finish, and center link make this watch look good whether you’re in a suit or some casual clothing.

The necessary printing, polished facets, and crown guards add to the overall look of the watch, while the luminous pearl, aluminum uni-directional bezel, and signed crown, give it the necessary finesse. It’s also got solid clicks and a nice solid case back for added protection. It's powered by an impressive 6R15 watch movement, operating at an impressive 21,600 BPH and with a 50-hour power reserve.

The Seiko Prospex 1968 is a great price when compared to a Rolex Submariner and it has all of the features that you would expect from a luxury watch. It also has a great look, a great feel, and a comfortable fit. The only downside is that the date can sometimes be unreadable in low light and it doesn’t come with a neoprene wet suit to protect it from the elements.

Overall, the Seiko Prospex 1968 is a great buy. It’s a reliable, accurate, and precise tool watch that looks great, feels great, and is perfect for a night out or a day of diving. Plus, with its vintage 6159 diver look and its PADI-inspired design, it’s sure to turn heads. Whether you’re shopping for a watch for yourself or for someone else, this is one watch that you can’t go wrong with.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

  • This watch is waterproof up to 200 meters, making it perfect for diving or any water activities.
  • The 44mm diameter stainless steel housing is durable and robust, ensuring long-lasting use.
  • The Seiko's AM 6 11 15 caliber with a 50-hour power reserve and 23 stones adds precision and reliability to timekeeping.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 5/5

  • The bright white indices and pointers on this watch make it easy to read and add a pop of contrast against the blue dial.
  • The dark turquoise blue color of this watch adds a touch of elegance and uniqueness to any outfit.

Benefits

  • 50 hours of power reserve
  • 6R15 movement
  • Masculine, refined appeal
  • Precise & accurate timekeeping
  • 60-click unidirectional bezel

Drawbacks

  • Too 'chunky' for some

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Sea Dive: Best Budget Pick

The Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Promaster Sea Dive in Stainless Steel with a Black Polyurethane strap is a total man-cave must-have. This ISO-compliant beauty has a screw-down crown and a silicone band, providing the ultimate water resistance for any aquatic activities. The date window is easy to read and set up, and the money-back guarantee means that you can buy with confidence.

This watch is a total powerhouse. It has an Eco-Drive system that is powered by both solar energy and atomic timekeeping, so you can keep your time super accurate. Plus, it has tide information, a moon phase calendar, and is water resistant up to 200 meters. It looks rugged and tough with its stainless steel case and carbon fiber band, and is shock-resistant for any outdoor activities.

This classic watch has a round, mineral analog face with a no-metal stamp. The case material is stainless steel, with a diameter of 47mm and a thickness of 13.5mm. It has a black polyurethane band that's 24mm wide and comes with a buckle closure. The dial color is dark blue, with an aluminum bezel that can be used for calendar and date functions.

The special features of this watch are what really set it apart. It has a Citizen Eco-Drive movement that's powered by solar energy, so you never have to worry about changing the battery.

It's also lightweight and has an offset crown, a date window, and a rubber strap. And it has a time, date, and EST/CST feature that make it perfect for any outdoor activity.

The Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Promaster Sea Dive is a total beast. It definitely stands up to the competition like the Rolex Submariner and Tag Heuer Aqua Racer. It's got an awesome size and is made in Japan, so you know its quality. It's perfect for aquatic and diving activities, swimming, running, and hiking.

The only downside to this watch is that it tends to be a bit too bland for my tastes. It's got a neutral design that makes it perfect for any outfit and mood, but it doesn't have the unique style of some of the other watches. Other than that, it's an awesome watch that can take anything you throw at it.

All in all, the Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Promaster Sea Dive is a badass timepiece. It's got everything you could want in a watch: Eco-Drive movement, solar-powered, intense lume, full charge, and a power reserve mode. Plus, it's got a circular type storage box with a serial number and manufactured date, so you know its quality. Highly recommended for any man who's looking for a reliable and stylish timepiece.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 5/5

  • This will stay running just by wearing it out and about in the sun and whatnot. This is just a really nice choice in movement overall.
  • It's 200 meters worth of water resistance which is more than most people will use. You've got a very big margin for error here.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 4/5

  • It feels big like a modern watch. A lot of folks do like a larger watch but this also has a reasonable size-wise. It's in a very, very nice place where it doesn't look at all out of place on somebody with smaller wrists like for instance myself.
  • It's a very, very nice little watch. It has a solid metal case, and the brushed case on this guy will hide the way that you go through everyday life.

Benefits

  • Comfortable wear
  • Practical choice
  • ISO-compliant water-resistance
  • 5-year warranty
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Easy operation & setup

Drawbacks

  • Fragile band

TAG Heuer Men's 'Aquaracr' Diving Watch

The TAG Heuer Men's 'Aquaracr' Diving Watch is an absolute showstopper! With its stainless steel build and blue dial, it's sure to turn heads and make a statement.

The elegant look and sophistication of this diver's timepiece make it truly stand out. Not only is it great for watch enthusiasts, but it has a 200m water resistance, making it great for diving too.

The unidirectional rotating bezel, Swiss-made movement, and luminous hands give this watch a luxurious feel. Plus, the sapphire crystal window ensures you get a great view of the dial type. This watch also has a great diving performance and is water-resistant up to 300m, so you can be sure you're protected. With its durable case and band, it's a great choice for those with small wrists.

The automatic movement, minute markers, and date display at the 3 o'clock position make it a breeze to use. The pull/push crown and 984 feet case diameter make it easy to adjust. Plus, the round case shape and safety clasp give it a secure fit. And the glossy shine and sparkles help to make it stand out from the crowd.

This watch is also incredibly accurate and has a power reserve of up to 48 hours. Plus, the bracelet extension makes it great for diving suits. And with the carefully packaged materials and quality, you can be sure you're getting your money's worth.

However, there are a few minor drawbacks to this watch. For starters, I've seen a few photos of it being sold in grocery stores. Plus, the battery replacement can be a bit tricky and you need to make sure the battery is replaced correctly.

But overall, the TAG Heuer Men's 'Aquaracr' Diving Timepiece is a great choice for both casual and formal occasions. It will impress your colleagues and turn heads, no matter where you go. Plus, with its expensive watch style, it definitely won't break the bank. Just be sure to check the box and papers before you buy, otherwise you might end up with a dud. And if you're looking for a watch that's sure to make ya' look fly and give ya' some compliments, this is it!

NanaDC Badass Rating: 3/5

  • This watch is incredibly durable and robust, performing excellently when tested on the Time Grapher.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 5/5

  • Each individual link of the bracelet is carefully crafted for extreme comfort, making it a bugger to size, but ultimately worth the effort.
  • This watch has a unique and powerful design, with a deeply engraved dial that is both clean and classic-looking.
  • I noticed that this watch has a very nice-looking case back with some interesting information and an image of a diver's helmet.

Benefits

  • Sophisticated appeal
  • Great diving performance
  • 300m water-resistance
  • Luminous hands
  • Anti-reflective sapphire crystal window
  • Durable case and band

Drawbacks

  • Not ideal for small wrists

Longines HydroConquest (Women's)

The Longines HydroConquest is a luxurious watch that is perfect for any activity. With its two-tone (Silver-tone and Rose Gold PVD) band, rose gold bezel, and black dial, this timepiece is truly eye-catching.

And with its quartz movement, 300m water resistance, and luminous markers, it is sure to keep ticking for years to come.

The Uni-directional Rotating bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal make this watch ready for any adventure. And with its solid case back, double fold over with safety release clasp, and screw-down crown, it is sure to stay on your wrist no matter what comes your way.

At 34 mm x 10.58 mm, this watch is the perfect size for a woman’s wrist, and the Oyster-like bracelet makes it super comfortable to wear. Plus, its crown guards, polished facets, and signed crown make it look super stylish. And the Super Luminova, Arabic numerals, and luminous rose gold-tone hands give it a nice, subtle glamour.

The Longines HydroConquest is a great investment for those looking for a luxury watch that can take a beating. The quartz version has great diving performance, and its solid clicks and luminous pearl make it a great tool watch. The aluminum uni-directional bezel and polished finish are also great for everyday dangers, like shopping carts and water.

However, the Longines HydroConquest does have a few minor negatives. Although it is scratch-resistant, it is not as durable as some other watches on the market. So you may want to be extra careful when you are wearing it in the shower, car wash, or around the edges of desks and children.

Overall, the Longines HydroConquest is a great buy for those looking for a water-resistant watch that looks good with a suit or casual clothing. It is a must-have for those who want to sport a haute horlogerie look, and it is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their neoprene wet suit. Plus, with its great price tag, it's definitely a steal! So if you're looking for a watch that is reliable and looks ah-mazing, then you can't go wrong with this piece.

Benefits

  • 300m water-resistance
  • Classy, elegant appeal
  • Luminous markers
  • Comfortable wear
  • Durable build
  • Great diving performance

Drawbacks

  • Not suitable for larger wrists

Marathon GSAR Military Issue

This watch is the epitome of cool. The Marathon 41mm Diver’s Automatic (GSAR) is a no-nonsense timepiece that takes its style cues from the Knight Rider’s KITT car, the Pontiac Trans Am from the 1980s TV series.

This eye-catching watch’s case is made of anthracite steel with a large 41mm diameter and is water resistant up to 300 meters with a grey maple bezel and crown. It’s the perfect watch for the government's elite soldiers who want to look like David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight or even Darth Vader as they go about their tactical gear.

The GSAR is powered by the Self-winding automatic 26 Jewel Marathon M2 Movement, which is built to strict military standards. The case is thick and lug-to-lug is 46mm. It also has a sapphire crystal and is equipped with tritium gas tubes for darkness illumination. The hands and hour markers are legible even in the darkest conditions, and the reflective elements on the dial make it perfect for car culture enthusiasts and Star Wars fans.

The Marathon GSAR isn’t just a tool timepiece made for professional use, it also has an appeal for entertainment purposes. The bezel of this watch is totally adjustable and features a color change dial. It also has a semi-autonomous feature like the Tesla Model S.

The quality of the watch is excellent, with a coating application that gives it a personality. It comes with a 20mm rubber strap that can be easily switched out for another one, making it versatile and consistent. The bracelet is also made of durable material, and its appearance is quite appealing.

The only downside of this watch is that it’s a bit pricey at $2,300, but it’s definitely worth it. With the Marathon GSAR, you get a reliable timepiece with a functional appeal and a classic look that’ll last you many rounds. Plus, it looks pretty badass. What more can you ask for?

NanaDC Badass Rating: 3/5

  • Marathon's bezel has a uni-directional 120-click that smoothly clicks and has a satisfying audible sound.
  • With a 38-hour power reserve and hand-winding capability, this watch is a reliable tool that ensures accurate timekeeping during extended outdoor trips, such as hiking and camping.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 3/5

  • Featuring a bold black dial, this watch is a true conversation starter, drawing compliments and admiring glances from others wherever I go.
  • The unique texture of the bezel gives it a rugged yet sophisticated look, making it a standout among other dive timepieces.

Benefits

  • 26 jewels self-winding movement
  • Government specs certified; Military grade
  • 300m water-resistance
  • Tritium gas tubes provide a self-illuminating glow
  • Extremely durable

Drawbacks

  • None we could find

Hamilton Men's Khaki Navy BelowZero

The Hamilton Men's H78585333 Khaki Navy BelowZero Black Dial Watch is a bold and stylish timepiece perfect for any man looking to add a signature piece to his wardrobe.

Crafted with a titanium case and stealth characteristics, this heavy wristwatch is sure to turn heads. With its robust build and PVD finish, it’s sure to withstand the daily grind, the occasional airsoft, and the occasional swim.

Featuring a precision ETA 2826 movement and an extended power reserve, this watch is built for the long haul. The black dial features luminous markers and hands, grey Super-LumiNova, and a date window for added functionality. The sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating allows for easy readability, even in low-light conditions. A helium escape valve helps to maintain water resistance up to 1,000 feet.

Designed to keep up with the highest performers, the Hamilton Men’s H78585333 is a high-performance timepiece. If you’re looking for a lightweight watch with versatility, this is the one! It’s the perfect accessory for the modern man and a great companion for any of your adventures.

The steel band is adjustable with a pin buckle and an additional bracelet is included. The case diameter is 42 mm and the case thickness is 12 mm. The band size is 8.5 inches and the band width is 20 mm. The band material is stainless steel and the band color is black. The bezel material is stainless steel and the bezel function is unidirectional. The calendar display is the date.

Overall, the Hamilton Men’s H78585333 Khaki Navy BelowZero Black Dial Watch is one of the best watches out there. With its bold design and Swiss precision, it’s perfect for any man looking for a watch that can handle the toughest of situations. It’s got a price tag to match, but it’s worth it if yer looking for a timepiece that can keep up with yer hit movies and above-water adventures.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

  • The Hamilton below-zero series features a helium escapement valve, a unidirectional ratcheting bezel, and a screw-down crown with the Hamilton H, which are all essential for diving
  • This underwater watch is a very robust and durable timepiece that can withstand an incredible amount of pressure, with a depth resistance of 1000 meters, thanks to the steel casing and sapphire crystal.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 4/5

  • The Hamilton below-zero series is not just a functional timepiece but also a beautiful accessory, with a unique H-style tang buckle and a diver logo on the back.
  • This all-black version of the Hamilton below-zero series is understated yet not too dark for a submersible watch, making it a unique and special watch.

Benefits

  • 1000m water-resistance
  • PVD case
  • Helium Gas Valve system for great diving performance
  • Luminescent markers
  • Sturdy, robust build
  • Great price value

Drawbacks

  • No manufacturer's warranty
  • Heavy on the wrist

How to Buy the Best Watch for Divers

Ahh, the ideal diving watch. It's not as easy as just grabbin' one with the label "diver" and bein' done with it.

Ya gotta look at the three main elements: water resistance, material design, and accuracy. Without these three, it ain't nothin' but a pretty piece of metal.

Plus, there are plenty of subpar watches out there. Poor craftsmanship, shoddy build materials, and inaccuracy can make even the best-lookin' watch a dud.

So when it comes to choosin' a quality diving watch, don't settle for anything but the best. 'Cause when you're out in the deep blue, you'll want somethin' you can trust.

Water-Resistance

If you're looking to go diving, you need an underwater timepiece with serious performance. Go for a watch that offers at least a 100m waterproof rating or a 300m rating with an ISO 6425 standard. That way, you don't have to worry about it breaking under pressure.

dive watch water resistance

But if you're serious about diving, 300m is the way to go. Nothing beats that kind of reliability. Plus, it's a great way to show off your manly status (wink wink).

Of course, some underwater timepieces aren't what they're cracked up to be. Cheap knock-offs might look the part, but they won't stand up to the rigors of diving. You want a watch that's reliable and robust, not one that's going to leave you stranded underwater.

So, please don't skimp on the water resistance when it comes to dive timepieces. Get one with good performance and you won't regret it.

Stainless steel nylon, rubber, and silicone materials are the most common and affordable materials for watches today. But if you're after something more luxurious and stylish, titanium or ceramic is the way to go. They're lightweight and durable, so you don't have to worry about them weighing down your wrists. Plus, they look great!

That said, they're also pretty pricey. So if you're on a budget, you might want to look elsewhere. You can always go for the classic stainless steel look, but it can be a bit boring. And don't forget about the maintenance that comes with stainless steel watches.

The bottom line, choose the watch material wisely. It can make or break your overall style.

Accuracy

Accuracy isn't just precision - it's about having the longevity to keep going.

Quartz, solar, auto, digital, and kinetic - what's the best of the bunch? The answer is simple - a movement that can resist a 4,800A/m magnetic field. That's the standard.

But let's face it, accuracy isn't always perfect - it's something to strive for, not something to expect. So, pick your movement wisely and try to get the best accuracy you can.

Wrap up

In conclusion, you won't be disappointed with these watches. They're top-notch and sure to last. So, what are you waiting for? Find your perfect watch today!