The 10 Best Choices in Dive Watches for 2024

A dive watch can come in handy for scuba diving beginners and experts alike.

Each timepiece has undergone meticulous craftsmanship and passed multiple ISO tests, so expect high-quality performance. [R] Indeed, diving watches complete your marine experience.

These can also serve as luxury accessories. Extra features and unique designs make these watches fashion statements.

Let's familiarize ourselves with the diver's watch by discussing its parts, functions, and the best diving watches you should consider buying.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Watch - Ultimate Pick

If you are looking for a top-notch diving timepiece, the Seamaster Planet Ocean watch is your greatest bet.

It may have an expensive price point, but the excellent features and all-around performance make every single dollar spent worth it.

Compared to other diver's timepieces, the Omega timepiece includes a helium escape valve. [R] It eliminates excess gas on the case back to avoid high water pressure levels.

Headlining the Seamaster watch is a superior 600-meter water-resistance, the highest among all other underwater watches. Stainless steel casing and a sapphire crystal provide additional protection.

A 39-jewel Swiss automatic movement coupled with a 60-hour power reserve delivers top-notch accuracy for each passing minute.

The deployment clasp ensures both a tight and comfortable grip on the wrist. Lastly, a unidirectional ceramic bezel tracks time spent underwater and the remaining oxygen left.

Quick Verdict: Invest in the ultimate underwater timepiece with the Seamaster Planet Ocean - boasting unparalleled performance, accuracy, and durability for serious divers.

Seiko Analogue Automatic Watch - Premium Value

Most diving timepieces do not go for cheap. Therefore, you have to make sure you purchase the one that gives you excellent value for money. Thankfully, the Seiko Analogue timepiece does just that.

The deep blue dial goes well with the Pepsi-themed red and blue rotating bezel. Not only does it display a stylish get-up, but it guarantees easy readability of the watch hands and hour indices.

The Seiko watch possesses a 4R36 self-winding automatic movement that comes with a 41-hour power reserve.

With a tight push-button deployment clasp, the chances of the timepiece falling off the wrist and sinking underwater are minimal to non-existent.

For a timepiece that offers a lower price, quality isn't an issue. Rest assured, the stainless steel casing and a Hardlex crystal dial window guarantee maximum durability throughout the diving session.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• The unidirectional rotating bezel, the Day of the week and date, Lumibrite, and 100m waterproof capability make this Seiko watch a perfect companion for my outdoor activities. I can time myself in tasks, read the day and date, and see the time even in low-light conditions.
• I have worn this Seiko watch daily for three months, doing chores and housework, and it has proven to be durable and robust, as it has not been damaged even when I knocked it gently on things.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 4/5

• Being able to see the movement with the clear back is a unique and cool experience that I enjoy every time I wear this watch. It makes me appreciate the craftsmanship and mechanical complexity of the watch even more.
• The good easy-to-read lume of this watch is impressive, as it lasts all night, and I can easily see the time even in complete darkness. It is a useful feature that I appreciate when I need to check the time in the middle of the night.

Stuhrling Original Analog - Top Saver's Pick

If you are looking for a low budget that sports a classy design and delivers exceptional features, the Stuhrling Original Analog must be at the top of your list.

A sleek black dial finish and silver-tone bracelet make up the watch's design. These color schemes complement one another, thus resulting in a fashionable diving timepiece.

Besides aesthetic appeal, it contains long-lasting materials that address multiple forms of impact. A screw-down crown blocks the entrance of gas towards the watch.

Also, the 200-meter water resistance combats extreme water pressure. Krysterna crystal coating and stainless steel casing enhance overall durability.

The rotating bezel and Swiss quartz movement are in charge of supplying the Sturhling diving timepiece with reliable measurements and time readings.

Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Watch

Over the past decades, Tissot has established itself as one of the most amazing and most versatile luxury watch providers. The Seastar Powermatic model showcases Tissot's elite watchmaking and craftsmanship.

Unlike other underwater watches, the Tissot timepiece uses a gradient blue color for its dial. In terms of design, it reflects the ocean's colors and gives users a unique style that competes with other luxury watches.

A polished black bezel complements the sleek dial design and stainless steel case. The Seastar Powermatic timepiece also provides maximum comfort for the wrist with its elastic rubber strap.

Its tang clasp can adjust to any wrist size for the perfect fit. Accuracy and reliable timekeeping are made possible by a Swiss Automatic movement and an 80-hour power reserve.

Rounding up the features are the following: a 300-meter water resistance, a date display by the 6 o'clock position, and a sapphire crystal.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 5/5

• The Tissot sea star's robust crown guards and 300-meter water resistance rating make it perfect for any water-based activity while ensuring it remains protected from the elements.
• Thanks to its powermatic 80 automatic movements and 80-hour power reserve, the Tissot Sea Star guarantees accurate and reliable timekeeping, ensuring you're always on time, no matter where you are.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 4/5

• The Tissot sea star's elegant and minimalist dial, with its white hands, polished silver markers, and subtle sunburst finish, is a testament to its luxury Swiss heritage, making it a perfect choice for anyone who values style and quality.
• With its stunning reflective surfaces, including a ceramic bezel, sapphire glass, and stainless steel bracelet, the Tissot sea star's 43mm case diameter and 12.7mm height exude sophistication and quality, ensuring it catches the eye of anyone who sees it.

Seiko Prospex Special Edition Watch

Not to be outdone, Seiko delivers revolutionary timepieces that elevate the watchmaking industry. The Prospex Special Edition watch can keep up with other luxury dive timepieces.

Luminous watch hands and hour markers illuminate in poorly lit areas. [R] Therefore, the blue is still visible even if the waters start getting murky.

Also, minute markers fill up the outer dial. These are essential if you need a more specific time check. The watch also contains a date display by the 3 o'clock position.

A blue silicone band possesses high elasticity levels, while a Hardlex mineral crystal resists scratches and other types of impact.

The 24-jewel automatic movement and hackable second hand guarantee accurate and reliable timekeeping 24/7.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Watch

Rolex will always be at the top of everyone's radar with their prestigious diver's timepieces. [R] The Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch does not disappoint despite its 5-figure price tag.

The metal bracelet uses gold and silver tones for a more luxurious feel. These colors go well with the black matte dial finish.

Luminescent hands, gold hour indices, and a magnified date window by the 3 o'clock position suggest easy readability regardless of location.

A watch crown, fully-sealed case-back, and 300-meter water-resistance prevent the Rolex timepiece from cracking under pressure. These features avoid the passage of water inside the watch.

The Swiss Automatic movement and unidirectional bezel deliver accurate and reliable timekeeping.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• The Submariner is a timeless watch that has been in Rolex's range for decades, and it's still as popular today as it was back then. It's a robust watch that can withstand depths of up to 1000 feet, and the screw-in crown and ceramic bezel add to its durability.
• The 18-karat yellow gold bezel and ceramic insert on the Submariner are more resistant to scratches than the previous aluminum version. The watch's materials and construction ensure that it can withstand the rigors of daily wear and tear.
• The Submariner's automatic chronometer movement performs within plus or minus 2 seconds per day. This high level of accuracy is a testament to the watch's reliability and precision.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 5/5

• The black dial on the stainless steel and 18-karat yellow gold Submariner makes it a stylish and elegant watch. It's a sophisticated timepiece that can be worn for any occasion, and it has a quiet yet noticeable presence on the wrist.
• The satin finish on the Submariner's oyster clasp and the polished center links give the watch a sporty yet elegant look. It's a beautiful watch that's sure to turn heads.

Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X Pro Diver Watch- Ultimate Pick

The Victorinox I.N.O.X Pro Diver watch packs features and qualities that give other timepieces a run for their money.

High-end materials like a stainless steel bracelet, case, and a triple-coated sapphire crystal make up the watch's strong and robust composition.

Because of these components, you get scratch-resistant, shock-resistant, and water-resistant qualities in the same Victorinox Pro-diver watch.

It can withstand 130 endurance homologation tests and water pressure of up to 200 meters. A screw-in case back seals the watch so that excess gas does not enter.

A unidirectional bezel and Swiss Quartz movement ensure maximum accuracy of elapsed time underwater and time readings, respectively.

Last but not least, luminous hands, minute and hour markers guarantee easy readability in dark waters.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• The outstanding bracelet, phenomenal screw-in crown, solid-clicking bezel made of stainless steel, good lume, inset triple AR-coated sapphire crystal, Swiss quartz movement, anti-magnetic, 200m WR, and diver's extension on the clasp all contribute to the excellent fit and finish of this watch.
• This watch has undergone 130 extreme endurance tests and is ISO 6245 Dive timepiece certified, making it an impressively-built timepiece that can withstand even the toughest conditions.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 1/5

• If you're looking for a handsome medium-priced underwater watch or just appreciate the diver watch style, this Swiss-made watch with a 45mm titanium case and grey rubber strap might be your pick.

IWC Aquatimer Watch

Despite its expensive price tag, watch fans and dive experts should still consider buying the luxury diving watch from IWC.

While most diving timepieces feel bulky and heavy on the wrist, the Aquatimer watches only weigh 1.1 ounces. The lightweight composition ensures maximum comfort for the wrist.

The 300-meter water resistance enables extended periods of diving. It also protects the timepiece from pressure or other forms of impact.

As far as the design is concerned, the IWC Aquatimer Watch capitalizes on a minimalist style.

A sleek black dial and silver-tone stainless steel bracelet offer versatility. You can wear the timepiece on any occasion or environment.

Bright-colored hands and indices illuminate the watch at night or in poorly-lit areas. An automatic movement delivers reliable timekeeping without the need for batteries.

Tag Heuer Aquaracer Watch

Tag Heuer has also been in the business of handcrafting dive timepieces that are second-to-none. One of its products is the Aquaracer.

The watch's minimalist approach results in easy readability. Luminous hands and white hour indices fit well with the black dial and also illuminate when the surroundings start getting dim.

A 40.5 mm case diameter can fit multiple wrist sizes. In short, it is neither too chunky nor too small. The battery-operated quartz movement results in accurate and precise time derivations.

The 300-meter water-resistance rating and sapphire crystal shield the timepiece against scratches and other forms of damage.

Capping off the features are a deployment clasp, a unidirectional aluminum bezel, and a polished metal bracelet.

Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Watch

Finally, we have the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba timepiece. It highlights certain qualities and features that contribute to its uniqueness and top-tier performance.

Besides the usual dial components such as luminescent hands and hour line markers, a 24-hour format makes up the inner dial. It can benefit those who prefer following military time.

A waterproof black nylon nato strap prioritizes maximum comfort for the skin. While other bracelets are bulkier and heavier, the nylon strap applies a lightweight composition.

The tang clasp suits all wrist sizes, while a Swiss Automatic movement yields positive and accurate results.

The 100-meter water resistance rating and a sapphire crystal glass window complete the Hamilton Khaki timepiece.

Worst Diving Wristwatch - Dagaz

The Dagaz dive watch, while cherished by many for its unique features and style, has certainly not escaped some rather pointed criticism:

• Several users express discontent with the color and visibility of the markers against the silver dial, finding them less appealing in person than in pictures.
• There's a notable dislike for the bead-blasted finish option, with some preferring a brushed finish for its aesthetic and feel.
• The overall design and specific features like the luminescence and dial color have been points of contention, leading some to reconsider their purchase​​​​​​.

Diving Watch: More Than Just an Accessory

For more than 75 years, the diving watch has been a useful tool for recreational divers and beachgoers. Indeed, it is more than just an accessory for the wrist.

One of its primary roles is to keep track of how much time you have spent underwater. It also determines the remaining oxygen left in the tank.

Unlike other regular timepieces, dive timepieces have larger case dimensions and use heavy-duty materials.

Readable dials and tank-like structures make diving timepieces more durable than your everyday wristwatch.

What to Look for When Buying a Watch for Divers?

Before buying a diver's watch, you need to do some prior research to make sure you get your money's worth. Here are some factors that make up the diving timepieces.

Water Resistance

The diver's watch and its other features will be all for naught if it does not have superior water-resistant qualities. A 50-meter rating will not be enough to traverse underwater life.

You will need timepieces with a minimum water-resistant depth of 100 meters or more.

Durable Construction

Divers should equip watches that possess durable materials and top-tier construction. Go for a diving timepiece with a strong case, scratch-resistant crystals, and a tightly snugged bracelet.

With proper care and maintenance, these timepieces can stay functional for decades.

Accurate And Precise Timekeeping

A diving watch needs to supply you with accurate and exact time while underwater. You would not want to feel discombobulated in the middle of the dive experience due to wrong time readings.

Fortunately, most diving timepieces employ quartz and automatic movements, 2 of the most reliable timekeeping methods.

Easy Readability

Last but not least, it has to be legible and easy-to-read. It pays to have luminous hands, indices, and bright-colored bezels. These maintain high visibility once your surroundings start getting dark and murky.

You also want a bezel that does not rotate clockwise by accident because this may result in wrong estimations of time elapsed underwater.

Wrap Up

I hope you gained a better knowledge of the different watches for divers and their respective features. May you buy the one that provides maximum durability, superior accuracy, and fashionable styles.

For more questions or inquiries regarding the different diver's watches, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Links, prices, and images were pulled from the Amazon API. Last updated on 2023-05-11.