25 Best Dive Watches For Every Budget in 2023

‘A robust watch with zero nonsense’ could certainly be the motto of Delma’s Cayman Automatic dive watch. This 1970s-inspired timepiece is one of a kind – apart from having a much sought-after Swiss automatic movement, it is entirely water-resistant at 500m under the water.

The watch is embedded with an exquisite stainless steel case and a mesh bracelet, both of which look classy and sophisticated on the wrist.

To keep with the concept of sports watches, Cayman incorporates a unidirectional aluminum diver bezel with silver numerals at 15, 30, 45, and a luminous speck at the 12 o’clock mark. The ring of the bezel has a scalloped shape for a great grip.

A date window along with the open case back makes it a solid competitor among other dive watches on the current-day market.

Its breathtaking appearance is, perhaps, how it got its name; a sea star. It is one of the best choices you can make when buying a dive watch. The Seastar 1000 Powermatic has an impressive design and its features are top-notch. It has three sub dials on top of having a date window. Its casing is made from the 316L stainless steel.

However, its unidirectional bezel is made out of ceramic which does not only resist corrosion but also makes the watch to weigh significantly less at 180g. Yes, 180g is quite a low weight given that the Seastar uses steel straps and has a wide length at 43mm.

The updated model of Blue Shark by Delma is the real deal for divers willing to make a smart investment. The aesthetic of the dive watch has been upgraded, and so has the driving force behind the automatic movement. Now, the dial featuring a bright orange color that is also applied to the bezel looks neater and is available in black, orange, and blue. The unidirectional bezel was redesigned to offer divers both brushed steel and black-coated DLC-coated steel options.

Perhaps the most impressive feature of the upgrade is water-resistance which has been upped to the whopping 4000 meters. You won’t find this depth in every other dive watch, and this is exactly what gives Blue Shark III a huge competitive advantage.

The 47mm diameter fits nicely on a wrist without being ‘too large’ or ‘too small’ – it’s the sweet spot for beginners and professionals alike.

This one has a classic design. It has a great appeal with the bezel being excellently labeled for legibility. It uses a nato strap which makes its general weight lighter when compared to others that use steel and other metals. In fact, a nato strap is among the best dive watch straps in the market today. It has a casing diameter of 44mm which makes it appear quite big. The casing has been curved out of 316L stainless steel which is of high quality to ensure a long lasting dive watch. The bezel is made out of the same material as well.

The Deep Blue Nato Diver is feature rich spotting a crown for movement control and a helium escape valve to secure the watch in case of deep diving.

Powered by the same Japanese movement like the famed Seiko, Pantor Seahorse Dive Watch presents a highly qualitative alternative to its pricey companions that perform the same duty. With 1000m water-resistance and a Swiss-mode lume, this model is an attention-grabber that does not seize to surprise the first-time dive watch buyers.

When added the stylish design to the concoction, you have got yourself an accessory that serves multiple purposes at the same time. Not too bad for a budget watch, right?

This dive watch wins at every nomination: it has a medium-sized 42mm display, is backed up by the first-rate automatic Swiss movement, and a 2-year guarantee from the manufacturer. The Ceramic bezels with non-reflective sapphire crystal display alone are able to put this watch into a luxurious category that, however, is not going to break anyone’s bank. If this is your first dive watch investment, you won’t even want to scan the high-end section – that’s how revolutionary this number is.

Delma Quattro, automatic divers’ watch with date, helium valve, and Delma Rapid Bracelet Exchange System. Stainless steel case and bracelet with an additional black genuine rubber strap and decompression plate with Delma Rapid Bracelet Exchange System

The most celebrated piece from the Zodiac receives praise on a daily basis for a good reason – it has got that blend of style and functionality that is unbeatable. The Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch includes a 5-link bracelet made from stainless Steel, uni-directional topring, sunray dial, and C3 SuperLuminova hands and markers. The Swiss Technology Production is a cherry on top of the beloved dive watch, whereas the anti-reflective coating and a sapphire crystal dial are the sprinkles.

This cocktail continues to stay true to the mission of the brand as the years go by and keeps attracting the audience of all ages to jump on this Zodiac bandwagon.

This watch is a new version by Oris for 2018. This, however, does not mean that the Oris Divers Sixty-Five is a trial model. No. It is just another improvement that makes it better than its predecessors. In fact, similar to the Zodiac mentioned earlier, it is another classic gem that a diving enthusiast should consider at its low budget.

It has all the features of a premium divers’ watch with its only downside being a shallow depth rating of 100m which, to be honest, not many divers go beyond. We can comfortably say that it will be the best for diving enthusiasts and recreational divers.

Doxa is also another veteran in the diving game. The Sub 6000T Pro is an advancement of the legendary model that reigned in the ‘60s and the ‘70s. It is a piece of art spotting an orange dial and a bezel with a decompression limit. Since diving began, nobody has dived below 400m.

But just in case you feel like you can break the record, the 6000T will be able to withstand the pressure up to 1800m. What about that!

The Casio G-Shock Frogman has so many (diver-friendly!!!!!) features, it is the closest thing to a smartwatch without actually being a smartwatch!  To name a few, just look at its stainless steel buttons, moon phase and tide indicators, solar battery, or its 200M water resistance.  Just in case you were really skeptical of its water resistance, the Casio G-Shock Frogman carries an ISO-6425 diver’s certification, something some other “dive” watches can’t claim.

The watch is so full of features it literally shows it.  This is one of the bulkiest looking watches on our list, which may deter users wanting a sleek aesthetic, but its many unique features make the size and higher than average price tag worth it.  We especially enjoy its auto EL backlight that lets you illuminate the watch with a turn of the wrist instead of pressing a button, which swimmers and divers everywhere can appreciate.

This is a beautiful looking piece of a diving accessory. The Black Bay series by Tudor is an inspiration from the Submariners of between the ‘50s and the ‘70s that were Tudor-branded. The Black Bay Fifty-Eight has a unique 39mm case which one of the smallest diameters you are likely to find.

It is a nice blend of modern and vintage features. Its accuracy and is chronometer rated and has an impressive power reserve at 70 hours.

From a young and exciting Miami-based company comes a bold but worthwhile challenge to dive watches. The GX-Diver’s 41mm watch by LIV combines some of the aesthetics of Breitling and Omega with a practical potency demonstrated by the cobalt steel model we got our hands on.

As divers, we demand functional practicality to enhance any kit we take down. The GX does this very well. A ceramic bezel with very smooth movements frames a solid sapphire crystal that’s been screwed into place to manage the pressures of depth. On this note, 300 meters is more than enough for most technical divers, let alone recreational dive profiles.

Equipped with the latest technologies available on the market, the Oris ProDiver has earned itself a safe spot as a robust and rugged dive watch. It basically ticks all the boxes when it comes to functionality, including a Swiss watch label, 1000m water-resistance, and a date display at 5 o’clock position. And even though 1000 meters sounds not too realistic, it is indeed reassuring to know that your watch covers the lowest of the depths.

What’s more, the titanium material sits effortlessly on your wrist regardless of its solid 49mm display size.

The Tag Heuer Aquaracers are considered to be some of the most reliable watches out there. This watch, in particular, is a primary example of the brand’s dedication to manufacturing diving accessories at moderate prices. It incorporates a uni-directional rotating bezel, 300 meters of water-resistance, and a self-winding automatic movement.

With its luminescent hand and markers, this number is a great +1 for your diving, snorkeling, or any other water sports adventure.

Having been in the business since 1832, Longines has established itself on the market as a brand with a strong devotion to its roots, elegance and the world of sports. The brand is a member of the reputable Swatch Group and it has been building watches that resemble popular vintage watches from the midst of the 20th century. Their Legend Diver model is water-resistant, has an inner bezel and serves many purposes from water sports to fancy night-outs.

Give it a try if you are in the market for a Rolex-like watch that does the exact same trick for a fraction of the price.

Seiko is among the first brand names that will come to your mind when you think of watches. Their strong presence in the watch industry has earned them unparalleled reverence. Their divers’ collection is often not usually expensive. However, when you have a glance at the Prospex SBDB018 you will be left in awe. Its breathtaking design and detail will leave you mesmerized. It is a perfection of Seiko’s pioneering dive watch of 1968.

Its 44.8mm diameter creates ample room for the automatic Seiko 8L55 movement that ticks 36000 in an hour. Its large diameter will inspire a diver into a confident dive up to 200m deep.

The Seamaster 300M is another top-of-class dive watch with a helium escape valve to protect it from helium damage. This wonder piece received a massive overhaul in 2018 but, nevertheless, did not entirely lose the pioneering appearance it got in 1993.

Both the dial and the bezel insert are made from ceramic which is corrosion resistant. It uses the co-axial 8800 automatic movements by Omega and is a worthy option for deep scuba divers going down up to 300m.

The Panerai brand is a dear for many watches but prior to the Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days release, there were concerns about the brand being very large. The 42mm Submersible came as a great improvement to the earlier models that had a 44mm diameter. The 2mm difference seems to have made a major difference. The watch now fits better and looks more appealing without losing its signature appearance.

It has a power reserve that will last you 72 hours (3 days) and it is safe to dive with to depths of up to 300m.

The Pelagos remains to be an uncompromisingly elegant and versatile tool that can be used in various settings. Made from a lightweight material Titanium, this watch is feather-like on your wrist. This, however, does not take away from its essential features. From the dial, the bezel and its large titanium casing, you will find it resembling the early concepts of watch engineering. It also features a helium escape valve – a safety feature that prevents helium gas from blowing up the crystal from a watch case when the diver reaches the surface after a deep dive.

For clarity, a helium bubble will occupy a small volume at deep dives due to high pressure exerted on it. Once on the surface, the same bubble will expand due to low pressure. The helium valve provides a safe route for the helium to be expelled from the watch.

The Seamaster 300M from Omega is another top-of-class dive watch with a helium escape valve to protect it from helium damage. This wonder piece received a massive overhaul in 2018 but, nevertheless, did not entirely lose the pioneering appearance it got in 1993. The dial and the bezel insert are made from ceramic, which is corrosion-resistant.

It uses the co-axial 8800 automatic movements by Omega and is a worthy option for deep scuba divers going down up to 300m.

The roots of Breitling ‘Heritage’ watches go back to the 1950s – the times their design is inspired by. The retro-ish old school look of the Aeromarine Superocean model hints on the collection’s rich history without showing any signs of the features being outdated. Instead, the elegant and slightly conservative design combined with the date window, unidirectional bezel rotation, and three hand markers speak loud enough for it to be a sought-after watch.

This number is indeed an excellent option for anyone who is in search of a timeless classic that is suited for every occasion.

A robust performance paired with the sleek design is certainly what this Bremont Supermarine S500 model is all about. It has got a high level of readability in low lighting and a water-resistance that reaches 500 meters – a perfect scenario for passionate divers that also have high standards. The accuracy of this dive watch cannot be doubted due to its automatic movement that is stored inside the anti-shock and anti-magnetic crates for that additional long lastingness.

Call it a scrupulous work of manufacturers or a natural desire to win over its competitors, but you cannot argue that this dive watch is a valuable investment.

The most influential dive watch of all time had to be mentioned here. The inception of the Submariner in 1953 turned out to be a wakeup call that went to inspire many o its followers. Since the release of the first piece, the Submariner has been improved several times which has made it stand unrivaled by any other in its class. It has a fairly smaller diameter and its bezel is made from ceramic. These design features are all meant to make it less bulky and durable at the same time.

Furthermore, its automatic movement has also been well-engineered and upgraded over the years to give it the necessary accuracy.

A ‘busy’ dive watch means that its display is abundant with features a diver would appreciate having. This dive watch is not an exception – it is equipped with an analog display that is powered by the solar mechanism. The unidirectional bezel is numbered, a crown is red striped, and black dial is endowed with three chronograph subdials. What an assortment indeed! Although the side buttons are bulky, the watch has a sleek look to it – a look preferred by the majority. This look allows you to wear it to your water sports adventures and fancy evening outs alike.

It represents class and the absence of nonsense. It is essentially the real deal on the dive watch market.

This recommendation of ours proudly wears the name of ‘Big Tuna’ on the basis we are about to cover. The Marinemaster is truly a one in a million type of watch that many tend to put on their Christmas wishing list. The massive 48mm case features a shroud that adds the mandatory protection needed when diving – be sure it will last you at least a few decades. It is anti-magnetic, has a 300-meter water-resistance rate (not common for Seiko watches), and has a battery life that reaches 5 years. How mindboggling is that?

You definitely get your money worth when investing in a piece like this. With a rubber strap that fits snug on your wrist, you can conquer the underwater world in no time.

This recommendation of ours proudly wears the name of ‘Big Tuna’ on the basis we are about to cover. The Marinemaster is truly a one in a million type of watch that many tend to put on their Christmas wishing list. The massive 48mm case features a shroud that adds the mandatory protection needed when diving – be sure it will last you at least a few decades. It is anti-magnetic, has a 200-meter water-resistance rate, and has a battery life that reaches 5 years. How mindboggling is that? You definitely get your money worth when investing in a piece like this.

With a rubber strap that fits snug on your wrist, you can conquer the underwater world in no time.

A Seiko model under $250 is reminiscent of the most famed dive watch known as the Golden Tuna. And the reasons for it are as follows. The power reserve is around 10 months, which is already a good start for a watch of this price. The one-way rotating bezel is the next great thing that has happened to this watch. Then, the screw-down crown and case display the security needed for a diver who prefers going deep down the ocean. The bulkiness is absent – its rather sleek design tops it up with a feature no one can resist when looking for a lightweight dive watch that does not lack in the set of basic functionalities.

This special edition piece might just be your cup of tea if the aforementioned points are of interest to you.

What do we have here? Right, another Solar Power dive watch. Seiko is killing the eco-friendly game! This mechanism is hassle-free as you don’t need to recharge the battery. Place it under the direct sunlight and you have got yourself a watch with 6-months worth of natural functioning. There are other features in this model every diver would appreciate having – a versatile design, a function-full display, and the black and blue aesthetics. The Hardlex window is responsible for your dial to stay scratchproof and shockproof, while the unidirectional bezel is in charge of the smooth operating activity of the watch that is accompanied by the clicking sound during the rotation.

Still not convinced? Well, here’s the promising part – this watch has an ISO 6425 certification. Be certain that your new purchase will function under the water in an efficient and wasteless manner.

A big statement watch that comes at a lavish price is an investment not everyone is willing to make. Those who do, however, can freely exhale – this model will last them a lifetime, if not longer. Let us intrigue you with the features the manufacturer supplied it with before you make a decision to purchase it or not. With a 41 power reserve, this watch does not seize to impress the most skeptical divers. At the astounding 46.5m diameter it has a lot of presence while also leaving room for features like 24 jewels and luminous markers to have their say.

The black and yellow bezel is memorable and practical at the same time – who wants to struggle under the water while trying to discern the data written on the dial? Not us. Experienced divers will surely appreciate this number and everything it has to offer.

This recommendation of ours proudly wears the name of ‘Big Tuna’ on the basis we are about to cover. The Marinemaster is truly a one in a million type of watch that many tend to put on their Christmas wishing list. The massive 48mm case features a shroud that adds the mandatory protection needed when diving – be sure it will last you at least a few decades. It is anti-magnetic, has a 300-meter water-resistance rate (not common for Seiko watches), and has a battery life that reaches 5 years. How mindboggling is that? You definitely get your money worth when investing in a piece like this.

With a rubber strap that fits snug on your wrist, you can conquer the underwater world in no time.

Another Solar powerhouse by Seiko made its debut a long time ago and yet is still breaking dive watches charts. It is bold, utilitarian, and eco-friendly. It checks all the boxes in one fell swoop. The red and blue pairing is eye-catching, while the multifunctional dial with a rotating bezel gives hope that it will last a long time. Supplementary elements like a triangular pointer help to measure the oxygen level underwater, whereas the 200-meter water-resistance guarantees the permanent workflow of the watch on the greatest of the depths.

You won’t make a mistake by investing in a watch of this kind as its value is completely proven by the high-caliber features it possesses.

A midrange watch of this kind has a quirky nickname ‘Turtle’ thanks to its case shaped like a cushion. The blue dial and the stainless steel case justify this accessory to be belonging to the underwater world. You and the rich waters of oceans will be matching! As for the functionalities, rest assured that this Samurai watch will serve you well. It has got a 200 meters water-resistance rate, luminescent hands and markers, and a unidirectional bezel that will help you get accurate data on the time you spent diving last Tuesday. To top it all off, it’s automatic.

This means that besides an elegant design you are also getting a highly regarded mechanism. With a 2-year warranty, there is no reason for you to worry about possible damages – put it on and enjoy your dive with a peace of mind.

This recommendation of ours proudly wears the name of ‘Big Tuna’ on the basis we are about to cover. The Marinemaster is truly a one in a million type of watch that many tend to put on their Christmas wishing list. The massive 48mm case features a shroud that adds the mandatory protection needed when diving – be sure it will last you at least a few decades. It is anti-magnetic, has a 300-meter water-resistance rate (not common for Seiko watches), and has a battery life that reaches 5 years.

How mindboggling is that? You definitely get your money worth when investing in a piece like this. With a rubber strap that fits snug on your wrist, you can conquer the underwater world in no time.

You may be wondering why the watch’s framing of the dial has a different color. There is merely one logical answer – it is incorporated into the watch to supply divers with additional data readability when the depths of the water become low. The yellow on the SNE441 acts as a pair of glasses one needs to be able to read. The other great feature this watch has is a quartz movement powered by solar energy. You are basically killing two birds with one stone by discovering the rich underwater realm while also being mindful of the fragile ecosystem we are living in.

Having employed every essential element from the Prsopex series like a practical design, lucid numbers, and a sufficient 200m water-resistance rate, this dive watch will become your great companion on your next dive.

Perhaps the most optimal option for those avid divers with busy work schedules and frequent night outings is the SNE5371P1 watch from the Prospex collection. It encompasses a stylish camo pattern running through the strap and the bezel and a glossy black and silver case. The overall design is minimalistic, but don’t assume that it takes away from the just as lavish features. It maintains a 200-meters water-resistance rate while also having a Solar quartz movement, a crucial detail in the 21st century when the issue of climate change is burning more than ever before.

The accuracy reaching +/- 15 seconds per month, this model can win over some of the more expensive options presented by Seiko. Just note the three-dimensional bezel that supplies you with the additional security when timekeeping your diving time – that alone is worth every penny you would spend on this dive watch.

The settle black and gold colors give this SRPB55 dive watch a sleek look that every diver can make use of both underwater and at business meetings. It comes with a one-way rotating bezel, Lumibrite hands and markers, and an astonishing 41-hours of battery reserve. We believe this is not too bad for a watch under $400. The water-resistance of 200 meters is basic for the majority of the Seiko watches just like the screw-down crown and case back. With 23 jewels and 21,600 vibrations per hour, this model can easily make it to the top of your accessory list. Whether you choose to explore the rich marine world through diving or snorkeling, it will serve you well in either one of the scenarios.

And, you can push away the worries regarding its longevity thanks to the warranty the manufacturer provides. Aren’t you captivated yet?

Continuing on the red and blue Seiko theme, here is another contestant that is worth your attention and consideration. It includes a combination of a stylish design and a functional mechanism, which is the ultimate duo for any proficient diver. You will be pleasantly surprised by the battery-free mechanism behind this watch that also incorporates a two-tone unidirectional bezel. A detail in the form of the scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal is another point essential to note when weighing out the pros and cons of this model.

As we finish up with the 3 o’clock window that depicts both day and time, you can already deduce the amount of value you get by purchasing this watch.

This recommendation of ours proudly wears the name of ‘Big Tuna’ on the basis we are about to cover. The Marinemaster is truly a one in a million type of watch that many tend to put on their Christmas wishing list. The massive 48mm case features a shroud that adds the mandatory protection needed when diving – be sure it will last you at least a few decades. It is anti-magnetic, has a 300-meter water-resistance rate (not common for Seiko watches), and has a battery life that reaches 5 years. How mindboggling is that? You definitely get your money worth when investing in a piece like this.

With a rubber strap that fits snug on your wrist, you can conquer the underwater world in no time.