Best Divers Watches 2023: Stylish Watch to Suit All Budget

If you're looking for the Best Divers Watches, we've got you covered with brands like Seiko, Rolex, and AP.

Best Divers Watches 2023: Stylish Watch to Suit All Budget
Best Divers Watches 2022

The best divers watches, in our opinion, are some of the coolest-looking timepieces available, and they should be a part of everyone's collection. Best Divers Watches

Okay, we know that strapping on a watch capable of surviving a drop of over 1,000 meters and boasting a helium escape valve may seem superfluous to 99 percent of us, but you wouldn't tell a Ferrari owner that their pride and joy's top speed was meaningless, would you?

Diving watches were created with a specific purpose in mind: to provide accurate, illuminated time and a method of measuring depth with a rotating bezel while being tough enough to withstand the pressure of being submerged to great depths. Best Water Filter Jugs

They also have straps that open extra wide to fit around the outside of your wetsuit and have names like Seamaster, Aquadive, and Sea-Dweller. Best Steam Irons 2023

Allow us to get technical for a moment: the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) has a long list of features that a dive watch must have in order to be called a diving watch.

These features include a unidirectional bezel that is marked at least every five minutes, the presence of an indication that the watch is running while in total darkness (such as an illuminated second hand), magnetic, shock, and chemical resistance, and the ability to be read from 25cm away in total darkness. Best Cheap Phones in 2023

However, today's diver's watch is both a piece of precision underwater equipment and a fashion statement. Here are our favorite dive watches for any budget, whether you're diving into the sea or have an overflowing inbox. Best Soundbar 2023

WHAT MAKES A DIVERS WATCH A ‘DIVE WATCH?’

The dive watch is perhaps the most popular type of wristwatch. Of course, James Bond has a lot to answer for here. Because of Sean Connery's personal Rolex Submariner in the early films, and Omega spotting a marketing opportunity and strapping a Seamaster to 007's wrist in every outing since 1996, the dive watch has imprinted itself more deeply on our subconscious than most. Best Laptop 2023

While it's easy to spot a watch with a tough-looking stainless steel case, bracelet, and a rotating bezel with markers that most people recognize as having something to do with diving, there is traditionally a set of characteristics that a timepiece must adhere to in order to qualify as a true dive watch.

A dive watch has glow-in-the-dark lume on most, if not all, of its markings, in addition to the stainless steel case (generally with matching bracelets, but straps of other materials are permitted). In this manner, the time and other critical information, such as how long you have been submerged in an oxygen tank, can be viewed in complete darkness on the seafloor.

Dive far enough and for long enough, and a helium escape valve will appear, usually around the 10 o'clock position.

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Because helium atoms are the smallest natural gas particles, they can seep through the watch's waterproof seals when subjected to the pressures of a deep-sea dive.

While this is not a problem at first, when you return to the surface, a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the watch builds, potentially causing significant damage to your watch's delicate movement or causing the crystal to literally pop off. Best Divers Watches

The helium escape valve does exactly what you'd expect it to do: it allows helium particles to escape while also balancing internal and external pressure and preventing damage.

The extending bracelet is another feature that distinguishes dive watches from others. This is done so that the watch can be worn over the outside of a diving suit and used to monitor your oxygen supply.

Most dive watches are, by definition, massively over-engineered. You'd have to do a saturation dive' for your Omega Seamaster's helium escape valve to be useful, and we're not sure how many owners use the unidirectional rotating bezel to measure anything, let alone breathing apparatus. Best Divers Watches

Having said that, there is some solace in knowing that your watch is designed to withstand some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. Best Divers Watches

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WHAT EXACTLY IS ISO 6425?

Despite the fact that most dive watches are unlikely to go deeper than a swimming pool, there is an international technical standard that they must meet in order to be called a dive watch. This standard is known as ISO 6425, and the letters stand for the International Organization for Standardization, which is based in Geneva. It is the same group that determines the ISO rating for a wide range of proprietary, industrial, and commercial standards. Best Divers Watches

ISO 6425 requires that a dive watch be water-resistant to at least 100 meters and include a means of recording dive time, such as a rotating bezel, a digital display, or another timing complication that is accurate to at least one minute over a 60-minute period.

A dive watch's visibility is critical for it to meet the ISO 6425 standard. This means clear minute markings and enough lumens to be visible from at least 25cm away in complete darkness. The watch must also constantly show that it is working even when completely dark (most easily achieved by having a constantly moving second hand with a luminous tip).

A dive watch must also be resistant to a direct current magnetic field of at least 4,800 A/m, and it must be accurate within 30 seconds per day.

After a shock test, the dive watch must also maintain accuracy (albeit to 60 seconds per day). This entails being hit on the 9 o'clock side of the case with a 3kg hard plastic hammer with an impact velocity of 4.43 meters per second, then again on the crystal.

The salt test follows, in which the watch must remain rust-free after 24 hours of immersion in a solution of 30g of salt per liter, equivalent to seawater.

To test the toughness of the strap or bracelet, a force of 200 Newtons (45 pounds) is applied to each spring bar in an attempt to pull the strap from the case.

Finally, battery-powered dive watches must have an end-of-life indicator so that the wearer knows when the battery is about to die. Best Divers Watches

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EXPLAINED DIVE WATCH WATER RESISTANCE RATINGS

Finally, we'll take a look at dive watches' water resistance. The ISO 6425 standard specifies a minimum distance of 100 meters, which can also be expressed as 10 ATM, or ten times atmospheric pressure. This is also approximately equal to 10 bar, as 1 ATM equals 1.01325 bar.

Swimming, snorkeling, and other watersports are generally safe with a watch certified to 100 meters, but scuba diving is not.

Anything less than 100 meters (or 10ATM) is not recommended for diving. A watch with a 5ATM (50 meters) rating can be worn while swimming, whereas a 3ATM (30 meters) rating should not be submerged in water and is only resistant to rain and splashes.

A common rating for dive watches is 300 meters of water resistance (or 30 ATM); scuba and saturation diving are both safe at this depth.

Some dive watches, such as the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea, have a water resistance rating of 1,000 meters or higher.

The non-commercial Omega Ultra Deep Professional is the current deep-dive champion, having survived a trip to the Mariana Trench (10,928 meters) in 2019 and is rated to 15,000 meters.

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THE BEST DIVE WATCHES ON THE MARKET RIGHT NOW

1. ROLEX SUBMARINER

Truly iconic – the perfect dive watch for everyday wear, Best Divers Watches

REASONS TO BUY
+
Iconic design
+
History
+
Reliable
+
Outstanding branding
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                                                           -
Too obvious for some

For the first time since 2012, Rolex updated its iconic dive watch this year. It's one millimeter larger than its now-discontinued predecessor and comes in seven different references.

All new Submariner 41 references have Cerachrome bezels with markings in either PVD gold or platinum, and all watches are powered by Rolex's new caliber 3235 automatic mechanical movement, which has a 70-hour power reserve and a proprietary Chronergy escapement. The water resistance rating is 300 meters. Best Divers Watches

Although the term "iconic" is overused, there's no denying that it's an appropriate way to describe the Submariner, and while it's not for everyone, there's no denying that it's one of the most sought-after and lust-worthy watches available.

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2. OMEGA SEAMASTER 300 MASTER CO-AXIAL

No Mister Bond, I expect you to dive…, Best Divers Watches

REASONS TO BUY
+
Classic design from a thoroughbred watchmaker 
+
Relationship with James Bond cannot be understated
+
Long 60 hours of power reserve
+
High-tech movement
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                                                            -
Pricey for a Seamaster

You'd expect good things from a watch with a name like Seamaster, and you won't be disappointed. Omega's Seamaster collection, which dates back to 1957, was created specifically for divers and professionals who work underwater.

As a result, it has 300-meter water resistance, a screw-in crown, a unidirectional bezel, illumination on all elements, magnetic field resistance, and a tough, lightweight titanium case with a matching strap. The term "co-axial" refers to the escapement in an automatic movement, which reduces friction and increases longevity. The power reserve is a respectable 60 hours.

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3. TUDOR BLACK BAY HERITAGE

A super-stylish retro diver with a rich heritage, Best Divers Watches

REASONS TO BUY
+
Retro style
+
Great family tree
+
In house movement
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                                                           -
Chunky

If you're looking for your first 'proper' watch, the Tudor Black Bay could be a good place to start. It's high-end but not overpriced, has a long history, and shares technology with its parent company, Rolex. Of course, it's also a very appealing, wearable, everyday watch.

The Black Bay comes in a variety of colorways, including a steel case with a black dial and bezel (pictured above). If you want something a little more distinctive, the brand also offers a steel case with a red bezel, a blue bezel, or a striking bronze model. Best Divers Watches

If you're looking for something a little more modern from Tudor, consider the Tudor Pelagos. It has a modern, legible design and a water resistance of 500 meters.

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4. ROLEX SEA DWELLER DEEPSEA

The Rolex Submariner turned up to 11, Best Divers Watches

REASONS TO BUY
+
Immense deepsea diving ability
+
Being a Rolex, it should hold its value well
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                                                           -
Might be too chunky for some
                                                                                                           -
Overkill? Possibly...

The Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea is water-resistant to a depth of 3,900 meters (12,800 feet). The 44mm steel watch has a helium escape valve, which allows gas to escape when a diver decompresses after a deep saturation dive. Best Divers Watches

The particular watch shown has a D-Blue Dial, which gradually transitions from blue to black and commemorates James Cameron's solo dive to the Mariana Trench, the deepest place on Earth. The battery has a power reserve of about 44 hours.

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5. CERTINA DS ACTION DIVER POWERMATIC 80

This dive watch is outstanding value for money, Best Divers Watches

REASONS TO BUY
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Great price
+
80-hour power reserve
+
Waterproof to 300m
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                                                            -
Not as dressy as some others on this list

As a true diver's watch, the Certina DS Action Diver Powermatic 80 meets all of the ISO 6425 requirements. It's waterproof up to 300 meters and has an enormous power reserve of up to 80 hours.

Given that the watch costs less than £700/$900, this is a very appealing package.

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6. DOXA SUB 1500T PROFESSIONAL

This dive watch from Doxa is the real deal, Best Divers Watches

REASONS TO BUY
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Proper tool watch
+
Legible dial
+
1500M water resistance
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                                                           -
Not exactly an everyday watch
The Sub 1500T is inspired by the SUB 300T Conquistador, the first general public diving watch to meet the pressure challenge with a helium release valve, which was introduced in 1969. It's a proper dive watch, built to withstand the most extreme conditions. It's cushion-shaped 45mm case is rated at 150 ATM for dives up to 1500 meters deep. Best Divers Watches
 

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7. AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE DIVER CHRONOGRAPH

An expensive (and pricey) dive watch from AP, Best Divers Watches

REASONS TO BUY
+
Tough, chunky design
+
Lengthy power reserve
+
Inner rotating bezel

Yes, we know this watch lacks the unidirectional rotating bezel of the others, but we'll make an exception because the Royal Oak Offshore Diver appears to be built like a nuclear submarine.

The Diver has a 42mm wide case, an automatic movement with an impressive 60 hours of power reserve, and is water-resistant to 300 meters. It is available in a variety of colors and finishes.

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8. SEIKO SKX173

And affordable dive watch from a legendary brand, Best Divers Watches

REASONS TO BUY
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Day and date complication
+
Automatic movement
REASONS TO AVOID
-
Chunky rubber strap won’t be to everyone’s taste
-
Unusual crown position
This automatic Seiko diving watch features a stainless steel case and a black polyurethane strap. The case is 41mm across and features the standard diving features such as a unidirectional rotating bezel, illuminated hands and hour markers, and water resistance to 200 meters. Best Divers Watches

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9. LONGINES SPORT HYDROCONQUEST GENTS WATCH

A classic-looking dive watch from a historic brand, Best Divers Watches

REASONS TO BUY
+
Great looks
+
Compact design
+
Waterproof to 300 meters
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                                                            -
Everyone is going to ask if it’s an Omega or Rolex
The classic good looks of the HydroConquest make it one of the most appealing watches on this list, and with a 39mm wide case, it isn't as intimidating as most diving watches, which tend to be on the bulky side. The watch is water-resistant to 300 meters and has a self-winding mechanism with a power reserve of 64 hours.
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10. RADO CAPTAIN COOK MKII

70s flair from Rado, Best Divers Watches

REASONS TO BUY
+
Distinctive, retro design
+
Small size
+
Internal rotating bezel
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                                                            -
Too small for some

Looking for a retro dive watch that will stand out from the crowd? Try on the Rado Captain Cook MKII to see how it fits. The classic tonneau (barrel) shape case is a conversation starter, and the inner rotating bezel ensures that this piece is as functional as it is beautiful.

Rado worked hard to recreate the original Captain Cook model, and we think they did an excellent job. It's not too big, either, at 37mm, making it ideal for those who prefer vintage proportions as well as vintage designs.

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11. ULYSSE NARDIN DIVER 42MM

Best Divers Watches
REASONS TO BUY
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Prestige brand
+
Compact(ish) size
+
Looks great
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                                                            -
Still too large for some

The new 42mm "three-hand" Diver from Ulysse Nardin is the brand's new entry-level tool watch. The concave bezel and domed sapphire glass, combined with an uncluttered dial, retro beige accents, and a gold central second, give this piece a truly vintage feel.

The design is based on the house's 1964 dive watch, the "Diver Le Locle." The dial features the GPS coordinates of Le Locle, the Manufacturer's hometown since 1846.

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12. BLANCPAIN FIFTY FATHOMS

The original dive watch, Best Divers Watches

REASONS TO BUY
+
Beautiful retro face
+
So much heritage
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                                                           -
Too vintage for some

When it was first released in 1953, Fifty Fathoms was one of the very first dive watches. Yes, it even outperforms the Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster. It rose to prominence as a result of its record-breaking 200m water resistance. Oh, and it was also lovely.

Blancpain's modern Fifty Fathoms collection embodies the brand's love of the underwater world and is as beautiful and iconic as the original.

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13. ALPINA SEASTRONG

Affordable and functional dive watch, Best Divers Watches

REASONS TO BUY
+
Big, bold, and easy to read while diving
+
Four different colors of the bezel are available
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                                                           -
Not as water-resistant as some rivals

This 44mm diving watch is designed to be as legible as possible, thanks to its bold face, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, large illuminated hands, hour markers, and, of course, the diver's best friend, a unidirectional 60mm diving bezel available in four colors.

The watch is waterproof to 300 meters thanks to a screw-down crown and case back, and the leather strap has been treated to be water-resistant. With a glass rear, you can admire the automatic movement even when you're on dry land.

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14. GLYCINE COMBAT SUB AQUARIUS

Excellent selection of color options, Best Divers Watches

REASONS TO BUY
+
Range of bold and reserved looks to choose from
+
Stealthy black bezel looks the business
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                                                            -
Large at 46mm

Available in no fewer than five different color options - including white, blue, and orange - the Combat Sub Aquarius by Glycine features a large 46mm bezel, is water-resistant to 50 atmospheres (500 meters), and has an automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve. 

The strap has an integrated diving extension for fitting neatly over your wetsuit, and there is a helium escape valve at eight o’clock - although many will argue this is more a gimmick to show off with at the pub than an essential feature. Still, when you can have one, why not?

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15. BELL & ROSS BR03-92 DIVER

Not a traditional shape, but a diver through-and-through, Best Divers Watches

REASONS TO BUY
+
Alternative round-dial-on-square-case design
+
Fairly compact, at 42mm, despite the chunky design
REASONS TO AVOID
                                                                                                           -
Average water resistance considering the looks

Bell & Ross is better known for watches inspired by aircraft instruments, but with this one, it dabbles in the diving watch market. The RB03-92 Diver retains the company's iconic square design but adds a rotating diver's bezel to the top. Inside is a magnetic-resistance automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve.

Water-resistance is listed as 300 meters, and all elements of the hands and watches face are illuminated, as required by ISO for a diving watch. The Diver's strap is made of black woven rubber and 'ultra-resilient synthetic fiber,' according to B&R.