Best Dive Watches Under $200 to Complete Your Diving Experience

Written by Paul Morrison
| Last Updated on August 3, 2021

Have dive watches always intrigued you? Being incredibly functional and versatile timepieces, it wouldn’t be a surprise if you’ve been wanting to try one out.

Who doesn’t want a watch you can wear not only to work but also out on the water with family and friends? If the only thing standing in your way is the price, don’t worry, we’ve got you.

Whether you want automatic or quartz movement, a bezel option, a dial with lume, or a date and day display, here is a list of the 14 best dive watches under $200 to help you decide!

Best Overall

Orient Ray II

Orient Ray II

Best Value

Phoibos Px002

Phoibos Px002C

Best Budget

Seiko 5 SKZ211K1

1. Orient Ray II Men’s Automatic Dive Watch

Orient Ray II

The Orient Ray II is one of the best overall dive watches you can find on the market.

It uses the Orient caliber F6922 in-house automatic movement with hand-winding and hacking so that you can be sure of exact timekeeping and accuracy.

On the surface…

You’ll notice it’s highly functional with its 120-click unidirectional bezel, screw-down case back, and crown, with luminous hands and markers on a black dial featuring a day and date display for easy readability.

Together, this makes it a stunning piece you can easily read under direct sunlight and low light conditions!

With 200m water resistance, this watch is well suited for professional marine activity, surface water sports, swimming, and snorkeling.

It has a brushed finish that looks clean and polished, making this the best go-to watch you can strap on for casual days and outdoor adventures.

If you’re looking for an all-around classic and straightforward dive watch with the biggest bang for your buck, you can’t go wrong with a timepiece like this that’s only under $130!

Pros

  • In-house automatic movements with hacking and hand-winding
  • Great accuracy
  • Upgraded and clearly marked 120-click unidirectional bezel
  • Sleek, elegant style for casual, formal, and outdoor occasions

Specifications

  • Model: FA002004B9
  • Material: 41mm Stainless Steel Case
  • Water Resistance: 200m
  • Swiss Automatic movement

2. Phoibos Px002C Swiss Quartz Dive Watch

Phoibos Px002

This watch is stunning and has a fantastic diving performance thanks to its 1000m water resistance rating!

It’s perfect for the hardcore scuba diver and best suited for a longer scuba diving experience.

With looks similar to the Rolex Submariner for a fraction of the price, the Phoibos PX002c is an excellent option for a budget dive watch.

Not only does it look and feel like a high-end watch, but it also delivers on its performance and its build too.

This watch uses Swiss Quartz Ronda 515 movement ensuring super-accurate timekeeping. It features an upgraded luminosity, using the Super LumiNova C3 in the hands and markers.

This dive watch also features a helium release valve that allows you to release any built-up helium accumulated from deep diving.

Worry no more about the pressure underwater!

This watch also has a separate screw-down crown, a 120-click unidirectional bezel, and an ultra-clear date display in place of the 3 o’clock marker.

This dive watch looks extremely elegant as if it’s shining from within. Rest assured, the Phoibos Px002C is a top-notch watch with superb value.

Pros

  • Swiss Quartz Ronda 515 movement is super accurate
  • Superb value
  • Uses scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass window for protection underwater
  • Super Luminova ensures readability whenever and wherever you need it

Specifications

  • Material: 316L Stainless Steel
  • Water Resistance: 1000m
  • Swiss Quartz movement
  • Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
  • Analog display

3. Seiko 5 SKZ211K1 Automatic Men’s Dive Watch

The Seiko 5 is a more rugged take on the classic sports watch. It can be easily worn for any casual or sporting even both in and out of the water.

This affordable automatic watch is powered by the Japanese 23-jewel self-winding movement, meaning it works from your arm’s natural movements.

No more manual winding!

There won’t be any legibility problems thanks to its highly contrasting face featuring a black dial with luminous white markers and yellow hands on its relatively large 45mm case diameter.

It has a relaxed and sporty look with detailing on the bezel and textured steel crowns at the 4 and 9 o’clock positions.

The black compass bezel can be controlled by the second knob should you need to reorient it.

Pros

  • Easy-to-read face with black dial, luminous markers, and day-date display
  • Japanese automatic movement makes it easy to use while still keeping accurate time-telling
  • Scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal window

Specifications

  • Model: SKZ211K1
  • Materials: Stainless Steel Case
  • Water Resistance rating: 200m
  • Movement: Japanese Automatic
  • Hardlex crystal dial window

4. Citizen BM8180-03E Eco-Drive Men’s Dive Watch

Citizen BM8180-03E

This watch is an excellent choice for those who prefer rugged, military, or outdoor-inspired pieces while remaining stylish.

This watch is powered by Citizen EcoDrive, which uses any available light source as power, so you won’t need any battery replacement or readjusting, making maintenance super lowkey.

It uses a super-accurate Japanese quartz movement, so rest assured, you’re not losing precious minutes or inaccurate time underwater.

This watch has a case diameter of only 37mm, and although it may not be suitable for deep diving, you can definitely wear it while swimming or snorkeling.

Nevertheless, it can withstand the demands of outdoor activities.

Design-wise, it’s easy to read with white markers and luminous hands against a black dial face. It also features a wide date and day window by the 4’oclock mark.

Pros

  • Good choice for people with active lifestyles and versatile with changeable straps
  • Accurate Japanese quartz and powered by any light
  • 30-day money-back guarantee with 5-year limited warranty

Specifications

  • Model: BM8180-03E
  • Material: 37.2mm Stainless Steel Case, Nylon Strap
  • Water Resistance: 100m
  • Movement: Japanese Quartz
  • Analog display with Arabic numerals
  • Mineral glass dial window

5. Orient Kamasu Dive Watch

Orient Kamasu Dive Watch

Orient is well-known for delivering not only on the style and aesthetic front for dive watches but also on their high-quality build and functionality, and the Kamasu is no exception.

This watch uses an F6922 in-house automatic movement with hacking capabilities for precise time-telling.

It runs on your arm’s natural movements, but it also features hand-winding if you enjoy old-fashioned hand winding.

It is water-resistant up to 200 meters. Although it may not be suitable for deep diving, you can easily wear it for more casual water sports or other professional marine activities.

It is classically beautiful with luminous hands and markers on a black dial where you will find a day-date complication by the 4 o’clock mark, all held in a 41.8mm case diameter piece.

Pros

  • Comes in many different colors and styles depending on your personal preference
  • Reliable Japanese automatic movement
  • Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal window

Specifications

  • Model: RA-AA0001B19A
  • Materials: 41.8mm Stainless Steel
  • Water Resistance: 200m
  • Movement: Japanese Automatic
  • Sapphire crystal dial window (Synthetic)

6. Invicta Grand Diver Automatic Watch

Invicta Grand Diver

This watch is elegant in its simplicity.

It does not look like a typical diver watch and is versatile enough to be worn even for a party right after a scuba diving session.

The case diameter is a hefty 47mm, making it a rather large watch. It’s highly legible with luminous hands and markers against a dark dial face. It also features a date display by the 4-hour marker.

This watch does not need batteries because it uses mechanical watch technology.

Finally, it’s water-resistant up to 200m which is substantial but not recommended for intense underwater activities.

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Budget-friendly
  • Easily readable dial face and markers
  • Reliable movement from Japanese automatic technology

Specifications

  • Model: INVICTA-3044
  • Materials: Stainless Steel Case
  • Water Resistance: 200m
  • Movement: Japanese Automatic
  • Mineral glass dial window

7. Orient Mako II Dive Watch

Orient Mako II

This watch is nearly legend in its status.

It is listed as one of the best dive watches across several different categories, so suffice to say you can’t miss out on the Orient Mako II as a scuba diving watch.

For starters, it’s is an upgrade from the first iteration of Orient’s Mako Dive Watches.

It features everything needed for a dive watch, including a 120-click unidirectional bezel, a screw-down crown, and luminous markers and hands upon a deep blue face for effortless legibility.

It is water-resistant up to 200m, making it ideal for professional marine activities but not intense deep-diving.

Pros

  • Hardened mineral crystal protects the face from scratching and chipping
  • Automatic self-winding movement gives accurate timekeeping
  • Has a classic style that can be worn on several occasions
  • Simple, bold, and elegant style

Specifications

  • Model: FAA02002D9
  • Material: 41mm Stainless Steel
  • Water resistance: 200m
  • Movement: Hand-winding, Automatic, Hacking movement
  • Mineral glass dial window

8. Seiko 5 SNZH57 Automatic Dive Watch

Seiko 5 SNZH57

If you’re looking for a simple yet reliable automatic watch that uses top-notch Japanese mechanical movements, this is a great watch for you.

The watch is equipped with high-quality Japanese 23-jewel automatic movement for accurate time-telling.

It sports a straightforward and easy-to-read design with luminous hands and markers on a black dial face that features a wide date and day display for added legibility during the day or night.

This may not be the best dive watch because it is only water-resistant up to 100m, but you can use it for swimming and daily wear.

Pros

  • Highly accurate Japanese automatic movement
  • Simple and clean design makes it versatile and easy to wear
  • Trusted quality and durability

Specifications

  • Model: SNZH55K1
  • Material: 42mm Stainless Steel Case
  • Water Resistance: 100m
  • Movement: Japanese Automatic
  • Hardlex crystal

9. Stuhrling Original Depthmaster Pro Diver Watch

Sturhling Original Depthmaster Pro

This watch is classically beautiful with an elegant silver-tone stainless steel case holding a striking blue dial and coin-edged bezel design.

The large luminescent baton-style hands and markers are highly contrasting against the dial face so you can see through the Krysterna Crystal window protecting the dial with zero issues.

Underneath the elegant casing, this watch is powered by Japanese quartz movement, making it ultra-accurate and reliable for timekeeping.

This watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. However, it is not made for deep-diving or intense underwater activity.

Pros

  • Stuhrling offers a two-year comprehensive warranty
  • It looks extremely elegant and high-end
  • Trustworthy and precise Japanese quartz movement so you know always know the correct time

Specifications

  • Model: 3950A.2
  • Materials: 42mm Stainless Steel
  • Water resistance: 100m
  • Movement: Japanese Quartz
  • Krysterna Crystal dial window

10. Citizen Eco-Drive Men’s Promaster Diver

Citizen Watches Men's BN0151-09L Promaster Professional Diver

If you’re looking for a casual dive watch that performs well for outdoor activities, this is a fantastic choice.

This dive watch list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Citizen’s famous Promaster Diver model.

It has a deep blue dial and body, complemented by its silver-tone stainless steel casing, which is good enough to prevent corrosion and keep water out.

Not to mention, you can’t argue with how stunning and elegant it is.

The dial is protected by a hardened mineral crystal window, so you don’t have to worry about ruining the luminous markers and hands or the date display by the 4-hour mark.

Pros

  • Highly accurate and reliable
  • EcoDrive technology requires no batteries or recharging, making maintenance very easy
  • Striking deep blue design is aesthetically pleasing

Specifications

  • Model: BN0151-09L
  • Material: 48mm Stainless Steel
  • Water resistance: 200m

11. Invicta Pro Diver Collection 9204

Invicta Men's 9204OB Pro Diver

The Invicta Pro Diver Collection has made a name among diving watches as a reliable and high-performing set of diving watches. The 9204 model is yet another successful design.

It is sleek and lightweight in its design, featuring a stainless steel case that holds a deep blue dial and rotating bezel where you will find luminous hour markers and pale green hands.

This dial is protected by a mineral crystal window to not only prevent scratching and chipping but make sure the face remains clearly legible while you are doing any activities.

Underneath this neat design, this watch is powered by quartz movement for accurate and precise time-telling.

Pros

  • Trustworthy and reliable collection of dive watches
  • Accurate timekeeping
  • The dial is very coherent and easily read

Specifications

  • Model: 9204OB
  • Materials: 38mm Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet
  • Water resistance: 200m
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Fold-over clasp with safety
  • Mineral glass dial window

12. Victorinox Master 500 Men’s Dive Watch

Victorinox Master 500

This watch one of the best dive watches on the market for its price range. This Swiss piece is made using the same quality standard as their Swiss army knives, so it’s undoubtedly extremely tough!

This dive watch uses Swiss quartz movement, so it is incredibly accurate at telling time, and with water resistance of up to 500 meters, it is an excellent option for serious divers.

It doesn’t look like most dive watches. It is nearly all white with its dial face and rubber strap except for the bronze tone stainless steel casing.

It has a comfortable case diameter of 38mm, making it a comfortable fit for most wrists.

All of the markers and hands are luminous, with the larger hand being orange, to add to the legibility of the otherwise simple and plain face.

This is a rugged dive watch made to withstand more intense underwater activity, so you can be sure it will hold up to whatever comes its way.

Pros

  • Exceptionally well built and reliable design
  • Swiss quartz gives it an ultra-accurate and trustworthy movement for timekeeping
  • 500m water resistance at this price point is nearly unheard of

Specifications

  • Model: 241556.1
  • Materials: Stainless Steel Case, Rubber Strap
  • Water resistance:500m
  • Movement: Swiss Quartz
  • Sapphire crystal dial window

13. Seiko 5 Sports SRPD35K1 Dive Watch

Seiko 5 Sports SRPD35K1

The SRPD35K1 was made as a modern take of one of the most iconic dive watches Seiko has ever released, the SKX007.

It has the classic “Pepsi” blue and red unidirectional bezel and a deep blue dial face that features a wide day-date display, clearly placed luminous hour markers, and hands.

It also has a see-through case back, offset screw-down crown, like most Seiko 5 pieces. Its dial is protected by a Hardlex crystal window to protect it from scratching and glare.

Inside, it is powered by a Seiko in-house movement called the 4R36 automatic movement, which provides manual winding and a 41-hour power reserve.

This timepiece will fit the needs of a casual daily watch wearer looking for a well-performing diver watch.

Pros

  • 4R36 automatic movement for precision and 41-hour power reserve for long-lasting use
  • Lumibrite markers and hands for super clear legibility
  • Clean aesthetic with several colorways for variety.

Specifications

  • Model: SRPD53K1
  • Material: 43mm Stainless Steel Case
  • Water resistance: 100m
  • Movement: Quartz

14. Pantor Nautilus 515 Dive Watch

Pantor Nautilus 515

This watch gives off a modern nautical feeling, with its oval case holding a round dial and rotating bezel.

It looks professional, elegant, and rather serious.

It features a sturdy 120-click unidirectional bezel and a screw-down crown. The black dial face is laid in with white Super LumiNova markers and hands. This high contrast makes the dial very easy to read.

This watch also uses highly accurate Swiss quartz movements so expect top-grade precise timekeeping wherever you are.

The rubber strap keeps this wrist watch durable and comfortable while worn either casually or to an outdoor event. This dive watch is well suited to someone who leads an active lifestyle.

Pros

  • Uses super accurate Swiss quartz movement
  • Good choice for people who are athletic and enjoy outdoor activities
  • The Super LumiNova hands and markers are ultra-bright for better legibility

Specifications

  • Materials: 45mm Stainless Steel Case, Rubber Wrist Strap
  • Water Resistance: 200m
  • Movement: Swiss Quartz
  • Mineral glass dial window

Dive Watches Under 200 Buyer’s Guide

If you’re already a fan of dive watches, then for sure most of these brands ring a bell for you.

However, for those of you who may still be new to the whole horology scene, here’s a guide for more information about the brands and manufacturers.

Looking for something a bit more extravagant? Take a look at the best dive watches under $500.

Seiko

Founded in Japan in 1881, Seiko has made a name not only in Japan but internationally as a leading mid-range timepiece manufacturer, and for a good reason.

They pride themselves on making all of their movements in-house, maintaining excellent quality control of their watches, and providing luxury-level pieces at affordable prices.

Orient

Orient was founded in 1950 in Japan and is now a subsidiary of Seiko. Like Seiko, Orient makes all of their movements in-house.

They produce high-quality locally made timepieces that are reliable, well built, and beautifully designed. One of their most well-known watches is actually a dive watch.

Citizen

Citizen is a Japanese manufacturer known for its innovations.

They boast the development of the EcoDrive technology, which uses any light source as power for their pieces, claiming at least 6 months of power reserve on fully charged watches.

Victorinox

More commonly known for their Swiss army knife, Victorinox creates timepieces with the same quality and meticulousness as their knives. They make incredibly well-built and sturdy pieces.

Swiss quartz is also unmatched in movement, and although their pieces may be a little more expensive than some, their accuracy is definitely worth the price tag.

Phoibos

Phoibos may be a lesser-known brand, but they still brag expert and luxury-level craftsmanship when it comes to watchmaking.

They pride themselves on using only Swiss quartz and Swiss or Japanese automatic movements for all of their pieces to get the most accurate possible times.

Stuhrling

Stuhrling is a relatively young brand, and timepieces are made up of parts sourced from different manufacturers, so they may not be as reliable or accurate as other brands.

However, they are unmatched in terms of creativity in design and aesthetics. Each timepiece you get from Sturhling will definitely catch attention and have people ask where you got it.

Pantor

Pantor is a purposeful brand, aiming to make the best or at least some of the best timepieces for divers.

This company emphasizes its mission is to “maximize usability and efficiency of each component” of their dive watches.

Invicta

Invicta is a Swiss brand that has been making timepieces since 1837. They are known as the “master of case complication,” creating pieces that are built masterfully and innovatively.

Although their pieces may be pricier than some, they are sure to give you a luxury feel for a fraction of the price.

Recommendation:

Orient Ray II

★★★★★

Orient Ray II

Final Thoughts

There can be many reasons to want a dive watch, whether for aesthetics or for their specific characteristics.

Whatever they may be, hopefully, this list has given you some options on which diving watch will fit your lifestyle and needs most.

About Paul Morrison

For years I’ve been buying and selling watches as a hobby, which led me to the decision of starting Watch for Tomorrow. I write a lot of the content, and I enjoy doing it. The most important aspect for me is the guidance of buying watches as well as avoiding bad ones. There are many bad watches out there, that are just too expensive. Hopefully, I can help you find your dream watch!