Dive watches are cool, let’s be real. Highly functional water-resistant wrist accessories that not only keep accurate time on land and sea but also look really good? It’s a yes.
However, the price can be a serious issue.
We’ve all heard of the Rolex Submariner or the Omega Seamaster and, yes, they have set the bar for dive watches but that doesn’t mean you can’t get something just as good for less.
Here are our 15 best picks for dive watches if you’re on a budget.
Best Overall
Tissot Seastar 1000
Best Value
Citizen Promaster
Best Budget
Seiko SKX007K
TL;DR – Best Dive Watches Under $500
- Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Swiss Quartz Dive Watch
- Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver (BN0150-28E)
- Seiko Men’s Automatic Diver (SKX007K)
- Orient Mako II Dive Watch
- Orient Ray II Dive Watch
- Seiko Prospex Turtle (SRP77x)
- Victorinox Men’s I.N.O.X. Professional Diver
- Seiko Turtle Prospex PADI (SRPA21)
- Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Altichron (BN5058-07E)
- Luminox Navy Seal Dive Watch
- Orient Neptune Watch
- Invicta Pro Diver (8296OB)
- Seiko Prospex Black Ion-Plated
- Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW9400
- Casio G-Shock Frogman
1. Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Swiss Quartz Diver
Starting us off is this piece which is as beautiful as it is functional. The Tissot Seastar 1000 is an entry-level diver watch that checks all the boxes from design to performance.
It uses a Powermatic 80 movement and Swiss quartz, giving it an impressive power reserve of 80 hours with super-accurate timekeeping. This piece does maximum work with minimal effort.
Its deep blue dial face is complemented by luminescent hands and markers for solid readability in low light. There is also an interesting round date display by the 6 o’clock marker for a touch of class.
This watch features a screw-down crown and case back which helps it remain water-resistant up to 300 meters.
Finally, expect top-grade protection thanks to the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal window on the front and case back.
Pros
- No need to constantly set or wind the watch because of the Powermatic 80
- Swiss quartz is super accurate whether you are on land or in the water
- Markers and hands are clearly marked for legibility
Specifications
- Model: T1204071104100
- Material: 43mm Stainless Steel Case
- Water Resistance: 300m
2. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver
This watch matches professional dive watch functionality with a stylish and clean aesthetic.
It uses Citizen Eco-Drive technology, the brand’s own innovation, which converts any lights source into power.
So don’t worry about buying batteries!
This watch features a black dial with large luminescent hands and markers and a date display by the 5 o’clock mark for its elegance.
It has a screw-down crown and case back, and a polyurethane band, making it suitable for adventurous divers.
This Japanese quartz watch is covered with a hardened mineral crystal that is anti-reflective and scratch-resistant so you always have a clear view of the dial.
The Eco-Drive Promaster Diver is a great option to wear for an additional style element to a casual look that can keep up with an outdoor lifestyle.
Pros
- Citizen Eco-Drive technology makes maintenance and recharging super easy
- Japanese quartz movement is reliable and accurate
- A top-quality piece that is good value for money
Specifications
- Model: BN0150-28E
- Materials: 44mm Stainless Steel, Polyurethane Band
- Water Resistance: 200m
3. Seiko Men’s Automatic Diver (SKX007K)
The SKX007 is one of the best-known dive watches from Seiko. Its simplicity in design makes it impressive for its level of performance.
This watch features a nearly all-black design save for its steel tone case and luminescent hands and markers for STUNNING appeal and hard-rock durability.
Performance-wise, the unidirectional rotating bezel, screw-down crown, and case back make it comfortable to use for any casual diver.
On its dial face, you will find a day-date display by the 3 o’clock mark. This dial is protected by Hardlex crystal, which is sturdier and more scratch-resistant than mineral crystal.
This automatic watch is sought after by many divers. If that’s not enough to convince you, these features are worth mentioning:
- Powered by the natural arm movements of the wearer
- 40-hour power reserve so you won’t need to worry about it stopping in the middle of the day
Seiko has unfortunately discontinued this piece, however, the pieces that are left are still being sold online. If you feel the need to see any other Seiko and Seiko Prospex models, there are still some we’ll mention later on.
Pros
- Power reserve of 40 hours easily recharged with automatic movement
- Hardlex crystal offers better protection
- A clean looking aesthetic, easily worn for casual occasions or active events
Specifications
- Model: SKX007
- Materials: 42mm Stainless Steel, Rubber strap
- Water resistance: 200m
4. Orient Mako II Dive Watch
The Orient Mako II is on nearly every watch list for a reason: you’re getting a quality dive watch for a fantastic price point.
This watch features a dial face with Arabic numbers on the 6,9, and 12-hour markers and has a day-date display on the 3 o’clock mark.
Together, this gives the Mako II a classic yet bold look.
It uses Japanese automatic movement, which is standard for Orient and has a power reserve of 40 hours when fully charged.
Its 120-click unidirectional bezel is legible enough to easily measure your diving time and the mineral crystal window protecting the watch gives an unobstructed view of the dial face.
Pros
- Japanese automatic makes for reliable and accurate timekeeping
- The 120-click unidirectional bezel is easy to use
- Uses a lightweight bracelet for comfort while wearing on land or in the water
Specifications
- Case Diameter: 41mm
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 2oom
5. Orient Ray II Dive Watch
The Orient Ray II is another classic dive watch from the Orient brand. Similar to the Orient Mako II, the Ray II uses an in-house automatic movement.
Orient’s famed F6922 Calibre movement ensures the Ray II maintains accurate timekeeping, with hand-winding and hacking capabilities, and boasts a power reserve of 40 hours.
It features a 120-click bezel with prominent Arabic numbers for ease of use and luminescent hands and hour markers for legibility in darkness and low light all protected with a mineral window.
The Orient Ray II is a simple, stylish, and classic watch you’ll get a lot of use out of and looks much more sophisticated than it actually is.
Pros
- Classic, elegant appeal
- Good value for money
- Clearly marked unidirectional rotating bezel is user friendly
Specifications
- Case Diameter: 41.5mm
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 200m
6. Seiko Prospex Turtle (SRP777)
Seiko dive watches have become one of the quality standards for entry-level dive watches, particularly their SRP77x line. This model in particular is the Seiko Turtle and is part of their “pro” line, called Prospex.
This watch features a blue sunburst dial face with luminous markers and hands that give the watch a dimensional feel making the face easier to read.
It is a step above the originally released Turtle, featuring hacking and hand-winding capabilities with a 4R36 automatic movement.
This way you can make sure the watch stays accurate and precise.
What we love most? The “Pepsi” red and blue rotating bezel give it a casual sporty vibe so you can confidently wear it for several daytime events.
Pros
- Improved movement from the original release for better accuracy
- Modern design for a classic watch is elegant and casual
Specifications
- Number: SRP777K1
- Material: Stainless Steel, Rubber Strap
- Water Resistance: 200m
7. Victorinox Men’s I.N.O.X. Professional Diver
Victorinox may not be the first brand you think of when someone says watches but make no mistake, this dive watch is built to last.
The brand is known for Victorinox Swiss army knives, so can we trust Swiss army quality?
YES, OF COURSE!
Rest assured, Victorinox manufactures its divers with just as much durability and quality standards.
It features a dive bezel that gives it an industrial feel adding to the rugged quality of the watch.
One feature worth mentioning is its super accurate Swiss-made anti-magnetic movements, perfect for the professional diver.
Speaking of professional divers, this watch is also ISO certified meaning its water resistance rating PERFECTLY QUALIFIES as a professional diving watch.
It includes a dive bezel and a power reserve indicator making it the ideal piece for a diver.
And just when you thought that was all it had to offer, there’s still much more!
This quartz watch has a large 45mm diameter dial featuring lume markers and hands protected by a triple-coated anti-reflective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal window making it incredibly legible and with its detachable bumper, you can be sure it is safe even in rougher situations.
Pros
- Victorinox Swiss army quality build can withstand extreme situations
- Swiss quartz watches are highly accurate and reliable
- ISO certification so you know you’re getting a professional diving piece
Specifications
- Number: 241734.1
- Material: Stainless Steel, Rubber Strap
- 200 meter Water resistance rating
8. Seiko Turtle Prospex PADI (SRPA21)
This watch is Seiko’s collaboration piece with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, so you know this watch will perform well for professional standards.
Here are its technical professional dive quality standards:
- Unidirectional rotating “Pepsi” rotating bezel with a luminous pip at the 60-minute mark
- Large legible hands and hour markers.
- Japanese automatic watch with winding and hacking capabilities
- In-house 4R36 movement standard to the Seiko brand
All these features combined made us scream gnarly in our heads. If you’re a hardcore diver who wants top-grade diving functionality, trust Seiko Turtle to perform impeccably.
And before we forget! It also comes with a power reserve of approximately 41 hours and magnetic resistance, so you can be sure this watch will not stop or come across any interference even 200 meters deep underwater.
Pros
- Automatic movement with hand-winding and hacking capabilities for accurate timekeeping
- Made with professional diver standards in mind
- Anti-magnetism
Specifications
- Case Diameter: 44mm
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- 200-meter water resistance
9. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Altichron
This watch is an elegant piece with excellent features and a sturdy design.
The dial face comes with so many features it took us a while to get used to, such as: an altimeter, a chronograph, a bidirectional compass bezel, date display, and luminous hands and hour markers.
The Eco-Drive Promaster Altichron has up to 200 meters of water resistance made possible with a screw-down crown and screw-down case back.
Because this watch is an Eco-Drive piece, that means it converts any source of light, solar or artificial as power you can monitor with its reserve power indicator.
This watch is made with a black-ion plated rotating bezel fitted to stainless steel case with a scratch-resistant and anti-glare mineral crystal window.
How’s that for protection?
If you prefer a statement sport look watch, which is also a top-quality piece and will definitely lure divers and people alike where you got this slick piece.
Pros
- Mineral crystal window allows the watch to stay clear and legible
- Incredibly sturdy build and eco-friendly design
- Complex and useful features on the dial are easy to understand and useful for divers.
Specifications
- Style: BN5058-07E
- Case Diameter: 46mm
- 200-meter water resistance
Want to feel like a secret agent? Or perhaps, you want an incredibly durable, ultra-cool, dive watch built to withstand nearly anything?
Say no more. Luminox is here.
The Luminox Navy Seal is an extremely resilient watch, literally made by the official watch brand of the Navy so you know it needs to be hard-wearing.
It’s the go-to watch for anyone who leads a very active lifestyle or often does extreme sports.
How do we know?
Because this highly accurate Swiss quartz watch features a carbon-reinforced polycarbonate case adding both superb toughness and a lightweight design.
It has up to 200 meters water resistance and a double security gasket crown and screw-down case back for EXTRA reinforcement underwater.
The mineral crystal dial window protects its black dial face that holds clearly legible Arabic numbers and hands powered by Luminox Light Technology, which lasts up to 25 years without a need for an external light source or a push-to-light button.
It has a carbon-reinforced unidirectional rotating dive bezel, making it perfect to track your diving time. It also has an additional date display feature by the 3 o’clock marker.
Pros
- Super sturdy, durable, and long-lasting
- Luminox Light Technology will light up your dial for up to 25 years
- Carbon case is super lightweight making it extremely comfortable on the wrist
Specifications
- Case Diameter: 43mm
- Materials: Reinforced Carbon Case, Rubber Wrist Strap
- Water Resistance: 200 meters
11. Orient Neptune Watch
The Orient Neptune may not be as popular as the brand’s better known Mako II and Ray II but that doesn’t mean it’s not good.
This under-the-radar watch has great functionality, is easy to use, and has some added useful complications.
Unlike their other dive watches, the Neptune has a reserve power feature, telling you how much power your watch has left, which will come in handy if you’re out with your watch on.
It also features a slightly unconventional crown placed at the 4 o’clock mark. This actually makes it more comfortable on the wrist as the crown is out of the way from any natural movements of the hand.
Speaking of movements, it uses a Japanese automatic, in keeping with Orient’s brand, so you can be assured it’s reliable and accurate.
The dive bezel with beautiful gold-tone edging makes it stand out, giving it an appeal that uniquely stands apart from some – if not most – dive watches.
Actually, if you didn’t know it was a dive watch, you probably wouldn’t guess it. This could easily pass as a dress watch for any occasion.
This watch also features a black dial face with luminescent markers and hands covered with anti-glare and scratch resistant sapphire crystal window to ensure legibility.
Pros
- Looks beautiful and could pass as a dress watch
- Sapphire crystal window is very sturdy and resilient
- Reliable and accurate Japanese automatic movement
Specifications
- Case Diamater: 43.4mm
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- 200 meters of Water Resistance
12. Invicta Pro Diver (8296OB)
If you want a classic dive watch, here’s a classic one you won’t regret buying.
This mechanical piece is everything you could ever want in a simple yet highly functional dive watch.
It has a straightforward and quality build with Japanese automatic NH35A caliber movement, making it very precise and reliable.
The design aesthetic may not be for everyone, though. Considering you get this level of functionality at such an affordable price, the small design details can be overlooked.
With 200-meter water resistance, reinforced by a screw-down crown and screw-down case back, this watch is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. However, because this piece looks so elegant, it could also pass as a semi-formal dress watch.
With this watch, know that you’re getting an inexpensive yet great quality dive watch. It’s hard to say no to Invicta’s Pro Diver entry-level watch.
Pros
- Uses Japanese automatic NH35A which is highly accurate
- Beautiful design can be worn on several occasions, not only for water activities
- Excellent value for money
Specifications
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- 200-meter water resistance
13. Seiko Prospex Black Ion-Plated
You might be wondering why Seiko is mentioned a lot?
That’s because the brand literally makes great affordable dive watches.
Yet another member of the Prospex collection, this watch boasts top quality not only in functionality but also in design.
This solid watch uses in-house automatic movement, with hacking and hand-winding capabilities, ensuring accurate time – you won’t lose those precious seconds so easily.
The blue and black dial face holds bright white luminous markers and hands, giving it a contrasted look and allows the wearer to easily read the dial.
The layout of the face is so simple, with the sole appearance of a day-date display by the 3 o’clock mark. All of this is protected by Hardlex crystal window.
What about its performance?
Rest assured, it won’t be damaged easily. Its 200 meters of water resistance with a screw-down crown and case back protect it from water and condensation damage.
Finally, the beautiful black coating on this lightweight watch gives it a matte finish, making it great to wear for a relaxed night out.
Pros
- Solid Seiko in-house movements are trustworthy and reliable
- Simple dial face makes it super legible
- Lightweight and extremely comfortable on the wrist
Specifications
- Case Diameter: 44.5mm
- Material: Black-Ion Plated Stainless Steel
- 200 meters of Water Resistance
14. Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW9400
This watch isn’t for everyone. It’s highly specific: the kind that stands out in a militant, “I’m on a mission” kind of way.
Still, in its own right, the Casio G-shock Rangeman is quite beautiful. We know a highly durable piece when we see one.
It’s bulky – huge even – at 53mm, because of the resin on the bezel used to protect the case from vibration and shock.
This is a solar-powered digital watch that includes several different highly functional features like:
- Digital altimeter
- Compass
- Barometer
- Thermometer
- Sunrise and sunset date
- Time stamp
- Mb6 atomic timekeeping
- Auto LED,
- 5 daily alarms
Phew! Sounds like a lot, right? But that’s actually one of the reasons why it’s considered as one of the best.
If you need a watch with versatility and wide functiona, the Rangeman has got you covered. Let’s not forget that it even has a 1/10 second stopwatch, countdown timer, and a day-date-month calendar.
It may not have that classic elegance of an analog but you are trading in the functionality of a more efficient computer-like digital piece.
If you prefer having all of these functions at the push of a button and need a piece that will last you a long time go for the G-Shock Rangeman.
Pros
- Has numerous functions that you can’t find on an analog
- Incredibly durable and built to last
- The digital face makes it super easy to read
Specifications
- Case diameter: 53mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- 200 meters of Water Resistance
15. Casio G-Shock Frogman
The G-Shock Frogman is a tough and hardy dive watch. It is resilient, rugged, and built to last.
Although not as stylish as exquisite pieces like the Ray II or Mako II, the Frogman is designed specifically for diving.
And we appreciate Casio for that.
It has the standard 200 meters of water resistance found in most dive watches today but it’s also the only one from this G-Shock line that’s ISO certified.
This means it has undergone and passed testing to withstand the extreme changes in pressure and temperature when diving underwater.
Looking deeper into its features, you can understand how and why it’s built specifically for a diver.
The depth meter, built-in compass with bearing sensor, tide graph, moon data, automatic horizon compensation, and thermometer are proof of its diving capabilities.
What other kind of companion would a diver need? This truly makes a G-Shock a top digital diver piece.
It also includes:
- Multi-band 6-atomic timekeeping
- Countdown timer
- Stopwatch
- Super-illuminator with afterglow
- Auto calendar
- Different timezones
- Alarm
At 53mm, this is the largest diver watch on the list so it may not be suitable or comfortable for divers who have small wrists.
Pros
- ISO Certification made for professional divers
- Digital capabilities that far surpass analog
- G-Shock watches are made sturdy and built to last
Specifications
- Number: GWF1000B
- Case Diameter: 53mm
- Water Resistant up to 200m
Best Dive Watches Under $500 Buyer’s Guide
What Makes the Best Dive Watch?
Modern scuba divers usually use special dive computers programmed to read all of the data they collect while they’re underwater, including measuring diving time and depth for decompression.
These computers have replaced the original use for classic diving watches.
However, divers still wear dive watches just in case anything were to happen, they can still manually see all of this data for themselves.
And the best part? You get a mix of style and functionality. Who says you can’t wear one to a formal event?
It’s for this reason that most professional divers use qualified dive watches certified by the International Standard Organization’s prerequisites. They must at least be:
Water-resistant at No Less Than 100 Meters
This is the minimum standard required for water resistance however most watch manufacturers will make their dive watches resistant up to 200 meters.
This is also called the ISO6425 standard and includes several other minimum requirements for mechanical dive watches.
Equipped With a Diving Time Indicator
Scuba diving can be very dangerous if the diver is not careful. They need to be extremely precise in timing their descent and ascent to prevent them from decompression sickness.
Diving time indicators now usually appear as a unidirectional bezel, which is commonly found in most diving watches.
These are the two absolutely necessary qualities a diver needs to have to pass the ISO certification.
Although not required for ISO Certification, these are common features found in good dive watches.
- Movement. Quartz or automatic, usually Swiss or Japanese because they are reliable and accurate
- Lume and backlighting. It gets extremely dark underwater so if you’re diving you want to make sure you’ll still be able to keep the time or measure the depth of where you are.
- Screw-down crown and case back. These are usually found in diving watches because they help with water resistance and keeping the watch from water and condensation damage.
- Strap. Many of the watches have changeable straps but whichever one you choose should depend solely on what is most comfortable to you and for your use. Make sure the strap fits properly and snug especially if you’re going to be wearing it when diving or snorkeling.
- Analog vs Digital. A digital watch will have a million features that are completely functional and highly useful for diving, tracking time, even telling where you are in the world, but if you’re going for a classic and more sophisticated design, you can only find that in an analog piece.
Before going out and buying the nicest watch you see in the shop, check for some of these features first to see if you’re really giving yourself a fair chance at getting the best dive watch for you.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, take a look at the best dive watches under $200.
Recommendation:
Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80
★★★★★
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a professional diver to appreciate a good dive watch.
There are many factors that make dive watches so appealing. In fact, these watches have become an essential timepiece for both watch and fashion enthusiasts alike.
More than this, they are usually highly functional and can better withstand a little bit of roughhousing because they are made for people who lead more active lifestyles.
So whether you prefer being on land or in the water, you’ll want a timeless piece (pun intended) that can keep up with you, and hopefully, this list has given you a few options to choose from.