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Smartphones have to lead many people to stop wearing a watch. However, what happens when you go underwater? Keeping time on a dive is very important, and nothing beats a diving watch at this task. On top of this, many of the best scuba diving watches are very stylish and look fantastic for casual wearing.
Broadly speaking, a good dive watch should be tough, easy to read, and capable of withstanding great water depths. In our watch reviews, you’ll discover the best dive watches currently available and learn how they can make your diving sessions better. Also, we’ll explain everything there is to know about watch design and features so you can easily compare the models.
OUR TOP PICK
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Dive Watch
- What Makes This Dive Watch Stand Out
- Eco-Drive technology recharges the watch with solar power
- Unidirectional steel bezel with minute marks and grooves
- The screw-down crown completely seals the watch interior
- Dive table with ND times and limits printed on the band
- Blue dial with anti-reflective window for easy reading
Best For: Professional Divers
Case Diameter: 43 millimeters
Water Resistance: 660 feet
Movement: Japanese Quartz (Eco-Drive)
Dial: Blue With Three Luminous Hands
Window: Mineral Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating
Bezel: Unidirectional
Closure: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Polyurethane
Battery: Integrated, Solar-Powered
EDITORS CHOICE
Casio LRW200H-7BVCF Dive Watch
- What Makes This Dive Watch Stand Out
- A bi-directional rotating bezel makes tracking time easier
- The compact casing is perfect for female divers
- White dial with great-looking pastel indices
- One of the lightest divers watches available (2.8oz)
- Small date window at the 3 o’clock position
Best For: Female Divers
Case Diameter: 33 millimeters
Water Resistance: 330 feet
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Dial: White With Three Luminous Hands
Window: Mineral Crystal
Bezel: Bidirectional
Closure: Buckle
Case Material: Resin
Band Material: Resin
Battery: 1 x SR626SW
BEST VALUE
Casio Men’s Sport Analog Dive Watch
- What Makes This Dive Watch Stand Out
- Bidirectional bezel with grooved 5-minute marks
- Fantastic battery life and very easy replacement
- Quartz mechanism with a very high accuracy
- Lightweight and very comfortable on the wrist
- The beautiful dial design is very easy to read
Best For: Recreational Divers
Case Diameter: 43 millimeters
Water Resistance: 330 feet
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Dial: Black With White Luminous Hands And Numerals
Window: Mineral
Bezel: Bidirectional
Closure: Buckle
Case Material: Resin
Band Material: Resin
Battery: 1 x SR626SW
Seiko SKX009K1 Deep Blue Automatic Dive Watch
- What Makes This Dive Watch Stand Out
- The self-winding mechanism constantly recharges the battery
- Rugged unidirectional rotating bezel for tracking time underwater
- Screw-down crown prevents leaks and damage to the watch
- Luminous hands and markers for better low-light visibility
- Seiko Pepsi design looks fantastic on every occasion
Best For: Comfort
Case Diameter: 42 millimeters
Water Resistance: 660 feet
Movement: Seiko Automatic Engine 7S26
Dial: Dark Blue, Luminous Hands, and Markers
Window: Hardlex Crystal
Bezel: Unidirectional
Closure: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Rubber
Battery: Integrated, 40-hour Power Reserve
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Black Dive Watch
- What Makes This Dive Watch Stand Out
- Eco-Drive technology converts light into power
- User-friendly budget dive watch (great for beginners)
- Anti-reflective mineral crystal makes the dial easy to see
- Screw-down Promaster crown protects the mechanism
- 5-year warranty with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Best For: All Divers
Case Diameter: 44 millimeters
Water Resistance: 660 feet
Movement: Japanese Quartz (Eco-Drive)
Dial: Black With Three Luminous Hands
Window: Anti-Reflection Mineral Crystal
Bezel: Unidirectional
Closure: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Polyurethane
Battery: Integrated, Solar-Powered
Seiko Men’s SKX007K Automatic Diver’s Watch
- What Makes This Dive Watch Stand Out
- Seiko Automatic mechanism recharges the battery while moving
- Hardlex Crystal dial window is resistant to scratches and shattering
- A small window at 3 o’clock shows you the day and date
- 660-feet depth rating works excellent on deep-sea dives
- Kinetic Auto Relay system automatically resets to correct time
Best For: Timekeeping Accuracy
Case Diameter: 42 millimeters
Water Resistance: 660 feet
Movement: Japanese Automatic
Dial: Black With Three Luminous Hands
Window: Hardlex Crystal
Bezel: Unidirectional
Closure: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Rubber
Battery: Integrated Rechargeable, Charges With Movement
Stuhrling Original Aquadiver Regatta Analog Quartz Diving Watch
- What Makes This Dive Watch Stand Out
- Stylish steel case and bracelet look great for everyday wearing
- Sapphire Crystal dial window with excellent scratch-resistance
- Secure clasp closure with a push-button for convenient opening
- Japanese Miyota movement ensures top-level accuracy
- Satisfaction guarantee and a 2-year warranty period
Best For: Casual Wearing
Case Size: 42 millimeters
Water Resistance: 330 feet
Movement: Japanese Miyota
Dial: Blue With Luminous Hands And Numerals
Window: Synthetic Sapphire Crystal
Bezel: Unidirectional
Closure: Clasp
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Stainless Steel
Battery: 1 x Lithium-Ion (Included)
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive BJ8050-08E Professional Diver Watch
- What Makes This Dive Watch Stand Out
- Highest depth rating in our dive watch reviews (1000 feet)
- Eco-Drive technology uses solar power to recharge the battery
- One full charge powers the watch for 6 months with no extra light
- Large numerals and dials with illumination make it easy to read
- Reinforced urethane band provides impressive wearing comfort
Best For: Deep Dives
Case Size: 48 millimeters (With Crown)
Water Resistance: 1000 feet
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Dial: Black Dial With Luminous Hands And Markers
Window: Anti-Reflective Crystal
Bezel: Unidirectional
Closure: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Urethane
Battery: Integrated, Solar-Powered
Seiko Men’s SRP311 Stainless Steel Automatic Divers Watch
- What Makes This Dive Watch Stand Out
- Powered by arm movement (Seiko diving watch Automatic mechanism)
- Fold-over clasp closure for easily getting the watch on and off
- Scratch-resistant Hardlex dial window for additional durability
- Lumibrite hour markers and hands are easy to see in the dark
- Brushed black casing and bracelet look elegant on the wrist
Best For: Durability Underwater
Case Size: 42.5 millimeters
Water Resistance: 660 feet (200 meters)
Movement: Japanese Automatic
Dial: Black/Orange With Lumibrite Hands And Markers
Window: Hardlex Crystal
Bezel: Unidirectional
Closure: Clasp
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Stainless Steel
Battery: Integrated Rechargeable, Charges With Movement
- Yellow luminescence allows you to see your dive watch, even in deep waters. Yellow is the last color to be affected by light absorption - red and orange are absorbed first in the water column.
- Titanium dive watches are more resistant and comfortable on your wrist than other budget options.
- Sharing a dive computer with your buddy is a bad idea for several reasons. If one of you is deeper than the other at any point, various problems may occur. These problems include no-decompression limits, oxygen toxicity while diving nitrox, and safety stop times, just to name a few.
Scuba Diving Expert
How To Choose A Dive Watch – Buying Guide
Water-Resistant vs Waterproof Watches
Water-resistant and waterproof are not the same thing – the first means protection against splashing, while the other means that the watch is safe for submersion. For example, most surf watches are only water-resistant. However, if you plan to use the watch for scuba diving, you’ll need a truly waterproof model.
To add more confusion, manufacturers have abandoned the term waterproof and are using water-resistant with a pressure limit. For example “water-resistant to 20 ATM.” For diving, you want a watch that is water-resistant to 20ATM (660 feet). A watch that is water-resistant to 10ATM with a locking crown is also acceptable.
You will also see watches described as “Diver’s watch or ISO 6425”. This will be followed by a depth such as 100 meters, 200 meters, or more. The ISO 6425 standard has several different tests that a watch must pass in addition to the water resistance. While other ratings just require a sampling, the ISO required each watch to be tested.
Related Review: Surf Watches
Bezel
The bezel is one of the most important features of a diving watch. By turning it in, you can easily track the elapsed time and know when it’s time to go out. It should be easy to turn and designed with visible markings. Many of the best diving watches come with a bezel that rotates in one direction only so you don’t accidentally turn it and lose track.
Luminescence
The deeper in the water you go, the darker it will be. Because of this, it’s very useful if the diver’s watch comes with luminescent hands and markers. Depending on the model, the glow is either charged by sunlight or completely on its own like with the Luminox model.
Strap Design and Closure Type
Since fabric straps are not particularly comfortable underwater, you have two options to choose from – rubber and steel. A rubber strap comes with standard buckles and provides a higher level of adjustability. On the other hand, stainless steel bracelets are a lot more durable and comfortable to wear.
Reasons For Using A Dive Computer Watch
Some dive computers are in a watch design. They are technically not watches but are the same size and can be worn as a watch. Dive computers can track everything about your dives and keep a tidy log. Having a record of your dives will allow you to look back and see your depth across the entirety of your dive.
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Freediving Watches & Waterproof Watches
Choosing the Right Men’s Diver Watch
The first thing you should consider is its depth rating, and whether it can survive the dive. All of the best watches for diving we’ve featured have a depth rating of well over 300 feet so even professionals can use them.
Another important consideration is comfort. As a diving enthusiast, you want a watch that fits well on your wrist and doesn’t get in your way. Finally, you should always look for high-quality construction materials that will give you the best value for money.
Related Review: Dive Watches Under $100
Choosing The Right Women’s Diver Watch
As more and more women take to the ocean to explore life under the sea, dive gear manufacturers are beginning to produce female-specific dive watches. While some women like the looks of a unisex watch, others prefer sleeker models with a more low profile design.
Generally speaking, women’s dive watches usually come with a smaller case diameter so they can fit on a female wrist better. Besides, they often feature a more colorful dial and bezel.
Related Review: Women’s Dive Watches
FAQs
Q: How Do Dive Watches Work?
They work similarly to casual watches but come with a few additional features. Their casings are usually perfectly sealed and able to withstand being submerged without leaks. Furthermore, many of the best watches for divers come with screw-down crowns and tough dial windows that can withstand the increased pressure.
Q: How Water Resistant Should A Dive Watch Be?
Not only should it be water-resistant, but a true dive watch also needs to be completely waterproof. Every model comes with its specific depth rating that shows you how deep it can safely go before it starts to leak. For high-quality diver's watches, this rating is at least 330 feet.
Q: How Deep Can A Watch For Diving Go?
While it can vary from one model to the next, most dive watches can go up to 660 feet deep (200 meters). This is more than enough for both recreational and pro scuba divers.
Globo Surf Overview
Tracking the time you spend underwater is very important because it allows you to stay safe and avoid staying too long. Dive watches are the most reliable option for keeping time because due to their specific design and excellent depth rating. We hope that our article and list have helped you choose the best watch for diving that will both look great and be a reliable companion on your dives.
More Scuba Reviews:
- Dive Camera
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- Full Face Scuba Mask
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- Air Integrated Dive Computer
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