When it comes to the functionality of dive watches, there is a certain point of diminishing return. Want a 200-meter-resistant item? You have options starting at $200 and ending at $20,000, which is almost too many options. We’ll concentrate on watches in this article that cost $1,000 or less and are durable enough to withstand any abuse you can give them this summer. Any of these watches can withstand conditions like martini glass mist or the extreme atmospheric pressure found 100 fathoms under the ocean. The same is true for your bank account.
The Long Version
Dive watches were a crucial piece of equipment when recreational diving first began, as we covered in our article on the Best Dive Watches. Similar to regular watches, they show the time and frequently the date, but they also have a number of features that make them appropriate for scuba diving.
The dive computer has largely replaced the dive watch in today’s world, which not only tells the time but also records, monitors, and displays information about almost every aspect of your dive. The fact that dive watches are so simple to use, make excellent backups in case your computer fails, and, of course, they add a touch of class to your scuba gear, is why many people still prefer to wear them for their underwater explorations.
All dive watches should have serious waterproof ratings, luminous hands and markings that can be read in low light (such as when you’re diving through a wreck), and bezels that can be used to track the length of the dive. The parallels stop there, though.
Diverse dive watches come with a wide range of extra features, materials, and, most importantly, prices. High-end watch brands like Rolex and Omega frequently produce expensive dive watches, which can cost thousands of dollars. On the other hand, there are some great low-cost options available for as little as $50. They won’t typically have some of the high-end features or be made of premium materials, but they will function just fine underwater.
If expensive dive watches are out of your price range (which, let’s face it, they are for the majority of us!), but you don’t want to settle for bottom of the pile either, you’ll be pleased to know that there are heaps of dive watches out there for under $1,000. In fact, there are so many options available that choosing the best one for you can be challenging, which is why we’ve put together this list of the top options!
Why Are Dive Watches The Best?
Diverse brands frequently release updated, dependable dive watches. For military personnel, professional divers, and amateur divers alike, the watches are unquestionably satisfactory accessories. According to the ISO 6425 standard, there are a few crucial things to keep in mind.
Men’s dive watches of the highest caliber must be waterproof to a depth of at least 100 meters, be legible in total darkness, and have a digital timing indicator or a unidirectional timing bezel with markings every five minutes. Additionally, the watch needs to be corrosion, magnetic, and thermal shock resistant.
Best Dive Watches Under 1000
1. Herodia Series 1 Arthur $847
The Herodia brand of watches has been revived, and Series 1 is the first collection. A company founded by Henri Bargenter over 60 years ago in Reconvilier, Switzerland, and well known for its Swiss made quality, cutting-edge design, and use of cutting-edge mechanical movements
The Series 1 continues the distinctive charm and accuracy of Herodia while offering a contemporary take on the vintage sports watch styling of the 1950s and 1960s.
An essential feature of any dive watch, the 316L stainless steel cushion case is an ideal size, striking a balance between wearability and dial readability, measuring 42mm in width and 48mm from lug to lug. The case has a fascinating and elegant mix of finishes thanks to the hand brushing on the top, sides, and bevelled edges, as well as the highly polished edges.
The case also has an oversize polished crown that is reminiscent of 1960s sports watches. A large ‘H’ representing the Herodia logo is inscribed on the crown, which is positioned at 3 o’clock. The watch has a 30-atm or 300-meter water resistance rating thanks to high-quality Swiss gaskets.
There is no denying that this is a daring professional sports watch based on the 120 click bezel, which features a bright aluminium insert on top and wide grooves on the side. The diver markings of a triangle at 12 o’clock and the 60 minute mark are also present on the bezel insert.
The large hour markers on the matte-finished dial are illuminated with SuperLuminova C3 Green for excellent nighttime readability. Additionally enhancing the vintage diver feel of the watch is the distinctive handset’s exaggerated minute hand. A flat sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating covers the dial to protect it.
The Swiss Sellita SW200 movement, which has 26 jewels and runs at 28,800 vph with a 38-hour power reserve, powers the Series 1. It is extremely dependable and accurate.
The Herodia Series 1 includes a distinctive Italian-made vintage leather strap with hand stitching at the ends to complete the timeless design.
A flawlessly crafted dive watch from Switzerland, the Herodia Series 1 captures the precision and charm of the original Herodia in a fresh, contemporary way.
2. Seiko Prospex $506.15
Why the dial of the watch is framed in a different color may be a mystery to you. The only logical response is that it is built into the watch to give divers more data readability when the water’s depth drops. A pair of reading glasses are represented by the yellow on the SNE441 device. This watch also has a quartz movement that is solar-powered, which is a fantastic feature. By learning about the fascinating underwater world and being aware of the delicate ecosystem we live in, you are essentially hitting two birds with one stone.
This dive watch will be your ideal diving companion because it incorporates every crucial component from the Prsopex series, including a useful design, clear numbers, and a sufficient 200m water-resistance rate.
3. Orient Kamasu $223.18
One of the best dive-style watches you can purchase for the money, in my opinion, is the Orient Kamasu. For the price range, it is an absolute spec monster. Another dive watch with a sapphire crystal, an in-house hacking and handwinding movement, a screw down crown, 200 meters water resistance, killer lume, and a bracelet at this price is unlikely to be found.
The Orient Kamasu’s dial is absolutely lethal. In direct sunlight, this wine-colored watch, which is also available with a green, blue, and black dial, reveals a ruby sunburst. Due in part to the lack of a chapter ring, the applied indices give the impression of floating above the dial. A long minute hand and second hand that extend all the way to the dashed minute markings make the handset attractive.
The coin-edged bezel can be a little tricky to hold onto. But because the 120-click bezel action is so consistent and smooth, turning it is actually very simple. Aluminum is used for the bezel insert.
The Kamasu’s case is nearly identical to that of Orient’s well-liked Ray II design. This reasonably priced dive watch will look great on a variety of wrists thanks to its pleasing middle of the road size. The case finishing is well done, with a combination of brushed surfaces on the top and high polish surfaces on the sides, even though it isn’t particularly fancy. The watch is more comfortable to wear overall thanks to the watch’s gentle downward curvature of the lugs.
4. Glycine Combat Sub Automatic Watch $670
The Glycine Combat Sub appears to be a similar Rolex Submariner light at first glance. But if you look closer, you’ll see that this is a watch that merits examination on its own terms. In this review of the Glycine Combat Sub, we’ll do just that.
I enjoy wearing dive watches in the shower because they are convenient, attractive, and stylish. That is why I currently have multiple items in my collection.
The Sub and the Airman pilot watch, but that’s for another article, are both favorites of mine. Considering that it costs less than $1,000, it is a great watch. It’s a fully equipped diver with all the features you need made of premium materials. And it looks fantastic and fits well in a variety of color and band combinations.
One of my favorite features of the Glycine Combat is the case design. With a screw-down back, it has a sturdy stainless steel construction. Its brushed top and polished sides are excellent without being over the top. The logo and other details on the caseback also demonstrate attention to detail.
The Glycine is a gorgeous-looking timepiece. And even though it draws ideas from a particular classic, it is unique. Its gl224 movement, which is actually a renamed eta 2824, along with the fact that it is available in all possible model combinations, make it a quality timepiece. In addition, it is more affordable than some brands, costing between $400 and $1,000 to purchase.
5. Baltic Aquascaphe $ 580
Since its founding in 2017, Baltic has grown to become one of the microbrand industry’s rising stars. Baltic has gained popularity thanks to its iconic Aquascaphe dive watch and is now a well-known brand that offers a huge selection of affordable, vintage-inspired watches with an impressive sense of design. This watch was the beginning of an aquatic collection that also includes the Aquascaphe Dual-Crown, a compressor-style model with a touch of the 1970s. It was retro-styled, well-equipped, and full of charm. A tough, technical, and lightweight watch that takes the diver’s family in a new direction has just been introduced as the third member.
The Aquascaphe is a good deal less than $1000, so it’s a winner. This is an example of a strong offering from within the microbrand space. It is simple to wear, nicely sized, fashionable, and obviously the creation of a watch enthusiast. It also shows how the spirit and focus of Baltic can continue to grow and evolve from that of their earlier models.
6. Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Dive Watch
This luxurious dive watch from Switzerland is comparable to the fabled Submariner in terms of both appearance and water resistance.
Speaking of the bezel’s reflective sheen, it gives the watch a nice, eye-catching luster. Additionally, the exterior’s ribbed design looks good in addition to offering superb grip.
The main triangle marker with a lume pip is located at the 12-hour mark in terms of markers. As we mentioned above, there are large Arabic numbers every ten minutes, with a major tick marking each number that ends in a “5” (5, 15, 25, etc). Up until the 20-minute mark, there are also minute ticks.
We can only assume that the Tissot Seastar is not actually certified since Tissot has not proudly displayed an ISO 6425 certification. Despite this, the specs are still impressive, and if the water resistance rating is even half as good as they claim, it can still be used for shallow dives and snorkeling.
In order to fit over a thick dive suit or wetsuit without the need for additional links, the clasp also has a fold-out diver’s extension. This is evidence that Tissot created this watch with diving in mind.
7. Garmin Descent Mk1 Dive Watch
The dive community has taken notice of the Descent MK1. Known for its high-quality outdoor and marine technical equipment, Garmin debuted its first dive computer, the MK1, at DEMA to rousing acclaim.
The computer is made to look like a typical watch, but it is packed with features and functionality. The Descent MK1 dive computer may not be the cheapest on the market, but it delivers performance and is appropriate for freediving as well as both recreational and technical scuba diving.
Garmin has combined an all-in-one dive computer with its expertise in environmental measurement devices. By including a heart-rate monitor, the company has even incorporated elements of wearable technology.
Its 200m/656ft crush-proof design and support for wireless air integration give the Descent an advantage before we take into account some of the Teric’s other dive-specific features. Regarding the latter, it strikes me as a little odd that a device designed for advanced divers lacks air integration, but perhaps Garmin will address this in the future.
8. Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 GMT
The Alpina Seastrong Diver 300’s numerical specifications give you the impression that the watch will be a behemoth. The case is 44mm in diameter, and the watch has a 22mm strap and measures 49 lug to lug. Anyone who dislikes watches larger than 39mm just closed their browser. Though things seem to change once you have the Alpina Seastrong in your hands. The short lug to lug measurement of this cushion-cased watch makes it appear smaller than it actually is. They look nearly identical when placed next to a 42mm diver watch. A large watch can be worn oh-so-comfortably thanks to the lugs’ slight curvature, which also makes it easy for the strap to wrap around your wrist.
While the watch’s polished and brushed surfaces feel a little blingy and are exceptionally well done for this price range, they do not give off the impression that it is a dress watch. One of my favorite aspects of the Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 is the flat AR coated sapphire crystal, which is almost invisible when viewed directly. This particular model’s strap is made of pliable, incredibly comfortable rubber, and it has enough holes and an almost carbon fiber pattern to give the impression that it is a rally strap. Strange selection for a diver, but after a week on the wrist, you feel that it’s really well made and enhances the watch as a whole.
Final Words
A dive watch can still be very useful to you even if you are not a professional athlete. To help you increase your physical activity levels, try wearing one while you next go for a walk or jog. Additionally, use it to accurately track your heart rate, pace, and distance during workouts or weightlifting sessions.
Any of these watches would be a great fit for your requirements if you’re searching for a sports or dive watch with a lot of useful features. They are excellent because they are water-resistant, strong, and made of premium materials. Additionally, they have a lot of helpful features that make them excellent for daily use.
I’m hoping this article will assist you in selecting the best watch for your requirements. Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments section below if you have any.
