The 16 BEST Dive Watches – Ultimate Buyers Guide [2024]

If you love the underwater world as much as we do then you know how important safety is! That’s why we have put together our list of the 15 best dive watches that are safety-focused, functional and even stylish!

It may surprise you to learn the large scope of the modern dive watch industry. Dive watches started off as underwater specialists, and have evolved into so much more!

Everyone from amateur scuba divers to 007 now employs dive watches that have since found themselves at the corner of luxury fashion and high-tech durability. 

The best dive watches are some of the best watches on earth, period. Today, we’ll take you on a walk through the industry and see what all went down for this category to rule the watch market. 

We created a level playing field for the whole industry. This ultimate buying guide looks at dive watches under $100 and over $10,000, while considering everything in between.

Whether you’re looking for something as simple as a water-resistant stainless steel face and a rubber strap or the best in modern dive watch technology, this handy list has you covered. 

From the dive shop to an underwater cliff face, it’s always essential to keep on top of things.

If you want something simple to keep track of time at dive school or need a bonafide diving stud, read on and find your perfect water-resistant wristwatch.

EDITOR’S CHOICE:

Benrus Orbit Robot Skindiver

While the Rolex and Omega dive watches often get the lion’s share of the spotlight, this fantastic dive watch has been quietly pushing the limits of water resistance while maintaining a signature style. 

This modern dive watch is comfortable down to 200 meters and fits in just as well at fundraisers $1000 a plate to serve as our favourite dive watch for a fraction of the cost of other industry leaders. 

CHECK THE BEST PRICE

The Best Watches for Diving

Let’s take a look across the industry. We looked through water resistance, automatic movement, stainless steel and power reserve to get an idea of what the best in the business are capable of, and then we broke the best dive watches down to the nitty details. 

PRODUCT	WHAT WE LIKE	THINGS TO CONSIDER
Benrus Orbit Robot Skindiver	Gorgeous, stylish watch that builds on a famous classic Our absolute favourite dive watch at the moment A Benrus watch is an instant-collectors item	Not many features beyond telling the time and date.	CHECK PRICE 5/5
Zodiac Super Sea Wolf	One of the best dive watches in the world since before there were dive computers Best deep diving watch on the market The Sea Wolf line has watches for divers of all levels	Super Sea Wolf model has a very large watch face	CHECK PRICE 5/5
Omega SeaMaster 300	Certified master chronometer creates some of the best automatic movement in the business High-quality use of ceramic from the bezel through the entire dial Half the price of the Rolex Submariner and still super functional	Not the cheapest option	CHECK PRICE 4.5/5
Rolex Submariner	Largely accepted as finest quality diving watch for the last 60 years Boast staggering 300 metres of water resistance With proper care the watch value will actually appreciate	Cost a LOT!	CHECK PRICE 5/5
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver	Handsdown the best budget watch on the market Solar powered battery can go half a year on a few hours of sunlight Powerful build quality on such an affordable watch	Not many extra diving statistics	CHECK PRICE 4/5
Tissot Seastar 1000	Incredibly deep level of water resistance Tissot is a reputable brand and renounced as any middle-level watchmaker 80 hours of power reserve	Once the metal wristband goes, you'll need professional help for replacement Some Seastar features don't come on the base model	CHECK PRICE 3.5/5
Vostok Amphibian	Two-part case back serves up great water resistance and allows the watch to withstand some serious pressure Solves the need of most amateur dives for under $100 Built to work the same as Swiss and French watches for a fraction of the cost	On many models, a bright orange scuba diver is painted onto the watch face The ill-fitting bracelet will give out well before the watch stops ticking	CHECK PRICE 3.5/5
Casio G Shock Frogman	It can handle all sorts of abuse If you like the style but want something more fancy, the G-shock series has loads of higher-end options Excels in durability and price	Unappealing aesthetics The base model is not filled with loads of diving-specific features	CHECK PRICE 4/5
Garmin Descent	80 hours of dive watch battery life Offers up information beyond what most automatic watches are capable of Provides detailed underwater GPS to always know how far you have drifted	Only lasts 15 hours while the heart rate monitor is activated Transmitters from the scuba tanks to the watch cost extra	CHECK PRICE 3.5/5
Seiko PADI	Made out of durable materials Battery lasts for months One solar panel can power the watch indefinitely	Not many extra features	CHECK PRICE 3.5/5
Oceanic Geo	Stores data from up to 24 dives A dive computer that looks like a normal watch Backlit display is perfect for night diving	Slightly too technical to wear once you get far from shore Not capable of accompanying technical diving expeditions	CHECK PRICE 3.5/5
Luminox Navy Seal	Built to last and function in all circumstances Tritinum gas tubes optimise the watch for night diving Plenty of customisation options including a stealthy blackout dial and a 24-hour time scale	No bells or whistles Bright lights can stand out in the darkness	CHECK PRICE 3.5/5
Casio F91W	The watch has maintained its original form and price for over 3 decades The battery has proven to last for 7 years	No bezel or any far-reaching dive features beyond being water resistant Does not fit the International Organisation for Standardisation's definition of a dive watch	CHECK PRICE 2/5
Oris Divers Sixty Five	The original dive watch that has influenced most others Laidback features but still includes a uni-directional rotating bezel Superior build quality made of stainless steel and sapphire crystal	High entry price Known as the best luxury dive watch for decades	CHECK PRICE 3.5/5
Casio MDV106	Stainless steel case gives this watch incredible durability Casio built this watch specifically to work better at sea Reasonably priced	No additional features beyond a bezel, time, day and date display You will likely end up replacing the plastic with an aftermarket rubber strap	CHECK PRICE 3.5/5
Tudor Black Bay Heritage	Best in class automatic movement Available in a range of colours and with plenty of special features Incredibly durable and water resistant	The watches popularity has made the worth more now than when they were originally released Faux patina used to give a feeling of old age	CHECK PRICE 3.5/5

Benrus Orbit Robot Skindiver

The Benrus Orbit Robot Skindiver is a dive watch that stylishly fuses vintage 1970s design with modern functionality.

It features a distinctive 41mm ‘UFO’ cushion case, a radiant grey fumé dial, and a stainless steel bracelet.

The watch runs on a reliable Soprod P024 Swiss movement and is water-resistant up to 20ATM.

With a domed sapphire crystal, luminous indices and hands, and a unique case back featuring a custom BENRUS robot, it’s a timepiece that not only performs exceptionally underwater but also turns heads at any event.

Read my full Benrus Orbit Robot Skindiver watch review.

Zodiac Super Sea Wolf

Swiss made and sexy, the Sea Wolf has been around just as long as Rolex Seadweller, and has an equal argument for the crown.

The dive watch has slowly been improving over the decades while holding onto a signature style that keeps divers coming back for more. 

If you’re wondering what makes this watch super, the answer lies in its extreme water resistance.

The Super Sea Wolf can tick away down to 1000 meters and effortlessly fit into all sorts of styles and sports. 

The stainless steel case and sapphire crystal combine with a crisp black dial to finish off this elegant dive watch.

Omega SeaMaster 300 

Hollywood’s favourite dive watch is the youngest watch of the big three.

The Seamaster traces its origins to 1957, populating the market with a third bonafide diving watch option just a few years after the Submariner and Sea Wolf. 

This dive watch introduced a ceramic bezel and a helium escape valve to instantly fight its way to the top of the food chain, where it’s sat for decades since.

Along the way, it caught the eye of professional scuba divers, extreme sports enthusiasts, and 007. 

Nowadays, you can take your pick of hundreds of different unique Seamaster Colourways and finishes to rock a powerful watch no matter the depth.

Regardless of your finishing features, you’ll find enough high-quality craftsmanship to serve as a specialty watch built for the open ocean. 

Rolex Submariner

This flawless dive watch is the standard to which every other dive watch is compared.

Since 1954, the Rolex Submariner line has been competing as one of the best dive watches in the world, and they have never vacated their property on top. 

Over sixty years of success isn’t cheap, and this watch’s price often reaches five figures.

Time and time again, buyers have invested heavily in the Rolex Submariner and left happy, so it’s safe to say that this watch is worth every penny.

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver

Turns out Eco-Drive is amphibious. This quartz movement middle-class watch can dive deep and keep on ticking with half a year of power reserve. 

The solar-powered watch will keep itself charged for years with a splash of the sun or even with the help of artificial lighting.

All it takes is an afternoon with a sunlit watch stand to get your dive watch ready for an entire summer’s worth of deep diving. 

This particular iteration in Citizen’s Eco series is specifically built to serve as a modern dive watch that fits with every outfit and budget. 

Tissot Seastar 1000

70 years of the Seastar line has resulted in this powerful midlevel dive watch, rocking the stainless steel necessary to dive deep and plenty of high-quality features that qualify the diving specialist for everyday carry.

The quartz movement was spearheaded by Tissot, so shoppers looking for a mineral-backed time-teller should rest easy trusting in this iconic dive watch.

You can shop for a few different seastar models, but even the base option will have all the information you need to keep track of things above and below sea level for decades to come, and upgraded models include a ceramic bezel so you know exactly when to head up for air.

Vostok Amphibian

Thanks to its low price and business casual appearance, this affordable dive watch has had a bit of an undersea following ever since it was spotted on the wrist of Steve Zissou.

As the resident wristwatch of one of the most celebrated fictitious deep-sea divers of all time, Vostok has kept the low price point attached to this amphibian since the 60’s to serve recreational scuba diving without breaking the bank. 

The current day rendition of the amphibious wrist piece comes in 100s of different colour combinations to make sure no two divers are forced to rely on the same hour markers. You’ll find loads of dial options and watch features that help you personalise your gear. 

Budget diving watches have spent decades trying to keep up with the cult success of the amphibian model.

To finish off the job, Vostok includes a steel bracelet that pushes this movie model into the role of a true dive watch.

Casio G Shock Frogman

Loads of Casios come with some water resistance, but their G-Shock Frogman model is quartz movement at its cheapest, and finest.

The G-Shock is a favourite budget watch for all sorts of outdoor activities thanks to its hardy reliability. 

G-Shock is a modern dive watch that can be had for a great price and promises to be practically bulletproof.

Casio doesn’t worry about high-class features, instead, they are stunning watch enthusiasts by proving you don’t need to drop hundreds of dollars to find a screw-down crown that can last for life. 

It’s on the rugged end of dive watches and may be out of place with a few different outfits, but if you want to be ready for anything, anywhere, the G shock may be your perfect match.

Don’t let the affordable price fool you, this is a proper diving watch that can take a tumble and keep on ticking.

Garmin Descent

Garmin smartly pivoted from the GPS world and into the outdoor industry.

They took their high-tech GPS technology and put it to work for good, resulting in a diving watch that keeps track of every detail. 

Professional divers and good old-fashioned diving enthusiasts can harness this diving computer and stay way ahead of the curve with 80 hours of dive mode support. 

This automatic dive watch goes well beyond keeping track of the time. You’ll have an underwater compass, heart rate monitor, 200-dive notebook, as well as a tank monitor that pays attention to up to 5 tanks within 30 feet.

It’s a bonafide recreational dive computer that doubles as a smartwatch providing everything you need to know about free and scuba diving up to 100 meters. 

Seiko PADI 

Every single other piece of your kit is Padi approved, might as well round things out with a watch built by the world leaders in diving safety. 

PADI put their stamp on classic Seiko dive watches by becoming official watch partners, and this slick diver was made in celebration.

Padi’s logo sits front and centre along aside a date display and a rotating bezel that helps monitor air quality, all enveloped in a stainless steel case. 

Of course, Padi made sure this true diver’s watch was all done by the book. the 200 meters of water resistance meet ISO standards that declare this watch especially fit for scuba diving. You can trust Seiko to deliver the rest of the goods!

Oceanic Geo 

Our favourite daily diver’s watch is a dive computer that managed to stay small and stylish enough to be worn off the docks and in town.

You can most diving watches can promise water resistance, but the Geo takes data collection up a notch. 

On your wrist lies a 24-dive log and an ascent rate monitor that can use Bluetooth to transfer stats on the boat ride home.

In the water, the Geo takes care of the heavy lifting for you with automatic gas-switching and altitude adjustments. 

All this is protected by a 300-hour power reserve and a 2-year warranty. Sure, it’s not the most stylish face in the business, but other dive watches pale in comparison to the dive-centric focus of this tool. 

Luminox Navy Seal 

This combo platter diving watch knows pressure makes diamonds and uses a hardened mineral crystal to help you dive deeper.

Luminox rocked a minimalist watch face that focuses on the details without standing out.

This redefines the unit and makes it one of the best all-around sports watches in the business.

A unidirectional rotating bezel slips this watch squarely into the diving category and the crisp look takes care of the rest. 

Who says good looks can’t be functional? The watch’s carbon casing and universal durability earned an official stamp of approval from the seals.

Casio F91W

If you are just shopping for a watch to get through certification classes and a few weeks in the Caribbean, don’t overthink it.

The cheapest watch on our list may also be the most popular for a great reason.

For a great price, this classic Casio splashes a laid-back style up to 30 meters deep, which is deeper than most guided dive tours are going to take you. 

The Casio Classic just keeps on ticking. You won’t find shit else but a stopwatch, an alarm, and the time and date on the timeless front display, but it’s hardly stopped them before.

These watches have guided budget travellers on land and at sea, and have more than enough in the tank to get you through most casual dives. 

These water-resistant watches are the favourite of thousands of amateur water enthusiasts who need something cheap and waterproof to keep from being late to work.

The best dive watch under 20 bucks can tell the time down to 30 meters, rocks a scratch-resistant plastic face and packs enough value in an incredibly affordable dive watch to sneak onto the leaderboards.

Oris Divers Sixty Five

The 65 has one goal; earning the title of the best vintage dive watch on the market.

For well over 50 years, this screw-down crown has guided divers down to 100 meters.

Since its release its been relied on as one of the best diving watches on the market. 

The current day model has stretched from 40 to 42 mm while growing wiser and calmer over the years.

It’s not ahead of the curve anymore technically speaking, but these luxury dive watches have plenty working in their favour. 

The domed sapphire crystal finishes off an incredibly durable watch. The 65 has managed to keep with the times without losing its identity.

Each year, subtle upgrades and improvements to the diving watch’s functionality make sure of that.

Casio MDV106

Casio makes watches for the people, churning out inexpensive dive watches across the spectrum.

As one of their more elegant options, this cheap dive watch looks the part as well as it sends it.

Look for the marlin seal on the watch face to signify 200 meters of water resistance. 

Both built for and inspired by the sea, this is the best dive watch in Casio’s kit.

The main money saver is the plastic watch band that loses the unit a few points, but it’s got everything a casual diving enthusiast would need to get the adventure started, all for way less than a hundred bucks. 

Shoppers looking for a risk-free first dive watch or an all-rounder that can hold its weight underwater can employ this beauty without breaking out the checkbook.

Tudor Black Bay Heritage

Every fledgling watch has an inspiration. You may notice striking similarities between the Casio MDV and this Tudor Back Bay.

Casio was inspired by this classic diving watch, which packs the functionality to be considered one of the best dive watches in the business all with a simple watch face. 

The Back Bay is Tudor’s most popular dive watch for a great reason.

It may look similar to the Casio, but there is a whole lot more going on underneath the hood of this professional diver accessory. 

It’s got exactly what you’d expect out of a modern dive watch. Plenty of water resistance, a sapphire crystal protecting the face, and a 70-hour power reserve to get the job done right.

The all-black dial and white numbers make it easy to keep track of your tank down to 200 meters.

Choosing the Best Dive Watch 

None of the statistics and specifications matter if they’re not up to your standards. No two dives are unique, and no two divers require exactly the same pieces of equipment as their peers.

To choose the best dive watch, take a look at these important factors that make up a dive watch and decide where they fit into your life. 

When shopping for a dive watch, the first step towards choosing your perfect partner is to be honest about your intentions. Not everyone needs a Rolex to experience life underwater.

If you are just starting to get your feet wet, your needs, and budget, should be largely different than a divemaster or instructor who needs a trusty companion no matter the depth. 

The other aspect to consider while shopping is how multifunctional you want your watch to be.

Do you really just want to wear this watch while scuba diving, or are you hoping to find an everyday carry that works just as well on land? 

Keep your budget and your goals for your watch in mind, and see how they line up with these key features.

Depth Rating

Above all else, the depth rating is what defines a true dive watch. PADI and the ISO have a few standards that define the category. Most important of all is the depth rating.

To be a true dive watch, your timekeeper must remain water-resistant down to 100 meters or 300 feet. 

The best watches on our list go much beyond that capability, hardly even struggling to reach down to 1000 meters with the help of a helium release valve or a hardened sapphire crystal keeping things together. 

Most recreational dives will top out well before 100 feet of depth, meaning any true dive watch will be more than enough to get you back to the surface with plenty of oxygen. 

Straps 

Dive watch straps are generally slightly larger to be easy enough to wear while you’re sporting a wetsuit. Like many aspects of the best dive watches, the straps are made for durability first. 

You don’t want to have to stretch your depth limits chasing your broken watch down to the Mariana Trench, so look for watch straps that are made out of high-quality rubber, either natural, silicone, PVC, or polyurethane.

Synthetic rubber is waterproof, scratch-resistant, comfortable, and stylish to check off all the boxes. 

Extra Features 

The perks of the class are what elevated dive watch to mainstream popularity. Luxury watches built to serve as a high-end dive watch will feature all sorts of special features that stand out in a crowd. 

Three main facets that expensive dive watches do better than anyone else include best-in-class water resistance, readability, and durability.

Every watch worth its price point in the water will excel in these categories, and a few will take things a step further by offering a helium release valve, automatic movement, and a rotating bezel that allows you to keep track of your tank or depth. 

Beyond that, chances are if there is a certain statistic you’d like to be aware of, you can find a watch that tracks it.

Most divers won’t need anything more than what’s on the home display of an average dive watch.

But dive guides and students may look for watches that keep track of tank levels, dive logs, GPS coordinates, water temperatures, ascent rate measurements, breathing mixtures and loads of other important tidbits.

Rotating Bezel

This is another feature that is practically essential to be considered as one of the best dive watches out there. A rotating bezel will often monitor 60-minute intervals, allowing you to keep track of your oxygen levels with a quick glance. 

Dive watches don’t need to make things too complicated. Standards dictate the watches should be equipped with a unidirectional bezel that can be quickly set by scrolling counterclockwise. 

This allows you to adjust your hour markers easily from underwater. You can set a unidirectional rotating bezel to begin a countdown and have plenty of warning before your tank starts to run on empty. 

Readability

It doesn’t matter if the watch is water-resistant to 1000 meters if you can’t read it past 10! A diving watch should have a large backlit display, preferably around 44 mms wide.

The further down you plan on heading, the less light you’ll have to work with, so make sure you find a watch that will never leave you in the dark. 

Durability

There are two components that generally make up the most durable dive watches. Stainless steel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal are commonly spotted on the most expensive dive watch for a reason. 

Dive watches are subject to much more abuse than most daily wears. Give your watch a leg up by investing in durability every from the watch face to the strap and you’ll have a great dive companion for years to come. 

Conclusion

All that’s left to do now is fill up the tanks and set your unidirectional bezel to start the clock. From the best budget dive watch to the most expensive dive watches in the industry, we’ve covered it all. 

As you can see from our list, the best dive watches come with loads of different features and price points, so you’ll be able to choose your own adventure.

Whether you invest in our editor’s choice the Benrus Orbit Robot Skindiver, go all-in with the Rolex Submariner, or favour a budget Casio option, these dive watches will allow your underwater adventures to reach new depths. 

EDITOR’S CHOICE:

Benrus Orbit Robot Skindiver

While the Rolex and Omega dive watches often get the lion’s share of the spotlight, this fantastic dive watch has been quietly pushing the limits of water resistance while maintaining a signature style. 

This modern dive watch is comfortable down to 200 meters and fits in just as well at fundraisers $1000 a plate to serve as our favourite dive watch for a fraction of the cost of other industry leaders. 

CHECK THE BEST PRICE

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