For passionate divers, dive watches are one of the most valuable timepieces under the category of wristwatches. However, there are very few people who actually go diving who own one of these beautifully crafted watches. It appears that people prefer dive watches for a variety of factors.
In my opinion, you need to wear a quality dive watch when scuba diving because when you need to estimate how long your scuba tank’s oxygen will last, you want it to be accurate and not die on you in the more extreme conditions! These brilliant dive watches come with a high price tag in the market, but I’ve scoured the net to find the best watch discounts available.
Dive Watches
Dive watches are built to sustain in the most difficult atmospheres, beneath the water surfaces, and at higher pressure levels. These watches must stay protected against rust and keep barriers against water, affecting the technicalities that facilitate the higher price tag. The diver’s watch, as a rule, are over-engineered (because they need to be) and solidly built making them rough and tough for a longer period, whether that’s on dry land or increased humidity. Dive watches require clear legibility, and each of the 11 watches listed below provides the highest levels of quality to meet every diver’s fancy.
The below 11 watches are listed here after doing thorough research and filtering the best ones for you.
This is a heritage model that has been around since the birth of scuba diving. The Breitling Superocean comes in a few color variations, each with a robust 44mm case and an unusual dial and layout. The large chapter ring and the quirky square minute hand are captivating. If you’re looking for an extreme model that shouts world champion for an all-encompassing water-themed weapon, it’s the right choice.
This Breitling arrives on a military-style NATO strap woven with ECONYL nylon made from recycled fishing nets. It is protected with an ultra-hard scratch and shock-resistant unidirectional ceramic bezel. Our top pick is available in case sizes ranging from 36-46mm, and the latest models are outlined by oversized contrasting dials. Plus, the bold markers and quirky hands make the ring perfect for you. This watch is one of the best you can take with you scuba diving in places like Thailand or the Galapagos Islands.
Average Price: $5250
Detailed Overview
Key Features:
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Movement:
- The Superocean Automatic 44 is powered by the Breitling Caliber 17, a self-winding mechanical movement.
- It has a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.
- The movement is chronometer-certified by the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), ensuring its accuracy and reliability.
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Case:
- The watch features a 44mm case made from stainless steel, providing a robust and sturdy build.
- It is equipped with a unidirectional ratcheted bezel, which is essential for timing dives accurately.
- The case is water-resistant to a depth of 1000 meters (3280 feet), making it suitable for deep-sea diving.
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Dial:
- The dial is available in several colors, including black, blue, and green, each offering excellent legibility.
- It features large, luminescent hour markers and hands, ensuring visibility in low-light conditions underwater.
- The date window is positioned at the 3 o’clock mark for added functionality.
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Crystal:
- The watch is fitted with a cambered sapphire crystal that is glare-proofed on both sides, protecting the dial and enhancing readability.
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Strap:
- The Superocean Automatic 44 comes with a choice of straps, including a stainless steel bracelet, rubber straps, or NATO straps, allowing for customization based on personal preference and activity.
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Design and Aesthetics:
- The design of the Superocean Automatic 44 is a blend of sporty and elegant, making it versatile for both underwater adventures and everyday wear.
- The polished and satin-finished surfaces of the case and bracelet add a touch of sophistication.
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Additional Features:
- The watch includes a screw-locked crown with two gaskets, further enhancing its water resistance.
- It also has a helium escape valve, which is crucial for saturation diving as it allows the watch to decompress safely.
This rugged timepiece is crafted out of a single piece of titanium for extreme durability and corrosion resistance. It withstands depths up to 1000 meters, allowing clear and immediate readability while underwater.
Additionally, the automatic helium release feature releases a valve integrated into the screw-in crown for extreme protection during the ascent. The sleek design of the Engineer Hydrocarbon with a wide dial opening illuminates the watch even under low light conditions in case of an external light source. The watch is scratch-resistant and available in black and dark green colors with easy adjustments. The stainless-steel bracelet allows you to wear it comfortably over a diving suit.
Average Price: $4,479
Detailed Overview
Key Features:
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Movement:
- The watch is powered by the BALL RR1101-C automatic movement.
- It features a power reserve of approximately 42 hours.
- The movement is COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) chronometer-certified, ensuring exceptional accuracy and reliability.
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Case:
- The DeepQUEST Ceramic has a 42mm case made from lightweight and highly durable titanium.
- The monobloc titanium case construction enhances its structural integrity and water resistance.
- It is capable of withstanding water depths of up to 1000 meters (3280 feet), making it suitable for deep-sea diving.
- The case also features a unidirectional rotating bezel made from scratch-resistant ceramic, crucial for dive time measurement.
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Dial:
- The dial is designed for optimal legibility with bold, luminescent markers and hands.
- It is available in various colors, typically black or blue, providing excellent visibility underwater.
- The date window is conveniently positioned at the 3 o’clock mark for easy reading.
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Crystal:
- The watch is equipped with a thick, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, providing clear visibility while protecting the dial.
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Strap:
- The DeepQUEST Ceramic comes with a titanium bracelet or a high-performance rubber strap, both designed for comfort and durability.
- The titanium bracelet features a patented folding buckle with an extension system, allowing it to fit over a wetsuit seamlessly.
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Design and Aesthetics:
- The watch combines ruggedness with a sophisticated design, making it suitable for both underwater use and daily wear.
- The titanium case and ceramic bezel give it a modern, sleek look while ensuring durability.
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Additional Features:
- The watch features BALL’s patented anti-shock system, enhancing its resistance to impacts.
- It is equipped with a helium escape valve, essential for saturation diving, allowing the watch to decompress safely.
- The crown is screw-down and protected by crown guards, ensuring its water-tight integrity.
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Illumination:
- One of the standout features of the DeepQUEST Ceramic is its micro gas tube illumination. These self-powered micro gas tubes provide superior luminosity, allowing the watch to glow brightly in complete darkness without any external light source.
This Ball edition celebrates the original dive in the watch company. The all-black design features a 42-mm stainless-steel case and a stainless-steel bracelet all coated in black titanium carbide. It is designed to withstand around 200-meter depth in water.
The watch’s dial is protected by a subtle curved sapphire crystal and includes a separate day and date window. The watch’s automatic BALL RR1102 movement is visible from the transparent back, which makes it the best fit for fashion mode. This watch is made with luminescent tritium gas tubes to ensure clear visibility under deep sea conditions and spaces with low lighting. These gas tubes are patterned in a circular motion and have rainbow-like colors, which adds a uniqueness to the all-black design.
To enhance user experience, the screw-in crown and the elapsed-time bezel are equipped with smooth operation, even when gloves are worn underwater.
Average Price: $2785
Detailed Overview
Key Features:
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Movement:
- The watch is powered by the BALL RR1102 automatic movement.
- It has a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.
- The movement is known for its reliability and precision, ensuring accurate timekeeping under various conditions.
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Case:
- The Engineer II Skindiver Heritage features a 42mm case made from stainless steel, providing a classic and robust construction.
- The case is designed to be water-resistant up to 200 meters (660 feet), suitable for recreational diving.
- It includes a unidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic insert, which is both scratch-resistant and essential for timing dives accurately.
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Dial:
- The dial is available in black, featuring a clean and straightforward design for maximum legibility.
- It includes luminescent hour markers and hands, ensuring excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
- The date window is discreetly placed at the 3 o’clock position.
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Crystal:
- The watch is equipped with a sapphire crystal that is anti-reflective and scratch-resistant, protecting the dial and enhancing readability.
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Strap:
- The Engineer II Skindiver Heritage comes with a stainless steel bracelet or a rubber strap, both designed for comfort and durability.
- The bracelet features a folding clasp with a safety system, ensuring a secure fit during dives and other activities.
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Design and Aesthetics:
- The design pays homage to the vintage dive watches of the 1960s with its minimalist dial, bold markers, and classic case shape.
- The combination of a polished and brushed finish on the case and bracelet adds a touch of sophistication to its rugged appearance.
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Additional Features:
- The watch features BALL’s patented mu-metal shield, which provides anti-magnetic protection, ensuring its accuracy is not affected by magnetic fields.
- It includes a screw-down crown for enhanced water resistance.
- The watch is also equipped with BALL’s renowned micro gas tube technology, providing self-powered illumination for up to 25 years, allowing the dial to glow brightly in complete darkness.
The Omega Seamaster is unquestionably the icon of dive watches. This popular Seamaster Diver is rated to water depths of 300m and is concealed in a 42mm stainless steel case. This watch features scalloped edges, a ceramic bezel, and signature helium escape valves at 10 o’clock. It serves as a grip-enhancing feature, making it easier for divers to manipulate the bezel even while wearing diving gloves.
The watch also features Omega’s advanced Caliber 8800 movement. It is equipped with a Coaxial escapement, and a silicon balance spring, and is certified as a Master Chronometer. It’s a sensational wristwatch and is comparable to the Rolex Submariner.
Average Price: $4800
Detailed Overview
Key Features:
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Movement:
- The Seamaster Diver 300M is equipped with the OMEGA Master Chronometer Caliber 8800.
- This automatic movement offers a power reserve of 55 hours.
- It is certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) for its accuracy, magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss, and overall performance.
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Case:
- The watch features a 42mm case made from stainless steel, titanium, or a combination of materials, ensuring durability and a sleek appearance.
- The helium escape valve, a signature feature, is located at 10 o’clock, enabling the watch to withstand decompression in professional diving environments.
- It is water-resistant to 300 meters (1000 feet), suitable for recreational and professional diving.
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Dial:
- The dial is available in various colors, including black, blue, and white, often featuring a laser-engraved wave pattern that enhances its visual appeal.
- It has large, luminescent hour markers and hands coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent readability in low-light conditions.
- The date window is positioned at the 6 o’clock mark for a symmetrical and balanced design.
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Crystal:
- The watch is fitted with a domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides, protecting the dial and enhancing visibility.
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Bezel:
- The unidirectional rotating bezel is made from ceramic and features a diving scale in white enamel or Ceragold, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality for timing dives.
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Strap:
- The Seamaster Diver 300M offers a variety of strap options, including a stainless steel bracelet, a rubber strap, or a NATO strap, allowing for customization based on personal preference and activities.
- The stainless steel bracelet comes with OMEGA’s patented extendable foldover rack-and-pusher with a diver extension, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit over a wetsuit.
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Design and Aesthetics:
- The watch’s design is both sporty and elegant, making it versatile for diving, formal occasions, and everyday wear.
- The combination of polished and brushed finishes on the case and bracelet adds a touch of sophistication.
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Additional Features:
- The watch includes a screw-in crown, enhancing its water resistance.
- The case back features a wave-edged design and a sapphire crystal window, showcasing the movement within.
- The OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M also includes a ceramic helium escape valve and crown for added durability and performance under extreme conditions.
Seiko Prospex Turtle is an upgraded version of the Japanese dive watch with an ever-popular cushion case. The design can be distinguished separately and is recognized as one of the iconic watches in diving. The latest version of this watch is complemented with an improved 4R36 movement and a beefed-up 45mm case. Being the owner of the Seiko dive watch, you can be sure of its long-lasting durability. Overall, you will find it one of the most affordable and best dive watches you can have.
Average Price: $480
Detailed Overview
Key Features:
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Movement:
- The Seiko Prospex Turtle is powered by the Seiko Caliber 4R36 automatic movement.
- This movement offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours.
- It features both automatic and manual winding capabilities, along with hacking seconds for precise time setting.
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Case:
- The Turtle features a distinctive 45mm cushion-shaped case made from stainless steel, which provides robustness and comfort on the wrist.
- It is water-resistant to 200 meters (660 feet), making it suitable for recreational and professional diving.
- The case includes a screw-down crown located at the 4 o’clock position, which enhances its water resistance and prevents it from digging into the wrist.
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Dial:
- The dial is available in various colors, including black, blue, and green, often with a sunburst or matte finish.
- It features large, luminescent hour markers and hands coated with Seiko’s proprietary LumiBrite, ensuring excellent readability in low-light conditions.
- The day-date display is positioned at the 3 o’clock mark, providing practical functionality.
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Crystal:
- The watch is equipped with a Hardlex crystal, a proprietary mineral crystal developed by Seiko that offers good scratch resistance and durability.
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Bezel:
- The unidirectional rotating bezel features a 60-minute diving scale and is often equipped with a colored insert that matches or complements the dial.
- The bezel is designed for easy grip and manipulation, even with gloves, ensuring precise dive timing.
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Strap:
- The Seiko Prospex Turtle comes with a variety of strap options, including stainless steel bracelets, silicone rubber straps, and NATO straps, offering versatility and comfort.
- The stainless steel bracelet typically features a secure folding clasp with a diver’s extension, allowing it to fit comfortably over a wetsuit.
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Design and Aesthetics:
- The design of the Turtle is both functional and iconic, with its cushion-shaped case providing a distinctive and recognizable silhouette.
- The combination of brushed and polished finishes on the case and bracelet adds depth and sophistication to its rugged appearance.
While not as fancy but just as effective, this model of Casio dive watch can be described as a durable and affordable watch in the world of dive watches. Casio G-Shock was issued a standard at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City Beach and was provided to the divers as a standard while they trained. The model proved to be everything that could be expected from a watch during deep sea diving with simple-to-use features. It is exactly what any diver needs to ensure safety while diving.
Average Price: $53
Detailed Overview
Key Features:
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Movement:
- The DW9052 is powered by a reliable quartz digital movement.
- This ensures precise timekeeping with minimal maintenance required.
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Case:
- The watch features a robust 48.5mm resin case that is both shock-resistant and highly durable.
- It is water-resistant to 200 meters (660 feet), making it suitable for recreational diving and various water activities.
- The case design includes prominent protective elements to guard against impacts and vibrations.
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Dial:
- The digital dial is equipped with an EL backlight with Afterglow, ensuring excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
- The display includes essential functions such as time, day, date, and an auto-calendar that is pre-programmed until the year 2039.
- It also features a countdown timer, a 1/100-second stopwatch, and a daily alarm.
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Crystal:
- The watch is fitted with a mineral crystal that is scratch-resistant and protects the digital display.
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Strap:
- The DW9052 comes with a durable resin strap that is comfortable and designed to withstand tough conditions.
- The strap features a traditional buckle clasp for a secure fit.
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Design and Aesthetics:
- The design of the DW9052 is both functional and distinctive, with its bulky case and prominent buttons providing an unmistakable G-Shock appearance.
- The black colorway with contrasting accents offers a rugged and versatile look that suits various environments and activities.
The Vostok Amphibia is a cult classic diver’s watch. It’s a Russian-made Vostok. The watch’s mechanical components, including the movement, are designed, manufactured, and assembled in-house. With hundreds of cases and dial variations, this dive watch presents unlimited dive watch options. It was famously worn by Bill Murray in the hipster favorite film The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. The Amphibia is the least expensive automatic diver’s watch you can get with your choice of case, dial, and color.
Average Price: $139
Detailed Overview
Key Features:
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Movement:
- The Vostok Amphibia is powered by the Vostok 2416B automatic movement.
- This movement offers a power reserve of approximately 31 hours.
- It features both automatic and manual winding capabilities, with a frequency of 19,800 vibrations per hour (vph).
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Case:
- The Amphibia features a 41mm stainless steel case with a unique, slightly domed shape that enhances its water resistance.
- It is water-resistant to 200 meters (660 feet), making it suitable for recreational diving.
- The case back is screw-down, which, along with the screw-down crown, helps ensure the watch’s water-tight integrity.
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Dial:
- The dial is available in a wide variety of colors and designs, ranging from classic black and blue to more vibrant and intricate patterns.
- It features large, luminescent hour markers and hands, ensuring excellent readability in low-light conditions.
- The date window is typically positioned at the 3 o’clock mark.
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Crystal:
- The watch is equipped with an acrylic crystal, which is highly impact-resistant and can be easily polished to remove scratches.
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Bezel:
- The unidirectional rotating bezel features a 60-minute scale, essential for tracking dive times.
- The bezel design varies among models, with some featuring more traditional looks while others have more modern, colorful designs.
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Strap:
- The Vostok Amphibia comes with various strap options, including stainless steel bracelets, rubber straps, and NATO straps, allowing for customization based on personal preference and activities.
- The stainless steel bracelet typically features a fold-over clasp for secure fastening.
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Design and Aesthetics:
- The design of the Amphibia is both functional and distinctive, with its unique case shape and a wide variety of dial designs providing a distinctive and recognizable look.
- The combination of practical functionality and vintage Soviet-era aesthetics makes it a unique addition to any watch collection.
The Christopher Ward is premiering the C63 Sealander Elite collection. This edition is designed for work, play, and diving. The watch features Sellita SW200 COSC automatic movement for reliable accuracy and precision. For advanced protection, the case is shielded by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal. This crystal enhances the clarity of the watch face, particularly in bright or varying lighting conditions.
Orange accents are positioned over the matte-black dial and secured with a titanium bezel. In addition, a date window is positioned at six o’clock, and the luminous markers adorn both the hands and indices. This diver’s watch incorporates the screw-down crown which uses telescoping. This crown uses a retractable design and allows it to uninterruptedly blend with the case when not in use.
Average Price: $1855
Detailed Overview
Key Features:
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Movement:
- The C63 Sealander Elite is powered by the COSC-certified Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement.
- This high-precision movement offers a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.
- The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), ensuring accurate and reliable timekeeping.
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Case:
- The watch features a lightweight yet robust 40mm case made from Grade 2 titanium, known for its strength and corrosion resistance.
- It is water-resistant to 150 meters (500 feet), making it suitable for various water activities, including recreational diving.
- The case design includes a screw-down crown and a screw-in case back, enhancing its water resistance.
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Dial:
- The dial is available in several colors, including black and blue, each designed for optimal legibility.
- It features bold, luminescent hour markers and hands, coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
- The date window is subtly integrated at the 6 o’clock position, maintaining a balanced and symmetrical appearance.
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Crystal:
- The watch is equipped with a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, providing clear visibility and protecting the dial from scratches.
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Bezel:
- The unidirectional rotating bezel is made from ceramic, offering durability and scratch resistance.
- It features a 60-minute diving scale, essential for tracking dive times accurately.
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Strap:
- The C63 Sealander Elite comes with a hybrid rubber strap or a titanium bracelet, both designed for comfort and durability.
- The titanium bracelet includes a quick-release system for easy strap changes and a micro-adjustable clasp for a perfect fit.
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Design and Aesthetics:
- The watch’s design is both sporty and refined, making it suitable for diving, outdoor adventures, and formal occasions.
- The combination of brushed and polished finishes on the titanium case and bracelet adds a touch of elegance to its rugged build.
Welcome to the new Promaster automatic diver’s watch by Citizen. It was used by the Italian Navy when released in 1989. With the new generation model, the watch features a 44-mm case, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and a black polyurethane strap. The exciting rotating bezel is topped with a black aluminum grippy ring surrounding the blue dial with luminous hands and markers.
The back case has engraved “Fugu,” a Japanese word meaning ‘pufferfish’. This exclusive model of the diver’s watch comes inside a unique dive tank box, and it is internationally standardized and compliant with a screw-down. This feature helps to keep the watch guarded for the long run when not in use. It is water resistant to 200m down the ocean and technically advanced with automatic sports elements.
Average Price: $209
This aqua watch was created by taking inspiration from the design of aviation watches. It functions deep into 300m of water and is incorporated with a screw-down crown. Additionally, it has an internal bezel that can be used for diving. Bezels can be set before you dive into the water to track down your underwater activities durations. Hence, it’s the best option if you are looking for a watch with multiple underwater functionalities that don’t have that traditional dive watch look.
Average Price: $9600
Last but certainly not least is the Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 1000. It has more functions to offer than most other dive watches. With the ability to function in up to 1000m in water, you can go beyond the sea world and experience a different life. The Helium Release Valve keeps check on its performance with its case made with grade 5 titanium and a hardcore crown. The dial’s display showcases bold fonts, and the twelve-sided bezel is easy to rotate when beneath the water’s surface.
Average Price: $4990
Conclusion:
Overall, the above 11 options give you a wide selection of the top dive watches in the industry. They will support you at any depth that you could imagine diving to and then some. Water-tight, beautifully crafted, and perfect for a dive or a night out, these watches will make you stand out as one of the most prepared divers out there.
No matter where you go or which of the absolute best dive watches you choose, always remember to Travel Till You Drop!
