Dive Watches

Dive watches are great accessories for everyone who wants to walk, dive, and work in style. They look great, can be worn above and underwater, and give you that classic diver look.

James Bond, the most famous special agent in the world, also always wears a trusty watch both above and underwater. However, there are hundreds of dive watches on the market by just as many brands and it can be hard to pick the right one.

Therefore, we researched and tests a bunch of different watches so you don’t have to! (Sorry, none of them feature a bezel with razor teeth or shoot bullets of out of their helium release valves…)

In addition, we added a small dive watch buyer’s guide at the end that hopefully answers any questions you might have.

Best Dive Watches in 2023

These are the best dive watches 2023 for any budget:

• The holy grail: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
• Budget beast: Orient Mako II
• Best smartwatch: Garmin Descent Mk2
• The original one: Rolex Submariner
• Best middle-class: Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Diver
• Highest Depth-Rating: Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80
• James Bond’s Watch: Omega Seamaster (look at the bottom of this list)

Scroll down to find all our reviewed dive watches at every price level.

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Analog Watch

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Analog Watch

4.0 / 5

If you’re looking for a classic dive watch design at a super affordable price, Citizen has got you covered with the Eco-Drive Promaster Diver and a depth rating of 200m/660ft.

Pros

• Very affordable
•  Classic designs with 5 color options
• No battery changes required
• High depth rating

Cons

• Quality not on par with premium models
•  Not automatic
•  A bit clunky on small wrists
•  Limited lume

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Sure, in the sub $300 range, you won’t be getting the sapphire crystals or gold plating, but with this dive watch you can go places.

My favorite feature is the eco-drive function, meaning the watch is powered by light. Citizen claims no battery changes are required ever!

If you’re looking for a classic dive watch design at a super affordable price, Citizen has got you covered with the Eco-Drive Promaster Diver and a depth rating of 200m/660ft.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon

Orient Mako II

Orient Maki II

4.2 / 5

Sub 200$ budget beast that can match up with the best of them.

Pros

• Very affordable
•  Looks like it's worth at least 3x the price
•  Bright lume
•  Looks cool 
•  Powered by light
•  Steel band

Cons

• Not automatic
•  Quality not on par with premium models

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The Orient Mako II looks great and has a quality feel to it. The steel band gives it a heavy and valuable look that is especially suited for taller divers.

Please make sure to hold it under a light first before wearing it, as it requires initial charging. Trust me…it will save you a headache or two…

When I showed it to some people while comparing different watches, all of them put the Mako II in a price category way above the one it’s really in.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

The Holy Grail

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

4.9 / 5

If you want the most iconic of dive watches, this is it.

Pros

• It's the holy grail of dive watches
•  Looks amazing
•  Classic, timeless design
•  300m / 1000ft depth rating

Cons

• It's…not exactly cheap
•  The band is fabric and the metal version looks different from the original

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The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is considered the first modern dive watch and its design laid the foundation for what came after.

What can we say about this dive watch other than it’s pretty much perfect? Classic design, incredible build quality, and

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms has rightfully been called the holy grail of dive watches and you should check it out, even if just to marble in its history and shine.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon

Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Diver V241781

Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Diver V241781

4.8 / 5

High quality meets classic, Swiss design.

Pros

• Built to last forever
•  Passed rigorous testing
•  200m / 660ft depth rating
•  Looks super cool
• Very comfortable fit
•  Outstanding bracelet
•  Solid-clicking & crown

Cons

• High price for a Victorinox
•  Lume is hit or miss

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The Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Diver is an exceptional dive watch at an incredible price. Not only does it look amazing, it’s also super high quality, and can take a beating.

Diving down to 200m? No problem. Running your truck over it? Sure, go ahead. The I.N.O.X. specs make this watch exceptionally durable and made to last forever.

Victorinox dive watches are all super comfortable to wear but this one takes the top spot for best fit.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

Rolex Submariner

The Original

Rolex Submariner

4.9 / 5

Timeless and classic design that shows off status and taste.

Pros

• Pristine look
•  Looks amazing!!!
•  Classic, timeless design
•  300m / 1000ft depth rating
•  Built like a tank
• Used to be a James Bond watch

Cons

• Expensive…
•  Some color options don't feel well thought out
• Quite heavy

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Rolex watches have always been known to be among the creme de la creme of watches and the Rolex Submariner is no different in this regard.

Expensive, heavy, superbly built, and with a design that screams “timeless”, this dive watch is one of my favorites ever made. The first version came out in 1953, and it is still considered the most influential dive watch of all time.

It comes in different designs and configurations that can be customized to your liking, but I like the Oystersteel ones the best.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon

Fossil FB-01

Fossil FB-01

4.0 / 5

Pros

• Very cheap
•  Looks cool
• Lots of design options
• Custom engraving options
• Big watch face
•  Automatic

Cons

• Fixed bezel
•  Low depth rating
• No date function

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The Fossil FB-01 comes in a multitude of color options but all of them are well made. They are inexpensive, yet stylish options for those looking for a durable dive watch without spending a ton of money.

I really love a lot of the design versions and options Fossil offers, especially the open ones that you can see on the images.

Of course, at this price point there are some drawbacks and this dive watch does NOT have a rotating bezel. However, for a small amount of money you still get a lot of watch.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon

Seiko SNE549 Prospex PADI

PADI Special

Seiko SNE549 Prospex PADI

4.3 / 5

Rugged and precise, this dive watch should be on your list to check out, especially if you are a PADI scuba diver.

Pros

• Moderate price
• Classic design
• Great for scuba divers
•  Solar powered
• Durable and rugged
• Does what it's supposed to

Cons

• PADI branding might be offputting
• A bit clunky
• Band not the sturdiest
• No special features

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Seiko dive watches are very popular and the Seiko SNE549 Prospex PADI is a perfect example of why.

Despite its moderate price, it looks right at home among dive watches several thousand dollars more expensive. It works like a charm and the design follows classic examples from history.

Rugged and precise, this dive watch should be on your list to check out, especially if you are a PADI scuba diver.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon

Oris Aquis

Oris Aquis

4.6 / 5

For a premium price, you get a premium dive and dress watch that looks timeless and classic on any wrist and in any setting.

Pros

• Classic design
•  Pure Quality
• 300m/1000ft depth rating
• Reputable brand

Cons

• No special features
• Smaller than standard band screws with low-torque locktite
• Not cheap

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Oris is another famous dive watch manufacturer and the Oris Aquis is one of our favorite models they make. It comes in different color versions and all of them feel like true craftsmanship.

Oris watches are not on the cheap side, however, you get what you pay for. There seems to be nothing to complain about besides maybe that there are no special features.

For a premium price, you get a premium dive and dress watch that looks timeless and classic on any wrist and in any setting.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon

Luminox Pacific Diver

Luminox Pacific Diver

4.6 / 5

Gorgeous dive watch with automatic illumination.

Pros

• Classic design
• Pure quality
• 300m / 1000ft depth rating
• Reputable brand

Cons

• No special features
•  Smaller than standard band screws with low-torque locktite
•  Not cheap

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Luminox makes several lines of dive watches, and I am personally a big fan of the Pacific Diver models. One of my first watches as a kid was Luminox and I have owned a few since then.

This dive watch is meant to last for a lifetime and considering its durability, it’s a steal at this price point. Great materials, very precise, and a reputable manufacturer…there is not much to dislike.

It also looks absolutely gorgeous and the automatic illumination is great!

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

Garmin Descent Mk2 & Mk2i

Garmin Descent Mk2 & Mk2i

4.7 / 5

An almost no-brainer for anyone looking for a dive watch with smart-watch capabilities.

Pros

• Smartwatch & Dive computer in one
•  Looks gorgeous
• Versatile
•  Offers air-integration
•  Great battery life
• Integrates with other Garmin offerings
• Super nice logbook features

Cons

• Expensive
•  Could be too heavy for some users
•  Display a little too dim for some
• Relatively low depth rating for the price
•  Not a classic dive watch

Buy on AmazonBuy on Dive Right in Scuba

Read our review

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The Garmin Descent Mk2 is both a dive computer and a smartwatch and as such, finds its place on this list.

Like any other Garmin watch, it features multi-sport and smartwatch capabilities, integrates with the entire Garmin ecosystem, and looks super gorgeous.

Besides a powerhouse of a multisport smartwatch, the Garmin Mk2 Descent is also one of the best dive computers on the market and if you are an athlete or need a new smartwatch, this is almost a no-brainer.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon
• Buy on Dive Right in Scuba
• Buy on TradeInn (DiveInn)

Tissot Seastar 2000 Powermatic 80

Tissot Seastar 2000 Powermatic 80

4.4 / 5

If you want the absolute highest depth rating of 600m/2,000ft for your dive watch, this is it.

Pros

• Gorgeous design
•  600m/2,000ft depth rating!
• Reputable brand

Cons

• 30% more expensive than the Seastar 1000
•  A bit wide
•  Not meant for diving according to the manual (of course, you can though)

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The Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80 has the highest depth rating of any dive watch on this list at a staggering 600m/2,000ft.

I’m not sure you will ever have a use case for that depth, but even if you don’t, you get a gorgeous and high-quality dive watch. Tissot watches are among the longest-running ones and many people swear by them.

On the other hand, the Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 still has a 300m depth rating but at a 30% lower price and it comes with a steel bracelet. You be the judge which one you prefer.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon

Orient Kamasu

Orient Kamasu

3.0 / 5

A solid, inexpensive choice that won’t break the bank.

Pros

• Multiple design choices
• Great for smaller wrists
•  Easy to read

Cons

• Not rated for diving (what?)
•  Not ISO 6245 compliant
• A bit generic
•  The bracelet does not quite fit the look of the rest of the watch
•  More of a waterproof watch than a dive watch

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The Orient Kamasu looks cool and comes at an affordable price. The Kamasu series comes in different designs and I’m personally a fan of the black and gold one (might be the colors of a favorite hockey club of mine…)

It’s a good choice for an everyday watch, but might look a little too generic for some.

Now to the biggest drawback: It’s depth-rated at 200m, HOWEVER, the manufacturer explicitly states it is NOT meant for diving and sub-surface activities.

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon

Omega Seamaster

Omega Seamaster

4.8 / 5

The name is Bond. James Bond. (and this is his watch).

Pros

• James Bond's watch
• Very precise
•  Great for smaller wrists
•  Easy to read
• Absolutely gorgeous
•  300m / 1,000ft depth rating
•  Much more affordable than other premium options

Cons

• Expensive but you get what you pay for
•  Lacks grip on the bezel

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Omega is another luxury watch maker and all their products are absolutely superb. The Omega Seamaster is their premium dive watch and is worn by Daniel Craig as James Bond, among many others.

It’s just incredibly well made, looks timeless, and is built to take a beating (or deliver one if you are James Bond).

While it isn’t quite in the same league as the Rolex or Blancpain premium offerings in terms of exclusivity, this is a watch many people will be able to afford and enjoy for a lifetime!

Specs & Features

• Buy on Amazon

What is a dive watch?

A dive watch is a waterproof, depth-resistant watch that can be worn during scuba diving and other underwater activities. Historically, they were an essential part of the scuba gear for underwater exploration, whereas nowadays they have been mostly replaced by dive computers for that purpose. Today, they are usually worn for stylish purposes.

Back when scuba diving and underwater exploration were just starting out, dive watches were an essential part of every diver’s basic equipment.

Since dive computers had not yet been invented, dive watches were used in combination with dive tables to track non-decompression times, and bottom times.

For the last 20-30 years, and with the rise of ever more sophisticated (and cheaper) dive computers, dive watches have lost their purpose as a tool for divers.

Instead, people love to wear dive watches for stylish reasons. They look cool, are waterproof, depth resistant, and make a statement.

As such, there are many divers and non-divers who swear by them and keep their popularity up year after year.

What should I look for in a dive watch?

A good dive watch should be water resistant, have a depth rating of at least 100m/300ft, and feature a rotating bezel. Titanium is lighter and more corrosion-resistant than steel, but both materials work. The strap material is personal preference, but it should be long enough to be worn over thick wetsuits or drysuits. Metal bracelets often have an extension piece for this purpose. Pressure and depth gauges are useful, but make sure you find the watch face easily legible.

Let’s look at these specific characteristics a little more in-depth to understand what makes or breaks a dive watch:

1. Water Resistance
   A watch must be water resistant under pressure in order to be considered a dive watch. You can use dive watches for scuba diving, freediving, snorkeling, sailing, surfing, or underwater work.
2. Depth Rating
   The depth rating specifies to what depth the dive watch maker ensures water resistance. 100m/330ft is the minimum but advanced dive watches have ratings of 200m/650ft and more.
3. Watch Material
   The watch material is usually stainless steel or titanium. Titanium is lighter and more corrosion-resistant and usually the material of choice in premium dive watches. Stay away from cheap plastic or aluminum copies.
4. Watch Strap
   Most dive watches have rubber or stainless steel straps. They can withstand pressure, salty seawater, physical impact, and other environmental influences.
   For diving purposes, they should be long enough to be worn over an exposure suit. Metal straps include extension clips for that purpose that can be removed after the dive.
5. Rotating Bezel
   Dive watches feature a rotating bezel to measure the bottom time. Some advanced models also have a depth, and/or pressure gauge included.
6. Legibility
   A dive watch must be legible underwater, especially in dark and murky waters. Many contain luminosity for low or no-light conditions.
7. Helium Escape Valve
   The most advanced dive watches have a built-in helium escape valve. It is meant for commercial saturation divers working at great depths for extended time periods. The valve allows trapped helium to be released during resurfacing, preventing damage to the watch.
   Unless you are a saturation diver or deep sea trimix diver, you don’t need to stress over this feature.

Do you need a dive watch for scuba diving?

Dive watches have mostly been replaced by dive computers for scuba diving purposes. They used to be worn to measure time and depth, and calculate non-decompression limits, however, nowadays they serve aesthetic and stylish purposes only.

If you do want to use your dive watch for scuba diving, and freediving, please make sure to buy a model that’s ISO 6425 compliant.

Should you buy an ISO 6425-compliant dive watch?

ISO 6425 is a standard that governs mechanical dive watches for scuba divers and saturation divers and comprises a number of parameters such as reliability underwater, water-tightness, pressure testing, and resistance to thermal shock. It is a good sign for quality, however, participation is voluntary and some luxury brands do their own in-house testing instead.

Most good dive watches are – by definition- ISO 6425 compliant, and the majority of the ones we review are.

Watches tested under these conditions may be marked as “Divers Watch” and you can be sure to receive a minimum level of quality.

However, some luxury brands such as Rolex, Omega, and Doxa helped develop the ISO 6425 and do not put Divers on their watch faces. Nevertheless, their watches far exceed the standards.

On the other hand, some manufacturers also do extensive in-house testing which is equivalent to or above the ISO 6425 standards.

Overall, unless you completely trust the brand itself, it is well worth purchasing a dive watch that is ISO 6425 certified.

They come at a higher price tag but you can be certain that it is waterproof and fulfills all the criteria of a quality diver’s watch.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a super cheap model that you can take in the shower with you, you might skip it and trust the reviews you find online.

Do I need a dive watch with automatic movement?

Dive watches with automatic or “self-winding” movement, don’t require a battery change and instead use the natural movements of the wearer’s wrist to power the timepiece. If worn daily, you don’t need to rewind them by hand which makes them more comfortable than manual ones. However, they are also slightly more expensive, and technically battery-powered watches are a bit more accurate.

In my opinion, automatic movement is super useful and very popular for good reasons.

While battery-powered watches may be more accurate, most watch enthusiasts, and buyers usually prefer manual or automatic calibers.

What dive watch does James Bond wear?

As of 2023, James Bond wears an Omega Seamaster dive watch in the latest movie “No Time to Die”. Throughout the movie franchise, the James Bond actors also wore Rolex Submariner, Breitling Top Time, Gruen Precision, Seiko, TAG Heuer, and other models. Since 1995 and “Goldeneye”, the Omega Seamaster Professional 300m has been the standard 007 watch.