So you’re thinking about adding a new watch to your EDC, but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Today, we’re looking at some of the best dive watches on the market that are sure to fit in with the rest of your carry. You’ll learn a bit about dive watches, why they’re great for everyday carry, and of course, some excellent options suited to a wide range of styles and budgets. Let’s dig in.
It may seem a bit overwhelming if you’re new to the world of watches. There are dozens of features, watch styles, and endless specs to pay attention to. Today’s guide focuses strictly on dive watches. The ISO 6425 standard defines dive watches:
- The watch should have a unidirectional rotating bezel to track elapsed time
- Clearly distinguishable minute markers on the dial
- Visibility in total darkness (thanks to lume)
- A lumed seconds hand to show that the watch is running in total darkness
- Magnetic resistance, shock resistance, chemical resistance, and of course 200m of water resistance.
All of these features make for a robust, durable, and accurate watch, whether above or under the surface.
Jump to Our Top Divers Watch Picks
Best Divers Watch — 2023 Edition
The Best Overall Divers Watch: Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Ti [Buy]
The Best Luxury Divers Watch: Rolex Submariner [Buy]
The Best Divers Watch on a Budget: Casio Duro [Buy]
The Most Submersible Divers Watch: Tudor Pelagos [Buy]
The Divers Watch That Ticks the Longest: Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 [Buy]
Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Ti | Rolex Submariner | Casio MDV106-1AV Duro | Tudor Pelagos | Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 |
 |  |  |  |  |
| $$$$ | $$$$ | $$ | $$$$ | $$$$ |
| Case Diameter: 45mm | Case Diameter: 41mm | Case Diameter: 44mm | Case Diameter: 42mm | Case Diameter: 43mm |
| Waterproof Depth: 200M | Waterproof Depth: 300M | Waterproof Depth: 200M | Waterproof Depth: 500M | Waterproof Depth: 300M |
| Key Features: Swiss-made titanium case | Key Features: Small diameter | Key Features: Luminous markers and hands | Key Features: 70-hour power reserve | Key Features: Anti-clockwise rotating bezel |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Seiko Prospex SPB143 Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Curved sapphire crystal
Three-fold clasp with secure lock
Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
Specifications
Case Diameter
40.5mm
Waterproof Depth
200M
Movement
Automatic with manual winding
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$$$
With the discontinuation of the ever-popular SKX line of dive watches, and Seiko’s “5 Sports” lineup not being true divers, it’s no surprise that Seiko would come out with a new and exciting dive watch. Enter the SPB143, a diver inspired by Seiko’s first dive watch from the 1960s, the 62MAS. Unlike its vintage counterpart, there’s nothing fragile about this excellent dive watch. Sporting a perfectly sized 40.5mm stainless steel case with brushed finishing and polished accents, the SPB143 is also treated with Seiko’s proprietary DiaShield coating, which is highly resistant to scratches. The dial is a beautiful sunburst gray with chunky applied indices that glow bright green in the dark. Protecting the dial is a dual-domed sapphire crystal with AR coating on the inner surface for supreme legibility. Inside the watch, Seiko’s own 6R35 movement keeps the time with an impressive 70 hours of power reserve. The SPB is a handsome watch that’s a worthy successor to the SKX lineup and looks great on the steel bracelet or your choice of 20mm NATO strap.
Marathon MSAR Automatic Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Tritium illumination
Screw-down crown
Scratch-resistant
Specifications
Case Diameter
36mm
Waterproof Depth
300M
Movement
Automatic
If you’re in the market for a smaller-sized dive watch, Marathon’s MSAR is an excellent option for your EDC. Designed in Canada and manufactured in Switzerland, Marathon’s watches are designed and built to live on the wrists of military personnel worldwide. Their feature-set is impressive, as they must withstand the rigors of search and rescue missions. The 36mm 316L stainless steel case houses a self-winding automatic movement. On the dial, you’ll find tritium gas tubes, small vials of radioactive gas that give off a glow without being exposed to light. There’s a highly scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protecting the dial that’s surrounded by a chunky rotating timing bezel. A generously-sized knurled crown makes setting the time an easy task on the right side of the case. With 300M of water resistance and tank-like construction, the MSAR is an excellent choice for those who aren’t afraid of a few bumps and knicks. You can pick one up on a robust steel bracelet or a comfortable and flexible rubber strap.
Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Ti Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Super-LumiNova lume
Swiss-made titanium case
ISO 6425 certified
Specifications
Case Diameter
45mm
Waterproof Depth
200M
Movement
Quartz
The I.N.O.X. line of watches from Victorinox (the same company that makes the classic Swiss Army Knife) are put through a series of rigorous tests before coming to market. They freeze them, drop them, vibrate them—you name it. While some of these tests may be over the top, they ensure that the watch on your wrist is built to withstand the daily wear and tear (and then some) you can throw at it. The I.N.O.X. Professional Diver is rendered in a lightweight and durable 45mm titanium case with some serious wrist presence. A highly legible dial is treated with Swiss Super-LumiNova on the hour markers and hands so that you can see the time in even the darkest conditions. The watch ships on a woven paracord strap that you can unwrap and use should you find yourself in a sticky situation.
Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
Anti-clockwise rotating bezel
80-hour power reserve
Specifications
Case Diameter
43mm
Waterproof Depth
300M
Movement
Automatic
Modern, bold, and easy to read, the Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 is about as feature-packed as it is a mouthful to say. All jokes aside, this is a solid Swiss-made dive watch with one of the best available movements in the price range. When fully wound, the automatic movement will stay running for 80 hours, nearly double the industry standard. A 43mm stainless steel case is just the right size to have a nice presence on your wrist, while the 12.7mm thickness is right in the middle of what you can expect from a full-on dive watch. You’ll also get a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal up top that protects the handsome blue dial underneath. The Seastar is a true dive watch featuring 300m/1000ft. of water resistance, so you don’t have to worry about taking it down to depth. Several models and colors are available, including both stainless steel bracelet and rubber strap options.
Orient Star Sports RE-AU0302L Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Anti-reflective glass coating
Shock-absorbing
70-hour power reserve indicator
Specifications
Case Diameter
43.6mm
Waterproof Depth
200M
Movement
Automatic
Orient has perfected the task of making great watches at surprisingly affordable prices. The Orient Star Sports dive watch is one of the most feature-packed watches at just around $500. With 200M of water resistance and a 43mm stainless steel case, the Orient features a classic dive watch aesthetic. The dial takes a more rounded approach, with the hands and indices featuring rounded edges for a smoother look. One of the unique features of the watch is the power reserve sub-dial at 12 o’clock. When fully wound, the watch will run for up to 50 hours, and this complication will let you know when the power is running low, so you can give it a quick wind or wear to re-up the mainspring.
Lorier Neptune Series III Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Minimal, highly-legible face
BGW9 lume
120-click unidirectional bezel
Specifications
Case Diameter
47mm
Waterproof Depth
200M
Movement
Automatic
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$$$
Lorier is a small brand based out of New York City that’s made quite the splash into the watch scene over the past few years. Lorier’s offerings punch well above their weight with vintage-inspired design and quality construction. You can see classic dive watch elements in the design of the Neptune Series III everywhere, from the gilt treatment on the hands and hour scale to the domed plexiglass crystal and oversized crown. The Neptune comes on a beautifully finished brushed steel bracelet that looks like it belongs on a much more expensive watch. Inside the watch, you’ll find a reliable Miyota 90SS automatic mechanical movement that beats at 28,800bph that sends the seconds hand around the dial with a smooth sweep. Despite its smaller size (the case is a very wearable 39mm wide by only 10.3mm thick), it’s still built tough with 200m of water resistance.
Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Caoutchouc rubber strap
Vintage dial
Super-LumiNova lume
Specifications
Case Diameter
47mm
Waterproof Depth
200M
Movement
Automatic
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$$$
Inspired by the Zodiac watches of the 1970s, this vintage-style diver is built with all the modern specs you’d expect from your watch. The polished 316L stainless steel case is a wearable 40mm wide by 13.6mm thick that’s water-resistant down to 200M. Underneath the sapphire crystal, a vintage-styled dial sports applied indices that are treated with bright C3 Super-LumiNova that glows brightly when the lights go out. The dial is surrounded by a 120-click unidirectional bezel that can be used for timing your dive (or how long dinner has been in the oven). Inside, you’ll find a reliable STP automatic movement with a 28,800bph beat rate, a smooth sweeping seconds hand, and a 44-hour power reserve when the watch is fully wound. If you’re looking for modern specs but a vintage aesthetic, the Super Sea Wolf 53 makes a compelling choice.
Oris Aquis Date Relief Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Super-LumiNova lume
Automatic winding
120-hour power reserve
Specifications
Case Diameter
41.50mm
Waterproof Depth
300M
Movement
Automatic
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$$$
Building watches out of Holstein, Switzerland, for nearly 120 years, Oris is no stranger to how to build an excellent watch. The Aquis is their modern take on the dive watch, measuring in at a bold 43.5mm. The watch comes with an automatic movement inside with a date display. There are several choices for dial color, ranging from a rich black to a dynamic blue. Surrounding the dial and sapphire crystal, you’ll find a polished ceramic bezel with markings for timing dives engraved into its surface. The Aquis is water-resistant to 300M, making it an excellent choice for all your water-bound activities. You can snag an Aquis on the premium stainless steel bracelet or a comfortable rubber strap for around two thousand dollars.
Deep Blue Daynight Commander Tritium T-100 Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Tritium illumination
120-click unidirectional ceramic bezel
Sapphire crystal
Specifications
Case Diameter
45mm
Waterproof Depth
300M
Movement
Automatic
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$$
If you’re looking for performance at a value, Deep Blue’s Daynight Commander packs a ton of functionality into an affordable package. This 45mm dive watch is crafted from durable stainless steel with a depth rating of 300 meters. Apart from the standard dive watch features like a screw-down crown and rotating timing bezel, you’ll notice that this watch features tritium gas tubes placed throughout the dial. These tubes contain a radioactive (but safe) gas that will glow without exposure to light—perfect for telling time deep underwater or at any time throughout the night. The Commander ships on a beefy rubber strap with the Deep Blue logo molded into the smooth surface.
Seiko Prospex SRPF77 Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Manta Ray-themed dial
41-hour power reserve
LumiBrite hands and markers
Specifications
Case Diameter
45mm
Waterproof Depth
200M
Movement
Automatic
Featuring one of Seiko’s most iconic case shapes, the SRPF77 is a limited edition watch based on the popular “turtle” dive watches of the 1970s. The dial features a beautiful blue gradient with a texture reminiscent of the ocean’s waves. There are also depictions of manta rays at the bottom, further driving the oceanic theme home. This 45mm cushion-case dive watch is water-resistant down to 200 meters and features a unidirectional dive bezel with minute markings and lume pip at 12. Inside the watch, you’ll find Seiko’s own reliable 4R36 automatic mechanical movement that’ll run all by itself for up to 41 hours when fully wound. The blue-dialed watch ships on a matching blue silicone strap that’s just as comfortable in the water as it is on land.
Steinhart Ocean One Vintage Red Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Super-LumiNova lume
Safety deployment clasp
Domed sapphire crystal
Specifications
Case Diameter
42mm
Waterproof Depth
300M
Movement
Automatic
Steinhart’s watch designs may lean on the homage side of style, but they look great and are built to a high degree of quality, especially for the price. Most of us can’t afford to drop five figures on a vintage watch, but right around $500 on something with modern construction and vintage looks is much more attainable. Steinhart’s Ocean One Vintage Red is a dive watch housed in a very wearable 42mm stainless steel case capable of 300 meters of water resistance. Modern conveniences include a sapphire crystal, stainless steel bracelet with solid end links, a safety clasp, and bright Super-LumiNova on the hands and dial.
Orient Kamasu Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Sapphire crystal
Luminous
Screwed-down crown
Specifications
Case Diameter
41.8mm
Waterproof Depth
200M
Movement
Automatic
Inspired by the barracuda, Orient’s Kamasu dive watch features sharp angles and a resilient sapphire crystal. Water-resistant down to 200 meters, the Kamasu is an excellent dive watch with a highly affordable price tag. The case measures just under 42mm, making for a bold and legible appearance without being big and bulky. You’ll appreciate the watch’s classic looks and modern construction and the fact that it comes in several fun colors to coordinate with the rest of your EDC. At just under $300, it’s a heck of a value too.
Rolex Submariner Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Oyster steel
Black dial
Small diameter
Specifications
Case Diameter
41mm
Waterproof Depth
300M
Movement
Automatic
It’s hard to do a dive watch guide without mentioning the mighty Rolex Submariner. What’s possibly the most popular tool watch in history has jumped from an everyday wear kind of watch into a hard-to-obtain luxury piece. That doesn’t mean it isn’t still capable. The latest model features a slightly smaller diameter than its predecessor, clocking in at 41mm. You’ll find an updated tapered bracelet, polished ceramic bezel insert, and Rolex’s super reliable caliber 3235 automatic movement. The classic design, premium materials, and iconic status make the Submariner a watch you could easily wear for the rest of your life.
Omega Seamaster Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
James Bond’s watch
“Tank tread” bracelet
Anti-reflective sapphire
Specifications
Case Diameter
42mm
Waterproof Depth
300M
Movement
Automatic
Found on the wrist of modern-day James Bond, the Omega Seamaster is a luxury tool watch packed with dive-ready features. With water resistance up to 300 meters, durable sapphire crystal, helium escape valve for saturation diving, and a super-accurate co-axial chronometer movement inside, the Seamaster is some of the best modern dive watches have to offer. The dial is handsome, featuring a deeply engraved wave pattern and decorated with lume-applied indices. On its 42mm stainless steel case, you’ll find Omega’s signature twisted lyre lugs and high-quality brushed and polished surfaces. The Seamaster ships on its immediately recognizable tank tread style bracelet or a high-quality rubber strap.
Tag Heuer Aquaracer Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Black sunray dial
Optimal ergonomics
38-hour power reserve
Specifications
Case Diameter
40mm
Waterproof Depth
200M
Movement
Automatic
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$$$
Featuring a revamp of the brand, Tag Heur’s new Aquaracer is an impressive watch that’s right at the entry-level into luxury. The Aquaracer features a robust and handsome 40mm case that’s water-resistant down to 200 meters. Surrounding the dial is a unidirectional dive bezel with 12 flat sides for a unique look and firm grip. You can snag an Aquaracer on a steel bracelet in one of several striking dial colors like dark gray or a rich mid-tone blue.
Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Nouveau-vintage dive
Domed sapphire crystal
70-hour power reserve
Specifications
Case Diameter
39mm
Waterproof Depth
200M
Movement
Automatic
If you’re looking for a diver with a vintage feel and modern technology, look no further than Tudor’s popular Black Bay 58. This watch hits the sweet spot with its 39mm case, steel riveted bracelet, 200 meters of water resistance, and a durable sapphire crystal. The vintage look on the outside hides Tudor’s in-house MT5402 that’s tested to COSC specs for accuracy and features silicon components for increased accuracy and resistance to magnetism. The movement will run for a class-leading 70 hours in between windings. Vintage lume on the applied indices adds a classic look to the watch.
Casio MDV106-1AV Duro Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
3 years battery life
Luminous markers and hands
Unidirectional bezel
Specifications
Case diameter
44mm
Waterproof Depth
200M
Movement
Quartz
Casio’s MDB106-1AV might not have the catchiest name, but this super affordable and capable dive watch has a lot to offer. You get a 200-meter resistant dive watch with a legit rotating bezel and screw-down crown at just forty dollars. There’s a date display at three o’clock on the dial, while large, lumed hands point to the time. The MDV relies on an accurate quartz movement for timekeeping, making it an excellent option for your grab-and-go EDC.
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Powered by any light source
Anti-reflective mineral crystal
Luminous hands
Specifications
Case Diameter
43mm
Waterproof Depth
200M
Movement
Eco-Drive Quartz
If you’re not the type to maintain your watch (or even want to think about switching out batteries), then an Eco-Drive Citizen might be right up your alley. The movement is powered by light (either natural or artificial) and will hold a charge for up to six months without exposure to said light. The watch’s design features chunky, aggressive indices, a screw-down crown at 4 o’clock, a handy date display, and a deep toothy pattern cut into the bezel for easy grip with wet hands. With real ISO certification, this watch meets all the criteria of what a dive watch should be without breaking the bank.
Tudor Pelagos Divers Watch
PurchaseKey Features
Titanium bracelet
70-hour power reserve
Scratch-resistant sapphire
Specifications
Case Diameter
42mm
Waterproof Depth
500M
Movement
Automatic
Tudor’s Pelagos takes a different turn from the Black Bay, with its modern appearance and materials. Crafted from titanium, the case is lightweight, strong, and water-resistant down to an impressive 500 meters. There’s a helium escape valve integrated into the side of the case, taking a more subtle approach than Omega’s separate crown-like device. The titanium bracelet on the Tudor has a unique spring-loaded extension system that keeps it comfortable on your wrist all day long. You’ll also appreciate the sapphire crystal for durability, the 70-hour power reserve for convenience, and the ceramic bezel insert to avoid scratches.
What is a Divers Watch?
A dive watch is a purpose-built tool that meets the ISO 6425 standard defined above. The most standout feature of a dive watch is the rotating bezel present on all of them. Surrounding the dial, you’ll find a rotating piece that tracks elapsed time. When diving, it’s crucial to know how long you’ve been underwater, especially when the air you’re carrying only lasts for a set amount of time. Dive watches stand out from regular watches thanks to their more robust construction and durable materials. If a watch can stand up to the pressures of the deep and be banged into rocks underwater, there’s a good chance it’s good to go for your daily tasks.
Are Divers Watches Fully Waterproof?
“Fully waterproof” is a slippery, winding road to go down. Being “waterproof” means that in no way will water ever enter into something. That’s just not the case with dive watches. Good news, though–they are built to withstand depths far beyond what the human body can endure. You might see arguments over whether or not a watch is a “true dive watch,” and usually, that argument comes down to water resistance. Anything below the ISO-mandated 200M of water resistance technically isn’t a true dive watch, and even though you may see 50 meters on a dial, it doesn’t really mean what it says.
When testing water resistance, the watch in question usually undergoes a static test, meaning the watch is in still water and not moving around. In actual use case scenarios, the movement of your wrist through the water will affect the watch’s water resistance. While you won’t find yourself 150 feet underwater with a 50M watch, you can do light swimming and surface water activities. 100M is suitable for more intense water sports like surfing or snorkeling, and 200M brings you a bit more resistance suitable for skin diving. When the word “DIVERS” comes into play, these watches are the real deal, with “DIVERS 100M, 200M, or 300M” being suitable for full-on scuba diving.
Features You Should Pay Attention To
There are a few key features that you should pay attention to when picking out your new EDC divers watch:
- Accuracy: Mechanical watches are cool, but they typically aren’t as accurate as a quartz movement, unless you go way up market.
- Legibility: A bold set of hands treated with luminous paint make for a highly legible experience, crucial when you depend on your watch to let you know how long you’ve been underwater.
- Quality: Finishing and machining on the case not only make a dive watch look better on your wrist, but they’re also indicative of the overall quality of the watch.
- Depth Rating: Keep in mind how deep your watch can go depending on what activities you plan on doing while wearing it.
- Material: Different case and component materials affect how the watch will wear. For example, titanium will be much lighter on the wrist than steel.
- Movement: Keep in mind that a high-quality automatic mechanical movement will require more maintenance than its quartz counterpart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do divers actually use dive watches?
Some divers still use dive watches, however, dive computers are more commonly used today.
What watch do real divers use?
Real divers use any watch that is ISO certified for diving. It must have a unidirectional bezel, luminous hands, and an automatic movement or quartz movement with low battery indication.
Why are diving watches so popular?
They are popular because they are durable, feature useful designs, and have a long history in the world of watches.
Why are dive watches black?
Dive watches are black because black is the most popular dial color, regardless of the style of the watch. Not all dive watches have to be black.
How we picked
Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.
What is Everyday Carry?
Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily lives. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.
Why you should trust us
Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise with the industry and familiarity in design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.
