Watches should have the below basic features to be categorized as dive watches.
- Water-resistant
- A rotating bezel that allows for easy reading of elapsed time
- Luminous watch hands
Regardless, some watches in the market do not check all the listed factors but still claim to be dive watches. Therefore, ensure you read the specifications before you buy a dive watch. Moreover, with numerous dive watches on the market at different price tags, remember that; when it comes to the watch’s cost, the difference between a $100 watch and a $5000 watch is generally the extra features and craftsmanship as indicated in the article. Therefore, use the above watches whenever possible to ensure you get the best dive watch for the money at hand.
Best dive watches for the money
1) Best dive watch for $100: The Hammerhead Invicta Pro Diver
If you have a budget of $ 100, no dive watch beats the Hammerhead in terms of design, effectiveness, and cost.
The watch’s design incorporates a rotating bezel and an outstanding hammerhead picture on its dial. These two give the watch a luxurious look that you will notice is far more luxurious than what you will pay for.
The watch incorporates a scratch-proof fusion crystal and a stainless steel case that makes it highly durable.
Its stainless steel strap is also gentle on your wrists. Therefore, the watch is comfortable even when worn over long periods.
The watch features an accurate quartz movement and a date display that adds convenience to the watch. Moreover, the watch is water-resistant to depths of up to 330ft.
Specifications
- The watch has a diameter of 43mm
- The watch incorporates quartz movement
- Water resistance to 330ft
- Hammerhead image on the dial
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Water-resistant to 330ft
Adjustable strap
Attractive design
Luminous marks incorporated[/i2pros][i2cons]Basic dive watch features
You might find a depth of 330ft is insufficient[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2) Best dive watch for $500: Seiko Prospex PADI SRPA21
Seiko is a household name renowned for its high-quality, affordable watches. The same quality you know from their numerous watches is what the company incorporated with this watch and went further.
With this dive watch, every detail was considered when it came to its design. The watch has an attractive color scheme of:
- Blue/red bezel
- Watch hands highlighted in red
- A sunburst blue dial
Its stainless steel case has an attractive finish to make it stand out. The casing is 45 mm in diameter. Consequently, you will turn heads whenever you walk into a room.
Like the previous entry, this watch has a date display. However, it goes further to incorporate self-winding capabilities and crowns for enhanced water resistance to a depth of 660ft.
It’s dive bezel that is unidirectional and scratch-proof crystal glass makes the watch effective and durable. Moreover, its stainless steel straps are comfortable regardless of how long you have them on. The straps are also extension-able and quiet whenever you clasp them.
In addition, you will be amazed to find that the watch is a collector’s item.
Specifications
- Self-winding
- Water-resistant to 660ft
- 41-hour power reserve
- Stainless steel case
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]An attractive design.
Collector’s item.
Extra features such as a unidirectional bezel.
[/i2pros][i2cons]The K1 crystals incorporated in it are lower quality than sapphires.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3) Best dive watch for $1000: I.N.O.X Victorinox Swiss Army pro diver
When it comes to durability, few watches rival the I.N.O.X. Despite its delicate look, the watch design is such that it can withstand various impacts such as:
- Temperature inversions
- Vibrations
- Shock
Moreover, you need not go any further if you want accuracy as this is a legit Swiss watch. Regardless, the watch incorporates the Ronda quartz movement that gives it a European feel.
When it comes to its design, its attractive dial is set deep in the case and is three-dimensional for an unrivaled appearance at the $1000 mark. The watch is also water-resistant to a depth of 660ft. Therefore, it is suitable for various water activities.
The design further incorporates a visceral click in its unidirectional bezel, luminous markers, and sapphire crystals glass for unparalleled attractiveness.
Specifications
- A 45 mm diameter stainless steel/ titanium case
- Water-resistant to 660ft
- Ronda quartz movement
- Various strap options
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Durable
An attractive design
Titanium/ stainless steel case
ISO 625 certification for expert scuba diving
[/i2pros][i2cons]The watch does not incorporate as many features as you might expect at the price tag.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4) Best dive watch for $5000: Chronographic Marathon CSAR
Marathon has a reputation as a trusted military watch supplier. Therefore, Marathon watches are some of the best you can buy.
The watch incorporates a chronograph that functions as a stopwatch for periods less than an hour on activation.
It also has a 1/5 second, non-magnetic movement with a minimum of thirty-six hours running time.
The watch also incorporates self-lighting hands that have tritium gas tubes behind them for effective readability.
When it comes to durability, the watch is water-resistant to depths of 1000ft and incorporates a rugged 316, surgical stainless steel, and scratch-proof sapphire crystal glass for durability.
For unparalleled accuracy, the watch utilizes automatic movement and has a date window. Moreover, that allows for a quick day and date adjustment.
Its unidirectional bezel placement is high to make it easier to operate even with gloves on. Upon turning the bezel, you expect a click sound.
The watch has a 46 mm casing to house its components.
Specifications
- An incorporated chronograph
- Automatic movement
- 42-hour power reservation
- Water resistance to 1000ft
- Luminous tritium tubes
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]High accuracy
High durability
Long power reserve
Easy to read due to the tritium tubes
Engraved NATO serial numbers
[/i2pros][i2cons]The 46mm diameter might seem bulky on smaller wrists[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5) Best dive watch for utmost luxury: Rolex submariner
Once you pass the $5000 mark, you practically enter the world of luxury dive watches. Of these watches, the Submariner reigns supreme.
With various features like:
- 18 K white gold watches hands
- Sapphire crystal glass
- Automatic Rolex Caliber 3130 movement
Submariners’ designs offer high quality, durability, and a universal appeal.
For unparalleled durability, the watch utilizes 904L steel that is challenging to produce but gives the watch a distinct feel only a Rolex watch can offer.
Though it’s a 40 mm watch, its wide lugs make it feel like a 42 mm watch. Its moderate size ensures it fits on a wide range of wrists. Moreover, the oyster bracelets make the watch very comfortable to wear. The glide lock feature also makes it easy to adjust.
Specifications
- 18 K white gold watches hands
- Sapphire crystal glass
- Automatic Rolex Caliber 3130 movement
- Water-resistant to 1000ft
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Universal appeal
Water-resistant to 1000ft
High durability
Comfortable
A lot of luxurious features
[/i2pros][i2cons]The price tag is quite hefty[/i2cons][/i2pc]
FAQs
Why dive watches are called dive watches?
Dive watches are called dive watches because their design is such that they are durable and water-resistant hence suitable for use in water.
Are dive watches durable?
Yes, dive watches are very durable that some like the Submariner expected to serve you all your life if properly maintained.
Why do some dive watches cost thousands of dollars while others cost a few dollars?
When it comes to the watch’s cost, the difference between a 100$ watch and a 5000$ watch is generally the extra features and craftsmanship as indicated in the article.