For almost as long as watches have been worn on wrists, watchmakers have strived to make them function in places they probably shouldn’t. Nowhere is that pursuit more glorified or mastered than in the dive watch.
Imagine a tiny network of gears and springs, working flawlessly, shielded from the relentless pressure of the ocean and insulated from the water surrounding it.
This robustness and adventure-readiness — along with their generally agreed-upon good looks — have made divers arguably the most popular genre of wristwatches over at least the last half-century.
Several models are among the most iconic watches ever produced — think Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster — and you’ll find them, along with some hidden gems, among our picks for the best dive watches money can buy.
Before we get to the picks, however, let’s cover some ground rules.
What is a dive watch?
Many watches can be worn and read underwater but the guidelines for what makes up a true diver’s watch are laid out by the International Organization for Standardization.
The modern ISO 6425 standard stipulates a few criteria, chief of which are:
- Minimum depth rating of 100 meters
- Unidirectional bezel with markings at least every five minutes
- Dial that is visible in total darkness
- An indication in total darkness that the watch is running—usually, this is indicated by running seconds hands with a luminous tip or counterbalance.
- Anti-magnetic and shock-resistant
- Resistant to corrosion in seawater
Best Overall Dive Watch
Tudor Black Bay 58
Specs
| Case Size | 39mm |
| Movement | Tudor caliber MT5402 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
Tudor’s Black Bay lineup is inspired by the Tudor-branded Submariners made during the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. The Fifty-Eight is the greatest tribute to that era yet, thanks to a vintage-inspired 39mm case and a dial with faux-patina gilt indices.
The movement is wholly modern and features a 70-hour power reserve and chronometer-rated accuracy. On the wrist, it’s perfectly balanced, comfortable, and striking, just as appropriate with a linen suit as it is with a swimsuit.
Best Upgrade Dive Watch
RolexRolex Submariner Date
Specs
| Case Size | 41mm |
| Movement | Rolex caliber 3235 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
We all knew it would be here. The Submariner is arguably the most influential watch of all time, inspiring countless other sports watches since its inception in 1953, and helping make dive watches into style statements outside the water.
In its modern guise, it’s a clear evolution from the original, featuring a better movement (an automatic accurate to within two seconds a day), a ceramic bezel and a 41mm case that is water-resistant to 300 meters.
Best Budget Dive Watch
SeikoSeiko 5 Sports SRPK99
Specs
| Case Size | 42.5mm |
| Movement | 4R36 automatic |
| Wate Resistance | 100m |
Seiko’s 5 Sports dive watch collection is hands-down the best bang for your buck. When it first launched in 2018, it essentially copied the look of the defunct, iconic SKX collection. There are now dozens of colors to choose from.
The SRPK references, introduced in 2024, borrow some design cues from vintage Omega Seamasters, but it is a refreshing look for the 5 Sports.
Best Microbrand Dive Watch
Christopher WardChristopher Ward C60 Trident Lumière
Specs
| Case Size | 41mm |
| Movement | Sellita SW300-1 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
Christopher Ward has created an unexpected version of its flagship Trident dive watch that’s unlike anything we’ve seen from the brand before—or any brand, really. The new diver is CW’s lightest yet thinnest, with a Grade 2 titanium case and bracelet.
The 41mm case measures just 10.85mm thin, while the new bracelet boasts a 6.5mm taper and an improved push-button micro-adjust clasp. Under the hood is a COSC-certified Sellita SW300 automatic movement, while the case gets a new helium escape valve and a fully-lumed ceramic bezel.
But the real star of the show is the dial. All of the indices, the logo, and most of the handset are made from Globolight; solid blocks of ceramic lume usually seen on higher-end watch brands like Moser.
CW says the lume glows twice as brightly as any other Trident, and since the standard Trident 300 was already one of the brightest divers around, that’s saying something.
Most Stylish Dive Watch
OmegaOmega Seamaster Diver 300m 007 Edition ‘No Time to Die’
Specs
| Case Size | 42mm |
| Movement | Omega Cal. 8806 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
Thanks to an exclusive licensing deal, James Bond has worn Omega dive watches since Pierce Brosnan took over the role in 1995’s Goldeneye. For Daniel Craig’s final appearance as the fictional super spy, Omega created a Seamaster Diver 300m that paid homage to the character’s entire cinematic legacy.
With elements like gilt detailing, a no-date dial and a mesh bracelet, this is not only the coolest Seamaster ever created, it is one of the best looking dive watches of all time. Decked out with all the specs Omega has to offer, the 007 Edition performs like the watch you would want on your wrist while you save the world.
Most Colorful Dive Watch
AmazonZodiac Super Sea Wolf Compressor
Specs
| Case Sizeq | 40mm |
| Movement | STP reference 1-11 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
The Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Compressor isn’t the only original diver design from 1953 on this list, but it is the most affordable, and the watch is a spot-on take on a vintage Sea Wolf.
The brand was revived by Fossil Group and now runs on movements produced by the company’s STP manufacturer which closely follow expired ETA patents, the gold standard for automatic movements.
While many dive watches on the affordable end of the spectrum tend to rely on bulky cases to remain water-resistant at deeper depths, the Sea Wolf is relatively svelte at just 40-millimeters in diameter and 11-millimeters thick.
Best Everyday Dive Watch
BalticBaltic Aquascaphe Classic
Specs
| Case Size | 39mm |
| Movement | Myota caliber 9039 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
French microbrand Baltic has built a reputation impressive enough to stand with the big heritage brands from neighboring Switzerland. Aside from using highly respected Japanese movements, every watch is manufactured entirely in France.
Baltic’s success has come from leaning heavily on beloved vintage designs from the mid-twentieth century but adding just enough originality to pave a unique path. The gilt-colored minimalist detailing on the Aquascaphe is the perfect example.
Best Affordable GMT Dive Watch
SeikoSeiko 5 Sports GMT
Specs
| Case Size: | 42.5mm |
| Movement: | Seiko Cal. 4R34 Automatic GMT |
| Water Resistance: | 100m |
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$475.00 (28% off)
The beauty of this watch is that it is built on the standard Seiko 5 sports dive watch, which is based on the iconic Seiko SKX dive watch from the 1990s and 2000s. Aside from the fancy new movement, a 24-hour bezel and an additional hand on the dial, this watch preserves the look of arguably the most beloved affordable dive watch of all time.
Seiko’s 4R34 movement changes the GMT dive watch game by making it affordable to most shoppers. Before the Seiko 5 Sports GMT came out, most dive watches with the complication went for well over a grand. Now, the sub-$500 market is loaded with good options.
Most Unique Dive Watch
DoxaDoxa Sub 300T Professional
Specs
| Case Size | 42.5mm |
| Movement | ETA caliber 2824-2 automatic COSC-certified |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
Not that your dive watch has to be orange, but when Doxa does it, at least there’s history behind its attention-grabbing look. The 300T is an evolution of the legendary Doxa divers of the late ’60s and early ’70s.
It carries the brand’s iconic decompression limit bezel and orange dial — ostensibly to aid in legibility but it’s an iconic design trait more than anything. Aside from those things, Doxa makes a highly capable dive watch.
Most Underrated Dive Watch
Glashutte OriginalGlashutte Original SeaQ Panorama Date
Specs
| Case Size | 43mm |
| Movement | Glashutte Original caliber 36-13 automatic |
| Wate Resistance | 300m |
German watchmaker Glashutte is the best-kept secret in dive watches. Founded in 1845, it still makes and assembles every component in one factory in Saxony, Germany. That kind of vertically integrated production is rare in today’s watchmaking world
The SeaQ Panorama Date is a 43-millimeter stainless steel diver with a simple, classic dial layout. The alternating rounded numerals and dash indices, along with the hands are inlaid with Super-LumiNova. It is sold with the choice of a three-link steel bracelet, a black tropical rubber stap or two different color two-piece nylon staps.
Best Military Issue Dive Watch
MarathonMarathon 41mm OSAR-D Type I
Specs
| Case Size | 41mm |
| Movement | Sellita caliber SW200-1 |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
Marathon revived the Type I Original Search and Rescue watch in 2024. The Canadian Coast Guard commissioned this watch for search and rescue teams, so it meets exacting standards with a 14-millimeter thick shock-resistant case and a 300-meter dive rating.
The Type II has since replaced it for active service, but the Type I has a retro 1960s look that will never go out of style. It runs on a Sellita caliber SW200 automatic movement. It is available on a black rubber tropical strap or a three-link stainless steel bracelet.
Best Minimalist Dive Watch
MINGMING 37.09 Bluefin
Specs
| Case Size | 38mm |
| Movement | Sellita for MING Cal. SW300.M1 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 600m |
Ming has never made a typical watch, so it makes sense that the Malaysian brand’s take on a dive watch would be just as out there as the rest of its lineup. Instead of featuring a traditional dive bezel, the 37.09
Bluefin’s timing scale is printed on the dial, while the indices remain stationary as a Hyceram luminous ring on the underside of the sapphire crystal. Turn the crown at 4 o’clock, and the entire dial rotates, giving you a unique (and very cool) way to track your dive.
Most Rugged Dive Watch
SinnSinn U50
Specs
| Case Size | 41mm |
| Movement | Sellita caliber SW 300-1 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 500m |
Sinn is synonymous with tough German tool watches, and the 1,000m-water-resistant U1 dive watch epitomizes that image. However, its 44mm case prevents it from being worn on smaller wrists and in a range of situations (read: with sleeves).
The U50, with its smaller 41mm case, retains all the toughness and strength of seawater-resistant steel used for German submarines. It’s water-resistant to 500m, which is far more than the feeble human body can withstand, but Sinn wears the overkill well.
Best Internal Bezel Dive Watch
LonginesLongines Legend Diver 39mm
Specs
| Case Size | 39mm |
| Movement | Longines caliber L888.6 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 300M |
The Legend Diver reissue has been a longtime watch enthusiast favorite since its debut in 2007. In 2023, Longines gave the retro diver — which is a modern recreation of a Longines super compressor from 1959 — its biggest makeover ever.
The new version now has a crowd-pleasing 39mm case, stonger lume, a true bracelet with fitted end links and a new COSC-certified movement. It also maintains most of the vintage flair that’s made it so beloved among collectors.
Best Dive Watch for Large Wrists
submersiblePanerai Submersible PAM 682
Specs
| Case Size | 42mm |
| Movement | Panerai caliber P.9010 automatic |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
Early Panerai watches helped pave the way for the modern diver but lacked the crucial rotating bezel. The Submersible rectifies this while retaining the brand’s iconic Luminor silhouette, complete with a locking crown guard that protects it from knocks while submerged.
The watch features an excellent P.9010 automatic with a three-day power reserve. Bonus: Panerai watches look good on almost any strap, from rubber to leather.
History of dive watches
Engineering a truly water-resistant watch began in earnest in the early 20th century. In 1927, Rolex debuted the “Oyster,” often considered the world’s first water-resistant watch.
In the late 1930s, Panerai developed the Radiomir, a large cushion-cased watch worn by divers in the Italian Royal Navy, meant to be worn for long periods of time underwater.
The modern dive watch as we know it, though, didn’t arrive until 1953 when Rolex, Blancpain and Zodiac introduced their dive watch designs — the Submariner, Fifty Fathoms and Sea Wolf, respectively — all different but touting remarkably similar features.
All three watches featured chunky water-resistant cases, legible lume-filled dials and rotating dive bezels that could be used to calculate time spent underwater.
This final component is at the crux of why the dive watch became such a vital piece of SCUBA kit: it allows divers to know exactly how much time they’ve spent underwater and when it’s time to begin an ascent.
While they were initially intended mainly as tools for military and commercial divers, recreational diving became an exceedingly popular hobby in the following decades. Dive watch options multiplied to meet the rising demand, following the same formula set in 1953 and featuring the same hallmark design traits.
Though watchmakers continue to improve said formula — with tougher cases, more substantial depth ratings and other practical features — the many dive watches you’ll see today are still inspired by the ones launched over 60 years ago.
The reality is that the dive watch was usurped by the modern digital dive computer a long time ago. Today, there are still holdouts (who likely wear one as a backup to a dive computer), but most dive watches are worn as style pieces rather than tools.
The best dive watches retain their old-school style, better fit for everyday wear, but can still be used for their intended purpose if needed.
Dive watch terms to know
Bezel (unidirectional)
A ring surrounding the watch dial which, on some watches, is also functional and rotates. On dive watches, it only turns counterclockwise and features markings at least every five minutes.
A diver will line up the marker at 12 o’clock with the current position of the minute hand to track elapsed time on a dive. Unidirectional bezels only turn in one direction, so it’s less prone to being knocked out of place.
The tracked time will be thrown off (and the diver will think he has more available time underwater than he actually does).
Gasket
A soft rubber (or synthetic) ring found inside a watch that creates a watertight seal, keeping moisture from making its way into the watch case and damaging the clockwork.
Helium escape valve
It is not a requirement, but it is useful on dive watches worn at particularly deep depths or by saturation divers. The breathing gas worn by these divers contains helium, which is so small it can work its way into a watch case.
The valve allows this gas to escape once the diver has surfaced. If it were not there, the helium could blow off the crystal from the watch case due to buildup and expansion at surface pressure.
Lume
A term used to describe the luminescent material applied to a watch dial to make the hands and indices/numerals light up in the dark.
On older dive watches, radioactive materials like radium and tritium were used. Today, most divers use a photoluminescent paint like SuperLuminova.
Screw-down crown
A type of crown that can be screwed in until it is flush with the watch case, creating a seal so that no water can enter the watch through the crown tube.
