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As far back as the 1950s, diving has been a notable sport, with its popularity soaring in the mid-20th century. Dive watches can help a diver track time underwater, track the amount of air in the tank, and calculate decompression stops. In addition, dive watches are highly flexible and durable, fitting most clothing styles.
How Are Dive Watches Different?
Although there are different styles of dive watches, they have several standard features. Usually, dive watches have a water-tight seal and gasket, which makes them bulkier. Also, the watches are generally from metal or silicon-like material; silver and gold material give dive watches natural water resistance.
Furthermore, the dive watch’s band is usually from silicone or rubber strap material; This gives the watch a more casual feel, fitting any clothing style. Also, the watch has a large face with big, luminous hands and details that enhances reading underwater.
Dive watches also have numbers, hands, and face larger than a typical dress watch. The watches also have luminous elements on different parts of their face
Features of the Dive Watch
- Water resistance: Usually, dive watches should not only have at least 100 meters of water resistance but be able to withstand pressure at that depth. Recently, the advanced models of dive watches have water resistance up to 200 to 300 meters. Dive watches should also have magnetic, shock, and chemical resistance levels.
- Rotating bezel: Mechanical dive watches have a rotating bezel that helps a diver know how long they’ve spent underwater. The bezel indicates how much oxygen a diver has left, and some watch’s bezel shows depth.
- Legibility: a dive watch’s legibility is how luminous it is in low or no light conditions. A dive watch should be legible underwater regardless of the depths. Also, to avoid underwater glares, a dive watch should be anti-reflective.
- Durable strap: A dive watch’s strap should either be from rubber or stainless steel material. These materials are adaptable under seawater, and they can withstand humidity, pressure, and direct sunlight. Also, a dive watch’s strap should be able to handle at least 45 pounds of force.
- Helium escape valve: this feature ensures that professional divers operating at great depths for prolonged periods can release trapped helium during resurfacing. Although not all dive watches possess this feature, it is ideal for protecting the watch.
How Does a Dive Watch Work?
Dive watches are available in three styles – quartz, manual, and automatic movement.
A quartz watch is battery-powered. The battery keeps quartz crystal vibrating at a specific frequency. Furthermore, quartz watches are incredibly accurate and inexpensive. However, they lack a mechanical watch’s craftsmanship.
Manual watches, on the other hand, are mechanical. The watch requires regular winding to maintain tension on the mainspring and also to keep the watch running.
As the name implies, automatic watches have a mechanism that harnesses kinetic energy for winding the watch.
Things to Note When Purchasing a Dive Watch
- Water resistance: It is best to purchase dive watches that have a water resistance between 200 and 300 meters. At this depth, the watch should be able to withstand water pressure.
- Unidirectional bezel: a watch’s bezel is the top ring surrounding the watch’s crystal. Bezels show divers how long they’ve spent underwater. Several bezel types include crew on, uni-directional, bidirectional, or stationary. It is best to purchase watches with a uni-directional bezel. They move counterclockwise and show a diver more elapsed time, ensuring safety in case of accidents underwater.
- Clear and easy to read: it is best to purchase an easy-to-read dive watch, especially in low-light. You can opt for watches with contrasting colors, mainly black on white. Also, ensure numbers on the bezel are imprinted and not painted on to avoid rubbing off.
- Depth rating: this feature indicates water depths that a watch can withstand whatever pressure you subject it to.
- Watch straps: Although rubber wristbands are comfortable and strong, they can cut or become brittle over time. On the other hand, stainless steel or titanium bands won’t rust; however, they are more expensive. Furthermore, stainless steel and titanium watches have a wet suit extension feature that allows you to fit the wristband over your dive suit easily.
- Adjustability: it is best to buy adjustable wristwatches. Some dive watches have removable clasps that you can take off individually for the watch to fit your wrist.
The 8 Best Dive Watches Under $2000 in 2022 are Reviewed Below
This section discusses the best dive watches under $2000 in no particular. Kindly read on for more information.
1
Oris Aquis Men’s Stainless Steel Diver Watch
The Oris Aquis watch is an analog watch with a blackface and a black rubber hand. The watch’s case is made from brushed and polished stainless steel, which is anti-rust and water-resistant. Also, the watch had a screw-down case back with a unique engraving that improves its water resistance.
The Oris Aquis watch also has a black ceramic uni-directional rotating bezel alongside a white minute scale to tell divers how much time they’ve spent in water. Also, the watch has a black dial under the 12 o’clock position with the Oris logo. The Oris Aquis is luminescent and easy to read with its applied silver-tone indices and orange coating.
Other notable features of the Oris Aquis are a date window at the 3 o’clock position, a black guilloche subdial, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. A Swiss automatic movement powers the watch, and it has a push-button deployment clasp. The Oris Aquis is round in shape, has a power reserve of 38 hours, and can fit up to a 9.5-inch wrist.
Key Features:
- Analog display
- 45mm round wristwatch
- Waterproof
- Black rubber band
- Brushed and polished stainless steel case
- Uni-directional rotating bezel
- Black dial
- Silver-tone hands with orange coating
- Black guilloche small seconds subdial
- Date window
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Screw-down crown
- Swiss automatic movement.
- Push-button deployment clasp
- 500 meters water resistance
Specification:
- Brand: Oris
- Case diameter: 45mm
- Display: Analog
- Shape: Round
- Band Color: Black
Pros
- The wristwatch has an analog display, and it is large enough for easy readability.
- The Oris Aquis is waterproof, and it has a water resistance level of up to 500 meters
- The black rubber band is stylish and easily adjustable
- The brushed and polished steel case gives the wristwatch a fine finish, which is stylish
- The uni-directional rotating bezel gives divers an idea of how long they’ve spent in the water at a glance
- The wristwatch’s black dial alongside the silver-tone hands and orange coating is highly visible underwater
- The Oris Aquis has a black guilloche subdial that shows small seconds
- There is a date window at the 3 o’clock position
- The dial window is made from a scratch-resistant, domed sapphire crystal. The material has an anti-reflective coating which reduces underwater glares
- The wristwatch has a protected screw-down crown that protects it from water and dust
- Swiss automatic movement power the Oris Aquis wristwatch
- The push-button deployment clasp firmly secures the wristwatch and the push-button diver’s extension that fits a diving suit
- The watch has a water resistance of 500 meters
- There is a power reserve if 38 hours
- The watch can fit up to a 9.5-inch wrist
Cons
- Although the rubber band gives the watch a casual feel, the band may become brittle and cut overtime.
2
Tag Heuer Men’s Stainless Steel Dress Watch
The Tag Heuer wristwatch is a stainless steel wristwatch with a silver-tone. The watch has a stainless steel bracelet with black ceramic center links. Also, the bezel is made from fixed stainless steel, and it has a black ceramic top ring that shows tachymeter markings. Furthermore, the dial is grey with luminous silver-tone hands and index hour markers.
The Tag Heuer wristwatch is suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports. A Swiss quartz movement powers the watch, and it has water resistance up to 200 meters. Additionally, the wristwatch has an analog display, and it also displays the date at the 4 o’clock position.
With its scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, the dial window is anti-reflective, preventing underwater glares. The watch is also water and dustproof because of its solid case and screw-down crown.
The Tag Heuer wristwatch has a deployment clasp for a firm fitting, and the round case shape gives you a stylish look. Furthermore, the tachymeter bezel function converts elapsed time into average speed.
Key Features:
- Silver-toned color
- Stainless Steel case
- Fixed stainless steel bezel
- Grey dial with luminous silver-tone hands
- Luminous index hour markers
- Swiss quartz movement
- 43 mm case diameter
- 200 meters water resistance
- Analog display
- Date display
- Chronograph
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Screw-down crown
- Solid case back
- Round case shape
- Deployment clasp
- Tachymeter bezel function
Specification:
- Brand: Tag Heuer
- Case diameter: 43mm
- Display: Analog
- Shape: Round
- Band Color: silver-tone
Pros
- The Tag Heuer wristwatch has a silver-tone color for a stylish look
- The stainless steel case increases the wristwatch’s water resistance and durability
- The bracelet is made from stainless steel, and it has black ceramic links
- The wristwatch has a fixed stainless steel bezel alongside a black ceramic top ring that shows tachymeter markings.
- The wristwatch’s dial is grey, and it has luminous silver-tone hands for easy reading underwater. Also, the luminous index hour markers improve the watch’s visibility
- A Swiss quartz movement powers the Tag Heuer wristwatch
- The wristwatch has a water resistance of up to 200 meters
- The display is analog, making it easy to read at a glance
- The wristwatch displays date at its 4 o’clock position
- The Tag Heuer wristwatch has a chronograph with three subdials that display 60 seconds, 30 minutes, and 1/10th of a second
- The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal is anti-reflective, and it reduces underwater glares
- The screw-down crown protects the wristwatch from water and dirt
- The wristwatch has a solid case back that protects the wristwatch from wear and tear
- The deployment clasp is easily adjustable for proper fitting
Cons
- Although the tachymeter bezel is accurate, it can be quite complicated
3
Longines Hydroconquest Ceramic Automatic Diving Watch
The Longines Hydroconquest is a luminous diving watch that is easy to read underwater. With its silver-tone stainless steel case, the wristwatch is durable and waterproof. Also, the silver-tone band is stylish and can fit any clothing style. An automatic movement powers the watch, and it has a water resistance of 300 meters
Furthermore, the Longines Hydroconquest has a uni-directional rotating bezel that shows divers elapsed time at a glance. Also, the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal reduces underwater glares. The Longines Hydroconquest has other features, including its solid case back and a fold-over with a safety release clasp for adjustability and comfort.
The Longines Hydroconquest has an analog display, and with its 43mm case diameter, it is easily visible underwater. Additionally, the wristwatch’s screw-down crown protects the watch from dirt and water.
Key Features:
- Blue dial
- Luminous silver-tone hands
- Stainless Steel case and band
- Automatic movement
- 300 meters water resistance
- Uni-directional rotating bezel
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Solid case back
- Safety release clasp
- Screw-down crown
- Analog display
Specification:
- Brand: Longines
- Case diameter: 43 mm
- Display: Analog
- Shape: Round
- Band color: silver-tone
Pros
- The Longines Hydroconquest has a blue dial and luminous silver-tone hands that makes the wristwatch easy to read underwater
- The silver-tone stainless steel case increases the wristwatch’s water resistance
- The wristwatch has a silver-tone stainless steel band that makes it more stylish
- The Longines Hydroconquest works with an automatic movement
- The wristwatch can withstand water pressure up to 300 meters
- With its uni-directional rotating bezel, a diver can tell how long they’ve spent in the water with the wristwatch
- The wristwatch has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, which is anti-reflective and can reduce glares underwater
- The wristwatch has a solid case back and a screw-down crown that protects the wristwatch from dirt and water
- The clasp has a safety release, and it can fold over for adjustability and comfort
Cons
- None
4
Gucci Dive Watch
The Gucci Dive Watch is an analog watch with a two-tone dial. A quartz movement powers the watch, and it has a date window at 6 o’clock. With its luminescent hands, the watch is easily readable underwater, and its stainless steel bracelet is stylish and contributes to its water resistance.
Furthermore, the watch has a push-button closure for safety, and there is a Gucci SuperLuminova coating on the watch’s batons. With its glass sapphire crystal protection, the watch reduces underwater glares. Also, the screw-down crown and solid case back protect the watch.
The Gucci dive Watch has a 45mm case diameter, making it prominent and visible underwater. Also, with its uni-directional rotating bezel, divers can tell time spent underwater at a glance. Additionally, the watch can withstand water pressure up to 200 meters, making it ideal for divers.
Key Features:
- Quartz watch movement
- Analog display
- Two-tone dial
- Glass Sapphire crystal protection
- Date window
- 200 meters water resistance
- Luminescent hands
- Stainless Steel bracelet
- Push-button closure
- Uni-directional rotating bezel
- Solid case back
- Screw-down crown
- Gucci SuperLuminova coating
Specification:
- Brand: Gucci
- Case diameter: 45 mm
- Display: Analog
- Shape: Round
- Band Color: silver-tone
Pros
- A quartz movement powers the Gucci dive watch
- The display is analog and easy to read at a glance
- The watch has a two-tone dial of red and green for increased luminosity
- The glass sapphire crystal protection makes the watch scratch-resistant and provides excellent clarity, avoiding underwater glares
- The date window is at the 6 o’clock position
- The watch has a water resistance of 200 meters, making it suitable for divers
- The watch’s luminescent hands are easily visible underwater.
- The stainless steel material is durable and can withstand humidity and direct sunlight
- The watch has a stainless steel bracelet that can fit any clothing style
- With its push-button closure, the watch secures firmly on your wrist
- The uni-directional rotating bezel show divers time spent underwater at a glance
- The solid case back and screw-down crown protects the watch from dirt and water
- The watch batons have a Gucci SuperLuminova coating that prevents fading or interaction with moisture
- The Gucci Dive Watch comes with a two years warranty
Cons
- None
5
Luminox Men’s Swiss Automatic Watch
The Luminox Men’s watch has a Swiss automatic movement that powers it. The watch has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that provides excellent scratch resistance and excellent clarity. The crystal is also anti-reflective, thus avoiding glares underwater. The wristwatch’s case is made from brushed stainless steel; it is stylish and can withstand direct sunlight, humidity, or pressure.
The watch is a 300 meters divers watch, and it is waterproof up to 500 meters. Its display is analog, and it has a stationary bezel. The wristwatch’s strap is made from rubber, and it has an adjustable buckle clasp to fit divers’ wrists.
Key Features:
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Brushed stainless steel case
- Swiss automatic movement
- 300 meters diver’s watch
- 500 meters waterproof
- Analog display
- Buckle clasp
- Stationary bezel
Specification:
- Brand: Luminox
- Display: Analog
- Case diameter: 44 mm
- Shape: Round
- Band Color: Blue
Pros
- The Luminox Men’s watch has a Swiss automatic movement for power
- The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal is anti-reflective, avoiding underwater glares. The crystal also protects the watch, providing excellent scratch resistance and clarity.
- The brushed stainless steel case is durable, stylish, and can fit any clothing style. It also gives the watch a stronger finish
- The watch is 500 meters waterproof
- The Luminox Men’s watch is an ideal 300 meters diver’s watch
- The watch has an analog display that is easily readable at a glance
- The watch’s buckle clasp is adjustable
- The strap is made from rubber, giving it a stylish look
Cons
- The rubber strap may become brittle over time
6
Tag Heuer Formula 1 Stainless Steel Watch
The Tag Heuer Formula 1 watch is a stainless steel watch with a brushed and polished case. The watch has a round black dial with luminous hands for improved visibility underwater. There are also two subdials at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions; these subdials show alarm time and small seconds, respectively.
Furthermore, the Tag Heuer Formula 1 watch has a date window at 6 o’clock and a logo shield at the 12 o’clock position. The watch has an analog display, and a Swiss quartz movement lowers it. Also, the dial window is made from synthetic sapphire, which is very hard, transparent, and scratch-resistant.
Additionally, the Tag Heuer Formula 1 watch has a diver’s suit extension. The case back is screw-down with a checkerboard pattern. The link bracelet is made from stainless steel, and it has a fold-over clasp to keep the watch secure. Furthermore, the watch has a water resistance of 200 meters, and its bezel is stainless steel, engraved with black Arabic numerals.
Key Features:
- Stainless steel watch
- A brushed and polished case
- Round black dial with luminous hands
- Date window
- Logo shield
- Synthetic sapphire dial window
- Analog display
- Screw-down, checkerboard-patterned, case back
- Two subdials with alarm display
- Screw-down crown
- A stainless steel link bracelet
- Deployment clasp with safety
- 200 meters water resistance
- Stainless steel bezel
- Black Arabic numerals
- Divers suit extension
- Stationary bezel
Specification:
- Brand: Tag Heuer
- Display: Analog
- Case diameter: 41mm
- Shape: Round
- Band color: silver-tone
Pros
- The Tag Heuer Formula 1 watch has a polished and brushed stainless steel case, giving the watch a stylish and stronger finish
- The dial is round and black. It also has luminous hands for enhanced visibility underwater
- The watch has a date window at the 6 o’clock position
- There is a logo shield at the 12 o’clock position
- The dial window is made from synthetic sapphire, which is resilient, transparent, and scratch-resistant
- A Swiss quartz movement powers the Tag Heuer Formula 1 watch
- The watch has an analog display
- The case back has a checkered board pattern, and it is screw-down to protect the watch
- There are two subdials in the watch. The subdial at the 9 o’clock position displays alarm time, while the subdial at the 3 o’clock position displays small seconds
- The screw-down crown protects the watch from dirt and water
- The bracelet is made from stainless steel, and it has a deployment clasp with safety to securely fit around your wrist
- The Tag Heuer Formula 1 watch has a water resistance of 200 meters
- The watch has a stainless steel bezel with black Arabic numerals engraving
- The watch has a diver’s suit extension
Cons
- Although accurate, underwater, stationary bezels are not as safe as a uni-directional rotating bezel
7
Oris Aquis Date Automatic Divers Watch
The Oris Aquis Date divers watch is an analog watch with a brushed and polished stainless steel case. The wristwatch is stylish, and it has a blue rubber band. With its sapphire crystal, the watch is scratch-resistant and anti-reflective to reduce underwater glares. Also, the wristwatch has a water resistance of 300 meters and a push-button deployment buckle for easy adjustment.
There is an Oris logo at the 12 o’clock position, and there is a date window at the 6 o’clock position. A Swiss automatic movement powers the watch, and it has a black ceramic uni-directional rotating bezel. Furthermore, the watch is easy to read underwater with its black dial and silver-tone hands with a luminescent coating.
Key Features:
- Analog display
- 43 mm case diameter
- Blue rubber band
- 300 meters water resistance
- Brushed and polished stainless steel case
- Screw-down case back
- Uni-directional rotating bezel
- Silver-tone hands
- Applied silver-tone indices
- Date window
- Screw-down crown
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Swiss automatic movement
- Push-button deployment buckle
Specification:
- Brand: Oris Aquis
- Display: Analog
- Diameter: 43 mm
- Shape: Round
- Band Color: Blue
Pros
- The Oris Aquis Date has an analog display that is easy to read at a glance
- With its 43 mm case diameter, the watch is visible underwater
- The watch has a blue rubber band which is stylish
- The Oris Aquis date has a 300 meters water resistance
- The wristwatch has a polished and brushed stainless steel case that gives it a stylish and stronger finish
- The screw-down case back and screw-down crown protects the watch from dust and water
- The wristwatch has a uni-directional rotating bezel that shows divers how long they’ve spent underwater
- The silver-tone hands and applied silver-tone indices have a luminescent coating that makes the watch easy to read
- There is a date window at the 6 o’clock position
- The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating that makes the watch scratch-resistant and also reduces underwater glares.
- A Swiss automatic movement powers the Oris Aquis date
- The watch has a push-button deployment buckle that is easily adjustable and can fit a wrist up to 9 inches
- The watch also has a diver’s suit extension
Cons
- Rubber watches get brittle over time
8
Raymond Weil Men’s Analog Swiss Automatic Watch
The Raymond Weil watch is a Swiss automatic movement-powered watch with an analog display. This watch is suitable for divers, especially with its 300 meters water resistance. The bezel on the watch is made from ceramic, and it has a uni-directional rotation function that indicates the time a diver spends underwater.
The Raymond Weil watch casing and bracelet are from stainless steel, and the watch has an extendable clasp. This clasp is a push-button fold-over with safety to fit securely on the wrist. Furthermore, the wristwatch has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal that makes the watch scratch-resistant and also reduces glares underwater
Key Features:
- 300 meters diver’s watch
- Ceramic bezel
- Swiss Automatic movement
- 42 mm case diameter
- Stainless Steel case
- Stainless Steel bracelet with extendable clasp
- Uni-directional bezel rotation
- Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
- Analog display
- Push-button fold-over clasp with safety
Specification:
- Brand: Raymond Weil
- Display: Analog
- Case Diameter: 42 mm
- Shape: Round
- Band Color: silver
Pros
- The Raymond Weil wristwatch has a 300 meters water resistance that makes it perfect for a diver
- The ceramic bezel is stylish. Also, the bezel has a uni-directional rotation function that tells divers the time they’ve spent in the water
- Swiss automatic movement power the Raymond Weil watch
- The stainless steel case is stylish and resistant to humidity and pressure
- The stainless steel bracelet has an extendable clasp for a better fit
- The clasp is a push-button fold-over with safety to securely fit the wrist
- The Raymond Weil wristwatch has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal for reducing underwater glares and also for making the watch scratch-resistant
- The watch has an analog display that is easily readable at a glance
Cons
- None
Buying Guide Questions
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about dive watches. Kindly read on for more information.
What is the best affordable dive watch?
Several affordable dive watches have impressive functions and sleek styling. Some of the best affordable dive watches include the Vincero Vessel, the Breitling Superocean Heritage, and the Liv GX-Diver
What is the best dive watch?
The best dive watches should provide accurate time while withstanding the pressure of being submerged in water. Some of the best dive watches on the market include the Rolex submariner, the Omega Seamaster, and the Tudor black bay heritage.
Does anyone actually dive with a Rolex?
Yes. Rolex watches are waterproof. Most professional saturation divers prefer the Rolex Sea-Dweller and the Rolex Submariner for diving.
What is the best dive watch for under 500?
There are dive watches under 500 dollars that are highly efficient while giving you a stylish look. Some of the best dive watches under 500 include the Lorier Hydra watch, the Seiko, and the Tissot Seastar watch.
What watch do Navy divers wear?
Although there is no official watch for navy divers, the most preferred brands include G-Shock, Suunto, and Seiko. These brands are designed for divers, and they are exceptionally rugged and reliable.
Conclusion
Dive watches help divers know how long they’ve spent inside water. The watches are not only limited to diving but can also be used stylishly. This article discusses features of dive watches, things to think of before purchasing them, and the best dive watches under $2000 in 2021.
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