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7 Best Dive Watches for Deep Sea Explorations in 2023

Article By: Faheem Hussain Published On: July 27, 2023 , Last updated on : October 9, 2023 | Reviewed by : Editorial Board
7 Best Dive Watches for Deep Sea Explorations

When you’re underwater, swimming beneath the deep blue, it’s important to keep track of your time. It helps to know how long you’ve been swimming close to the seabed. Hence, you’ll need the best dive watch to take with you underwater, one that’s water-resistant and strong. So, in this article, we have compiled a list of the 7 best dive watches specifically designed for deep sea explorations.

What should the best dive watch for deep sea explorations have?

So, what should the best diver watch have? Isn’t water resistance enough? Well, not really; there are other things you need to consider when looking for the best watch for divers. Namely things like the watch’s overall design and display, its strength and integrity, and how much water pressure it can resist. So, let’s go over our brief list of factors we’ve looked over for this list.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is an obvious no-brainer; you’re going to take this underwater, after all. But it’s important to note that not all watches labeled “water resistant” are suitable for diving. Diver’s watches should have a minimum water resistance rating of 200 meters to ensure they can withstand pressure at greater depths. But that’s not where we’re stopping, as we’ll also look at how the watch can withstand high water pressure. This, in tandem with the watch’s durability, is what will help determine which diver watch will be the best.

Also read: Apple Watch Bands for Surfing

Durability

Durability is a must when you’re going underwater due to the increasing water pressure in the underwater depths. The watch must be designed to withstand these tough environmental conditions. The watch also needs to withstand a few bumps and heavy hits. It also helps if the material is strong and durable enough to handle all of that, like titanium or stainless steel. Also, the dial window should be made of scratch-resistant material, such as sapphire crystal, to ensure that it remains intact even in rough underwater conditions.

Design and Comfortability

The watch’s design can often refer to how it looks and its style. But it can also refer to how the watch is designed around certain factors, for example, underwater pressure and a better display. After all, good looks are pointless if they can’t even handle the crushing water pressure, which gets stronger the lower you go.

Comfort is another factor to take into consideration. A watch can have all the bells and whistles, but if wearing it feels like putting on a lead bracelet, why bother? Naturally, the weight of the watch might also factor in the comfort of the watch, given how unwieldy it can be. But we’ll also take into account the material used in making them, particularly the watch strap.

Related: Best Underwater Camera Housings

Price

Perhaps the most important factor we have to consider is the price of the diver’s watch. Believe it or not, these watches are very expensive, with prices often found in quadruple-digit territory. A diver’s watch’s price can vary significantly depending on its brand, the features it has, and the materials it is made of.

Some luxury brands can charge exorbitant prices for their diver’s watches, often due to the use of high-quality materials and intricate craftsmanship. However, it is important to note that there are also more affordable options available on the market for those on a tighter budget. Ultimately, the price should be weighed against the overall quality and durability of the watch to ensure a worthwhile investment.


Tissot Seastar

Tissot Seastar

The Tissot Seastar is a durable and reliable diver’s watch designed to withstand tough underwater conditions. It is equipped with features such as a unidirectional rotating bezel and a water resistance rating of up to 1000ft (300m), making it suitable for recreational diving.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300

Omega Seamaster Diver 300

The Omega Seamaster Diver 300 is a highly regarded Swiss dive watch with 300m water resistance. It is known for its exceptional precision time-keeping and has COSC certification. The watch features a ceramic bezel, a helium escape valve, and a transparent case back to showcase its automatic movement.
Tudor Pelagos Blue Dial

Tudor Pelagos Blue Dial

The Tudor Pelagos Blue Dial is a premium diving watch that features a 500m water resistance rating, making it suitable for professional divers. It also has a helium escape valve, ensuring the watch can withstand extreme pressure during deep dives.
SEIKO PROSPEX Turtle Diver

SEIKO PROSPEX Turtle Diver

This diver’s watch offers an affordable option for those who enjoy underwater activities. It has a water resistance of up to 200 meters, making it suitable for recreational diving and snorkeling. The watch features reliable automatic movement and a unidirectional rotating bezel, allowing for precise timing underwater.
Pantor Seahorse Dive Watch

Pantor Seahorse Dive Watch

The Pantor Seahorse Dive Watch is a highly durable timepiece designed for underwater exploration. With its impressive 1000-meter water resistance, it is suitable for professional divers. It offers highly accurate time-keeping with its Japanese automatic 9015 movement and features a unidirectional rotating bezel for measuring dive times.
Longines Legend

Longines Legend

This is another high-end luxury diving watch that boasts exceptional craftsmanship and precision. It has a water resistance of up to 300 meters, making it suitable for professional divers. The Longines Legend also features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, luminous hands, and markers for easy readability in low-light conditions.
Casio Men's MDV106

Casio Men's MDV106

The Casio Men’s MDV106 is the most affordable dive watch in this review. It boasts a water resistance rating of up to 200 meters, making it suitable for recreational diving. Its stainless steel case and mineral crystal display provide durability and scratch resistance, while its quartz movement ensures accurate time-keeping.

The best dive watches for deep sea explorations | Top 7 picks

Now that we know what to look for, let’s find the best dive watch. But there are so many watches out there; where do you even begin? Well, it might not be much, but maybe you can start with this list. Not only do we compile our top picks, but we” ll also go over their pros and cons. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and check out our finest entries.

List of the best dive watches for deep sea explorations:

  • Tissot Men’s Seastar Stainless Steel Casual Watch
  • Omega Seamaster Diver 300
  • Tudor Pelagos Blue Dial
  • SEIKO PROSPEX Turtle Diver
  • Pantor Seahorse Dive Watch
  • Longines Legend Diver Automatic Mens Watch
  • Casio Men’s MDV106

Tissot Seastar

1.Tissot SeastarIf you’re looking for the best dive watch, then look no further than the Tissot Seastar. The watch has a classical look that would bring anyone back to the early aughts when dark colors symbolized sophistication. But how does it fare underwater? Surprisingly well.

With its impressive water resistance of up to 300 meters, the Tissot Seastar is designed to withstand the most challenging underwater conditions. It has a strong rubber strap that will never let you go, no matter how rough it gets. But that’s not all this watch can endure. Not only is the watch’s coating designed to handle strong water pressure, but it also protects the watch from scratches. And did we mention how accurately the watch shows the time?

Pros:

  • Classic, old-school design
  • Strong rubber strap
  • Accurate and precise time-keeping
  • Waterproof and scratch-resistant

Cons:

  • Cannot handle long diving sessions

However, a watch that’s great at telling the time and made for underwater use isn’t without its flaws. We mentioned how the watch can take a lot of punishment, and it can, but it has its limits. For instance, it may not be suitable for extreme diving depths or prolonged exposure to high water pressure. In spite of this, the Tissot Seastar is the best diver’s watch in terms of strength, accuracy, and style.

Quantitative Measurement

Depth Rating: 8/10
Design & comfort: 10/10
Durability: 8/10
Price: 9/10

Omega Seamaster Diver 300

2.Omega Seamaster Diver 300Most of the best diver watches you know of often focus on durability and how they’re designed for underwater travel. But not many of them talk about how they function as a watch, accuracy to time, and all that. The Omega Seamaster Diver 300 is equipped with a self-winding Automatic Master Chronometer movement that ensures precise time-keeping, making it not only a reliable diving companion but also a high-performance timepiece. Its exceptional accuracy is certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Control (COSC), guaranteeing that it meets the highest standards of precision in watchmaking. So, it is not a stretch to say the Omega Seamaster Diver 300 is the best and most accurate dive watch.

In addition to its impressive time-keeping capabilities, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300 also boasts a robust and durable design. Constructed with a stainless steel case and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, this watch can withstand the rigors of underwater exploration. Its helium escape valve ensures that the watch remains intact even during decompression. And with a water resistance of up to 300 meters, it further solidifies its status as a top choice for professional divers and watches enthusiasts alike.

Pros:

  • Sophisticated, metallic design
  • Withstand water pressure upto 300m
  • Superior precision and easy-to-read the time
  • COSC-certified
  • Antimagnetic, shock-resistant, and waterproof
  • Customizable watch strap

Cons:

  • Very expensive

So, if the watch is so great, why isn’t it higher on the list? It ticks all the boxes for all the recommendations for the best dive watch—well, almost all of them. The watch is very pricey. In fact, this is the most expensive watch that we have listed here. So, if you have the dough, then the Omega Seamaster Diver 300 is the watch for you; otherwise, you can consider the other options on the list that offer similar features at a more affordable price.

Quantitative Measurement

Depth Rating: 8/10
Design & comfort: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
Price: 8/10

Tudor Pelagos Blue Dial

3.Tudor Pelagos Blue DialNext, we have the Tudor Pelagos, one of the best diving watches for men. With its striking blue dial, the Tudor Pelagos exudes a sense of elegance and sophistication. The blue dial is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly legible, thanks to the luminescent markers and hands. Made of titanium, the watch can not only withstand underwater pressure but also has a helium valve to release any built-up gases during deep dives, which prevents potential internal damage. The watch also has a unidirectional rotatable bezel, adding a stylish and mechanical touch. In addition, the watch is water-resistant up to an impressive depth of 500 meters, which is 200 meters more than the Omega Seamaster Diver 300.

Pros:

  • Tough and lightweight
  • Unidirectional rotatable bezel for style
  • Impressive water resistance depth
  • Helium escape valve to protect the watch

Cons:

  • Very bulky feel

So, is there anything wrong with the watch that has held it back so far? The watch is large and feels very bulky; hence, wearing it underwater is a cumbersome experience. Make no mistake, the watch is still lightweight, but when wearing it underwater for some time, the size and weight can become noticeable and uncomfortable. But once you get past this flaw and take this watch underwater, you’ll know why it’s one of the best.

Quantitative Measurement

Depth Rating: 9/10
Design & comfort: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
Price: 7/10

SEIKO PROSPEX Turtle Diver

4.SEIKO PROSPEX Turtle DiverThe SEIKO PROSPEX Turtle Diver watch is not only easy to read but also easy on the eyes, thanks to its comfortable design. It also helps that it’s comfortable to wear and looks good. Moreover, the watch is surprisingly cheap, which is what we here call a steal, given what it has. But how does it fare underwater? Surprisingly well, believe it or not. The watch is waterproof, which is a given for most diver watches.

Thanks to its sapphire-crystal coating, the watch won’t suffer any scratches. But what about the increasing pressure of the deep sea? This watch is designed to withstand pressure up to a depth of 200 meters, which is not as high as the other diving watches mentioned earlier. That being said, it is still more than enough for recreational diving and most underwater activities. So, the SEIKO PROSPEX Turtle Diver is the best value for money dive watch in its price range.

Pros:

  • Affordable pricing
  • Easy-to-read and ergonomic layout
  • Scratch-resistant and waterproof
  • Comfortable and pristine design

Cons:

  • Bulky design not for everyone

The watch isn’t just one of the best, but the perfect watch to bring with you on your underwater trips. But there are some minor flaws that hold it back, but not by too much. The watch is strong and durable, but it’s also somewhat bulky, which might make it cumbersome to carry. Durable, pristine, and comfortable, you do not want to sleep on SEIKO’s PROSPEX Turtle Diver.

Quantitative Measurement

Depth Rating: 7/10
Design & comfort: 8/10
Durability: 9/10
Price: 9/10

Pantor Seahorse Dive Watch

5.Pantor Seahorse Dive WatchOf all the watches on this list, the Pantor Seahorse Dive Watch stands out for its water resistance capabilities. It has a water resistance rating of 1000m, or around 3300 ft, which is easily double that of the Tudor Pelagos and more than triple that of the Tissot Seastar or the Omega Seamaster Diver 300 watch. This makes the Pantor Seahorse Dive Watch an ideal choice for professional divers or anyone who enjoys extreme water sports.

This impressive feat by the Pantor Seahorse Dive Watch is made possible by its durable construction and high-quality materials. The watch is made of sturdy stainless steel with aluminum inlays and a sapphire crystal that resists scratches, making it resistant to the stresses of deep-sea diving. Additionally, it is equipped with a reliable Japanese automatic 9015 movement, providing accurate time-keeping even in the harshest underwater conditions.

Pros:

  • Helium valve for underwater travel
  • Accurate and precise
  • Scratch-resistant and waterproof body
  • Anti-reflective coating for better readability

Cons:

  • Limited brand recognition

The Pantor Seahorse Dive Watch is definitely not cheap. However, considering its build and performance, especially its 1000-meter water resistance, it offers great value for the price. Despite its many strengths, there is one thing holding the watch back, and that is its brand recognition. Pantor is a relatively unknown player in the high-end or luxury watch industry. This lack of brand recognition may make some potential buyers hesitant to invest in the Pantor Seahorse Dive Watch, as they may prefer to stick with more well-known and established brands.

Quantitative Measurement

Depth Rating: 10/10
Design & comfort: 7/10
Durability: 8/10
Price: 9/10

Longines Legend

6)Longines LegendLongines, having been around since the early 19th century, is on par with Rolex when it comes to prestige and reputation in the world of luxury watches. Their expertise in watchmaking is showcased in the Longines Legend, made for accurate time-keeping, underwater durability, and style. Able to handle depths of up to 1000 feet (300 meters), the Longines Legend is a reliable choice for divers and water sports enthusiasts. This timepiece exudes sophistication and luxury because it was made with premium materials and with careful attention to detail. The Longines Legend is a statement piece that will never go out of style, whether you’re exploring the ocean’s depths or going to a formal event. There is no doubt that the Longines Legend is among the top Swiss dive watches.

Pros:

  • Fairly accurate time-keeping
  • Affordable price
  • Reliable and durable

Cons:

  • Watch strap not comfortable

So, it’s stylish, strong, and stays untarnished; is there nothing that holds this watch back? Well, how about the watch strap that holds it together? The material used isn’t as comfortable to wear and requires constant adjusting when underwater. Regardless, if you’re looking for a watch that embodies prestige and endurance, then this is the best diver’s watch for you.

Quantitative Measurement

Depth Rating: 7/10
Design & comfort: 7/10
Durability: 7/10
Price: 10/10

Casio MDV106

7. Casio MDV106The final watch entry on this list is the Casio MDV106, another entry from a popular Japanese watch brand. While the other brands are mostly known for their high-end luxury watches, Casio is known for its affordable and cheap dive watches. The MDV106 is no exception, as it offers a sleek and sporty design that is perfect for everyday wear. Also, it has a water resistance of 200 meters, which is impressive when you consider the fact that it is valued at nearly only one percent of the price of the Omega Seamaster Diver 300, which has a resistance of 300 meters.

Pros:

  • Fairly accurate time-keeping
  • Affordable price
  • Reliable and durable

 

Cons:

  • Watch strap not comfortable

However, it does have some limitations. The most notable among them is the accompanying black resin band. It is not the most comfortable option, and we would recommend considering replacing it with a more comfortable and durable strap, such as a stainless-steel bracelet or a silicone strap. Also, its quartz movement may not appeal to those who prefer the precision and craftsmanship of automatic movements. Nonetheless, for those seeking a reliable and budget-friendly dive watch, the Casio MDV106 is an excellent choice. In fact, it can be considered as the “poor man’s submariner” due to its similar design and functionality at a fraction of the price.

Quantitative Measurement

Depth Rating: 7/10
Design & comfort: 7/10
Durability: 7/10
Price: 10/10

Rolex Submariner

For our rarely brought-up honorable mentions, we have the Rolex Submariner. The Rolex Submariner is renowned for its flawless craftsmanship and opulent design, and is widely regarded as the best dive watch available. While it comes with a significantly higher price tag compared to the other watches in this review, the Submariner offers unparalleled prestige and a long-standing reputation in the watch industry. Its exceptional water resistance, precision movement, and iconic aesthetics make it a coveted timepiece among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The Submariner’s durability and reliability are also highly praised, as it is built to withstand extreme conditions and has been tested in the harshest underwater environments. Its versatility and timeless design enable the Rolex Submariner to be worn in both formal and casual occasions, which further enhances its appeal. Overall, the Rolex Submariner is a true symbol of luxury and excellence in the world of dive watches.

So, if it’s the best, why isn’t it higher on the list, let alone a part of it? Well, part of it has to do with the high price tag associated with Rolex watches. The Submariner is known for its hefty price, making it less accessible to a wider range of consumers. Additionally, some may argue that there are other dive watches on the market that offer similar features and quality at a lower price point. However, for those who value prestige and are willing to invest in a timepiece that represents craftsmanship and status, the Rolex Submariner remains an unrivaled choice.

Deep diving on time

The deep is a place of terrifying wonder and mystical beauty, where time fades into the wave above. It’s not hard to see why many would get lost in its embrace, whether they’re out on vacation or studying the marine ecosystem. With the best dive watch, you can enjoy your deep dives as you navigate the deep blue where many have lost their way.