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8 Best Diver Watches under 500 USD in 2023

Article By: Faheem Hussain Published On: August 7, 2023 , Last updated on : November 25, 2023 | Reviewed by : Editorial Board
8 Best Diver Watches Under 500 USD

Few watch categories capture the spirit of exploration more than diver watches in the world of timepieces. With their sturdy construction, water resistance, and classic appearance, these tough, dependable timekeeping companions have been a necessary tool for divers and watch aficionados alike. However, diver watches are known to get expensive. Therefore, we will mention the best diver watches under 500 USD in this article for the budget minded.

Check out how to pick the best diver watch under 500 USD | Buying guide

Before you acquire the best diver watch under 500 USD, let us examine the essential elements to take into account when picking your ideal diving watch. We will include things like materials, weight, build quality, and more so that you are well-versed with what the best diver watch under 500 USD is like.

Water Resistance

Water resiliance is crucial for diving watches. Look for timepieces with at least 500 feet of water resistance. This guarantees that your watch can endure the strains of deep-sea research and other aquatic activities.

Build quality and sturdiness

The best budget divers’ watch must be constructed to endure the elements. Choose timepieces that are well-built, particularly with stainless steel casings or tough materials that can withstand pressure and harsh situations underwater. For increased durability, take into account characteristics like scratch-resistant crystals and sturdy case backs.

Also read: Best Underwater Cameras for Snorkeling

Movement

The primary types of movements found in dive watches are automatic and quartz. Quartz movements give precise timekeeping while requiring little maintenance, but automatic movements have the allure of mechanical accuracy. Solar-powered timepieces use the sun’s energy to operate without needing to change batteries. Pick the exercise that best fits your tastes and way of life.

Bezel rotation

A dive watch must have a unidirectional rotating bezel because it enables precise timekeeping when submerged. Make sure the bezel spins easily and securely so you can set your dive time with ease.

Legibility

Visibility is crucial in the ocean’s depths. Look for timepieces with bright hands, large hour markings, and high-contrast displays. For example, Super-LumiNova or Seiko’s LumiBrite, two luminescent materials, guarantee that the watch can still be read in dim or foggy lighting.

Orient Kamasu

Orient Kamasu

Orient Kamasu is one of the best diver watches under 500 USD. The stainless steel case, unidirectional bezel, and Japanese automatic movement are all highlights of this watch. Given that it can withstand 200 meters of water, the watch is appropriate for scuba diving and other water sports.
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Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster

The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster is a well-liked option for a trustworthy and useful diver watch that also has Citizen’s clever in-house Eco-Drive technology. This provides the watch with an excellent mix of attributes, toughness, and style for diving and other aquatic activities.
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Timex Men's Navi XL

Timex Men's Navi XL

The Timex Navi XL boasts a sturdy construction and a military-inspired look from the past. It offers a fusion of fashion and utility. Plus, the Indiglo backlight, which offers a lighted display for simple viewing in low light, is a significant feature of many Timex watches.
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Casio G-Shock GWF-1000-1jf

Casio G-Shock GWF-1000-1jf

The Casio G-Shock GWF-1000-1JF is a highly resilient diving watch with a variety of functions. For diving, water sports, and other adventurous activities, it is a dependable companion thanks to shock resistance, water resistance, and capacity to show tidal and moon data.
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Vostok Amphibian 120

Vostok Amphibian 120

The Vostok Amphibian 120 is an impressive and reasonably priced diver watch with a distinctive design. It provides dependable automatic movement, respectable water resistance, and a range of customizing possibilities.
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Luminox Pacific Diver Chronograph

Luminox Pacific Diver Chronograph

The Luminox Pacific diving watch is a tough and dependable piece with an emphasis on visibility and durability. It is appropriate for diving and outdoor sports because of its durable design, water resistance, and luminous qualities.
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Casio MDV106-1AV

Casio MDV106-1AV

The Casio MDV106-1AV is a dependable and reasonably priced diving watch ideal for people seeking a useful wristwatch without going over budget. It offers the qualities required for diving and other water sports thanks to its tough construction, water resistance, unidirectional rotating bezel, and illuminated hands and markers.
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Glycine GL0173 Combat Sub Watch

Glycine GL0093 Combat Sub Watch

This combat sub-diver watch from Glycine has a date window that adds usefulness to the dial and is often located at 3 or 4 o’clock. Depending on the model, this watch comes with rubber straps or a stainless steel bracelet.
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The best diver watch under 500 USD | Top 8

The following best diver watches won’t break the bank; hence all are under 500 USD. To add, we explore the heights of usability, fashion, and cost, from well-known brands to hidden gems in the watch game.

Below are the best diver watches under 500 USD

  1. Orient Kamasu
  2. Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster
  3. Timex Men’s Navi XL
  4. Casio G-Shock GWF-1000-1j
  5. Vostok Amphibian 120
  6. Luminox Original Navy Seal XS.3001.EVO.OR
  7. Casio MDV106-1AV
  8. Glycine GL0173 Combat Sub Watch

Orient Kamasu

1.Orient KamasuMovement: Automatic
Water resistance: 660 feet

The Orient Kamasu is a well-liked diving watch that combines a high standard of design, craftsmanship, and pricing. Furthermore, it features a Japanese automated movement that is accurate and dependable. Also, it is self-winding and doesn’t need a battery, which is a huge plus for many. Moreover, this is one of the best automatic dive watches under 500 that comes in a polished and brushed 41.8mm stainless steel case. Divers will like that the case is appropriate for recreational diving and other water sports since it is water resistant to a depth of 660 feet.

Additionally, time passing underwater can be tracked easily thanks to the unidirectional rotating bezel with a 120-click mechanism. Plus, the dial of the Kamasu is clear and easy to read and the hands and markers on both models are made of luminous material for visibility in low light.

Pros:

  • Highly accurate movement
  • Suitable for sea diving
  • Built tough

Cons:

  • Limited bezel customization

The watch has a date window at the three o’clock position, which makes the design more useful. To add, the stainless steel band that comes with the Kamasu complements the case’s finish. Overall, the Orient Kamasu has an alluring combination of characteristics, including dependable automatic movement, sturdy construction, and a traditional diver watch design. It is well-liked among watch aficionados for being one of the best cheap diving watches that also is a proper tool for casual divers.

Quantitative Measurement

Movement accuracy: 9.5/10
Water resistance: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
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Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster

2.Citizen Eco-Drive PromasterMovement: Quartz
Water resistance: 660 feet

The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver is a solar-powered quartz watch since it uses the Eco-Drive technology. This means that instead of using batteries, it turns light into energy to power the watch. Plus, the 45mm stainless steel case of the watch has a polished and brushed finish. The casing on this diver can withstand water pressure up to 660 feet, making it appropriate for aquatic sports and leisure diving.

Additionally, it incorporates a spinning unidirectional bezel for keeping track of time spent underwater. For easy viewing in dim light, this Citizen diver watch sports a black dial with exceptionally bright luminous hour markings and hands. To add, a date window is included at the 3 o’clock position, and the dial is clear and easy to read.

Pros:

  • Highly efficent Citizen Eco-Drive technology
  • Bright luminous dial
  • Date window positioning

Cons:

  • Bulky watch

The watch has a black rubber band suitable for aquatic sports and is long-lasting. Additionally, it includes a buckle fastening for simple adjusting and a secure fit. Many know that the Citizen Promaster Diver is renowned for its dependable design and strong construction. With a sporty and practical look, it has a traditional diver watch design. Plus, the watch’s Eco-Drive technology enables continuous charging under varying lighting situations, ensuring that it continues to function without the need for regular battery changes. All-in-all, this is one of the best diver watches under 500 USD.

Quantitative Measurement

Movement accuracy: 9/10
Water resistance: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
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Timex Men's Navi XL

3.Timex Men's Navi XLMovement: Quartz
Water resistance: 330 feet

The Timex Men’s Navi XL is a 41mm stainless steel-cased analog quartz watch that is highly affordable. It boasts a simple, timeless style that may fit a variety of wrist sizes. Plus, its sleek and classic look is a result of the stainless steel construction. The watch has a quartz mechanism, which offers precise timekeeping and needs little upkeep.

The watch case is appropriate for recreational swimming and aquatic activities such as casual diving because it has 330 feet water resistance rating. And although it does not swivel, the fixed bezel does enhance the overall look.

Pros:

  • Highly affordable
  • Indiglo backlighting
  • Classic and versatile design

Cons:

  • Date function missing

The Timex Men’s Navi XL is a fashionable and functional timepiece that provides precise timekeeping with the ease of an Indiglo backlight. This Indiglo backlight technology lights the watch’s dial so that it can be easily seen in dim light. Also, due to its style, this affordable dive watch is appropriate for both informal and formal settings as it goes well with many different looks, making it one of the best diver watches under 500 USD.

Quantitative Measurement

Movement accuracy: 9/10
Water resistance: 8/10
Design: 8.5/10
Durability: 8.5/10
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Casio G-Shock GWF-1000-1jf

8.Casio G-Shock GWF-1000-1jfMovement: Quartz
Water resistance: 660 feet

The Casio G-Shock GWF-10000-1jf is part of Casio’s G-Shock collection’s tough and feature-rich diving watch line. It features a precise quartz movement that offers perfect timekeeping. Plus, this watch is suited for water sports and recreational diving since it has a 200-meter water resistance certification.

This Casio G-Shock watch has a sturdy resin casing and bezel that is resistive to corrosion in addtion to severe weather and shock resistance. The digital dial displays on this rugged dive watch show the time, date, day of the week, and numerous chronograph capabilities, among other things. Also, this watch has a noteworthy feature that makes it ideal for people who participate in water-related activities: the ability to display tide and moon data.

Pros:

  • Super tough build
  • Shows world time
  • Highly legible digital display
  • Provides world time

Cons:

  • Best suited for mens

All-in-all, this watch is a member of the G-Shock line and is made to endure shocks, vibrations, and hard handling, making it very robust and appropriate for outdoor use. With the watch’s global time capability, you can simply keep track of time in several time zones. We were impressed with Casio’s Tough Solar technology, which turns light into energy to keep the watch operating, and powers the GWF-1000-1JF. Overall, this is one of the best diver watches under 500 USD.

Quantitative Measurement

Movement accuracy: 9/10
Water resistance: 8/10
Design: 7/10
Durability: 8.5/10
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Vostok Amphibian 120

5.Vostok Amphibian 120Movement: Automatic
Water resistance: 660 feet

The super unique Vostok Amphibian 120 diver watch is made by Vostok, a Russian watchmaker renowned for its durable and cost-effective watches. Vostok’s 2416 automated movement drives the Vostok Amphibian 120 and has a self-winding mechanism that is dependable and doesn’t need a battery.

Additionally, the watch is suited for water sports and recreational diving since it has a 200-meter water resistance certification. A stainless-steel case with a polished finish is featured on the watch. To add, it features an unusual casing with a distinctive lug design. We must say that this is one of the best microbrand dive watches under $500.

Pros:

  • Reliable self-winding automatic movement
  • High-polish stainless steel bezel
  • Screwed-down crown and case back
  • Lots of color choices

Cons:

  • Spare parts are not readily available

There are several dial and hand variations for the Vostok Amphibian 120. The hands and hour markers on dials are often distinct and easy to see, with possibilities for various colors and designs. Depending on the model, the watch comes with a rubber or stainless steel band. While the stainless steel bracelet gives a more varied and elegant appearance, the rubber strap is frequently favored for aquatic sports.

Additionally, the screw-down crown and case back of the Vostok Amphibian watch is a distinguishing feature that increases their water resistance. Over the date window, they also feature a special “cyclops” magnifying lens. We proudly place this on our bestdiver watches under 500 USD list due to these amazing features.

Quantitative Measurement

Movement accuracy: 8/10
Water resistance: 8.5/10
Design: 9/10
Durability: 8/10
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Luminox Pacific Diver Chronograph

6. Luminox Original Navy Seal XS.3001.EVO.ORMovement: Quartz
Water resistance: 660 feet

The Luminox Pacific diver watch was made primarily for rough use and aquatic sports. Furthermore, the watch’s reliable quartz movement ensures perfect timekeeping, and it has a 660-foot water resistance certification, making it appropriate for recreational diving and other water sports.

Moreover, we classify this as one of the most affordable Swiss dive watches. Its tough black carbon-reinforced polycarbonate shell gives the watch strength and is lightweight. For keeping track of time spent underwater, it incorporates a unidirectional rotating bezel. The watch has a black display with striking white hands and hour markings. In order to improve visibility in low light or while submerged, the hands and hour markers are coated with luminous material. Additionally, it has a date window at the 3 o’clock position, which makes the design more useful.

Pros:

  • Some of the brightest limes on any dive watch
  • Black carbon polycarbonate shell
  • Premium build

Cons:

  • Wears very large on the wrist

Overall, this is one of the best scuba diving watches around, with an emphasis on visibility and durability. It is appropriate for diving and outdoor sports because of its durable design, water resistance, and luminous qualities. The watch stands out because of its unique Trigalight illumination technology, which also guarantees constant visibility in all lighting circumstances.

Quantitative Measurement

Movement accuracy: 8/10
Water resistance: 8.5/10
Design: 8.5/10
Durability: 8/10
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Casio MDV106-1AV

4.Casio MDV106-1AVMovement: Quartz
Water resistance: 660 feet

The Casio MDV106-1AV analog watch is a reasonable alternative for individuals on a tight budget thanks to its exceptional value for money. The watch has a black resin band and a stainless steel case for durability and resilience to wear and tear from daily use.

Moreover, this Casio diver watch has a 660-foot water resistance rating, making it appropriate for recreational diving and other water sports. Plus, the watch’s unidirectional rotating bezel enables you to precisely measure passing time when diving or performing other timed duties. The quartz mechanism of the watch provides precise timekeeping and requires little upkeep. The MDV106-1AV has luminescent hands and markers for improved visibility in low light or while submerged.

Pros:

  • Value for money
  • Reliable quartz movement
  • Bright luminous hands

Cons:

  • The resin band

The Casio MDV106-1AV can be your go-to diving watch that is also priced well under 500 USD. It is ideal for people seeking a useful wristwatch without going over budget. It offers the qualities required for diving and other water sports thanks to its tough construction, water resistance, unidirectional rotating bezel, and illuminated hands and markers. Thus, we feel this is one of the best diver watches under 500 USD and the top affordable diving watch here.

Quantitative Measurement

Movement accuracy: 9/10
Water resistance: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Durability: 8/10
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Glycine GL0173 Combat Sub Watch

7. Glycine GL0093 Combat Sub WatchMovement: Automatic
Water resistance: 660 feet

The Glycine GL0173 combat sub-watch is known for its diving watch features and military-inspired appearance. To add, this robust diver watch has an automated movement that provides accurate and dependable timekeeping without the use of a battery. Plus, the watch is suited for recreational diving and a variety of water sports because of its 200-meter water resistance certification.

The watch has a stainless steel casing that is polished. Also, it features a unidirectional rotating bezel for keeping track of passing time while diving or engaging in other activities. The dial choices here are many and include various hues and patterns. Additionally, luminescent hour markers and hands are frequently present on the dial for improved viewing in dim light or while submerged.

Pros:

  • High-quality build
  • Diver friendly design
  • Well applied luminescent

Cons:

  • Case can wear too large for certain wrists

Overall, the Glycine GL0173 Combat Sub is a durable and dependable diving watch with a look that borrows heavily from the military. It boasts water resistance, automatic movement, and excellent visibility under various lighting situations. Customization and personalization are made possible by the range of available strap and dial variations. Glycine is renowned for having a long history in watchmaking, creating high-quality watches, and often being some of the best value dive watches around.

Quantitative Measurement

Movement accuracy: 8/10
Water resistance: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Durability: 8.5/10
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To summarize

While there are many more options, the best diver watches under 500 USD ultimately comes down to personal taste, desired features, and spending limit. Therefore, when choosing a diver watch, it’s crucial to take into account elements like water resistance, movement style, durability, and design.

Have a look at the best watches for nurses and doctors if you want a watch with a different approach.

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