The 8 Best Dive Watches for less than $500

TimeFAQ Feb 18, 2024
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Image of a featured Dive Watch with divers in the background
Table of Contents
  1. Overview: Dive Watches
  2. Dive watches have a few distinct qualities.
  3. The ISO 6425 Specification for Diving Timepieces
  4. Timex Men's T49831 Expedition Rugged Analog Black Resin Strap Watch
  5. Casio MDV106G-1AV Diver Inspired Stainless Steel Quartz Watch
  6. Seiko SRPD63 Seiko 5 Sports Watch
  7. Orient Kamasu Automatic Diving Watch RA-AA0003R19A
  8. PHOIBOS Reef Master PY016C 300M Automatic Diver Watch Black
  9. Tissot Seastar 660/1000 T1204171704100
  10. Seiko Prospex Special Edition SRPF79
  11. Hamilton H82315931 Khaki Navy Scuba Watch

When it comes to scuba diving, you have to be mentally and physically prepared for everything that may come your way. The diving watch is an essential piece of equipment because you never realize what may happen underwater. Spending thousands of dollars on a timepiece is pointless if you're not going to dive very frequently anyhow. Fortunately, there are a number of excellent watches on the market that will meet your specific demands and won't strain your wallet.

Overview: Dive Watches

The diving watch, divers watch, or dive watch are among the most common styles of wristwatches people purchase. We can safely assume that the most majority of these timepieces would never be used for its primary function, which is to keep a diver safe while they are underwater. While it may seem self-evident, diving into the depths of a sea, ocean, or maybe even a deep lake may mean entering a world of near-total darkness and complete isolation. As a result, having a watch that can be seen well in low-light conditions is a useful asset to have.

Dive watches have a few distinct qualities.

  1. Water Resistance - At least 100 metres of water resistance is required to classify a timepiece as a diver's watch.

  2. Readability - Diving watches must be readable while submerged in water. In low- or no-light situations, many have luminosity.

  3. Rotating Bezel - In order to keep track of how long you've been diving, most dive watches have a spinning bezel. Some versions will also display the diver's depth in this display.

  4. Strap That Lasts - Dive watch straps are often rubber or stainless steel. Those are the most tolerant to saltwater and can resist pressure, sunshine, and humidity.

This may seem simple, but diving watches must fulfill certain standards before they can be deemed such. What distinguishes a dive watch from a non-diving watch? The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) publishes standards that specify what constitutes a diving watch, and those requirements are found in ISO 6425. To achieve these requirements, watchmakers make use of a variety of design options.

The ISO 6425 Specification for Diving Timepieces

ISO-6425, the worldwide standard for divers watches, sets the parameters for what makes a diver's watch. Only watches that have been legally, formally, and technically approved by ISO-6425 may claim to be full-fledged divers' timepieces. To qualify as a divers watch, a watch must be water resistant to 330 feet/100 metres at the very least.

The ISO-6425 international standard mandates that dive watches be tested at a pressure equal to or greater than 125 percent of the rated official water pressure. When it comes to diving watches, the higher the rating, the higher the water pressure the watch needs to deal with. The water resistance is expressed as a number of feet (ft), metres (m), or bars (bar).

The following are some options for a diving watch that you may want to explore, based on your budget.

Timex Men's T49831 Expedition Rugged Analog Black Resin Strap Watch

Image of Timex Men's T49831 Expedition Rugged Analog Black Resin Strap Watch

Timex T49831 is one of the company's most popular watches at the moment. To create a stunning clock, you'll need to match all of the parts included with this timepiece. People who participate in a variety of sports or other physical activities will like this kind of watch because of its athletic appearance. An energetic guy would look great in this outfit because of its edgy, robust appearance. This Timex watch is perfect for the energetic guy who needs to keep track of the passing of time.

Model No.

T49831

Case material

Resin

Glass Material

Mineral crystal

Case Diameter / Width

43.5  (mm)

Case thickness

11.5  (mm)

Lug to lug

47 (mm)

Movement Type

Quartz

Manual Winding

No

Band Material

Plastic

Band width

22 (mm)

Water Resistance

50 meters

Casio MDV106G-1AV Diver Inspired Stainless Steel Quartz Watch

Image of Casio MDV106G-1AV Diver Inspired Stainless Steel Quartz Watch

There are several Casio watches recognize for their classic digital timepieces and anything that beeps. The Casio MDV106G-1AV watch shouts "Rolex Submariner" at you. Let's face it, only a select handful of us can spend that much money on a timepiece. Which is why this timepiece is so well-liked by the public. Clear black face with minimal unnecessary marks indicates that it was developed for a specific purpose. Featuring WR 200m at 6 o'clock and a lovely picture of a marlin at 12 o'clock, Casio has added a very little branding to their timepiece. Casio seems to utilize the marlin as a symbol for water resistance of up to 200 metres and the ability to dive to these depths.

Model No.

MDV106G-1AV

Case material

Stainless Steel

Glass Material

Mineral Crystal

Case Diameter / Width

44 (mm)

Case thickness

12 (mm)

Lug to lug

48 (mm)

Movement Type

quartz

Manual Winding

No

Band Material

Resin

Band width

25 (mm)

Water Resistance

200 meters

Seiko SRPD63 Seiko 5 Sports Watch

Image of Seiko SRPD63 Seiko 5 Sports Watch

As part of Seiko's new "5" line, the 5 SRPD63 joins the Seiko 5 SRPD62. As early as 1963, Seiko debuted its "5" series of watches. The idea was that the watches in this range would be inexpensive, athletic, value for the money, and act as entry-level timepieces. When it comes to style, the Seiko 5 SRPD63 is an eye-catching watch that is driven through an automatic movement but also has good water resistance. In order to develop an appealing tried and tested formula, this watch draws on the success of its predecessor. Watch collectors and horologists praise this inexpensive automatic watch as one of the finest in its price range.

Model No.

SRPD63 

Case material

Stainless Steel

Glass Material

Mineral Crystal

Case Diameter / Width

42.5  (mm)

Case thickness

13.4  (mm)

Lug to lug

46  (mm)

Movement Type

Automatic 

Movement

Automatic mechanical Seiko caliber 4R36

Manual Winding

Yes

Band Material

stainless steel

Band width

22 (mm)

Water Resistance

100 meters

Orient Kamasu Automatic Diving Watch RA-AA0003R19A

Image of Orient Kamasu Automatic Diving Watch RA-AA0003R19A

One of the most popular Orient Kamasu watches is due to several factors. This timepiece has a classic and elegant design, excellent build quality and functionality, and, of course, an automatic movement of the highest quality, robustness, and durability. Not only is this a dive watch inspired by diving, but it is also a dive watch capable of living up to its name. Because of its excellent quality-to-price ratio, the Orient brand is well-known. The Orient Kamasu is not an exception to this rule, either. An economical, high-quality automatic diving watch is the Orient Kamasu, so there's no need to explore any further.

Model No.

RA-AA0003R19A

Case material

Stainless Steel

Glass Material

Synthetic Sapphire

Case Diameter / Width

41.8 (mm)

Case thickness

12.8 (mm)

Lug to lug

47 (mm)

Movement Type

Automatic

Movement

Caliber F6922

Manual Winding

Yes

Band Material

Stainless Steel

Band width

22 (mm)

Water Resistance

200 meters

PHOIBOS Reef Master PY016C 300M Automatic Diver Watch Black

Image of PHOIBOS Reef Master PY016C 300M Automatic Diver Watch Black

With a durable stainless steel casing and a trustworthy SII NH35A movement, the PHOIBOS REEF MASTER PY016C would be a striking timepiece. The face of this timepiece is matte black, and the bezel is made of gorgeous ceramic. The 42 mm case diameter of the watch makes it comfortable to wear on most wrists without it being too bulky or uncomfortable. An additional rubber strap is included in the package, as well as a date display at the 3 o'clock position for increased convenience. Including its 300-meter water resistance with domed sapphire crystal and anti-reflective coating, you can rest assured that this rugged watch can tackle practically any obstacle.

Model No.

PY016C

Case material

Stainless Steel

Glass Material

Sapphire Crystal 

Case Diameter / Width

42 (mm)

Case thickness

14 (mm)

Lug to lug

48 (mm)

Movement Type

Automatic

Movement

Caliber SII NH35A

Manual Winding

Yes

Band Material

Leather

Band width

22 (mm)

Water Resistance

300 meters

Tissot Seastar 660/1000 T1204171704100

Image of Tissot Seastar 660/1000 T1204171704100

In terms of quality and dependability, the Tissot Men's Seastar T1204171704100 is an elegant timepiece for people who won't settle for anything less than perfection. To add a touch of refinement to your appearance, this watch has a stylish design that goes well with a wide range of business suits and ties. This fantastic watch is well worth the money you'll spend on it. With this timepiece, you get both style and functionality without having to compromise either one. The watch's look and functioning are both influenced by its diving inspiration. At 30 bar (300m/1'000ft), it combines a love of diving with a refined Swiss watch. Luminescent hands and markers and a unidirectional bezel with a safety clasp all add to the dive watch concept.

Model No.

T1204171704100

Case material

Stainless Steel

Glass Material

Sapphire crystals

Case Diameter / Width

43 (mm)

Case thickness

13 (mm)

Lug to lug

49.6  (mm)

Movement Type

Quartz

Manual Winding

No

Band Material

Rubber

Band width

22 (mm)

Water Resistance

300 meters

Seiko Prospex Special Edition SRPF79

Image of Seiko Prospex Special Edition SRPF79

Many of Seiko's most popular timepieces, such the Samurai or Turtle, have been re-imagined as "Save the Ocean" special editions. As a consequence of Seiko's collaboration with the grandson of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, this device aids in the promotion of ocean health and conservation. The Seiko SRPF79 models used in the "Save the Ocean" SRPF79 were only recently introduced by Seiko. For the most part, the Samurai is a reworked version of the Seiko bestseller. The objective of using improved materials was to make the system more resistant to attack from the outside. Even just a fresh patterned as well as manta-inspired grey-blue dial made and new silicone strap, the stylish style of this watch remains intact.

Model No.

SRPF79

Case material

Stainless Steel

Glass Material

Sapphire Crystal

Case Diameter / Width

43.8 (mm)

Case thickness

12.8 (mm)

Lug to lug

48.7 (mm)

Movement Type

Automatic

Movement

Calibre 4R35

Manual Winding

Yes 

Band Material

Silicone 

Band width

22 (mm)

Water Resistance

200 meters

Hamilton H82315931 Khaki Navy Scuba Watch

Image of Hamilton H82315931 Khaki Navy Scuba Watch

By keeping divers in mind, Hamilton created this men's wristwatch. The rotatory dial and the black dial base adorn this mechanical timepiece. The clock includes a power reserve of 80 hours and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass; with minute marks along the outside ring of the dial. The diver's wristwatch has a 100-meter water resistance rating. This may be worn at the beach, the pool, or even underwater. It's aesthetically pleasing and practical for today's boaters, divers, surfers, and beach-goers alike. In hot weather, it will help you stay cool by keeping track of how long you spend in the water, on the road, or just out in the sun.

Model No.

H82315931

Case material

Stainless Steel 

Glass Material

Sapphire Crystal 

Case Diameter / Width

40 (mm)

Case thickness

12.95 (mm)

Lug to lug

44 (mm)

Movement Type

Automatic

Movement

Hamilton Calibre H-10

Manual Winding

Yes

Band Material

Nylon NATO

Band width

20 (mm)

Water Resistance

100 meters

If you find this article helpful, you might want to check out my other posts :

>> 10 Best Unique Watches for Men

>> Seiko Presage Watches You Should Not Miss Out On!

To see my recommendations of watches, cases, and watch straps :

>> Explore Watches and More with TimeFAQ!

To learn more about watches :

>> Welcome to Our Learning Hub

To see my reviews of watches :

>> My Watch Collection!

Table of Contents
  1. Overview: Dive Watches
  2. Dive watches have a few distinct qualities.
  3. The ISO 6425 Specification for Diving Timepieces
  4. Timex Men's T49831 Expedition Rugged Analog Black Resin Strap Watch
  5. Casio MDV106G-1AV Diver Inspired Stainless Steel Quartz Watch
  6. Seiko SRPD63 Seiko 5 Sports Watch
  7. Orient Kamasu Automatic Diving Watch RA-AA0003R19A
  8. PHOIBOS Reef Master PY016C 300M Automatic Diver Watch Black
  9. Tissot Seastar 660/1000 T1204171704100
  10. Seiko Prospex Special Edition SRPF79
  11. Hamilton H82315931 Khaki Navy Scuba Watch