Don your wetsuit; it’s time to plunge into this list of best automatic dive watches under $500
Dive watches reign supreme as one of the most popular genres on the market. But the sheer breadth of choice can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a newbie. Dial colors, materials, sizes, designs, and pricing vary drastically throughout this popular category. If you’re purchasing your very first dive watch, you may need some help navigating the oceans of options out there. That’s where I can help.
I’m going to list some of the best dive watches under 500 dollars for you to explore. That’s right, you can grab any of these designs you see here in this guide for under that price! Some are also modestly sized dive watches for the smaller-wristed males of society. Before that, let’s explore how to ensure you get a quality dive watch, even when on a budget.
How To Find the Best Dive Watches Under 500
Finding an automatic dive watch under $500 can be challenging. Understandably, the tighter the budget, the fewer the options. That doesn’t mean to say there aren’t options, though. You just need to know where to look for them!
You’re right in thinking that budget-friendly watches don’t offer all the advanced technology of a high-end model. It’s a compromise you have to make when spending a little less. Maybe you’ll have to consider settling for an aluminum bezel rather than a ceramic one. Lower-budget watches may also compromise on superior features like a helium escape valve. Generally speaking, you’ll struggle to find a dive watch with anything more than 300M of water resistance when spending less than $500.
Still, some features are a must in a dive tool. To help you with your search, I have a tick-list of fundamental features every dive watch should include. This goes for whether the watch is expensive or cheap.
Look for a legible, clear, concise dial that strips everything back to basics. If you plan on diving with your chosen model, you’ll need to access important information at a glance. Next, you should look at a water-resistant rating of no less than 200 meters. Most dive watches for this price point will feature a steel case. Steel is excellent for diving, but it should also come with a screw-down crown for upholding water resistance. Don’t forget a rotating bezel, either. That’s a must! Opt for sapphire crystal glass wherever possible when deliberating over watch glass. Sapphire is incredibly scratch-resistant, but Seiko’s Hardlex crystal is another good alternative.
Best Automatic Dive Watches Under $500
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned diver or just appreciate the rugged durability of a dive watch. These affordable options balance affordability with luxury. With all options under $500, savvy savers are in for a treat with this list.
1. Lorier Neptune Series IV Watch
For a mere dollar under the top end of your budget, consider the Lorier Neptune Series IV. It’s the brand’s flagship diver model with a full water-ready spec to boot! Its appealing design takes inspiration from the 1950s. Its classic size measures 39mm, making it an excellent option for smaller-than-average wrist sizes. Lume plots, a flat link bracelet, and gilt dial details complement a crisp black acrylic bezel insert. The luminous accents on the bezel echo the Bakelite bezels once used during the 1950s.
This impactful design uses a Japanese Miyota movement at the heart of its 200-meter water-resistant steel case. The fully articulating solid links, secured by screw pins on the bracelet, ensure a snug fit on the wrist. The bracelet also has three micro-adjustment slots on the clasp to accommodate more flexibility.
2. Vostok Amphibian Scuba Dude Watch
We don’t often associate Russian watch brands with horological heritage, but many companies deserve some recognition. Soviet-era watches from the dive and military sector are particularly popular.
This Vostok Amphibia Scuba Dude watch features a 40mm polished steel case and a self-winding movement with a 31-hour power reserve. I love the vibrant colorway of this watch. Blue and orange are just a superb match for one another, especially when navigating deep, dark underwater depths. The material strap compliments the contrasting shade of the matching orange seconds hand on the blue dial. This watch also features a bidirectional rotating bezel and boasts an unmissable retro aesthetic. Looking at this Russian dive watch, it’s clear why such designs have a cult-like following among elite collectors.
3. Orient Kamasu Watch
The king of affordable dive watches is Orient. This Orient Kamasu dive watch is slightly on the larger side, measuring 42 mm. Nevertheless, it offers quality and robustness above all else. Its striking red dial features hands propelled by an in-house movement—yes, I said an in-house movement—for under $500!
This is one of the best value-for-money options on this list. You can get it in many different dial colors, but this is my favorite. The watch features a sapphire glass front, a solid caseback, 200M water resistance, and an aluminum bezel. Ok, so the bezel will scratch over time, but for an inexpensive dive watch, you can barely find fault with this watch. You can modify the Kamasu with a plethora of different watch components, too. So, if you want to upgrade the bracelet and clasp, you can do so.
4. Seiko Prospex SRP777 Watch
The big boy in the room – this is the Seiko SRP777. Let me start by saying this is a 45mm watch, but don’t panic. If you’re thinking, “That’s way too big for my wrist,” let me stop you there. This dive tool wears smaller because of the watch’s iconic turtle-shaped case. The case tapers at the rounded corners to create the sense of a more compact design.
The Seiko Turtle has a strong steel case, a black dial, and luminous dial elements, to name just a few features. But here’s the thing: this is an ISO-certified dive watch. Seiko’s hardware is faultless. Regarding water resistance, this watch surpasses expectations for its price point with a 200M rating. It also features Hardlex glass and holds an in-house movement at its center. Thanks to Seiko’s own lume compound, this watch will illuminate beautifully underwater.
5. Dan Henry 1970 Automatic Diver Watch
For well under $500, you can pick up a dive watch from Dan Henry that oozes the skin diver aesthetic. The 1970 Automatic Diver is a 200-meter water-resistant watch with a compressor-like design language. Taking inspiration from watches worn by intrepid thrill seekers of yesteryear, it nods to the history of the dive watch. The 40mm model exudes considerable presence and boasts a vivid orange 15-minute sector on an internal rotating bezel scale.
The fact that you can operate an inner bezel via the crown at 2 o’clock is pleasantly surprising for its price point. The case back has a Scaphtopus 3D medal, while the front is sapphire-coated mineral glass for improved hardness. Lastly, this watch uses the Japanese Calibre NH35, complete with a 41-hour power reserve.
6. Minus-8 2.0 R Model Watch
This stealthy all-black dive watch projects scuba-dive watch vibes. It features a black titanium case capable of reaching depths of 300 meters. I like the tool watch aesthetic of this watch. It’s clear that Minus-8 Diver 2.0 Model R had the ultimate adventurer in mind when designing it. The corrosion-resistant case, complete with a screw-down crown, holds an automatic beating heart at its center.
The Seiko Calibre NH35 delivers a power reserve of 41 hours. Meanwhile, the watch’s rotating timing bezel effortlessly keeps track of diving durations. This is one of the largest dive watches on the list, but its extra features are undeniably impressive. I mentioned earlier that you may have to compromise on features like helium escape valves for budget watches. This is not the case with the Minus-8 2.0 R. This feature will protect against damage caused by a build-up of helium inside the case while diving. The model also features a sapphire glass front for added strength and durability.
7. Tissot Seastar 1000 Watch
I’m finishing this list with a compact diver. It’s an excellent option for those who usually struggle to find a dive tool their slender wrist can carry. This Tissot Seastar 1000 is incredibly versatile. Thanks to its classic colorway, you can wear this watch during the day or evening. A steel and yellow gold bi-color exterior surrounds a universal black dial. Underwater, the dial springs into practical mode with luminous markings that aid visibility, even when submerged under 300-meter depths.
The Tissot Seastar incorporates the Powermatic 80 movement within its robust 36mm dimensions. The movement provides an 80-hour power reserve, which is useful when rotating your collection. Tissot equips this watch with a stainless steel and yellow gold bracelet for a somewhat dressy look.
Compact in design and ready to withstand severe water depths, this is a great sub-$500 option for beginner divers.
The Takeaway
So that was your round-up of the best automatic dive watches under $500. All these models offer a blend of style, functionality, and water resistance. In fact, you can’t go wrong with any of these options!
When we think of quality dive watches, names like TAG Heuer, Omega, Rolex, and Breitling often spring to mind, but the competition for more affordable dive watches has never been higher. For quality, sufficient legibility, and luminosity, look for brands like Seiko. For superior mechanical performance and robustness, consider brands like Orient and Lorier. But whatever your preference, every automatic dive watch on this list is a solid option.
Do you have a favorite? Let us know which brand you’d opt for out of these excellent recommendations. Leave your comments below, but don’t do that before signing up for our newsletter for more guides like this.
