We put our dive watch geeks to the test here at The Slender Wrist with this list of the best scuba dive watches to buy this year.
Despite the arrival of digital dive computers, scuba dive watches continue to appeal to avid watch fans and avid divers alike.
But at one point, it was a challenge to make a watch capable of surviving outside of a pocket.
Pocket watches were a sign of wealth and good taste, but they were of no use in external conditions.
It took a World War to highlight the practical use of a wrist-worn timekeeping instrument. One solution to withstanding harsh outdoor environments was a hermetically sealed case patented by Gruen in 1919.
The two-part construction had a screw-down outer case.
Rolex and Zenith subsequently adopted this feature.
Developing the Watertight Case
The hermetically sealed case did pose a problem, however. The watch could not easily be adjusted, or wound, and frequent unscrewing limited the life of the case. It lasted, however, until the Rolex Oyster case arrived in 1926.
This elegant and technically accomplished water-resistant case design proved highly successful. The bezel, case, and case back were all screwed down into a solid middle.
The first Rolex dive watch to use this concept was water-resistant to 100 meters. It was technically advanced for this era.
Other dive watches would later emerge. Leaders in the field of expertise would include Blancpain with its Fifty Fathoms watch and the Omega Seamaster.
Robust cases were not the only area requiring expansive research and development. A legible dial is highly important for divers in low-visibility conditions.
Diving advancements in the early 20th century led to a fluctuation in diving watches for the military and commercial diving sectors. One luxury watch manufacturer specializing in this area was Panerai.
The Florentine manufacturer was known for its superior nautical instruments for the Royal Italian Navy. Its radium-based luminous powder and paste was named Radiomir and was technically advanced for its time.
Twenty years later, the brand released its first Radiomir watches for use in the Second World War.
Later frogmen commandos of the First Submarine Group Command used Radiomirs, with added support from Rolex. The Panerai Radiomir boasted a sandwich construction dial, too.
During the 1940s, dive watches became more commercialized and had become a cultural phenomenon. By the time the Omega Seamaster was released, legibility and water resistance had become staples of the true dive watch.
More advanced features surfaced when the leader of a French combat divers unit approached Blancpain. The Fifty Fathoms watch was released in 1953.
Its hour markers were a mix of different shapes, and its unidirectional rotating bezel featured a 15-minute scale. The watch was soon adopted by combat diving units around the world, including the US Navy SEALS.
Breaking Records
Meanwhile, Rolex was working on increasing the water-resistant capability of its Oyster case. In 1953, Rolex released the Submariner watch. Ever since, the model has been defining what a dive watch should look like.
Rolex went on to even greater accomplishments. In 1960, the Bathyscaphe Trieste descended to the Marina Trench. An experimental Rolex watch attached to the hull survived the journey. As a result, Rolex became the undisputed master of the deep.
(Below: Rolex Oyster worn on the wrist of Mercedes Gleitze 1927)
Soon after, other luxury watch brands began to follow suit.
In 1965, Seiko released its first dive watch. The 62MAS was resistant to 150 meters. That said, clear improvements to its design were needed. These initial watches suffered popping crystal glass and helium incursions, as well as poor shock resistance.
A team of engineers was selected to work on these improvements, releasing the Tuna Can in 1975.
After ten years of research and development, it offered a staggering 690-meter water resistance. During the 1970s, watches like this became a mainstay in recreational diving circles.
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Landmarks in the History of Dive Watch Manufacture
Initially, dive watches served a very fundamental purpose underwater, to keep divers alive. Today, they are also a fashion statement.
No matter how stylish, avid dive watch fans will compromise on nothing when investing in one. I’ve already traced the history of the dive watch, but now let’s look at some key landmarks in time.
Rolex Oyster Case (1926)
In 1926, Rolex released the Oyster case. It came during a time when the first watches for divers began to appear. These were generally noted for their insulated crowns, a key location for water seepage.
The Oyster case had a screwed-down crown and case back.
A year later, Rolex asked Mercedes Gleitze to wear the watch while attempting to break a record. Although she was unsuccessful at becoming the first British woman to swim the British Channel, the watch survived.
Panerai Radiomir (1936)
Fast forward an entire decade, and the Italian Navy commissioned Panerai to create a special wristwatch. It would serve as a tool for members of the Navy to wear whilst completing their daring missions.
The watch went into production two years later with a cushion-shaped 47mm case.
Known for its use of radium, the luminous material developed by Panerai went on to serve as the collection’s name.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms (1953)
In 1953, Blancpain launched the Fifty Fathoms watch. Its water-resistant capability was equivalent to 300 feet, hence the Fifty Fathoms reference.
It marked the depth that divers could go to at that time, given their current equipment.
The request for the watch came from Captain Bob Maloubier, the leader of the French military’s combat diving corps. It featured a legible black dial with large Arabic numerals and a rotating bezel.
Panerai Crown Protection (1956)
A curved crown protection bridge became Panerai’s patented technology in 1956. The feature would go on to become a hallmark of the Luminor collection.
(Below: Panerai’s crown protection system 1956)
The bridge featured a locking cam lever that pushed the crown close against the side of the case. This formed a tough seal around the crown to resist water damage.
Breitling’s First Dive Watch (1957)
In 1957, the Breitling Superocean watch was released with a 200-meter water-resistant capability. Its one-piece case featured a sturdy crystal glass front. The bezel could also be locked into place, preventing it from getting knocked. A chronograph version followed the dive watch two years later.
The Rolex Sea-Dweller (1967)
It would be another ten years after the release of the Superocean before the Rolex Sea-Dweller would surface. The watch had a distinguishable helium escape valve. It was released at the request of the French company COMEX and promised a 610-meter water resistance.
ISO standards (1996)
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) decided that a dive watch should have to pass certain criteria. The result was the ISO 6425 standards that went into effect in 1996.
The criteria are still current today.
CX Swiss Military 20,000 Feet (2009)
In 2009, CX Swiss Military topped the Rolex Deepsea’s record for water resistance. It promised a staggering 20,000 feet capability (equivalent to 6,100 meters).
The ground-breaking watch even made it to the Guinness Book of Records. The brand had held the record for deepness until 2005 when it was overtaken by the Rolex Deepsea in 2008.
Best Scuba Diving Watches
If you’re exhausting the market for the best dive watches, you could be there for some time. Consider the following ten watches in your cheat sheet to buy the best dive watch this year.
This list of best scuba dive watches outlines the key features of each watch and why it’s a worthy contender.
Best Digital Dive Watch
Dive watches aren’t limited to mechanical timepieces alone. Some of the best dive tools out there are those that are jam-packed with practical features.
Casio Frogman 30th Anniversary Watch Ref GW-8230NT-4ER
If you’re a gadget lover, this vibrant red Casio Frogman watch will impress. Its case and band have a bio-based resin to reduce environmental impact. The timepiece also employs a tough solar-powered system made possible thanks to a new solar panel.
Its specially engraved titanium case back finishes the design perfectly, nodding to the last 30 years of accomplishments by the brand.
Its digital screen can also be adjusted to a 12 or 24-hour format.
The 200-meter water-resistant watch offers 5 alarms, an auto calendar, a countdown timer function, and a date and weekend display.
On top of that, you get a super LED display illumination, screw-locked back, world time function, and tide graph features.
Best Rated Dive Watches
Sourcing a good dive watch often means seeking out a reliable, trustworthy name. These next few options are some of the best-rated scuba dive watches from world-renowned brands.
Rolex Submariner Date Ref 126619LB
If you want to go all out, there is no better archetypal dive watch to invest in than the Submariner by Rolex. It’s worth noting here that the Submariner is a pure, solid investment.
It will hold its value well and is available in several different versions. This Submariner Date with blue Cerachrom bezel is a luxurious head-turner, however.
The solid 18k white gold model is a dressy option that carries the dive watch look beautifully.
The bezel rotates in a counter-clockwise direction to ensure it will never accidentally move out of place.
It features a legible 60-minute scale that you can use in conjunction with a Chromalight-coated minute hand. An Oyster bracelet and Oysterlock clasp secure this 300-meter water-resistant watch to the wrist.
Panerai Submersible Quarantaquattro Blu Proffondo Watch Ref PAM01289
This Panerai dive watch is a formidable force underwater. It conquers immense pressure with its solid 44mm brushed steel case.
An anti-clockwise rotating bezel has a graduated scale in blue to match a deep blue dial. The model’s gradient blue dial is home to luminous hour markers and dots.
A tough, anti-glare sapphire crystal glass front protects the dial.
Inside the case is the Calibre P. 900. To the right of the dial, you can access the date. On the opposite side, you can track the small seconds.
What’s more, it comes with a handy 3-day power reserve and a comfortable blue strap made from recycled PET material.
Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M Watch Ref 227.90.55.21.99.002
If you’re serious about dive watches, the Omega Seamaster Proplof can be relied upon whilst 4000 feet underwater. It retains a sturdy and original-looking aesthetic.
Some of Omega’s revolutionary technology in movement-making has given its timepieces even more widespread appeal.
The Calibre 8912 is chronometer-certified and produces a power reserve of 60 hours. It’s also incredibly resistant to magnetic damage. While exploring with this watch on the wrist, you can appreciate a lightweight titanium case.
Make no mistake, this dive watch by Omega is built for large wrists with dimensions that measure 55 x 48mm. It also promises a water resistance of 1,200 meters.
One of the most striking features of this Omega dive watch is its varnished orange minute hand. It matches the vivid orange unidirectional bezel perfectly.
This Omega Seamaster Proplof is also finished on an eye-catching mesh-style bracelet, creating a retro-inspired twist.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Watch Ref 220.12.41.21.02.002
The Aqua Terra 150M is a pared-back design for those who love the look of the dive watch but don’t need all the features. It foregoes a diving bezel, instead promoting a clear and spacious dial.
The shard-like hour markers and arrow-tipped minute hands are characteristic of the Aqua Terra series. They’ve also been treated with plenty of Super-LumiNova for enhanced legibility at night.
Its silvery white dial is enhanced by a teak pattern inspired by the wooden decks of luxury sailboats. The orange minute hand is matched by the stitching along a grey rubber strap.
It makes for a sporty yet classic take on the dive watch. What’s more, you also get the Calibre 8900, another superior mechanical movement certified to the highest industry standards.
Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean “King Samurai” Watch Ref SRPF79K1
The tones of the ocean can be admired in the dial of this Save The Ocean “King Samurai” dive watch.
Seiko has taken meticulous care in capturing the view of the ocean from the perspective of the endangered Manta Ray. The ocean colors are reflected in the dial, where refracted sunlight adds lighter nuances to the display.
Faithful to the Samurai watch DNA, the watch takes on its obvious sword shape. An automatic movement powers the 43.8mm steel watch and offers a 300-meter water resistance.
If you decide to invest in this Seiko dive watch, you’re also doing something good for the planet. The proceeds of each watch go to ocean conservation organizations around the world.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph Watch Ref WBP1113.BA0000
You can venture anywhere with the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph watch. Its impressive solar-powered technology will ensure the hands keep track of accurate time all day and night.
The watch features a steel case measuring a comfortable 40mm diameter. It’s a great option for those with slender wrists. A rich blue dial is equipped with luminous hour markers and hands, along with a legible date window at 3 o’clock.
Capturing the sun’s limitless energy, this is the ultimate on-the-go tool watch. Its stainless steel bracelet also has ergonomically formed links to shape the contours of the wrist.
Tudor Pelagos Watch Ref M25600TB-0001
The TUDOR Pelagos wins hands down for its impressive water-resistant capability. Its titanium case and bracelet are a lovely match for a rich blue dial. The watch is water-resistant to 500 meters.
It gives you plenty of scope for exploring daring underwater depths. What’s more, the 42mm model is powered by a Manufacture movement. The MT5612 has a bidirectional rotor system and promises a 70-hour power reserve.
Best Budget Watch for Scuba Diving
The best kind of budget dive watch should have adequate water-resistant capability and reliable movement. Key features like a legible dial and robust bracelet are also important.
Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 GMT Watch Ref T120.429.11.051.01
If you’re shopping for a dive watch on a budget, you still have plenty of options. One of them is the Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 GMT.
It comes with an impressive 300-meter water-resistant capability and an eye-catching black and green bezel.
The two-tone color scheme relates to day and night hours.
Here, the diving bezel has been replaced with a 24-hour scale. It can be used in conjunction with a red arrow-tipped GMT hand to track an additional time zone.
Switch your local time to the main hands and keep track of home time on the bezel. It’s the perfect watch for dipping your toes in the sea on vacation. Likewise, it can transition from the beach to the boardroom easily with its dressy steel bracelet.
Best High-End Scuba Diving Watch
You know you’re getting a watch with all-around superior quality with a high-end dive watch. Unfortunately, they often come with a high price tag.
That said, you get what you pay for, and this top pick for the best high-end dive watch is a prime example.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 500 Fathoms GMT Watch Ref 50021 12B30 52B
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 500 Fathoms GMT watch compromises on nothing in terms of quality and functionality. Its key features are a 1000-meter water-resistant rating and a decompression valve.
It also features a legible black dial with luminous plots and a unidirectional rotating bezel.
Its lightweight titanium case holds the Calibre 5225 at its center. With a 120-hour power reserve and a GMT function, Blancpain has considered everything integral in a tool watch.
It is secured with one of Blancpain’s black sail canvas straps for a sporty finish against the wrist.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! That was your guide to the best scuba dive watches. Of course, a list like this could never be exhaustive.
There are so many options out there. Even when considering the top names in the industry, these brands offer a huge selection of designs to choose from.
This guide covers options for those serious about dive tools. It also includes models that carry the dive watch look but in a more classic design.
From helium escape valves to digital screens, the dive watch sector ticks away relentlessly.
Despite the evolution of dive computers, luxury wristwatches continue to prove an integral part of any watch enthusiast’s collection. A brief look through this guide should show you why.
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