Is the dive watch, de facto, the perfect watch fashion? It’s versatile, rugged, dependable, sensible, fashionable, has heritage, and is residence to among the most killer timepieces out there. It’s no shock that it’s the most well-liked fashion of watch. (Even Gucci is in on the act, now.) We’re right here to chop by means of the radiowaves and choose solely the perfect dive watches for you.

The dive watch is arguably essentially the most versatile. Is it the one watch you’d ever have to personal? Its classic roots give it verve and class to pair effectively with tailoring and black tie, however its inherent ruggedness and ease make it excellent for on a regular basis put on too. Plus, the bezel is a supremely sensible software. It acts as a helpful timer, and compass, and even can present a second timezone. Proudly owning a dive watch is important to constructing a worthy watch assortment.

We’ve compiled the eight greatest dive watches for each price range, fashion, and inclination. Learn on under.

Key Takeaways 

This deep dive into the perfect dive watches took me by means of some murky elements of the web. It opened my eyes to uncommon species of YouTube movies and I discovered coves of HTML crammed with dive watches. Sadly, I couldn’t select extra and needed to cease at simply 8 items.

Total, the perfect dive watch is the DOXA SUB 600T. I like the idiosyncratic 80s case, the orange dial, and its 600m water resistance. My second alternative goes to Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms Automatique. It’s one-two punch of being the primary watch in 1953 to characteristic the now ubiquitous uni-directional bezel mixed with its beautiful luxuriousness, makes this an irresistible alternative.

Why it’s nice: DOXA (est. 1889) is a model of diving heritage. In 1967, it added “no-decompression instances” to the bezel, additional enhancing the practicality of dive watches. The 600T is a rarer alternative than its SUB 200, SUB 300T (which had direct enter from the French King of Diving himself, Jacques Cousteau), and even SUB 1500T cousins. However it has that vibrant, popping orange dial that DOXA has develop into synonymous with. This brings an actual collector’s “IFYKYK” edge to it.

The way it seems to be: The 600T was launched within the 80s and so has a bit classic panache streaking by means of its pedigree. You possibly can see that within the further bracelet edge across the outer fringe of the bezel. This provides it a masculine rugged really feel that’d lure city-dwellers and deep-sea divers alike.

Flaws however not dealbreakers: That vivid orange dial isn’t going to be for everybody. Fortunately, DOXA does the mannequin in black, chrome steel, blue, and yellow variations too.

Case Measurement: 40mm  | Motion: Computerized  | Thickness: 14.15mm | Materials: Stainless Metal | Water Resistance: 600m

Why it’s nice: All the pieces about this watch is micro. It’s a micro model, named after a micro sea, making a diving watch that’s solely 39mm in diameter. For a mode famend for its cumbersome dimension, it is a micro dive watch. A big case can come throughout as smug and tasteless, so the French model is bang on pattern by choosing a smaller case dimension.   There’s a dual-crown model too in case that tickles your pickles.

The way it seems to be: The double dome sapphire provides it a smooth old-school attraction. For that reason, this watch may spend its entire life paired with varied impeccable loose-fitted fits sauntering round varied European metropoles, reasonably than diving for uncommon species of fish. Much less scuba-diving, extra thrift-shop-diving.

Flaws however not dealbreakers: Maybe a bit twee and vintage on the lookout for the extra machismo males on the market.

Case Measurement: 39mm  | Motion: Computerized Miyota 9039 | Thickness: 13mm | Materials: Stainless Metal | Water Resistance: 200m

Why it’s nice: Casio watches are recognized for his or her robust as beef jerky digital watches. However not for his or her diving capabilities. So, there are a number of causes as to why this dive watch from Casio is surprisingly good. The traditional chrome steel dial paired with the fashionable wavy resin strap is a fusion of luxurious and sporty. Plus, the watch comes with diving capabilities: 200m waterproof, rotating bezel, screw-down crown, and a small date show at 3:00. Lastly, we are able to’t ignore its Casio-like price ticket. We hate to confess it, however it is a actually good buy.

The way it seems to be: Its standard and smooth black design means it has the flexibility of use. It may very well be an on a regular basis put on, smart-casual champion, or a humble diver’s companion.

Flaws however not dealbreakers: Once you’re evaluating watches which have a value variability of 1000x distinction, corners are inevitably lower on the decrease finish of that spectrum. Be real looking with this watch’s potential to final a lifetime.

Case Measurement: 44.2mm  | Motion: Quartz (SR626SW)  | Thickness: 12.1mm | Materials: Stainless Metal | Water Resistance: 200m

Why it’s nice: That is the perfect look ahead to when you concern societal collapse. The solar-powered quartz motion might be powered purely by the sunshine emanating from the lick of a candle alone; it’s that delicate. And from simply 6 hours of direct daylight, it’s going to cost a reserve battery for six months. So even when the nuclear winter blocks out daylight for some time, you’ll be all good. Darkish humor apart, this is without doubt one of the greatest males’s dive watches in the marketplace. It’s made in Japan and comes with scratch-resistant AR (anti-reflective) coated sapphire crystal plus a surgical-grade metal (316L) body. If that wasn’t sufficient, the model is a “1% for the planet” member.

The way it seems to be: This Vaer DS4 watch has a stupendous and classical dive/navy look that may be tweaked by interchanging the 2 straps that come as commonplace. That is for the rugged outdoorsman, be it climbing for weeks into the mountains, or diving across the coral reef.

Flaws however not dealbreakers: Its standard masculine aesthetic is considerably predictable within the present local weather. However, that’s not essentially a nasty factor; it’s going to please lots of people. It additionally lacks particular person minute dials on the primary quarter-hour. That is fairly helpful for a dive watch to characteristic.

Case Measurement: 38 or 42mm  | Motion: solar-powered quartz | Thickness: 10.6mm | Materials: (316L) Stainless Metal | Water Resistance: 200m

Why it’s nice: Seiko has an official affiliation with PADI (Skilled Affiliation of Diving Instructors). The “Prospex” mannequin by Seiko proves diving watches used for diving aren’t out of date in any respect. The identify is a portmanteau of “skilled specs” and them aplenty. It comes with clear luminescent palms and markers, a magnified date window, single-minute intervals round the entire bezel, and a strong waved strap to absorb affect. “Prospex” certainly.

The way it seems to be: I believe it is a good basic journey watch. Type this with a pair of indigo denims, a white t-shirt, a Belstaff jacket, and a grunting Harley Davidson for max impact.

Flaws however not dealbreakers: The shock-absorbing strap subtracts a bit formality from the general look.

Case Measurement: 44mm  | Motion: Computerized  | Thickness: 12.81mm | Materials: Stainless Metal | Water Resistance: 200m

Why it’s nice: 2023 marks the seventieth anniversary of Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. In 1953, Jean-Jacques Fiechter launched the primary uni-directional bezel dive watch. If the bezel received knocked by chance, it may solely transfer in a single course. The course solely lengthened the perceived time for the diver. That means, the diver would start the ascent “early” and the oxygen wouldn’t run out. This was a revolutionary security characteristic. As soon as Blancpain’s patent ran out all watch manufacturers adopted this fashion of bezel. However, when you assume this model is resting on its laurels, take a look at this Blancpain x Swatch collab launched in 2023.

The way it seems to be: Its heritage provides it an genuine, classic aesthetic. The massive 45mm titanium case, sapphire crystal, and in-house automated motion carry luxurious. The mixture of those two qualities makes this Blancpain a implausible gown watch and a classy speaking level at dinner.

Flaws however not dealbreakers: Whereas its heritage makes this Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique the dive watch to personal, your checking account should even be 300m deep and stretch the total width of the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, with a case dimension of 45mm and a thickness of 15mm, it’s a ChunkyBoi.

Case Measurement: 45mm  | Motion: Computerized Caliber 1315  | Thickness: 15.0mm | Materials: Titanium | Water Resistance: 300m

Why it’s nice: The chronograph capabilities of this Tissot Seastar 1000 give it further timing capabilities. A diver may use the assorted chronograph capabilities to time a number of issues directly. If that didn’t point out that this watch wasn’t critical sufficient, it additionally has Superluminova lighting, 300m water depth, and it has a helium valve launch (learn under on what that’s). It has unimaginable performance. However, it’s the great thing about the thing that brings this mannequin to the article on the perfect males’s dive watches.

The way it seems to be: The sunshine grey and orange mixture is one I like on a watch and the “seastar” seahorse engraving on the again is a beautiful flourish. Although extraordinarily purposeful, I discover this an especially alluring and trendy object. Properly performed Tissot.

Flaws however not dealbreakers: The chronograph capabilities would possibly over-complicate the dial for some. Plus, the 45.5mm case dimension is giant.

Case Measurement: 45.5mm  | Motion: Computerized  | Thickness: 14.15mm | Materials: Stainless Metal 316L | Water Resistance: 300m

Why it’s nice: The TAG Heuer Aquaracer vary is a younger one for such a heritage model. It has a really recognizable dodecagon (twelve-sided) case form in chrome steel. This design is robust, however the rounded edges give it an vital approachability. The quartz motion, 300m water resistance, and AR sapphire crystal make this a reliable timepiece. The expandable bracelet isn’t the sexiest characteristic, however it will be important for carrying with a wetsuit.

The way it seems to be: If you’re a person who loves having a number of data blasted at you, then you’ll love this watch.

Flaws however not dealbreakers: It’s one of many lesser-known dive watches regardless of hailing from a well-known model. This provides it attract.

Case Measurement: 43mm  | Motion: Quartz | Thickness: 14.15mm | Materials: Stainless Metal | Water Resistance: 300m

Shopping for Issues for Males’s Dive Watches

Bezel

This is without doubt one of the key elements of a dive watch. It really works when the diver units the highest mark of the bezel to the time on the minute hand of the watch. Then, as time passes, the minute hand strikes and the bezel studying signifies the period of time handed. This helps divers time varied stops, understanding when to start resurfacing, and to assist time varied decompression stops.

For those who’re working the watch in chilly waters you want a bezel that’s straightforward to function. Chilly fingers and probably neoprene gloves will make dexterity tougher. Keep away from bezels operated by way of crowns because of this. A model would home a bezel contained in the case and function by way of a crown to mitigate the danger of knocking the bezel. The crowns then make the watch bulkier, nevertheless it does give a unique aesthetic and a degree of distinction. The Seiko Divemaster 1000 (recognized colloquially as “Tuna” for its bulk and circularity) put a cumbersome exterior shroud over the bezel to guard it from unintended knocks.

Materials

Titanium is light-weight, hypoallergenic, extremely corrosion resistant, and is ok in excessive temperatures. Stainless Metal (316L) is commonplace observe as of late for its virtually excellent suitability for watch casing. It could’t stand up to the identical depth as titanium, however for the typical scuba diver, it’ll just do fantastic. Sapphire Crystal revolutionized the watch business. It’s made by crystallizing aluminum oxide. The result’s a fabric far superior in energy to glass.

Motion

Any motion is equally legitimate however simply has completely different strengths and weaknesses. The ISO 6425 states that if battery powered, it will need to have a low battery indicator as a necessity for apparent causes. A Quartz motion is slimmer, extra correct, and light-weight, however does ultimately run out of battery. An automated mechanical motion is extraordinarily long-lasting, mechanically winding, a feat of engineering, however might be chunky. A guide dive watch is uncommon (and even non-existent?) as a result of inherent reliability points.

Why you must belief us

I’m a style and watch author at FashionBeans. I dress myself every day within the newest merchandise, Instagram posts, and URLs of the style/watch business. I additionally think about myself very fortunate to personal a small however eclectic watch assortment. For this assessment, I received my dive watches out and inspected them with new information from the Web. I discovered fascinating histories, and distinctive options, and focussed on an important watch fashions/manufacturers. I started with what appeared like an infinite checklist of contenders and chopped it down to simply the highest 8 of the perfect males’s dive watches you see above.

Remaining Verdict 

The DOXA SUB 600T is the perfect total dive watch. I picked this look ahead to its inimitable 80s fashion and appeal. It has a strong, angular chrome steel aesthetic that’s dripping with classic panache. Then there’s the brilliant orange dial and the depth readings on the bezel, however furthermore, it has a powerful 600m water resistance. You realize it’s robust.