Last Updated on April 5, 2023 by swisswatchreview
If he can wear a watch on a deep dive, then it must be safe to wear diving watches. Some prefer diving watches with additional features, such as rotating bezels or luminescent hands and markings. Watches with a sporty, technical vibe are all the rage now, and many people choose to wear diving watches.
For men, dive watches are timeless. Also, to use their dive watch for underwater purposes, many people wear them for fashion. As a result, dive watch traits are evident. Additionally, the Dive watch’s user benefits from its capabilities. They are accessible even at several meters of depth.
Explorers use dive watches because they are strong, waterproof, and long-lasting. It also has a rich history dating to the days before water exploration became popular. Besides, wristwatches built for divers can survive circumstances that often damage conventional watches.
Affordable Dive Watches You Can Buy Right Now
Water sports enthusiasts enjoy large hands and visible dials. They also like timepieces that illuminate when exposed to darkness. As a result, many watch brands have created successful diving timepieces. But unfortunately, many people believe that a new diving watch is expensive.
Nowadays, you can find budget-friendly dive watches. Even if the wearer rarely goes exploring underwater. He may now appreciate the innovation and creativity of this intricate piece. A dive watch is an excellent way to get a piece of watchmaking history at a fair price.
Top 6 From TAG Heuer, Seiko, Longines, And More
Today’s list includes some excellent, reasonably priced dive watches. So let’s continue to explore the top ten affordable and famous dive watches.
1. Serica 5303
Serica is among the first companies to appear with a retro feel timepiece. Yet, Serica has been producing contemporary timepieces using contemporary materials. The Serica 5303 is the company’s first dive watch. It may cost around $1000. After being introduced in 2021, it has maintained its popularity. Significant features of 5303 are;
- The steel case of the 5303 is 39mm wide, 12.2mm thick, and 46.5mm
- Water-resistant up to 300 meters
- Luminous dot at 12 and sizeable screw-down crown
- It has a domed sapphire crystal on top
- It has a twin-scale bezel that includes a ceramic inset
- A steel ring for 12 hours
- A solid steel case back with room for an engraving on the back
- The dial is easy to read and has a unique layout
- Brightly glowing C3 Super-LumiNova
- Automatic Soprod Newton movement
- Operate movement at 28,800vph
- It has 23 jewels
- A power reserve of 44 hours
2. Seiko Prospex SPB317
Seiko Prospex SPB317 is a stylish and affordable dive watch in the Seiko Prospex line. Seiko’s thinnest dive watch, the SPB31 7, is offered worldwide. For their premium line of Prospex watches, Seiko has brought back the engraved branding on their classic dives. As far as black-dial diving watches go, it’s as apparent as they get. The SPB317’s vintage vibe comes from the fact that a timepiece from the late 1960s inspired its case. The Seiko Prospex SPB317, with a price tag of $900 to $1000. Significant features of Seiko Prospex SPB317 are;
- Stainless steel case with Seiko super-hard coating
- It measures 41mm in width, 12mm in thickness, and 47mm
- Solid with ‘Great Wave’ engraving
- Seiko 6R35 movement
- LumiBrite on hands and bezel
- It has manual and automatic winding capabilities
- Power Reserve for 70 hours
- Water resistance up to 200 meters.
3. Longines HydroConquest
The flying hourglass emblem of Longines, which has been in business since 1832, surpasses the trademarks of all other watchmakers. The Swatch Group presently owns Longines. Longines Hydroconquest is a high-end tool watch explicitly made for divers. Watch fans can also wear this timepiece every single day. Longines Hydroconquest has a sturdy case back and a superb water-resistant rating. The watch is quite dependable for a budget of $1,000 or less. Significant features of Longines HydroConquest are;
- It has a 41mm diameter stainless steel casing.
- Water resistance up to 300m
- Folding stainless steel bracelet
- It has Longines 633 movement
- Self-winding automatic movement
- It has 25 jewel
- It has a power reserve of 38 hours.
- Super Luminova
4. Squale 1521 Classic
Squale made its comeback in 2010. A modest timepiece and case manufacturer for names like Heuer and Blancpain. 1521 has an impressive water depth rating despite its outdated design. In addition, its matte stainless-steel case makes it stand out from the rest of our collection of polished divers. An automated ETA 2824 movement operates the watch. It costs around $920.00. Significant features of Squale 1521 Classic are;
- The case is 316L Steel, polished finish
- 42mm diameter, 12.5mm thickness, and 48mm lug to lug
- Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Water resistance up to 500m
- It has a Black aluminum bezel insert with Super-Luminova
- It has a black dial and a black rubber strap
5. Baltic Aquascaphe
The outstanding Aquascaphe diver watch from the French watchmaker Baltic is another affordable yet ideal for divers. The watch has a modern look but an antique vibe and is dive-ready. It is comfortable to wear and looks good on the wrist. In addition, it features a high-quality automatic movement manufactured in Japan, an excellent value for the price. It has a price tag of more or less $600. Significant features of Baltic Aquascaphe are;
- Miyota 9039 automatic movement
- It measures 39mm wide by 47mm deep and 12mm thick.
- Water Resistance up to 200m
- Stainless steel 316L case
- It has a double domed sapphire glass
- Sapphire unidirectional bezel
- Stainless steel strap or rubber
6. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300
A Tag Heuer Aquaracer is one of the finest luxury diving watches for beginners. The Aquaracer sells well because of many factors beyond its low cost. Dating back to 1887, Tag Heuer is a timepiece powerhouse. The Tag Heuer Aquaracer is hard to beat in terms of price and functionality. The Tag Heuer Aquaracer, with a price tag of $2,050. It is particularly perfect for those timeless watch collectors. Significant features of TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 are;
- It has a movement of Calibre 5 Automatic
- The dial has oversized luminous indicators
- Horizontal engraved patterns and pointed hands
- 43mm stainless steel case
- It has 25 jewels
- Power Reserve for 38 Hours
- Water Resistance up to 500m
Dive Watches FAQs
What is a Dive watch?
Understanding specific criteria for a dive watch is crucial. A dive watch should, first and foremost, be water-resistant to at least 100 meters. In addition, it has to be water- and magnetic-proof to work. Dive watches have additional requirements, such as being legible in the dark from a distance of 25 centimeters. Saltwater and shock resistance are two features that must include in a dive watch. Last, a dive watch’s measuring scale needs to be calibrated for underwater use.
What is the best characteristic of Dive watches?
Dive watches, as opposed to other timepieces, should withstand the pressure of the water. In addition, it must withstand sudden changes in temperature and magnetism and even save your life.
As much as possible, choosing a timepiece with an excellent international standard rating is better. The International Organization for Standardization has established criteria for high-quality diving gear, including dive watches. Although ISO is an international association and not a regulatory body, many businesses rely on its standards and look to it for certification.
Which water resistance level is ideal for diving watches?
Dive watches must have a water resistance of at least 200 meters. A higher rating guarantees the watch can withstand things like dense water, currents, and impacts underwater, even though most divers would never reach that depth.
What types of watches do divers wear?
Diving does not require an expensive Swiss watch. But you must wear something to time your dive and save your life. A watch readable in complete darkness has the appropriate water resistance for your intended dive. Better with features of a rotating bezel. One may also consider a digital dive watch—a hybrid between an ordinary watch and a dive computer.
Are diving watches still required in the era of dive computers?
Actually, no. Divers sometimes bring them as backups for their dive computers, like when the computers run out of power during a dive. If a diver uses a watch as a backup, he also needs other dive tools like a depth gauge, a pressure gauge, and dive tables. These are crucial and give him the same information as a dive computer.
How important is the strap for the Dive watch?
An everyday dive watch typically comes with a bracelet or other strap. Some bracelets have a dive extension built into the clasp, while others have a second diving option built into the bracelet itself. The extent to which these remedies work depends heavily on the diving site and the diver’s protective gear, like the thickness of a wetsuit. So, one must understand what type of strap you need before buying one.
