How to Choose a Dive Watch

What is a Dive Watch?

Pretty simply, a dive watch is a watch that is constructed to withstand the pressure of underwater immersion of at least 100 meters (about 300 feet). Of course, scuba divers typically do not dive that deep, but that pressure rating ensures the watch's safety for extended dips to recreational depths such as 60 feet.

Know that not every "waterproof" watch is a true dive watch. When a watch is labeled "water-resistant," it's typically designed to hold up in humid environments or come in contact with splashes of water. Watches labeled "waterproof" are rated to certain depths, but are typically unable withstand the pressures involved in diving.

What is the Difference Between a Dive Watch and a Dive Computer?

A dive watch is a watch designed to withstand water pressure up to a depth of 330 feet. Beyond that, it’s a normal watch that tells the time.

A dive computer is a digital device that calculates several types of critical information related to your dive, including depth, dive time, water temperature and more. It uses computer algorithms to deliver information such as no-decompression time. While some may refer to dive computers as a “dive watch” because many of them are worn on the wrist like a watch, they are two very different things. Dive watches do not use an algorithm to calculate no-decompression limits and are not a replacement for a dive computer.  

Choosing a Dive Watch:

Whether your focus is on style, function or practicality, selecting the right dive watch is as much about you as it is the watch. Here are some things to take into account:  

Size There’s no foolproof formula for the “right” size, but consider lug-to-lug distance—the dimension between the strap or bracelet attachments from top to bottom.  

That distance should be slightly less than the width across the flat of your wrist, so the watch doesn’t overhang. For men with wrists up to about 7 inches around, a case diameter up to about 46 mm often looks best.  

Price  
You can spend a lot for a dive watch. But you can also buy a well-crafted, stylish model for a lot less than a smartphone—without worrying about it becoming obsolete with the next software update.  

Movement  
Automatic (self-winding) and solar-powered dive watches are popular because they’re accurate, robust and convenient. A handy feature in automatics is the ability to manually wind them.  

Style  
Do you want a 200-meter diver that also looks at home peek- ing out from the cuff of your suit? Or something that only a diver would wear? It’s all up to you.  

Below are reviews of ten of the best dive watches for 2020, including prices, depth ratings, power sources, and special features.

SEIKO PROSPEX SRPD23

This special edition dive watch features a blue wave patterned dial, and the end of the second hand is shaped like a shark’s fin. It has a one-way rotating elapsed timing bezel and date calendar. The stainless steel bracelet has a hidden strap extender for use while diving with thicker exposure gear.

Movement: 4R35, with manual and automatic winding capabilities
Power reserve: Approximately 41 hours
Water-resistance: 200 meters/660 feet
Case diameter: 44 mm
Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet
Crystal: Mineral crystal

FAVRE-LEUBA RAIDER BATHY 120 MEMODEPTH

This dive watch uses a central hand to display current dive depth up to 120 meters and features red indicators for decompression stops. The dial also includes a power-reserve indicator, small seconds and a subdial for maximum depth memory, which is measured and recorded mechanically. The watch has a one-way rotating elapsed timing bezel for tracking dive time.

Movement: FL321, with manual winding
Power reserve: 65 hours
Water-resistance: 200 meters/660 feet
Case diameter: 48 mm
Material: titanium case with rubber strap
Crystal: sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both sides

FAVRE-LEUBA RAIDER BATHY 120 MEMODEPTH

This dive watch features a single prominent hand for displaying minutes and uses a special mechanism to display hours along the perimeter of the dial. It has a one-way elapsed timing bezel and a helium valve. The stainless steel bracelet features a hidden extension to accommodate thick wetsuits while diving.

Movement: FL301, with automatic winding
Power reserve: 38 hours
Water-resistance: 500 meters/1640 feet
Case diameter: 46 mm
Material: stainless steel case; options for strap are leather, rubber or stainless steel
Crystal: sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both sides

CITIZEN PROMASTER AQUALAND BN2038-0L1

This watch uses Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, which means it is powered by light and never needs a battery. The Promaster Aqualand also displays current dive depth up to 80 meters, has a maximum depth memory and a rapid ascent alarm. Its features include a one-way rotating elapsed timing bezel, auto-start dive mode, power reserve indicator and date window.

Movement: J250
Power reserve: approximately 340 days
Water-resistance: 200 meters/660 feet
Case diameter: 46 mm
Material: stainless steel case with polyurethane strap
Crystal: mineral crystal

CITIZEN PROMASTER AQUALAND BN2037-03E Limited Edition

This 30th anniversary limited edition Aqualand is constructed with Duratec pink gold and features a special caseback and strap extender. The watch displays current dive depth up to 80 meters with a maximum depth memory and has a one-way rotating elapsed timing bezel, auto-start dive mode, and a rapid ascent alarm. The dial also features a date window and power reserve. The watch doesn’t need a battery and instead uses light-powered Eco-Drive technology.

Movement: J250
Power reserve: approximately 340 days
Water-resistance: 200 meters/660 feet
Case diameter: 46 mm
Material: two-tone stainless steel, Duratec pink gold case with polyurethane strap
Crystal: mineral crystal

CITIZEN PROMASTER DIVER BN0085-01E

This sleek, stylish dive watch is solar powered, so you never need to charge its battery. The one-way rotating elapsed time bezel features bold white characters on a black that are easy to read at a glance. Luminous material on the hands and markers improve visibility in dim conditions. The dial is protected by non-reflective mineral glass and features a date window. The watch features a screw-back case and screw-down crown.

Movement: E168
Power Reserve: approximately 340 days
Water-resistance: 300 meters/999 feet
Case diameter: 48 mm
Material: silver-tone stainless steel with polyurethane strap
Crystal: mineral crystal
 

CRESSI MANTA
 

This quartz dive watch features a one-way rotating elapsed timing bezel for keeping track of dive time. The dial features a date window and hands for hours, minutes and seconds. Luminous materials are used on the hands and markers. The watch comes with an extra-long rubber strap to accommodate exposure suits.

Movement: Ronda 505
Power reserve: 45 months
Water-resistance: 100 meters/ 330 feet
Case diameter: 45 mm
Material: stainless steel case with silicone strap
Crystal: mineral crystal

CRESSI SEA LION

This automatic dive watch is depth-rated to 300 meters/984 feet. It features a one-way rotating elapsed timing bezel. The screw-down crown and a date window are positioned at four o’clock. Luminous materials are used on the hands and markers.

Movement: manual and automatic winding
Power Reserve: 40 hours
Water resistance: 300 meters/984 feet
Case diameter: 13.6 mm
Material: stainless steel with silicone strap
Crystal: sapphire crystal

ABINGDON CO. MARINA

This women’s dive watch is available in several eye-catching colors and features a two-way rotating inner world timer bezel and a date window. The outside bezel is a one-way rotating elapsed timing bezel for keeping track of dive time. EZ Squeeze pins make it easy to swap between the included titanium bracelet and a silicone strap. The titanium bracelet features a hidden strap extender for diving.

Movement: Miyota 8215 with automatic winding
Power reserve: over 40 hours
Water-resistance: 200 meters/660 feet
Case diameter: 40 mm
Material: titanium case with titanium bracelet and silicone strap
Crystal: anti-reflective sapphire crystal
 

ORIS AQUIS GREAT BARRIER REEF LIMITED EDITION III

Proceeds from this limited-edition dive watch will directly support the coral planting activities of the Reef Restoration Foundation, an Australian non-profit. The watch’s dial features a beautiful blue gradient design and a circular date window. It has a one-way rotating elapsed timing bezel and a special engraved caseback.

Movement: Oris 743 with automatic winding
Power reserve: 38 hours
Water-resistance: 300 meters/984 feet
Case diameter: 43.5 mm
Material: stainless steel case and bracelet
Crystal: anti-reflective sapphire