Diving is definitely a fun activity — be it scuba diving or free diving. This water activity lets us explore the beautiful underwater world that only a few are given the chance to see. However, diving entails some serious risks, especially for beginners. Before you try it, you should prepare all the necessary equipment to keep you safe. One of the most essential equipment in diving is a dive watch — a life saving device. Without wearing one, your life might be put in danger.
A dive watch is a device that will track your time underwater and will let you know when it’s time to retreat to the water surface. If you’re scuba diving, it will help in calculating your oxygen intake and in tracking the depth of your dive.
There are many stylish dive watches that you can choose from. If you want to buy one for under $500, however, then you should see this list of our most suggested dive watches that you can purchase for that price.
1. Seiko Men’s Automatic SKX007K
Features
- Quality Japanese Automatic movement; Functions without a battery; Powers automatically with the movement of your arm
- Hardlex crystal
- Case diameter: 42 mm
- Stainless-steel case; Black dial; Date-and-day functions
- Water resistant to 660 feet (200 M): suitable for recreational scuba diving
Are you familiar with the SEIKO brand? It’s a Japanese brand popular for creating high quality timepieces. If you want to try recreational scuba diving, then this Seiko Men’s Automatic SKX007K is the perfect one for you. This sleek black watch has a water resistance of up to 200 meters, making it suitable for swimming as well as recreational scuba diving.
The automatic arm movement removes the need for battery replacements because the self-winding motion utilizes energy from the natural swinging motion of the wearer’s wrist. If you’re looking for a high-quality dive watch with an automatic movement, you should definitely check this one out.
Features
- Download and print new PDF Size-Guide to ensure the watch fits your wrist. Please, precisely follow all the instructions mentioned in the PDF for a seamless and accurate printing.
- Officially licensed by the United States Department of the Navy, the Navy SEAL series was developed to their specifications and suggestions. For over 25 years, Luminox has partnered with the world’s toughest maritime commandos to continuously hone and refine a watch tough and useful enough to be considered “first-line gear” for the finest warriors.
- Technical Specifications: 200 meters / 660 feet / 20 ATM water resistant, Hardened mineral glass, Unidirectional rotating Bezel, Date, Protected crown, CARBONOX screw on case back
- Lighting Technology: Green and orange Luminox Light Technology on dial ring, bezel dot and second, minute and hour hands (LLT) - LLT: Self-powered illumination system employing tiny micro gas light sources; Always visible under any circumstances; Never press a button to light up; Does not need a battery to illuminate; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for up to 25 years.
- Details: Case diameter 43 mm, Case thickness 12 mm, Band length 210 mm, Band width 21 mm, Black CARBONOX case with Black Rubber band and Black dial
Ready for your first dive? Check out this Luminox Men’s Original Navy Seal XS. It can be used when diving for up to 200 meters. Its case and back are made of carbon reinforced polycarbonate. Its unidirectional ratcheting bezel is carbon reinforced too so you are guaranteed that it can really handle water pressure. The dial window is made of mineral crystal, a scratch-resistant material that prevents minor dents on your watch.
The all-black design certainly has a sophisticated look, and is a versatile watch that looks great on any outfit. Do you prefer fashion and function at the same time? Then this one’s for you!
3. Orient Men’s Mako XL Diver’s Watch
Features
- Round watch in stainless steel featuring unidirectional bezel and date window at three o'clock
- 44.5 mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window
- Japanese-automatic movement with analog display
- Stainless steel band with fold-over clasp with double push-button safety
- Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft): In general, suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not scuba diving
If you are looking for a diver watch that can also be worn on any occasion, then you should consider this Orient Men’s Mako XL Diver’s Watch. This upsized wrist watch measures 3mm wider than regular watches. Thus, you can check times easily even when you are underwater.
The stainless steel band is also a classic choice that is perfect for both casual and formal attire. It has a water resistance of 200 meters, making it a fitting watch for several watersports and professional marine activity. It also has an automatic movement, getting rid of the need for replacing batteries!
4. Orient Men’s Ray II
Features
- 41mm Case Diameter
- Mineral crystal
- Japanese-automatic Movement
- Water Resistant 200m (660ft): in General, Suitable for Professional Marine Activity and Serious Surface Water Sports, but not Diving
A dive watch is an important piece of equipment when diving because it will remind you when it’s time to get back to the water surface. Not having one can be dangerous. Take a look at this Orient Men’s Ray II — a dive watch that is water resistant for up to 200 meters. For improved precision, it comes with a 120-click uni-directional bezel.
The 41mm diameter case makes it easy to tell the time without squinting your eyes, and the velvet blue dial certainly stands out. The hands and markers also have a bright luminescence for increased visibility even in the darkest of environments.
5. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Altichron
Features
- Professional Promaster watches for high-speed adventurers with all the tools for the toughest terrain. Powered by any light source, continuously and sustainably, eliminating the need to replace watch batteries.
- Imperial Altimeter, 9h: Sub Altimeter, Compass (power reserve) +/-15 sec/month, altimeter 1,000ft-32,000ft, Altimeter adjusting function: +/-300(per2.5), Electronic Compass function, Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Luminous Hands and Markers, Power Reserve Indicator, and Anti-Reflective Mineral Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistance and 5 Year Limited Warranty
This Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Altichron is designed for the adrenaline junkies. No need to replace its battery as it can charge in any light source — be it natural or artificial. This sporty and beautifully designed timepiece is water resistant for up to 200 M. Not only is it perfect for marine activities, but it can also be used for other outdoor activities such as hiking as it has an altimeter and a compass. With features that are suitable for both water sports and outdoor activities, this watch is certainly an economical choice for customers with an active lifestyle.
For more budget-friendly dive watches, be sure to check out our best cheap dive watches of 2021.
