Round-UpFifteen Diverse And Exemplary Diver’s Watches—What’s Your Pick?
'The Watch Guide' handpicks some of the finest diver's watches you can find. Whether you choose to dive with them or not, they're ready for the challenge
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‘Does anyone actually go diving with a high-end dive watch?’ is a question on a lot of people’s minds, from newcomers into the horological world to aficionados. While it is true that after modern dive-computers were invented, only a sliver of these rugged timepieces found themselves in the deep blue again, the sheer fame enjoyed by this prolific style is in juxtaposition to its utility. However, it’s easy to see why these watches are as famous as they are, once we go over their strengths.
The dive watch has served as one of the most important pieces of kit in a diver’s arsenal for a major chunk of the 20th century. Useful for tracking decompression periods, bottom time and safety stops, these watches were irreplaceable, as nothing else offered this kind of portability and practicality several hundred metres below the sea. But the rise of modern dive-computers retired the need for a dive watch by offering highly accurate data rather than an approximation. Thankfully, that didn’t mark the end of the mighty dive watch. It was just the beginning. The reason this purely functional design has become a style icon and an everyday choice for the flock is how it effortlessly pulls off the trifecta of ruggedness, legibility and usefulness. The reach of a dive watch is broad—from a board room to the military docks. There are a lot of dive watches in the market, and it can be hard to pick out which one you should buy.
Here are the best top 15 dive watches in 2024:
- Oris Aquis Date Relief
- IWC Aquatimer Chronograph
- Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta
- Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Co-axial Master Chronometer 42mm
- Norqain Wild One
- Longines HydroConquest
- Doxa Sub 300 Carbon Professional
- Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro
- Bremont Supermarine S500 Blue
- Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver
- TAG Heuer Aquaracer Carbon
- Oris Divers Sixty-Five
- Breitling Superocean Automatic 42
- Raymond Weil Freelancer
- Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer
Oris Aquis Date Relief
Continuing its tradition of conservation and awareness for our most important natural resource, water, Oris has now partnered with expedition swimmer Ernst Bromeis for the release of the Oris Aquis Date Relief. This association brings the launch of a multi-pronged initiative with it called ‘The Blue Miracle’ where Bromeis will travel around the world and swim across some of the largest freshwater lakes with the Aquis Date Relief strapped to his wrist. The watch’s 300m water resistance rating makes it the perfect companion for Bromeis’ adventures, and so does its various strap options. The 43.5mm Date Relief is powered by the reliable and precise Oris Calibre 733, which is based on the Sellita SW200-1. This automatic winding movement vibrates at 28,800vph and clocks in a power reserve of 38 hours.
The Oris Aquis Date Relief in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel, 41.5mm or 43.5mm, with sapphire crystal, unidirectional rotating bezel; water-resistant to 300m
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Movement: Automatic calibre 733; 38-hour power reserve
- Strap: Stainless steel or rubber
IWC Aquatimer Chronograph
If you are looking for a rugged yet stylish accompaniment on your underwater missions, then the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph might be the perfect choice. What sets it apart from other dive watches is the patented ‘SafeDive’ external/internal rotating bezel that sits atop a 44mm case. To operate it, one just has to rotate the external steel bezel like a normal dive bezel, and the internal bezel, which has the diving scale printed on it, rotates in unison. Fashioned with a stunning deep blue or black dial, the timepiece is protected by the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and can withstand water pressure up to 300m. The dial features a tri-compax layout with small seconds at nine, and 30-minute and 12-hour counters at 12 and six o’clock. The day and date are tucked on the right of the dial at three o’clock, just under the brand logo. Beating inside the watch is the automatic ETA-based 79320 calibre, which boasts a 44-hour power reserve.
The IWC Aquatimer Chronograph in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel, 44mm, with sapphire crystal, bi-directional rotating bezel or internal unidirectional rotating bezel; water-resistant to 300m
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, day-date, small seconds
- Movement: Automatic calibre 79320; 44-hour power reserve
- Strap: Rubber
Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta
The Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta Special Edition is an ode to the black manta ray, which is evident from the gorgeous silhouette of manta rays on the dial. The timepiece follows the form of other successful dive watches, albeit with a classic Carl F. Bucherer twist. Bulky, with a dash of luxe, the design of this watch is far from a simple ‘desk diver’. The bezel is deeply fluted, which allows it functionality even when you have thick diving gloves on. The watch is quite large, with the case measuring 44.6mm. The bold hands and distinctive applique indexes give the watch strong night-time and underwater legibility. The watch features a DLC-treated titanium case within which beats a COSC-certified movement. With a water resistance of 500m, this is a serious diver’s watch too. Limited to only 188 pieces, this is a special watch dedicated to a truly special animal. Proceeds from sales will be donated to the Manta Trust, which is working towards their conservation. And adding to its contribution towards the sea is the strap, which has an overlay that is made from recycled plastic bottles retrieved from the ocean.
The Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta in a nutshell
- Case: Titanium and black DLC, 44.6mm, with sapphire crystal, unidirectional rotating bezel; water-resistant to 500m
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, helium escape valve
- Movement: Automatic calibre CFB 1950.1; 38-hour power reserve
- Strap: Rubber
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Co-axial Master Chronometer 42mm
The Omega Seamaster doesn’t need an introduction. It is one of the most recognisable timepieces in the market. But this particular iteration is easily the best-looking of the lot. This version makes use of a black unidirectional bezel with a black ceramic dial engraved with a wave motif. Slight accents of red contrast against the dial and the bezel. What beautifies the dial further is the date indicator at six o’clock and white skeleton hands and indexes lathered with SuperLuminova. Powered by the self-winding calibre 8800 with co-axial escapement, this timepiece boasts a 55-hour power reserve. And with water resistance up to 300m, the Omega Co-axial Master Chronometer 42mm is the perfect companion for your underwater adventures.
The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Co-axial Master Chronometer 42mm in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel, 42mm, with sapphire crystal, unidirectional rotating bezel; water-resistant to 300m
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Movement: Automatic calibre 8800; 55-hour power reserve
- Strap: Rubber
Read more about dive watches here
Norqain Wild One
The Wild One—Norqain’s ultimate sports watch—proves that, despite being a new brand, Norqain is here to stay. Unapologetically bold and technically advanced, this new collection is 100 per cent Swiss made, with a combination of new materials, an inventive design, and a reliable movement. The Independence ‘Wild One’ is distinguished by its distinctive dial, which was produced by combining three laser-cut layers with an elaborate design resembling the Norqain mountain-inspired double N logo. The application of baton-style markings with Super-LumiNova enhances the three-dimensional impression even further. The watch is powered by the calibre NN20/1, with a power reserve of 70 hours, and a certified water resistance of 200m. The two models presented here are sized at 42mm—one with a black dial housed in a black Norteq case (a carbon composite, lighter than both steel and titanium), a khaki rubber shock absorber, and a khaki rubber strap; while the other has a blue dial housed in a black Norteq case, a blue rubber shock absorber, and a colour-coordinated rubber strap.
The Norqain Wild One in a nutshell
- Case: Norteq, 42mm, with sapphire crystal; water-resistant to 200m
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds
- Movement: Automatic calibre NN20/1; 70-hour power reserve
- Strap: Rubber
Longines HydroConquest
The HydroConquest by Longines is a no-brainer if you want a good quality Swiss dive watch with luxury features that doesn’t pinch the pocket all that much. The watch is handsome, features an excellent Swiss movement and construction, and wears great with its 43mm size and matching rubber strap. The khaki colourway is unique and proves to be a refreshing contender against its competition. The calibre L888 is developed from the tried and tested ETA 2892-2. For Longines’ use, it has seen its beat rate reduced to 25,200vph from 28,800 for an increased power reserve of 64 hours, making it an ideal timepiece for your watch rotations. The HydroConquest is water resistant upto 300m and is simply one of the most well-built, bang-for-the-buck Swiss watches you can get.
The Longines HydroConquest in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel and ceramic, 43mm, with sapphire crystal, unidirectional rotating bezel; water-resistant to 300m
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Movement: Automatic calibre L888; 64-hour power reserve
- Strap: Rubber
Doxa Sub 300 Carbon Professional
Ultra-light and a purpose-driven dive watch—that’s how one can sum up the new Doxa Sub 300 Carbon. It was just last year that the Doxa went all out in experimenting with carbon and unveiled Carbon Aqua Lung US Divers limited edition. This year, they have extended their main Sub 300 line with timepieces bearing cases made in forged carbon—making them light and durable. As an efficient diver’s watch, its striking orange dial—housed in a 42.5mm case, featuring a matt, marble-like, iridescent pattern—commands attention. The dial features indices and hands with Super-LumiNova inserts, along with a date window at three o’clock. Another distinctive component of this watch is its signature two-scaled, unidirectional-rotating bezel—featuring an outer depth ring and the inner minute ring. The idea of this particular bezel with two separate scales was introduced in the 60s, and is based on the US Navy no-decompression-dive table—the standard to monitor underwater time for divers. This timepiece is powered by the self-winding ETA 2824 calibre—a chronometer movement, certified by the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres)—which beats at a frequency of 28,800vph and packs a power reserve of 38 hours. Adding to its credentials of being a perfect diver’s watch is its pressure-resistant titanium chamber and a screw-down crown providing maximum protection for the movement. Presented either on an orange or a black rubber strap, this timepiece is water-resistant to 300m.
The Doxa Sub 300 Carbon Professional in a nutshell
- Case: Carbon, 42.5mm, with sapphire crystal; water-resistant to 300m
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Movement: Automatic calibre Sellita SW200-1; 38-hour power reserve
- Strap: Rubber
Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro
Panerai expands its collection of flagship dive watches, the Submersible collection, with the introduction of Submersible QuarantaQuattro. As the name indicates (quaranta quattro means ‘forty four’ in Italian), it is offered in a 44mm diameter case, joining the previous 47mm and 42mm sizes. The QuarantaQuattro is available in a variety of case materials, bezel, dial, and strap colour combinations, and is intended to complement the Submersible series. The models featured here are the eSteel versions—an initiative by Panerai to reduce waste. Panerai’s new eSteel Submersible is available in grigio roccia (rock gray), and blu profondo (deep blue) dials, paired with matching, high-gloss ceramic inserts on the rotating bezel. The two colour coordinated straps that come with the watch are composed of recyclable materials: recycled PET and recycled rubber. Powering this rigorous diving watch is Panerai’s P900 calibre with hours, minutes, small seconds, date indication, which offers a 72-hour power reserve.
The Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel and ceramic, 44mm, unidirectional rotating bezel, with sapphire crystal; water-resistant to 300m
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, date, small seconds
- Movement: Automatic calibre P.900; 72-hour power reserve
- Strap: Fabric
Bremont Supermarine S500 Blue
It will be safe to say that British watchmakers, Bremont have pushed the boundaries of excellence in terms of great design and technical prowess through their Bremont Supermarine S500 Blue watch. More than just an elegant and exquisitely designed timepiece, it is a perfectly crafted dive tool. To begin with, its 43mm stainless steel case is treated with B-EBE2000 technology which elevates its hardness and makes it scratch-resistant. The case is created using the Bremont ‘trip-tick’ construction—a three-piece steel structure, comprising the bezel, middle barrel, and caseback. Its blue dial accommodates hands and hour markers filled with Super-LumiNova, along with a day and date window placed at three o’clock. All this is housed under a convex sapphire crystal glass, bearing an antireflective coating. To further enhance the underwater legibility, its unidirectional-rotating bezel is also coated with Super-LumiNova. Its helium escape valve adds to its credentials of being a reliable diver’s watch. Powering this timepiece is the calibre 11 ½”’ BE-36AE, a COSC-certified chronometer movement. Beating at a frequency of 28,800vph, it packs a 38-hour power reserve. Presented on a blue rubber strap, this timepiece is water-resistant to 500m.
The Bremont Supermarine S500 Blue in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel, 43mm, with sapphire crystal, unidirectional rotating bezel; water-resistant to 500m
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, day-date
- Movement: Automatic calibre BE-36AE; 38-hour power reserve
- Strap: Rubber
Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver
Here’s a quirky dive watch for you serious collectors out there. First square diving watch by Bell & Ross—the BR03-92 Diver—featuring the brand’s trademark shape. After all, it is a brand known for its square watches, with a round dial within a square case design dating back to their legendary BR-01. Designed for professional diving, the models shown here have a mandatory unidirectional rotating bezel with a traditional 60-minute dive-timer scale. Even the dials available in hues of black, blue, or white include big, bright, and legible indicators in a mix of round and bullet indexes, as well as a distinctive 12-hour marker for quickly checking the time underwater. Driven by the calibre BR-CAL.302, the timepiece packs a power reserve of 38 hours. The model is accompanied by two straps: one in woven black or blue rubber and the other in an ultra-resilient black synthetic fabric. The new Bell & Ross BR03-92 Diver meets with all the requirements of a dive watch, and is water resistant up to 300m.
The Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel and aluminium or ceramic, 42mm, with sapphire crystal, unidirectional rotating bezel; water-resistant to 300m
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Movement: Automatic calibre BR-CAL.302; 54-hour power reserve
- Strap: Rubber
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Carbon
Instantly recognisable by its dodecagonal bezel, TAG Heuer’s Aquaracer Carbon fulfils all the criteria of being a reliable diver’s watch. Launched in 2018, this trio of watches offers more than just aesthetic appeal. With a 41mm case, crafted from grade-5 titanium, with black PVD coating and a bezel made from carbon and black PVD-treated steel, this timepiece is emblematic of TAG Heuer’s technical precision as a brand. These timepieces are available with accents of blue, yellow and rose gold—seen on the hands, minute track and indices. It is the usage of Super-LumiNova that helps these elements stand out against the unique colour scheme of the dial. The visual of the date at three o’clock is enhanced with a magnifying lens. At the core of these watches is TAG Heuer’s automatic calibre 5 (based on the ETA 2824-2 movement), which beats at a frequency of 28,800vph and packs a power reserve of 38 hours. Water-resistant to 300m, these timepieces are presented on nylon straps, with stitching that complements the dials’ colour accents, on the yellow and blue versions.
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Carbon in a nutshell
- Case: Titanium and carbon or titanium and black PVD, 41mm, with sapphire crystal, unidirectional rotating bezel; water-resistant to 300m
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT
- Movement: Automatic Calibre 5; 38-hour power reserve
- Strap: Nylon
Oris Divers Sixty-Five
The Divers Sixty-Five is a momentous watch that boasts 40 years of heritage. What Oris has done here is take an already excellent timepiece and made it better. This new iteration features domed sapphire crystal glass that gives the watch a vintage look. This, along with a unidirectional scratch-resistant ceramic bezel with SuperLuminova, sits on the upsized 40mm case. At the heart of this watch is the Oris calibre 733, which has a 38-hour power reserve. The watch is water resistant to 100m, allowing for an ISO 6425 certification, making this a true diver’s watch. The model featured here comes with a grey dial and a choice of steel bracelet or black leather strap.
The Oris Divers Sixty-Five in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel, 40mm, with sapphire crystal, unidirectional rotating bezel; water-resistant to 100m
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds
- Movement: Automatic calibre Oris 733; 38-hour power reserve
- Strap: Leather or stainless steel
Breitling Superocean Automatic 42
A tribute to the iconic 1960s model, the Superocean Automatic 42 is the perfect watch for all your adventures. Be it on a super-yacht, or the deep end of a pool, this Breitling doesn’t look out of place. The new Superocean draws heavily from the 1960s ‘Slow Motion’s’ celebrated design codes, while adding modern features. With an ultra-hard, scratchproof ceramic bezel, this timepiece is as stunning as it is durable. On the blue, black or white dial, broad hands and indexes in luminescent Super-LumiNova allow for easy readability underwater. Within the 42mm polished steel case lies the in-house calibre Breitling 17, which can make this watch run for 38 hours autonomously. With a water resistance of up to 300m, it is an ideal watch to accompany you on your wet adventures. The two strap options available are rubber and a metal bracelet.
The Breitling Superocean Automatic 42 in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel or steel and ceramic, 42mm, with sapphire crystal, unidirectional rotating bezel; water-resistant to 300m
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds
- Movement: Automatic calibre Breitling 17; 38-hour power reserve
- Strap: Rubber or stainless steel
Raymond Weil Freelancer
Inspired by the largest lake in the heart of the watchmaking world—Lake Geneva, or Lac Léman—the maison introduces Raymond Weil Freelancer Diver Geneva Limited Edition. At first glance, the Freelancer Diver Lake Geneva looks clean and easy to read with a tasteful blue gradient dial playing host to the barrel shaped hours and minute hands, along with a legible date window at six o’clock. This is surrounded by a clearly legible unidirectional rotating bezel with Super-LumiNova for an easy diving experience. The Freelancer Diver Lake Geneva is driven by the RW4200, a mechanical self-winding movement packing a power reserve of 38 hours. The Raymond Weil Freelancer has a 310m water resistance rating, which refers to the deepest point of Lake Geneva. Interestingly, this watch is likewise limited to 310 pieces.
The Raymond Weil Freelancer in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel and ceramic, 42.5mm, with sapphire crystal; water-resistant to 310m
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Movement: Automatic calibre RW4200; 41-hour power reserve
- Strap: Stainless steel
Read more about the Raymond Weil’s Freelancer Diver Lake Geneva here
Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer comprises all the relevant codes of an ideal dive watch, packaged into a highly functional and sleek silhouette. At first glance, these timepieces are reminiscent of Maurice Lacroix’s ’90s cult favourite—the Calypso—which inspires the Aikon collection’s design scheme. Sheathed in a 43mm satin-finished steel case, its sunray-brushed dial adds a punch of elegance to this sporty-looking timepiece. This watch features a unidirectional-rotating 60-minute bezel in stainless steel, with a ceramic insert—appearing more pronounced owing to its ‘claws’. Each claw is slightly protruded, and engraved with the minutes of the timer scale that is meant to mark dive time. The date is neatly positioned at three o’clock for better day-to-day usage. Enhancing its legibility are Super-LumiNova-coated hands and indices, creating beautiful contrast against the green dial. This watch is powered by the self-winding ML115 calibre, which vibrates at 28,800vph and packs a power reserve of 38 hours. On the reverse is the screwed-in solid caseback. Water-resistant to 300m, these models come with either a five-row stainless steel bracelet or a green rubber strap, with an ‘easy change’ system that allows the wearer to interchange between the two, without the need for tools.
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer in a nutshell
- Case: Stainless steel, 38mm, with sapphire crystal; water-resistant to 300m
- Functions and display: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Movement: Automatic calibre ML115; 38-hour power reserve
- Strap: Rubber or stainless steel
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a dive watch?
A dive watch is designed for underwater use and typically features water resistance of at least 200m, a unidirectional rotating bezel for tracking dive time, and big markers and hands, with adequate luminescence for clear legibility in low-light conditions.
- How do I care for my dive watch?
To care for your dive watch, regularly rinse it with fresh water after exposure to saltwater or chlorine, avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, and have it serviced every few years to maintain its water resistance and overall functionality.
- Can I wear a dive watch daily?
Yes, many dive watches are definitely suitable for daily wear, robust as they are, hence combining durability with style.