Dive Watches: the ultimate guide on brands and unique features

Those searching for a dive watch are usually looking for a timepiece that can cohabit on land and in the ocean, seamlessly transitioning from the black sea to black tie. Our blog post will focus on deep dive watches to help our avid reader in choosing the right timepiece to support your underwater activities, whilst also considering design and aesthetic. From TAG Heuer and DOXA to GUCCI and G-SHOCK, here’s our 2024 shortlist of the best dive watches on the market to buy right now.

 

What is a diver watch?

 

 

A dive watch isn't just a timepiece; it's a tool crafted to endure the harshest aquatic environments. Designed with robust materials and engineering, these watches include features such as high-water resistance, luminous markers for visibility in the depths, and a rotating bezel to track dive time accurately.

Many watches claim water resistance of at least 30 meters; however, accurate dive watches must meet the specific ISO 6425 guidelines which require a watch to withstand depths of at least 100 meters and possess a time control system.

Before these standards were set in 1996, water-resistant watches like the Rolex Oyster had already been developed by the late 1920s. As recreational diving gained popularity in the mid-1950s, dive watches evolved further, with many early models still available today. These watches are valued not just for underwater use but also for their durability and stylish design, making them popular both in and out of the water.

 

How does a diver watch work?

 

 

Dive watches come in various forms and function differently based on their movement type. Automatic watches are powered by the movement of the wearer's wrist, storing kinetic energy. Quartz watches, on the other hand, use a battery to send an electrical current through a quartz crystal, creating vibrations that drive the watch's hands. Both types are reliable underwater, ensuring accurate timekeeping in challenging conditions.

 

What are the main and unique features to search in a good diver watch?

 

Selecting a good dive watch involves considering several key features. The below includes the main criteria you should look out for:

• Water Resistance: Essential for deep diving.
• Clear, Luminous Display: Ensures readability in low-light conditions.
• Rotating Bezel: Helps track dive time.
• Good Grip: Easy to handle, even with gloves.
• Durable Straps: Materials like rubber or stainless steel are best.
• Sturdy Case: Protects the watch mechanism.

 

200m, 300m or even deeper?

 

 

Understanding water resistance ratings like 200m or 300m will help divers choose a watch suited to their underwater adventures. These ratings signify the watch's depth capability and resilience against external pressures encountered during dives. Choosing a watch with appropriate water resistance will gain you reliable performance and durability in demanding aquatic conditions.

The depth rating is important for any dive watch. While 200m is sufficient for most recreational diving, professional divers may require watches rated for 300m or more. These ratings signify the watch's depth capability and resilience against external pressures encountered during dives, so it is best to understand the demands of your dive so that the watch you choose meets your diving needs.

 

The ISO 6425 guideline

 

The ISO 6425 guideline sets rigorous standards for dive watches, including criteria such as water resistance, readability in darkness, shock resistance, and magnetic field resistance.

While adherence to ISO 6425 standards is not mandatory for all dive watches, it underscores a watch's reliability and suitability for professional diving applications, offering performance assurance under extreme conditions.

 

Only for divers, or to use every day?

 

 

Beyond their utility in diving, modern dive watches blend functionality with timeless style, making them wearable for every type of occasion including the most formal. Their durable construction, stylish designs, and practical features appeal to watch enthusiasts wanting to easily transition from the ocean to the office.

 

Care for your diver watch and it will take care of you

 

It is essential to care for your dive watch so it can maintain its longevity and performance over time. Regular care includes rinsing with fresh water after exposure to saltwater, avoiding contact with harsh chemicals, and periodic servicing by qualified professionals. By adhering to proper maintenance practices, you can preserve your watches' appearance and functionality.

 

Some of our best and most iconic diver watches brands and collections

 

At Wallace Allan, we offer a curated selection of iconic dive watch brands, each with unique features and a storied history. Discover brands like Oris, GUCCI, Longines, Citizen, Grand Seiko, Doxa, G Shock, Tissot, and TAG Heuer, each offering a distinctive range of dive watch collections that exemplify design excellence and performance.

 

Oris Dive Watches

 

 

 

Oris Divers Sixy-Five 12Hr Calibre 400 Stainless Steel Watch 40mm

 

The Oris Divers Sixty-Five is a famous retro diver’s watch known for its versatile style and advanced features. It combines a 40mm multi-piece stainless steel case with a 12-hour bezel for GMT, domed sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating, and a see-through sapphire case back.

Powered by the game-changing Calibre 400, this automatic watch boasts a 120-hour power reserve, centre hands for hours, minutes, and seconds, a date window, an instantaneous date corrector, an exemplary timing device, and stop-second functionality. With a water resistance of 10 BAR and a durable stainless steel strap, this watch is designed for both style and function.

 

GUCCI Dive Watches

 

 

GUCCI Dive Automatic Gold 40mm Watch YA136353

 

The GUCCI Dive collection consistently reinterprets the brand's iconic codes in fresh and modern designs. This automatic timepiece in 40mm gold features a robust 40mm stainless steel case and a durable stainless-steel bracelet for style and resilience.

The striking blue dial prominently showcases the signature Interlocking G logo, adding a touch of luxury. With a ceramic bezel and automatic movement, the timepiece offers reliable performance while being water-resistant up to 300 meters, making it ideal for a diving watch for the style conscious gent.

 

Longines Dive Watches

 

 

Longines HydroConquest Automatic Blue GMT 41mm Watch L3.790.4.96.6

 

The Hydro Conquest collection sets a high standard for sports watches, featuring models powered by an exclusive Longines GMT movement that displays time in two time zones. Equipped with a silicon balance spring and non-magnetic components, this calibre offers more than ten times the magnetic resistance required by the ISO 764 standard.

The HydroConquest GMT boasts a 41 mm stainless steel case with a screw-down back and crown. It includes a unidirectional notched bezel in blue ceramic with a luminescent capsule. The blue dial complements a stainless-steel bracelet or a blue rubber strap, enhancing style and functionality for the wearer.

 

Citizen Dive Watches

 

 

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver 200m Grey 44mm Watch BN0167-50H

 

The Citizen Promaster Diver offers a perfect blend of functionality and style. Its robust 44mm silver-tone stainless steel case features an easy-grip dive bezel and a crown positioned at 4 o’clock, ensuring durability and ease of use. Secured to the wrist with a matching silver-tone stainless steel bracelet, this watch is designed for adventure. The sunray-textured grey dial showcases oversized luminous hands and markers, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.

At the same time, the date display at the 4 o’clock position adds practical functionality. Upholding the high standards of the Promaster Collection, this timepiece is water resistant up to 200 metres and is sustainably powered by Citizen’s innovative Eco-Drive technology.

 

Grand Seiko Dive Watches

 

 

Grand Seiko Sport Diver Spring Drive Watch 200m 44.2mm SBGA461G

 

The Spring Drive 200m Diver’s watch is celebrated for its precision and durability. It features Lumibrite indexes at all hour marks for enhanced visibility underwater. The bezel's 60 distinct markings and five numerals ensure easy readability, while uniquely designed hands and a triangular marker at twelve o’clock enhance accuracy. Designed for maintenance, it allows secure disassembly at Grand Seiko Service Centers.

This watch is water-resistant up to 200 meters, with a screw-down crown and a one-way rotating bezel. The anti-reflective coating on the inner crystal surface further ensures optimal legibility for serious divers.

 

Doxa Dive Watches

 

 

Doxa Sub 300 Beta Searambler on Steel Bracelet 42.5mm 830.10.021.10

 

The SUB 300 beta sports watch is a testament to functionality and style, featuring essential tool watch characteristics in a newly designed 42.5 mm case that is now slimmer at 11.95 mm. Its black ceramic bezel and screw-down crown elevate its sporty elegance, enhanced by a striking sunburst dial.

The watch can be bought with either an FKM rubber strap or a stainless-steel "Beads of Rice" bracelet equipped with a ratcheting folding clasp. Water resistance up to 300 meters, the SUB 300 beta is designed for safety and adventure. Staying true to DOXA's unique vision, it combines contemporary flair with a modern sport-chic aesthetic, perfect for urban environments.

 

G Shock Dive Watches

 

G-SHOCK Mr-G Frogman Rubber Strap Blue Watch MRG-BF1000R-1ADR

 

The original FROGMAN model, DW-6300, debuted in 1993 and has since evolved while retaining its distinctive asymmetric shape.

The series has introduced features like a sleeker profile, solar-powered functionality, radio wave time calibration, and sensors for measuring water depth. FROGMAN watches are designed as robust diver's timepieces, built to endure challenging underwater conditions. The development team even obtained scuba diving certification and collaborated with marine rescue professionals to ensure optimal performance.

 

Tissot Dive Watches

 

 

Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80 46mm

 

The Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80 ensures you stay balanced and stylish wherever your adventures take you. This technical watch exudes confidence, whether navigating the urban landscape or diving deep beneath the waves. Its sleek design makes it perfect for everyday wear. At the same time, its robust build offers impressive water resistance of up to 60 bar (600m / 2000ft) and ISO 6425 certification for divers.

Key features include a uni-directional rotating ceramic bezel, screw-down crown, automatic helium escape valve, and a durable black rubber or blue fabric strap. The striking black or gradient blue dial, adorned with a wave motif, underscores its exceptional underwater capabilities.

 

TAG Heuer Dive Watches

 

 

Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT Stainless Steel 43mm WBN2111.BA0632

 

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT marks an exciting advancement in the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional lineup, which also features the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 collection.

This model embodies the six signature characteristics of the Aquaracer series, beautifully blending functionality with luxury. It is the ultimate luxury tool watch, designed for surfers, divers, and adventurers who traverse time zones.

 

Not sure of what diver is the right one for you? We can help you!

 

If you're unsure which dive watch best suits your needs, Wallace Allan is here to help. Visit our shop or contact us for a personalised consultation. Our experts will guide you in choosing the perfect dive watch based on your preferences, needs, and budget. Dive into our collection and find the watch that will accompany you on all your adventures.