Best Dive Watch Reviews 2023

The prices of dive watches vary according to the degree of water resistance they provide. The strap material and casing may also affect the price, since these are important components of a diving watch. Dive watches worth exploring might cost anywhere between $40 and $300. There are some cheap dive watches that can go up to 100 meters below sea level, but they fall short in other features.

There are a vast number of dive watch options available, each with unique features. Since you’re going to be taking your dive watch under water for a variety of activities, water resistance is perhaps the most important feature to consider.

Dive watches can come several different features, but here are a few that are worth noting:

• Water Resistance: Just because it says 100 meters doesn’t mean you can take it to maximum depth
• Readability: Be sure you can read the watch easily underwater. Dive watches with luminescent markers work well
• Non-Complex Dial: The simpler the reading, the easier it’ll be to check the watch
• Watch Casing: Be sure it's well-built, either secured with screws or full seal at the back
• Bezel: Lets divers know how much time they have spent underwater
• Extra Features: May include temperature gauges, depth indicators and other timing devices

Most dive watches will conform to the ISO 6425 standard, to ensure water resistance to at least 100 meters. Most diving watches have corrosion-resistant band material, such as runner, silicone or stainless steel. The displays in expensive dive watches are often protected by either sapphire or hardened mineral glass. The latter scratches more easily, but is more resistant to damage. Along with the depth rating and readability of a dive watch, it is crucial that you check out the casing to be sure it is well-built.

Since you’re not buying this type of watch to take it in the shower or pool, a case back that simply pops in isn’t going to work very well. Instead, look for watches with a full seal at the back, or ones that are secured with screws. Inspect the lugs and crystal to ensure they are high-quality, because the last thing you want is the glass cracking or popping off due to pressure underwater. The most important feature is the watch's bezel, which provides divers with the time they’ve spent underwater. The best dive watch has a unidirectional bezel, to prevent it from accidentally rotating backwards. This type of bezel also helps keep the diver from exceeding the available air or taking insufficient decompression time.

Dive watches are different from sport and regular watches in that they are intended for one sole purpose: diving. They are also exceptionally well-made. Most of the best dive watches are designed to resist water at certain depths, and simultaneously resist high pressure. Dive watches have a unique and bold look, and some even look like the mighty Rolex Submariner, but this doesn’t mean that the watch will perform equally well when submerged. Just because a dive watch says it’s water-resistant up to 200 meters doesn’t mean that you should push its limits. First, figure out how deep you’d like to go, then invest in a dive watch with a rating that exceeds that.