While watches like the Rolex Submariner and the Omega Seamaster have established themselves as some of the best dive watches, the majority of our readers would not pay that much money on a watch.
The good news is that there are a plethora of high-quality, reasonably priced diving watches available. We’ve limited the field to include watches from Japanese firms Seiko and Citizen, two of the most well-known names in budget-friendly diver’s timepieces. All of the timepieces listed here have a water resistance rating of at least 200 meters.
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We also came across a few Swiss-made dive watches that fit our budget. So, let’s take a closer look at our top picks for the best dive watches under $500.
List of Best Diver Watches under $500 USD ( Lockadeal’s Top Picks)
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Casio 200M Duro Dive Watch (MDV106-1AV)
The Casio 200M Duro dive watch has a sturdy and uncomplicated construction. Casio prioritizes functionality above frills, making the Duro Dive an excellent entry-level option for scuba divers.
The black and white aesthetic is not only pleasing to the sight but also functional. The Duro Dive was created by Casio to be as easy to read as possible, both during the day and at night. Both on land and underwater, the black resin band adds added grip and comfort.
The black dial has three analog arrow hands and bold and bright indexes. A date display is also conveniently situated beside the three o’clock marker. Other noteworthy aspects of the case include:
- The diver-inspired anti-reverse bezel.
- A mineral crystal window.
- Water resistance of up to 200-meters.
A Japanese quartz movement is housed beneath the sturdy 44mm stainless steel body, ensuring outstanding reliability and accuracy at all times.
The Casio 200M Duro Diving is an excellent dive watch that is both inexpensive and dependable. This timepiece boasts a sporting charm and a sleek, professional appearance. The Casio 200M Duro Dive strikes an excellent balance between performance and quality.
Casio Men's MDV106-1AV 200M Duro Analog Watch, Black
- Stainless Steel case with Black Resin Band
- Black Dial with date window at 3 O'clock
- Luminous markers and hour hands; sweep second hand
- Anti-reverse bezel
- Water-resistant to 200 M (660 feet)
- Stainless Steel case with Black Resin Band
- Black Dial with date window at 3 O'clock
- Luminous markers and hour hands; sweep second hand
- Anti-reverse bezel
- Water-resistant to 200 M (660 feet)
- Band Size: mens-standard
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Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver (BN0150-28E)
The Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver BN0150-28E is designed with diving practicality and a minimalist appearance in mind, making it ideal for underwater excursions and pairing with casual wear for a sleek look.
It has 200-meter water resistance, a unidirectional rotating bezel with a luminous pip at the 60-minute position, big and luminescent hands and hour markers, a screw-down crown, a screw-down case back, and a polyurethane strap—all of these elements combine to make it a classic diver’s watch.
Aside from its fantastic diving features, it has even more amazing features in store. Because this Japanese quartz watch is part of Citizen’s Eco-Drive series, which is powered by solar energy, a technique that they invented, it can transform any light source, natural or artificial, into energy.
It also contains a date display at the 5 o’clock position, which is a useful feature. The dial window’s mineral crystal provides an unobstructed view of the dial, free of glares, as it is anti-reflective, and also avoids scratches on its surface as it is a sturdy and scratch-resistant material.
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Men's Watch, Stainless Steel With Polyurethane Strap, Black
- Iconic Promaster watches with advanced functions designed to venture to the deepest depths.
- 3 Hand, Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Luminous Hands and Markers and Anti-Reflective Mineral Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty, ISO Compliant
- Iconic Promaster watches with advanced functions designed to venture to the deepest depths.
- 3 Hand, Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Luminous Hands and Markers and Anti-Reflective Mineral Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty, ISO Compliant
- Featuring our Eco-Drive technology – powered by light, any light. Never needs a battery
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Orient Men’s ‘MAKO II’
The Orient MAKO series is a classic dive watch that you can count on to deliver every time. This entry is the Orient MAKO II, which is the second edition.
If you have a mental image of what a conventional dive watch should look like, you’re probably thinking about Orient’s MAKO watches.
The Orient Mako II has a sleek 41.5mm stainless steel casing with a 120-click unidirectional rotating bezel as standard. Furthermore, mineral crystal glass aids in providing the clock with more than acceptable scratch resistance.
The MAKO II’s dial has a combination of thin indices and three Arabic numeral hour markers (6, 9, and 12). A sleek sword-style analog hand and a red-tipped second hand are also included. A day and date display is included, as well as a three o’clock hour marker. All of the dial’s important components have a bright finish, which helps visibility in the dark.
The MAKO II’s biggest improvement over its predecessor is its mobility. The MAKO II uses the F6922 caliber, which supports manual hacking, which it did not have in its predecessor. A 40-hour power reserve is also included in the F6922.
ORIENT Men's 'Mako II' Japanese Automatic Stainless Steel Diving Watch
- Mineral crystal
- Crown:Screwed-down.120-Click unidirectional bezel
- Japanese-automatic Movement
- Case Diameter: 41.5mm without crown. Lug width - 22 millimeters
- Water Resistant 200m (660ft): in General, Suitable for Professional Marine Activity and Serious Surface Water Sports, but not Diving
- Mineral crystal
- Crown:Screwed-down.120-Click unidirectional bezel
- Japanese-automatic Movement
- Case Diameter: 41.5mm without crown. Lug width - 22 millimeters
- Water Resistant 200m (660ft): in General, Suitable for Professional Marine Activity and Serious Surface Water Sports, but not Diving
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Seiko Men’s Automatic Diver (SKX007K)
This watch looks a lot like the Citizen watch listed above, yet it has its own unique features. Seiko and Citizen are two of the most popular Japanese watch brands among divers, and some of their timepieces are identical. They do, however, have their differences.
The Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver BN0150-28E and this Seiko Men’s Automatic SKX007K may appear nearly identical at first glance, thanks to the simplistically chic design and diving-specific features like the 200-meter water resistance; unidirectional rotating bezel with a luminescent pip at the 60-minute position; large and luminescent hands and hour markers; screw-down crown; and a screw-down case back. Let us, however, point out the differences between them.
The Promaster Diver is a light-powered quartz watch, and Citizen only makes quartz watches, while the SKX007K is an automatic watch that is powered by the wearer’s wrist movement. And, because an automatic watch has more mechanisms, the SKX007K is a little thicker. This watch has a power reserve of about 40 hours and 21 jewels.
Another distinction is that this watch has a rubber strap rather than a polyurethane strap. Although both rubber and polyurethane are suitable diving materials since they do not absorb water and can be dried quickly, the difference between the two is that while rubber is more comfortable than polyurethane, polyurethane is stronger and more durable to tearing but is less comfortable. While this watch is still available online, Seiko has declared that manufacture has ceased.
This watch, like the Promaster Diver, has a date display, but it also shows the day of the week, something the Promaster Diver does not. Finally, this watch’s dial window is composed of Seiko’s signature Hardlex crystal, which is more scratch-resistant than mineral crystal.
SEIKO Men's Automatic Analogue Watch with Rubber Strap SKX007K
- 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
- 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
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Bulova Special Edition Oceanographer Automatic (96B322)
The Bulova Special Edition Devil Diver is a serious diver’s watch that combines style and functionality. The gorgeous silver, black, and green Special Edition Oceanographer Automatic model that we featured in the list. The Bulova Devil Diver looks and performs like a fantastic dive watch, with a strong 44mm stainless steel casing and a water resistance of up to 200 meters.
Round luminous hour markers and bold baton-style analog hands adorn the green dial. A date display is also located at the three o’clock position. A scratch-resistant mineral crystal window and a unidirectional rotating bezel are also included in the case’s construction.
A Myota Japan automatic self-winding movement with 21 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve is housed within the Bulova Devil Diver Special Edition watch.
Men's Bulova Special Edition Oceanographer Green Dial Stainless Steel Automatic Bracelet Watch...
- A design tribute to Bulova's acclaimed 1970s Oceanographer dive watch, powered by a self-winding mechanical movement.
- 3 Hand, Automatic, Calendar
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Double Curved Sapphire Box Crystal
- A design tribute to Bulova's acclaimed 1970s Oceanographer dive watch, powered by a self-winding mechanical movement.
- 3 Hand, Automatic, Calendar
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Double Curved Sapphire Box Crystal
- 200M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
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Tissot mens Seastar 660/1000 Dive Watch (T1204171104100)
The Tissot Seastar 660/1000 is readable and basic in appearance, as is usual of diver’s watches, but it also has a flash of red in the ceramic top ring of its unidirectional rotating bezel and a lovely design sculpted into its silicone strap, which adds to its appeal. This watch is ideal for people looking for a diver’s watch with a little more pzazz.
Other characteristics that will come in handy for diving include a unidirectional rotating bezel with a luminous pip at the 60-minute position; and luminescent hands and hour markers, in addition to its water-resistance of 30 bar (300 m / 1000 feet).
The screw-down crown and case back, of course, add to the watch’s water resistance. This Swiss quartz watch features a chronograph and a date display at the 5 o’clock position in addition to its diving functionality.
The dial window is composed of anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, so glares and scratches won’t obstruct your view of the watch’s clean face.
Tissot mens Seastar 660/1000 Stainless Steel Casual Watch Grey T1204171104100
- Case Size: 45.50 millimeters, Bandwidth: 22 millimeters, Case Thickness: 12.82 millimeters
- Swiss quartz movement, 316L stainless steel case, Without dial type, Date
- Stainless steel bracelet, folding clasp with safety and diver extension closure
- Case Size: 45.50 millimeters, Bandwidth: 22 millimeters, Case Thickness: 12.82 millimeters
- Swiss quartz movement, 316L stainless steel case, Without dial type, Date
- Stainless steel bracelet, folding clasp with safety and diver extension closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 30 bar (300 m / 1000 Feet): Suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
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Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Twin Sensor (GG-1000)
When it comes to watch ruggedness, dependability, and affordability, few can match Casio’s G-Shock series. Unfortunately, G-Shock watches are notorious for being huge, and the Mudmaster Twin Sensor is no exception. This clock has a diameter of 56.2mm, which makes it unsuitable for smaller wrists. To compensate for the extra trunk space, it adds a slew of new features.
The Mudmaster Twin Sensor, like all G-Shock watches, is loaded with features like the normal countdown timer, alarms, full auto-calendar, 12/24-hour format, and low battery indicator. A digital compass and temperature are also included as part of the Twin Sensor system.
The tank-like case may appear heavy due to its all-resin construction, but it is actually quite light. This G-Shock watch is also mud-resistant, in addition to having a good 200-meter water resistance certification.
CASIO G Shock Quartz Watch with Resin Strap, Beige, 30 (Model: GG1000-1A5)
- Shock resistant, neobrite, mineral glass, mud resistant, 200-meter water resistance, led backlight (super illuminator), digital compass, thermometer, world time, stopwatch
- Countdown timer, 5 daily alarms, hourly time signal, low battery alert, full auto-calendar, 12/24-hour format, button operation tone on/off, approx. Battery life: 2 years on sr927w x 2
- Shock resistant, neobrite, mineral glass, mud resistant, 200-meter water resistance, led backlight (super illuminator), digital compass, thermometer, world time, stopwatch
- Countdown timer, 5 daily alarms, hourly time signal, low battery alert, full auto-calendar, 12/24-hour format, button operation tone on/off, approx. Battery life: 2 years on sr927w x 2
- Quartz Movement
- Case Diameter: 56.2mm
- Water resistant 200m (660ft): in general, suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not diving
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Victorinox Men’s I.N.O.X Professional Diver (241782)
The Victorinox Men’s I.N.O.X. Professional Diver 241782 is a diver’s watch unlike any other. Water, high pressure, vibrations, extreme temperatures, and even the weight of a 64-ton tank flowing over it are all things it can withstand.
This is an exceptional diver’s watch because it meets the stringent NIHS 92-11 Swiss watchmaking standards for certified diver’s watches, which include criteria like luminosity, shock resistance, anti-magnetism, and the solidity of the strap, as well as the ability to withstand 130 diving-specific resistance and functionality tests.
Hypoallergenic stainless steel for the case and bracelet, as well as an anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal dial window, make up this durable and effective Swiss quartz watch. It has a screw-down crown and a screw-down case back in its case.
A diving extension is attached to its bracelet. The watch also comes with an attachable bumper that protects the case, keeps the unidirectional spinning bezel intact, and magnifies the dial during diving sessions.
Its dial is a lovely blue color with a clean minimalist design for legibility. Highly luminous hands and hour markers are placed on it for easy visibility underwater, which is important because this watch is water-resistant to 200 meters. Between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions, it also has a date display.
Victorinox I.N.O.X Professional Diver Yellow Rubber Strap Grey Dial Mens Watch 241844...
- Featuring a Yellow Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
- Delivered in a shockproof box housing an assorted additional rubber strap and a color matching protective bumper with removable magnifying glass
- Featuring a Yellow Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
- Delivered in a shockproof box housing an assorted additional rubber strap and a color matching protective bumper with removable magnifying glass
- Swiss made watch
- Item Shape: Round
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Luminox Men’s Original Navy SEAL (XS.3001)
Luminox is all about extreme durability and functionality. Since 1989, the firm has offered the toughest timepieces on the market, as well as its patented light technology, which may last up to 25 years and permits sight in any circumstance without the use of an external light source or a push of a button, hence the company’s name.
Not only has the watch brand been utilized by military and police enforcement agencies, but it has also grown popular among outdoorsy, sporty, and energetic people due to the high quality it consistently provides.
The Original Navy SEAL XS.3001 is another example of Luminox’s characteristic quality, which is why we consider it one of the best diving watches.
A carbon-reinforced polycarbonate casing with a double-security gasket crown, screw-down case back, mineral crystal dial window, and rubber band make up this tough Swiss quartz watch. It has a carbon-reinforced unidirectional rotating bezel and is water-resistant to 200 meters, making it ideal for diving. It also has a date display at the 3 o’clock position, which is a nice touch.
Luminox Men's 3001 Quartz Navy Seal Dive Watch
- Case diameter: 43 mm
- Case diameter: 43 mm
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G-Shock Frogman (GWF1000B)
The G-Shock Frogman series is Casio’s famed tough-as-nails watch line’s dive watch entry, and it certainly lives up to its name. The G-Shock Frogman was created with diving in mind. It is the only G-Shock series with an ISO certification, although having the regular 200-meter water resistance of all other G-Shock watches. This indicates that the G-Shock Frogman model is built to handle the pressures and demands of diving underwater.
The usage of a screw-lock back covers and a sturdy stainless-steel body was one of the most noticeable inclusions in its design to earn this ISO certification. Casio managed to load the GWF1000B model with some outstanding features to help increase its dive watch performance. For starters, the GWF1000B includes a depth meter that allows users to follow their dive. The built-in compass, which includes a bearing sensor, tidal graph, moon data, automated horizon calibration, and temperature, was also a hit.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a G-Shock watch without the multi-band 6 atomic timekeeping, stopwatch, countdown timer, super illuminator with afterglow, auto-calendar, multiple time zones, and alarm. Take note, however, that the Frogman GWF1000B model has a 59mm case diameter, making it a huge wristwatch that may not be suitable for individuals with smaller wrists.
Casio Frogman GWF-1000-1CR MB6 ISO-Certified Wristwatch
- Shock Resistant
- ISO 764 Class Magnetic Resistance
- Interchangeable bands
- Mineral Glass
- 200M Water Resistant
- Shock Resistant
- ISO 764 Class Magnetic Resistance
- Interchangeable bands
- Mineral Glass
- 200M Water Resistant
Best Diver Watch: What to look for while buying one! [Buyer’s Guide]
Even if you are not a professional diver or plan to dive in the future, the classic look of a diver’s watch, as well as the ability to fully submerge them in water without damage, make them some of the most popular watches on the market.
Water-resistance is, of course, the most important feature. If you’re looking for a diving watch, be sure it’s water-resistant to at least 200 meters (660 feet). Another approach to telling if it’s suitable for diving is to look at its IP code, which is commonly shown as IPX 8.
You may also come across terminology like ATM or BAR, which refer to other types of measurements. For the purposes of this post, you can be confident that all of the watches we’ve analyzed have a water resistance rating of at least 200 meters.
A screw-down crown and case back for a tighter seal; a legible, luminous watch dial for clear visibility underwater; and, most crucially, a unidirectional rotating bezel that allows a diver to keep track of the time spent underwater are all required elements.
Diving is a fun pastime but also necessitates caution. As a result, we understand how you might want to be cautious while selecting the greatest diver’s watch for the money. That’s why we’ve sifted through a lot of information to create a list of only the best.
But ultimately, whether you choose quartz, automatic, analog, digital, a watch with a rubber strap, a watch with a bracelet, or something else, it boils down to personal preference. You’ll discover a wide range of timepieces here, so you should be able to find something that suits you. But rest assured these timepieces will perform admirably.
When it comes to scuba diving, timing is crucial. Take it from the man himself, Craig Mainprize, a professional diver. When diving underwater, it’s critical to have a precise diver’s watch with you.
That’s all for the list of Best Diver Watches under $500 USD. Check out our shopping guides to make more such well-informed purchases.
