Best Dive Watches Under $1,500
For decades, diver watches have been very popular. Today, many men and women wear dive watches for their rugged aesthetics. However, there many people who actually need the best dive watches under $1,500 budget. So below are the best options that comes with very reliable waterproof can withstand even the most extreme conditions.
Best Dive Watches Under $1,500
1. Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80
The latest addition to Tissot’s Seastar line features many features usually found only in elite diving watches that cost several times more. The 46mm steel case, which is water-resistant to 2,000 feet, is equipped with a helium escape valve and an engraved ceramic unidirectional bezel. The progressive blue ombre dial features a wave pattern finish, while the Maxi hands and indexes are bathed in lume. On top of that, the in-house movement is a highly accurate workhorse with a patented Nivachron balance spring and a massive 80-hour power reserve.
2. Casio G-SHOCK Frogman GWF-A1000-1A2
Casio’s analog version of the Frogman is a large watch that doesn’t feel overwhelming. This is largely due to the clever use of carbon, a lightweight and durable material. Of all the watches on this list, the Casio Frogman boasts the most features. This is truly the cutting edge of watch technology and is arguably the future of dive watches.
Where to start? This is a solar-powered watch that offers dual time zones and a wealth of dive information. It feels like a dive computer on your wrist. However, the dial layout is quite traditional, with hour, minute, and second hands. However, this sits alongside an interesting new feature from the Frogman. When connected to your phone via the companion app, you can set tide data for thousands of locations around the world and access your dive logs.
3. Longines DolceVita
The DolceVita range has been a huge success for Longines since its launch in 1997. It is a timeless collection of Art Deco-inspired women’s dress pieces available in a variety of forms. The latest model is a sophisticated blue model in a classic rectangular housing, topped with a dial that resembles a starry night sky. Powered by a highly reliable quartz movement and fitted on a soft leather strap, this stunning example of Longines artistry is the epitome of the ‘good life’.
4. Gucci Grip 35mm
Inspired by 1970s skate culture, the Gucci Grip is a very modern collection of quartz watches available in four sizes and a variety of finishes. Each watch features a rounded square case with three cut-out windows, behind which a white rotating disc displays the hours, minutes and date. The distinctive style is pure Gucci, with the brand’s Interlocking G logo extensively engraved on the watch face and bracelet. Designed for a gender-neutral fit, the 35mm steel model captures the eye with its clean, streamlined aesthetic.
5. Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster BN0150-28E
BN0150-28E Citizen has made a solid tool watch. This isn’t the most attractive or flashy watch on our list, but it’s one of the most affordable and offers great value for money. Powered by an ISO-compliant Eco-Drive movement and powered by light, the watch’s water resistance won’t be compromised by battery changes.
This is a very readable and durable watch that forgoes the elegant touches of other watches and focuses more on telling the time underwater. It eschews the 42mm to 38mm dive watch trend, opting instead for a solid bezel and large hands and markers. It’s a great choice for an everyday watch that requires durability.
6. Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80
Tissot’s Seastar collection includes a range of watches, each with a 300m water resistance and a traditional case design. Unlike the sporty Frogman or the retro Bulova, the Seastar models are modern dive watches that combine form and function.
This model is equipped with a Swiss-made Powermatic movement that offers 80 hours of power reserve. This is enough to keep the watch off for the whole weekend without needing to wind it. The stainless steel case is solid and large at 43mm. It features a prominent crown guard and sapphire crystal. The easy-to-read dial is well-matched and the unusual date window at 6 o’clock is a nice touch that maintains the symmetry of the dial. Tissot is often referred to as the beginner’s Swiss brand and the Seastar 1000 is an ideal introduction to the manufacturer.
7. Seiko Prospex SNE593
Like the previous Seiko Prospex, the SNE593 is a practical watch that ticks the boxes for the budget diver. For under $1,500 you can get the best Seiko Prospex SNE593 watch. There are other manufacturers doing similar things, but Seiko has a lot of fans, and the SNE593 delivers what they want.
This time around, the color palette has been kept to a blue dial with matching blue bezel, while retaining the large hands and indexes. Like other Submariner-style divers, there’s a neat crown guard and heavily knurled crown. Again, it’s solar-powered and, as expected, water-resistant enough for the casual diver. This is where Seiko excels when it comes to dive watches: a single-purpose, affordable watch.
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8. Bulova 96B350 Automatic Oceonographer Devil Diver
The Oceonographer, nicknamed the Devil Diver, is a tribute to Bulova’s iconic 70s dive watches. A bold and colorful piece that captures the spirit of American surf culture and harkens back to a bygone era. Featuring an attractive cushioned case and eye-catching orange dial, it has the same easy-to-read, clean aesthetic as the Doxa.
But why the Devil Diver nickname? When Bulova explored the limits of water resistance, they created this watch with a water resistance rating of 666 feet. Despite the nickname and laid-back style, it’s still a very functional dive watch and comes with the specs you’d expect. It’s water resistant to 200 meters, has an automatic movement, and has a sapphire crystal with a magnifying glass above the date window. It’s not as versatile as the plain black model, and it’s not a cheap dive watch either. Instead, it has the heritage, colorful backstory, and specs to back it up.
9. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
There’s something really cool about military field watches, and those made by Hamilton have long been some of the best value offerings. Stripped down to the bare essentials, the Khaki Field Mechanical does the one thing every soldier’s model should do well: tell the time. But it does so while maintaining a handsome and versatile appearance, a supple 38mm steel case, manual winding with an 80-hour reserve, and an in-house movement. Available with a black, green or white dial on a NATO or steel bracelet. Hamilton really has all the bases covered.
10. Depthmaster 3000
The Depthmaster 3000 is one of the best professional dive watches you can buy under $1,500. It’s also water resistant to a whopping 3,000 meters. Featuring a massive 316L stainless steel case measuring 49mm x 19.5mm, this watch is designed to make a bold statement. What makes this watch unique is its green sunburst dial with large white markers and orange/white hands. Other details include a black rotating bezel, helium escape valve, and sapphire crystal lens. At the heart of the watch is the Miyota 9015 automatic mechanical movement.
11. Yema Pearldiver
The second entry on the list from Yema down on the vintage style of the Navygraf Heritage. These differences are each just small touches, but they make a big difference to the finished watch. Take a look at the case. It’s been reduced in diameter slightly, making it a 38mm diving watch. There’s also no crown guard. This further reduces the size and adds to the vintage feel, along with the aged-looking lume. The utilitarian style continues with the simple black dial and aluminum bezel, both of which are understated.
Once again, the watch is powered by Yema’s own automatic calibre, and there’s no date window to break the symmetry of the dial. There are a couple of other nice details worth pointing out, too. To truly embrace the era, Yema has opted for a double-domed hesalite crystal instead of a modern sapphire glass. This is effective, as is the oversized crown that mimics a 50s diving watch.
12. Marlin Scuba Nero
The Marlin Scuba Nero is a very stylish and affordable watch from CX Swiss Military. It’s water-resistant to 200m, making it perfect for swimming and light diving. The watch features a modest 42mm 316L stainless steel (black PVD treated) case that will appeal to the unisex market. What makes this watch so interesting is the black wave-textured dial with contrasting white numerals. Other features include a black rotating bezel, a small date display, and a sapphire crystal lens. The watch is powered by a Swiss-made Ronda 515 quartz movement.
13. Zelos Swordfish 40MM SS Black Sand
Singapore-based microbrand Zelos has earned a reputation for innovation and creativity. The Swordfish is a great example of a very affordable dive watch with a unique and eye-catching appearance. The most striking feature here is the dial. It is decorated with a sand-like finish, contrasting with the turquoise lumine and gold-plated hands. The beige lighting adds just enough vintage hints to the modern design, making it a real treat for watch lovers.
Like other microbrands in this price range, Zelos has equipped the Swordfish with the ever-reliable Seiko NH35A movement. The case is a comfortable 40mm wide and has strong, clean lines. It has the essential water resistance of 200m and a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. It is a well-designed and affordable dive watch that you won’t see on anyone else’s wrist.
FAQ
What are the most iconic dive watches?
Of all the influential dive watches, the most iconic is the Rolex Submariner. Worn by James Bond and imitated around the world, this watch is a coveted dive watch for watch enthusiasts everywhere.
Do divers actually use dive watches?
There will always be a place for a waterproof watch, but for serious divers, dive computers have largely replaced wristwatches. Divers still cherish their watches and they are still status symbols, but they are no longer a necessity for professional divers.
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