The Best Dive Watches of 2024

Yes, this watch is just a hair under 2 grand. But believe it or not, compared to the Breitlings and Panerais of the world, this is a flat-out steal. And more often than not, those high-end brands are banking on the name, not the product, to justify up to 50% of the price. That’s why you won’t see them here. Into that gap have stepped a variety of smaller brands, offering nearly the same quality and functionality without the luxury price.

Formex is one of the leaders in this new field. The stunning Reef Chronometer ($1,960) comes with a wealth of customization from bezels to straps to dials. Most of these combinations don’t affect the price, though a rubber strap will actually bring the tally down. The hands, indices, sapphire crystal, and case (42mm diameter) are all of exceptional quality.

But the centerpiece here is the COSC-certified Sellita SW300-1 automatic movement. What’s COS-C? In short, it’s a testing board for the fanciest of fancy watch mechanisms. Less than 3% of Swiss movements meet the accuracy marks required to attain certification. And it’s this solid bit of self-winding technology that elevates the Reef from a simple dive watch to the official title of chronometer.

That’s not the only trick on Formex’s bag. Both the strap and bracelet come with a micro-extension system, utilizing a pair of buttons mated to tiny metal notches that allow you to move the steel or rubber by small fractions.

This is a great way to keep your watch riding comfortably as your wrist expands and contracts throughout the day. It’s another of Formex’s seemingly small touches that make the Chronometer a premium experience.

If this isn’t quite your style, the Monta Ocean King is another excellent alternative. Though a bit more expensive than the Formex, this is another microbrand that’s putting pressure on the big names.

Vaer has been making excellent, affordable watches in the United States since 2016. While you won’t get a deep or storied history (yet), you will get well-made, affordable watches that can handle real outdoor use. Our team has been fortunate enough to test a few Vaer watches, and overall, they’ve proven to be as capable as much more expensive brands. And the D4 Meridian Solar ($359) is no exception.

The D4 Meridian Solar runs off a reliable solar movement. This battery will probably never need changing as it’s continually recharged by light. In our use of Vaer solar movements, none of the watches have needed any maintenance for more than a year. And even in hard use, none of them has scratched or broken.

This model is really attractive, with a navy face and bezel, stainless steel bezel markings, and gold-trimmed hands and hour indicators. Aesthetically, the only giveaway that this watch doesn’t cost well over $1,000 is the second-hand sweep’s chunky quartz-driven motion. But like most quartz watches, it tells time as consistently as the tides.

Interestingly, the D4 Meridian is available in two sizes, a 38 mm (that we tested thoroughly) and a 42 mm larger model. For those with smaller wrists, the 38 mm is lovely and wears comfortably. It is a little thicker than one would expect of a smaller face watch, and is a bit tricky to fit under tight shirt cuffs.

A major bonus of Vaer watches is that they use a quick-release band and all watches come with two bands. So they’re not only easy to switch, they also allow wearers to change the color and style in just a minute or two. It’s an uncommon feature and one that people who want versatility will really appreciate. For the money, the D4 Meridian Solar is a handsome, capable, versatile watch that won’t break the bank.

If you’re looking for the best combination of heritage, style, and real-world credentials, it’s hard to beat the Squale 500M Automatic ($1,095). This dive watch, as its name would indicate, has a mind-boggling 500 m water resistance, by far the highest rating on our list.

That’s because Squale is no mere luxury brand. The name, which comes from the Italian word for “shark,” has been around since the late 1950s, though its roots go back even further. And since then, the curved shark logo has gotten around.

Though made in Switzerland, the company has supplied watches to military organizations around the world, including the Italian Air Force and its Navy Diving Corps.

But the 500M Automatic doesn’t operate on reputation alone. Its 42 mm stainless steel case packs a Selita SW-200-1 movement with a 38- to 40-hour reserve on full spring. The blue dial is guarded by a sapphire crystal with SuperLuminova painted on the hour markers and hands.

The watch also has a screw-down crown, which is offset to keep it from poking into the back of your wrist. With a date window and 120-click bezel, it’s a dive watch that offers everything you need. And thanks to the thin case and location of the crown, it wears smaller than its 42 mm would suggest.

Astute readers will note this is the only one on our list that comes with a leather strap. While it’s comfortable for everyday use and looks great, if you plan to dive, you may want to consider one of the many other strap options available from Squale.

The Island Watch ISL-88 Islander ($399) is one of the most compelling pieces we’ve encountered in years. Though the brand name may be fairly new, Island Watch is no stranger to the horological scene.

It’s been a top online watch dealer for years, and the company’s passion translated into its own lineup, the aptly named Islanders. The brand uses top-flight materials and excellent construction at prices, often a fraction of the big names.

For just under $400, buyers will be treated to 42 mm of stainless steel, standing 14 mm high and affixed to a comfortable bracelet. The waffle-patterned dial offers a great pop of texture, and the hands, indices, and bezel have all been coated with that lovely green SuperLuminova. All of this is capped off by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

One of the nicer touches here is the bracelet’s screwed links. This means that, unlike traditional steel bracelets that require a trip to the jeweler for sizing, anyone with a small screwdriver can add and remove pieces at will. There’s no half-link, but the clasp does offer a trio of micro-adjust holes that offer almost the same effect.

If this particular design isn’t exactly to your liking, fear not. Island Watches offers dozens of models of their flagship diver. True, some of their pieces are less original than others. But it’s not as if they’re slapping a cheap movement into a brass case and calling it a tribute.

No — every piece I’ve handled from Island Watch has been nothing short of exemplary. And with many of the designs the company is emulating, having been put out to pasture by their makers, the Islanders are a great way to keep the legacy alive.

But don’t pigeonhole Island Watches as an “homage” brand. The ISL-88 Islander convinced us that the brand is capable of exemplary and original designs. We reviewed one a while back and were blown away by its bang-for-buck factor. If you’re looking for a watch that tiptoes over the border and into luxury territory, there’s no better place to start than the ISL-88.

Read Review: Treasure Islander: ISL-88 Dive Watch Is a Hidden Gem

If we’re evangelists for the Casio Duro, we’re full-on fanatics for the Citizen Promaster ($375). From its iconic look to its excellent timekeeping and affordable price, this diver’s credentials read like a siren’s song.

Speaking of majestic creatures, let’s get the elephant out of the room. Yes, the Promaster’s design evokes the feel of one of the all-timepiece classics, the Seiko SKX007. But this isn’t exactly a secret, as the 007 was one of the progenitors of the modern dive watch.

And where the SKX uses an antiquated, non-hacking mechanical setup, the Citizen version features an icon of its own — the EcoDrive movement. This solar-powered quartz module frees you from the hassles of winding and battery swaps.

It also allows you to stop the second hand with a pull on the screw-down crown, making accurate setting a breeze. Its 44mm stainless steel case and 60-click bezel are solidly crafted, and the lume is among the best in this price range.

If there’s a weak spot here, it’s the strap. While the included rubber certainly does its duty, it’s a bit stiff. The strap also has dive decompression tables imprinted on the surface which, while honoring the spirit of the watch, feel a little out of place.

Some will also argue the included mineral crystal is a few years behind the times. And we’d be inclined to agree. But this is still a sub-$400 watch, and our personal Promaster has remained scratch-free for years, despite serving as our primary outdoors watch.

In the end, the Promaster may be the very best option on this entire list. It also offers the classic look without the antiquated and unreliable technology. While the SKX is the choice for many watch traditionalists (and I’ll admit even I’ve lusted after one), the Promaster just works. If we were stuck with one watch for the rest of our life, this would probably be it. Come at us, fanboys.

Read Review: Citizen’s Sundial: The ProMaster Diver Watch

The Victorinox Dive Pro Automatic ($1,200) is a burly, capable dive watch with some serious outdoor pedigree. And it’s among our favorite watches for varied outdoor use.

Tester Sean McCoy used this one for about a month in 2024 and fell head-over-heels for the subtle yet attractive aesthetics of the black watch. It absolutely pops at night and in low light, making it very legible in real low-light circumstances.

“I used the Dive Pro Automatic during a night hunt for wild boars in Texas,” McCoy noted. “For several hours, I used thermal scopes to watch wildlife and could not turn on a light. In this circumstance, it was easy to keep track of time. And that was important as I had to depart in the middle of the night to catch a flight.”

The Dive Pro Automatic uses a well-regarded Sellita SW220-1 movement. While not in-house, it’s a solid movement that should prove reliable with reasonable care. It offers about 38 hours of power reserve, so you should expect to reset this watch after more than a couple of days off the wrist.

For divers, it’s worth noting that it has good legibility. The rotating bezel has distinct hash marks up to the 20-minute mark that allows accurate measurement of decompression stops. Of the dive watches in this list, this is one of the better analog versions for actual diving, especially given its ISO 6425 certification that guarantees water resistance.

Finally, the Dive Pro Automatic wears really nicely, given its significant size. The titanium version we tested weighs 3.7 ounces and feels breezy for a 43 mm watch. For those looking at a tactical-styled dive watch, this one is a winner in the $1,200-1,500 price range.

With its combination of quality construction, reliable movements, and affordability, Orient is a natural jumping-off point into the world of mechanical dive watches. A sister brand to the legendary Seiko, this company makes timepieces that, quite frankly, outshine their more famous sibling.

One of the most notable of these is the Orient Mako II ($300). It’s a 41.5 mm stainless steel introduction to the conflicting joys of automatic timepieces. Beneath its mineral crystal and 120-click bezel spin the gears of Orient’s in-house 22-Jewel Cal. F69 movement.

This setup features both rotor and hand-winding along with the all-important hacking. And next to the 3 o’clock position — that’s a dual window with numerals for both the day and date. There’s also the ubiquitous screwdown crown and case back, yielding the standard 200 m of water resistance.

As good as the watch is on its own, the bracelet is also a humble standout. While it’s definitely nothing fancy, the steel links and clasp on our Mako II have proved to be one of the most comfortable we’ve worn.

It doesn’t pinch or bind, and the included half-link and fine adjustment holes allow for a reasonable level of adaptability. At the very least, it’s on par with some of its fancier cousins at a fraction of the cost.

On the negative front, the mineral crystal does accumulate wear. We’ve had ours for a while now, and the scratches have definitely had a chance to accumulate. But you know what? We kind of enjoy that.

Like so many tangible things, the dents give it that bit of personality that makes each object unique. The Mako II has a look that’s distinctly its own, and the accumulated (and completely superficial) markings only add to the package.

But what if you’re looking for something closer to the classical look of the Seiko SKX? Check out the Mako’s sister model, the Ray. It’s the same watch from a technical standpoint, wearing more of a classical dial.

Or if you’re looking to go just slightly upmarket, the Orient Kamasu is a wonderful option. Most of the internals are the same, but the upgrade to the sapphire crystal will eliminate the scratching problem. Whichever you choose, you’ll be in for a good time.

Zodiac watches are iconic in the world of diving. With a history that goes back to 1882, this brand tells a story. And that story includes a whole lot of diving. It sold its first dive watch in 1953, the same year Rolex launched its first dive watch, the Submariner. So, if you’re comparing apples to apples, Zodiac tells a heck of a story for a fraction of the price of Rolex. And when you’re getting into the over $2,000 price range, you’re definitely paying for both story and brand name.

So, how does the Zodiac measure up on the wrist? I spent a few weeks with the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Pro Diver ($2,195), and it’s a joy to wear. I have some experience with other models of the Super Sea Wolf, but the Pro Diver is a level up. Unlike other Sea Wolfs, the Pro Diver is COS-C certified as a dive watch. That means not just pressure testing, but that it also checks some boxes like lume and legibility that ensure it’s up to the job of keeping divers safe.

All this amounts to a very stout-feeling watch on the wrist. While luxurious, the Super Sea Wolf Pro Diver definitely feels like a tool, and a high-end one at that. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to dive in it just yet. Colorado’s winter didn’t afford any opportunities to don scuba gear. But as soon as I get the chance to put this one into a true dive test, I’ll update this story with the details.

On land, the Super Sea Wolf Pro Diver punches above its price range, at least in my opinion. It is a flawless watch that easily stacks up against the Rolexes and Omegas of the world while costing a fraction of the price. As a chronometer-certified dive watch, it simply doesn’t get much better. Every surface is finished beautifully. The hand sweeps cleanly across the face. The crown screws smoothly and runs a buttery Sellita SW200-1 movement.

Overall, the Super Sea Wolf Pro Diver is my favorite on this list. That’s in part due to its deep roots, and part due to its genuinely beautiful yet subdued appearance. It’s a fantastic watch at a price that, while very high, is still far below its luxury competition.

Read Review: Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Dive Watch Review: A Little Beast, a Lot of Beauty

This is Gustavson’s go-to dive watch, highly regarded among his peers and other serious divers.

The Garmin dive series encompasses several generations of watches, with the Descent Mk3i ($1,400) being one of the latest. It has every bell and whistle on a wrist-mounted dive computer. That means people can do almost everything underwater with it, from free diving (apnea mode) to multi-gas dives and even very advanced practices like saturation diving.

There are only two downsides to the Descent Mk3i: cost and complexity. If you are new to diving, this is a lot to learn. It’s also capable of much more than the average PADI diver will ever use, so it is pretty overkill.

That said, the Descent Mk3i is a rad watch capable of much more than scuba diving. It also has almost every smartwatch and sports watch function. So, multi-sport athletes who use a watch for trail running, cycling, mountaineering, or navigation can also use it for diving. As an all-in-one watch for adventure athletes, it’s pretty easy to make a case for the Descent Mk3i as one of the top choices for those who venture under the waves.

The Descent Mk3i is available in 51 mm and 43 mm sizes, with the larger having a longer battery life and a few additional features.

The Suunto Zoop Novo ($300) is a no-nonsense dive computer designed for wrist wear. It is simple and focused on one task: keeping divers safe through accurate dive calculations.

Marques Hall, a divemaster and yacht captain with thousands of dives under his belt, prefers the Zoop Novo for its remarkable simplicity.

“I’ve used this one for a very long time. It’s cheap and does everything I need, plus I rarely have to push the buttons,” Hall said. “This one activates when you go down and is almost impossible to mess up — it’s basic and simple. If you use analog, you have to use dive tables and lose a bunch of bottom time.”

The Zoop Novo is also a relatively affordable dive watch. So, for those who simply want to dive safely over and over and not rely on their own possibly flawed calculations, the Zoop Novo is a straightforward choice.