Dive watches or diver’s watches are, in my opinion, one of the most underrated pieces of diving equipment out there. Not only are they a great style accent, but they are also an incredible instrument underwater.

Dive computers seem to have become a natural substitute for this piece of equipment. However, aside from watches carrying a definite swagger, any serious diver knows the importance of a good backup or secondary. Dive watches are an excellent backup tool, but also complement dive computers, increasing your functionality. As such, watches need to be reliable, sturdy, and accurate. Read through our review on the Best dive watches under 300 Dollars.

Popular Choice

Promaster Nighthawk CITIZEN

★★★★★Citizen Promaster Nighthawk 200 m Men’s dive watch

Top PickMost Popular

Venom Reserve INVICTA

★★★★★

Invicta Venom Reserve black 1000 m Men’s dive watch

Best Value

G-Shock Multi-Functional Digital Sport Watch CASIO

★★★★★Casio’s G-Shock Japanese Quartz Multi-Functional Digital dive watch for Men

ALL THE DIVE WATCHES UNDER 300 DOLLARS THAT WE TESTED

INVICTA Venom Reserve

OUR TOP PICK

Invicta Venom Reserve black 1000 m Men’s dive watch

General Impression

The Invicta Venom Reserve is stylish, sleek and extremely black. The watch is made from black stainless steel with a 53.7mm case and black silicone strap. It features an all black dial with luminous hands and functional subdials for 30 min, 60 sec, 1/10th sec. Additionally, it’s water-resistant up to 3300 ft, so you can really take it for deeper dives. Rated the best dive watches under 300 dollars on the market.

Specifications

BRAND: Invicta
MODEL: Venom Reserve
SEX: Men’s
WEIGHT: 450g (15.88 oz)
MOVEMENT: Swiss Quartz
MATERIALS: Flame Fusion, Stainless Steel Case, Polyurethane strap
CASE DIAMETER: 54 mm (2.1 in)
WATER RESISTANCE DEPTH: 1000 m ( 3280ft)

PROS

  • Sleek and stylish
  • Elegant black
  • Luminous hands
  • Functional subdials for 30 min, 60 sec, 1/10th sec

CONS

  • None

CASIO G-Shock Multi-Functional Digital Sport Watch

BEST VALUE

Casio’s G-Shock Japanese Quartz Multi-Functional Digital dive watch for Men

General Impression

Although not strictly a dive watch, Casio’s G-Shock is a favorite among seasoned divers, The reason? Its incomparable durability and friendly features. This affordable automatic dive watch is a great choice for easy to advanced dives and is also great for other extreme sports. The straps are made of rugged, high-quality leather and they’re very easy to adjust, making it the perfect watch for those jumping from drysuits to wetsuits. The G-Shock also comes in a variety of styles and colors to match every style and their Shock-Resist technology makes it perfect for those of us prone to hitting rocks or hard equipment while diving. Rated amongst the top best dive watches under 300 dollars.

Specifications

BRAND: Casio
MODEL: G-Shock
SEX: Unisex
WEIGHT: 204 g (7.2 oz)
MOVEMENT: Japanese Quartz
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel, resin
CASE DIAMETER: 55 mm (2.2 in)
WATER RESISTANCE DEPTH: 200 m (660 ft)

PROS

  • Durable
  • Easy to read
  • Very shock-resistant
  • Variety of colors

CONS

  • Time reading could’ve been better

CITIZEN Promaster Nighthawk

General Impression

Citizen is known for its stellar diving watches and has been featured on almost all of our lists. From the Promaster series, the Nighthawk stands out as the most unique. Like most of its brethren, the Nighthawk is powered by light and features a low-charge warning. Made from stainless steel, it’s durable and sturdy to last you a long time. It’s technically advertised as a pilot watch, but with a 660 ft water resistance, you can take it diving without a doubt. Rated amongst the top best dive watches under 300 dollars.

Specifications

BRAND: Citizen
MODEL: Promaster Nighthawk
SEX: Men’s
WEIGHT: 789 g (27.8 oz)
MOVEMENT: Japanese Quartz
MATERIALS: Mineral, Stainless Steel case,
CASE DIAMETER: 42 mm (1.7 in)
WATER RESISTANCE DEPTH: 200 m, (660ft)

PROS

  • Eco-Drive technology
  • Low-charge warning
  • Stainless steel case and black dial

CONS

  • Water resistance restrictions

SEIKO Prospex Padi Solar

General Impression

Seiko is probably one of the most reputable brands in the dive watch world, and for good reason. Not only do they create a variety of affordable diver watches, including this list’s best quartz watch under 300, they also continuously develop their technology to provide its customers with the best of the best. For divers, this PADI Prospex watch is an amazing choice. Not only is the whole piece dive-themed, but it also features a very friendly dial and a super stylish stainless-steel strap, making it a great all-day watch. This is one of the best value dive watches on the list thanks to its incredible design and amazing capabilities. This reliable piece of equipment has a waterproof rating of 200 m, making it perfect for most dives and guaranteeing a long service life.

Specifications

BRAND: Seiko
MODEL: SNE435P1
SEX: Men’s
WEIGHT: 170 g (6 oz)
MOVEMENT: Solar
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel, Hardlex crystal
CASE DIAMETER: 43.5 mm (1.7 in)
WATER RESISTANCE DEPTH: 200 m (660 ft)

PROS

  • Dive-themed
  • High-tech
  • Overcharge prevention function

CONS

  • Weak rotating bezel

CASIO Black Analog Anti Reverse Bezel Watch

General Impression

One of the best inexpensive dive watches that also looks great is this Casio analog anti-reverse bezel watch. Like other dive watches, this watch’s bezel only spins one way, making it impossible to reduce time while underwater. This additional safety feature is incredibly useful to enhance accuracy and safety while diving. This diver watch under 100 is an elegant and extremely durable choice. The watch features excellent visibility for any underwater situation and is equipped with luminous markers and hands to keep you on top of things 24/7. The case is made of stainless steel and it features a rugged resin band that is as durable as it is comfortable.

Specifications

BRAND: Casio
MODEL: MDV106-1A
SEX: Men’s
WEIGHT: 79.4 g (2.8 oz)
MOVEMENT: Japanese Quartz
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel, resin
CASE DIAMETER: 43.5 mm (1.7 in)
WATER RESISTANCE DEPTH: 200 m (660 ft)

PROS

  • Versatile design
  • Reliable
  • Long service life
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • None

CITIZEN Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch

General Impression

The Promaster Diver watch by Citizen is probably one of the most beloved diver watches under 200 of all time. Divers from all over the globe and from all experience levels trust this watch for all their adventures and expeditions. One of the best features this cheap diver watch has is its Eco-Drive technology, which uses light for charging and will never require battery replacements. The materials that conform to this watch are of the best quality, following the strict Citizen standards. The case is made of stainless steel and frames a mineral crystal dial window for maximum durability, while the strap is rugged and thick for added comfort and flexibility. The different case diameters make it great for women as well, as the smaller ones resemble many of the best women’s watches. A great choice for all kinds of divers, collectors, and users looking for a great dive watch under 200 thanks to its friendly and simple design, as well as the incredible features only a Citizen could pull off, the Promaster Diver is a classic everyone should have.

Specifications

BRAND: Citizen
MODEL: BN0150-28E
SEX: Unisex
WEIGHT: 200 g (7.04 oz)
MOVEMENT: Japanese Quartz
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel, rubber, mineral crystal
CASE DIAMETER: 42 mm (1.7 in)
WATER RESISTANCE DEPTH: 200 m (660 ft)

PROS

  • Outstanding design
  • Versatile watch
  • High-quality band
  • Very scratch-resistant

CONS

  • None

ORIENT Kano Japanese Automatic Diving Style Watch

General Impression

One of the best automatic dive watches under 300, the Kano is Orient’s take on the iconic Submariner with a twist of their own. This beautiful discount dive watch comes in different design options to match every taste and purpose of use. The dial comes in different color and the band can be stainless-steel or rubber to fit everyone’s style. Orient’s best automatic dive watch under 300 features stainless steel components with a unidirectional bezel in a great design. The color combinations and dial numbers make this a high-visibility watch perfect for the murkiest of conditions. The rubber band option is very comfortable and has great room for customization to fit any suit thickness or wrist size. For those looking for a reliable, accurate, and great looking watch, the Kano will certainly not disappoint.

Specifications

BRAND: Orient
MODEL: RA-AA0009L19A
SEX: Unisex
WEIGHT: 177 g (6.24 oz)
MOVEMENT: Swiss automatic
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel, mineral crystal
CASE DIAMETER: 43.5 mm (1.7 in)
WATER RESISTANCE DEPTH: 200 m (660 ft)

PROS

  • Variety of designs
  • Easy to use bezel
  • Good visibility

CONS

  • Reported faulty bolts

CASIO Super Illuminator Diver Analog Display Quartz Silver Watch

General Impression

Another Casio makes the list. This functional, yet stylish dive watch is Casio’s most elegant, affordable dive watch. The piece features a super illuminator LED for any kind of visibility situation and a unidirectional bezel for accuracy. The stainless-steel strap and case make this model extremely versatile for any situation in and out of the water. This is also one of the best small diver watches since it comes in a variety of diameters to fit every wrist. The bold numbers and clear bezel symbols make this watch perfect for any level of diving, while its black and stylish dial lets you take it anywhere with you while keeping your style. The extremely reliable discount diver watch keeps time with an outstanding accuracy thanks to its Japanese quartz movement.

Specifications

BRAND: Casio
MODEL: MTD-1079D-1AVCF
SEX: Unisex
WEIGHT: 167.3 g (5.9 oz)
MOVEMENT: Japanese Quartz
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel, mineral
CASE DIAMETER: 43.5 mm (1.7 in)
WATER RESISTANCE DEPTH: 100 m (330 ft)

PROS

  • Elegant design
  • Multiple diameters available
  • Very high visibility

CONS

  • Band adjustment very difficult

INVICTA Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Watch

General Impression

This model is, without a doubt, one of the best dive watches for the money, the 38 mm dive watch is one of the sleekest and most good-looking stainless-steel dive watches. Its elegant design makes this watch one of the best submariner homages under 200, a great choice for black-tie occasions and dive trips. The watch features a unidirectional bezel, which means that, although it rotates, it only does so in one direction, which is actually an advantage in terms of added safety. The stainless-steel watch has a flame-fusion crystal dial window, making it extremely resistant to scratches and abrasion and assuring a long service life. The size of this 200 m dive watch is also perfect for men and women alike.

Specifications

BRAND: Invicta
MODEL: 8932
SEX: Unisex
WEIGHT: 249 g (8.8 oz)
MOVEMENT: Japanese Quartz
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel
CASE DIAMETER: 37 mm (1.5 in)
WATER RESISTANCE DEPTH: 200 m (660 ft)

PROS

  • Elegant design
  • Unisex
  • High-quality stainless-steel

CONS

  • Difficult to open the bracelet

SEIKO Automatic Analogue Watch

General Impression

Yet another contender by Seiko, this brand’s best automatic watch under 300 is one of the best cheap dive watches out there. The Swiss automatic movement is extremely accurate, while the rotating bezel is easy and intuitive to use. The watch comes in a stainless-steel casing with a Hardlex crystal dial window and a very durable rubber band. The design not only looks amazing but is also very simple and friendly to use both underwater and on land. One of the best dive watches under 300, this beautiful Seiko also comes in a variety of sizes, making it a unisex model. The 200 m waterproof rating also assures a long service life for the piece and lets the user dive with confidence. This award-winning cheap automatic diver watch is certainly equipped to log thousands of dives with you.

Specifications

BRAND: Seiko
MODEL: SKX007K
SEX: Unisex
WEIGHT: 158.8 g (5.6 oz)
MOVEMENT: Japanese Quartz
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel, Hardlex crystal
CASE DIAMETER: 42 mm (1.7 in)
WATER RESISTANCE DEPTH: 200 m (660 ft)

PROS

  • Excellent quality
  • Very easy to read
  • Adjustable and versatile
  • Scratch-resistant

CONS

  • None

CASIO Sport Analog Dive Watch

General Impression

Another Casio on the list, this watch made it to the final list thanks to its simplicity and price. The cheap diver watch has everything anyone needs from a dive watch in a simple and conservative design. As with other quartz diving watches this piece is very accurate, while its big white numbers on a black dial make it perfect for low-visibility situations. Like other similar watches by the same manufacturer, this watch has a very long-lasting leather strap that adjusts to different sizes, while its relatively compact size makes it perfect for wearing it next to a dive computer or just carrying it around all day long. This watch is also one of the best beginner dive watches thanks to its easy display and operation. Beginner divers would certainly benefit from the ease and simplicity this watch offers, avoiding task-overloading.

Specifications

BRAND: Casio
MODEL: MRW200
SEX: Unisex
WEIGHT: 59 g (2.08 oz)
MOVEMENT: Japanese Quartz
MATERIALS: Resin
CASE DIAMETER: 43.5 mm (1.7 in)
WATER RESISTANCE DEPTH: 100 m (330 ft)

PROS

  • Simple and easy to use
  • Low waterproof rating
  • Unidirectional bezel
  • Compact

CONS

  • More suited for a young person

TIMEX Expedition Gallatin Watch

General Impression

Probably one of the things that Timex is known for its durability. Rugged, sturdy watches are definitely a sound addition to anyone’s dive gear, and the Expedition Gallatin is just great for that. This quartz diving watch is perfect as a redundancy resource and is one that will last long. The watch is one of the most comfortable options for this activity thanks to its sturdy fabric strap. Different designs cater to different tastes and genders, making this piece one of the best women’s dive watches out there. In addition to the wide diameter and easy-to-read numbers, the dial features a backlight for better visibility in dark environments, making it great for murky waters or night diving.

Specifications

BRAND: Timex
MODEL: TW4B03500
SEX: Unisex
WEIGHT: 40.8 g (1.44 oz)
MOVEMENT: Japanese Quartz
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel, Hardlex crystal
CASE DIAMETER: 43.5 mm (1.7 in)
WATER RESISTANCE DEPTH: 100 m (330 ft)

PROS

  • Sturdy
  • Great entry-level watch
  • Very good value for money

CONS

  • The glow isn’t very bright
  • Date number is very small

BEST DIVE WATCHES UNDER $300
Buyer's Guide

Naturally, the most crucial feature in a dive watch is its waterproof rating. In this case, we are not only talking about the watch’s ability to resist water, but rather its ability to resist pressure. Waterproof watches cannot immediately be considered as dive watches. Furthermore, many 100 m (330 ft) rated watches won’t withstand many dives. They are not designed for such extreme environments. Taking this into account, it’s a good idea to select a watch with at least a 200 m (660 ft) depth rating or to do thorough research on the 100 m (330 ft) rated watches.

Another aspect to consider is the function of the watch. If you’re just looking for a vogue accessory, ratings and features may not be of much importance to you. Nothing wrong with, dive watches are a style unto themselves. However, if your plans involve diving deep, diving often, or getting knee-deep in harsh environments, a standard inexpensive waterproof watch just won’t cut it. I encourage you to invest in a good and reliable machine and think of it as a sort of lifelong dive buddy.

The term dive watch refers mostly to analog watches with a rotational bezel. The bezel’s lume gives a diver translucent vision of their watch face. It is an essential tool for tracking bottom and a dive watch component every scuba diver should know how to use. However, thanks to their amazingly friendly features, digital watches can also make fantastic watches. They allow you to set timers or use a chronometer to keep track of time.

Whether you prefer analog or digital watches, an important consideration is the quality of the materials. Every watch is made differently, and some materials are just better than others at withstanding the incredible pressure (pun intended) diving can entail. Of course, materials like leather are out of the question, but others such as rubber, stainless steel, or titanium are great options, especially for saltwater environments. Each of these materials has its advantages and disadvantages; in a nutshell, titanium is probably the sturdiest of the three, but also the most expensive. High-quality stainless steel and rubber are both great options and, in this case, I think the decision should be based more on a style basis, provided the features are the same, just go with the watch you would wear more often.

Another vital material to consider is the one used for the dial window. As divers, we know everything gets scratches underwater without us even noticing, so it’s a good idea to make sure the dial window material is high-quality. Unfortunately, there aren’t many sapphire crystal watches under 300, only some of the best inexpensive dive watches will have this feature, which is the most scratch-resistant. However, other materials such as Hardlex, quartz, or other minerals, are also excellent.

The most critical consideration for scuba divers to make when considering any underwater display is undoubtedly visibility. A hard-to-read, dark dial is of no use in murky, deep water. Any good dive or digital watch should be designed to be read at a significant distance in low-visibility conditions. Backlight, glow-in-the-dark, and white dial dive watches are just some great options for when visibility is not on point.

The type of movement is something that should concern anyone looking to buy a watch. In a few words, quartz movement requires a battery while automatic and mechanical movements don’t. Neither is necessarily better than the other; it rather depends on the kind of battery, the kind of manufacturer, and the quality of the movement itself. Cheap automatic diver watches are usually not as accurate as more expensive ones, while quartz ones typically have consistent reliability throughout their price ranges.

For a more informed decision, the ISO6425 Standard is a great guideline for choosing a dive watch. It is good to know what the requirements are in this Standard even though the watch we want doesn’t have it. The thing is, the closest a watch is to fulfilling this Standard or the more features it has in common with it, the better the watch is for diving. Many of the best affordable dive watches fulfill or almost fulfill, this standard, so proper research is essential when making the final choice.

In short, a great dive watch is a combination of the right materials, features, and functions that allow it to withstand some of the harshest environments. As with any piece of diving equipment, a quartz or automatic dive watch should be chosen depending on how it is going to be worn. More hardcore dives require more hardcore dive watches and vice versa. Before you choose, consider thoughtfully the situations in which you would be wearing a dive watch and use these to decide.

BEST DIVE WATCHES UNDER $300
FAQs

Q: What is a dive watch?

A dive watch is a piece of diving equipment that not only allows you to look at the time and date, like any other conventional watch but also features some timekeeping functions.

Q: Why should you get a dive watch?

Not only will your dive watch make you look great. Great divers know redundancy is everything and a dive watch is there when your computer or gauge fail. They are also a great way to organize your displays while underwater and not have everything in one place.

Q: How to choose a dive watch?

First, you would need to determine what is the purpose of your dive watch. Ask yourself these questions: how often will I use it? What kind of dives am I doing? What materials would work better for me? Keep the primary function that you wish your dive watch to have in mind. It will prove pivotal in helping you determine the materials, functionalities, type of movement, whether you prefer an analog or a digital watch, and much more.

Q: When to wear a dive watch?

Any time! The truth is that dive watches are not only for diving, but they are also a popular choice as an accessory. For diving, however, you would be using the watch throughout the dive to keep track of the time spent underwater.

Q: How to replace a dive watch battery?

Depends on the type of watch, some watches have the option to replace the battery using a watch screwdriver and tools while others, due to manufacturer’s policy or design, require that a specialist changes the battery. Also, watches with mechanical and automatic movements require no batteries to function but can be much more expensive.

Q: How much does a dive watch cost?

A dive watch can cost as low as 50 USD and easily in excess of 1000 USD.

Q: What is the best dive watch for under 300 dollars?

Picking the best diver watch under 300 is hard, but brands like Seiko and Citizen, featured in this article, produce very high-quality and durable dive watches under 300. Within this price range. Seiko specialized in these kinds of watches, and the technology they use is notably developed. Citizen is also a very reliable watch brand that produces automatic and quartz dive watches.

Q: What is the best dive watch for under 200 dollars?

Invicta is another well-known brand that manufactures Swiss automatic watches under 300 dollars. This brand boasts years of experience and exceptional customer reviews. Its global presence also makes it a comfortable choice when needing services or battery replacements. The best divers watch under 200, however, is hard to pick, since it depends on the taste and needs of the user.

Q: What is the best dive watch for under 100 dollars?

Casio usually has cheap underwater watches, although many of them not strictly dive watches are known for their long service lives and durability. Although bulkier and more informal than other brands, Casio manages to create easy-going, reliable watches in both, analog and digital formats to suit every taste, while you can always trust Casio to provide the best dive watches under 100.

Q: Where to buy good dive watches?

With thorough research, internet sites such as Amazon or a brand’s website are good sources. If you want to see the watch for yourself and maybe even try it on, a decent idea would be to visit a local dealership or jewelry store to find out what the most recent watches for 2023 are and what every feature means.

Q: What is the best cheap dive watch?

Again, it depends on the personal use and purpose for the watch. As long as it meets all the important requirements like high-quality materials, reliability, waterproof rating, and visibility, the best budget dive watch is that that suits its wearer best. It is important to note that not all dive watches are cheap because of bad quality, some can be just as good as more expensive models, the only thing that varies could be the materials or the movement they use.

REACH OUT

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!

David Stefanoski

David Stefanoski is an avid outdoorsman who loves to explore the deepest, most exciting crevices of nature and then write about them. From the maximum depth that a scuba suit can go, to the maximum heights that his legs will take him, David enjoys the outdoors in its warmest, sunniest days on the prairie, to the iciest, dampest little spots in Eastern Europe. After 15 years of trudging, his favorite outdoorsman activity is still chopping wood due to his large body size. He says it's like splitting toothpicks!

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