BEST DIVE WATCHES UNDER 500 DOLLARS

Another great watch from Phoibos, the Leviathan is both elegant enough to wear to a cocktail party and sporty enough to accompany you to the depths of the sea. With 15 layers of Super- Luminova, the hands and indices glow in the dark. The combination of sea-green of the dial and the stainless steel case looks stunning when paired with the black rubber strap. It has a helium escape valve that’s suitable for swimming and deep dives as well.

BRAND: Phoibos
MODEL: Leviathan
SEX: Men’s
WEIGHT: 37 ounces
MOVEMENT: Japanese Automatic
MATERIALS: Anti reflective sapphire, Stainless Steel case, rubber strap
CASE DIAMETER: 45 mm
WATER RESITANCE DEPTH: 1650 ft (500 m)

While it might be weighty, this affordable dive watch is packed with features and has capabilities that other dive watches under 500 dollars don’t. The Eco-Drive function uses natural light for power (so there’s no need to change the batteries) and the large dial enables easy viewing underwater.

BRAND: Citizens
MODEL: BN0150-28E
SEX: Men’s
WEIGHT: 15 ounces
MOVEMENT: Japanese quartz automatic
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel case, mineral crystal, rubber strap
CASE DIAMETER: 48mm
WATER RESITANCE DEPTH: 1000ft (300m)

Lightweight and stylish, this unisex dive watch is packed with features that makes it one of the top dive watches under 500 dollars. Track the moon phase, figure out the current time around the globe and take advantage of the in-built stopwatch. It comes with a dive time and surface interval measurement function, as well as a solar-powered battery.

BRAND: Casio
MODEL: GWF-1000-1JF
SEX: Unisex
WEIGHT: 4 ounces
MOVEMENT: Japanese quartz automatic
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel case, sapphire cover glass, plastic strap
CASE DIAMETER: 53 mm
WATER RESITANCE DEPTH: 660ft (200m)

One of the best automatic dive watches under 500 dollars, this unique blue and red model was created to celebrate Seiko’s newly established relationship with PADI. It combines Seiko’s watch-making expertise with sought-after diver features endorsed by the PADI brand. Aside from a date display at the three o’clock position, it boasts luminous hands and markers that are easily visible underwater.

BRAND: Seiko
MODEL: UPC
SEX: Unisex
WEIGHT: 9.59 ounces
MOVEMENT: Japanese quartz automatic
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel case, Hardlex mineral crystal, plastic strap
CASE DIAMETER: 47 mm
WATER RESITANCE DEPTH: 660ft (200m)

Handling depths of up to 1000 meters, this Neymar watch features luminous markers and hands for easy viewing underwater. All of the high-quality metal straps are designed to withstand underwater conditions, making this one of the best men’s dive watches available. In addition, there’s a professional helium valve at the nine o’clock position to handle external pressure reduction if necessary.

BRAND: Neymar
MODEL: 116613NR
SEX: Men’s
WEIGHT: 8.8 ounces
MOVEMENT: Japanese quartz automatic
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel case, sapphire crystal, stainless-steel strap
CASE DIAMETER: 44 mm
WATER RESITANCE DEPTH: 3300ft (1000m)

With a sophisticated design, this stylish watch is constructed to high Japanese standards. It’s one of the best affordable dive watches for men and suitable for ambitious recreational diving. There’s no need to change the battery, as this dive watch recharges with the movement of your arm.

BRAND: Seiko
MODEL: SKX007K
SEX: Men’s
WEIGHT: 8.5 ounces
MOVEMENT: Japanese quartz automatic
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel case, mineral crystal, rubber strap
CASE DIAMETER: 42 mm
WATER RESITANCE DEPTH: 660ft (200m)

Created by Luminox in conjunction with Chief Nick North from the Navy SEALs, these Swiss diver watches were first introduced in 1994. It’s since undergone numerous improvements and remains one of the best quartz dive watch models by Luminox on the market today. With scratch-resistant mineral crystal and a carbon-reinforced face, it’s durable enough to withstand the rough and tumble of elite military training.

BRAND: Luminox
MODEL: XS.3051.BO.1
SEX: Men’s
WEIGHT: 6.4 ounces
MOVEMENT: Swiss quartz automatic
MATERIALS: Carbon-reinforced case, mineral crystal, rubber strap
CASE DIAMETER: 45 mm
WATER RESITANCE DEPTH: 660ft (200m)

The 792 Series with an aquamarine blue face and stainless-steel casing, these sophisticated yet affordable dive watches are water-resistant to 200 meters. It’s equipped with a Swiss automatic, self-winding movement so you don’t have to constantly change the batteries. It also boasts higher than average BPH and scratch-resistant Krysterna crystal.

BRAND: Stuhrling Original
MODEL: 4332867631
SEX: Men’s
WEIGHT: 16 ounces
MOVEMENT: Swiss automatic
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel case, Krysterna crystal, stainless-steel strap
CASE DIAMETER: 42 mm
WATER RESITANCE DEPTH: 660ft (200m)

Combining quality materials with outstanding performance, this deep water men’s dive watch is also a head-turner. It’s water-resistant up to 300 meters and chargers automatically on your movement or using the self-winding feature. It also boasts an automatic helium valve at 9H, which makes it one of the best dive watches under 500 in terms of performance.

BRAND: Pantor
MODEL: Sealion
SEX: Men’s
WEIGHT: 4 ounces
MOVEMENT: Japanese quartz automatic/self-winding
MATERIALS: Stainless-steel case, sapphire glass, rubber strap
CASE DIAMETER: 42 mm
WATER RESITANCE DEPTH: 1000ft (300m)

What is a dive watch?

A dive watch is any watch that’s waterproof enough to withstand the pressures of being at the depths experienced by divers. A watch identified as being “waterproof” might not always be safe to use at depth, so always check the manual or the depth rating first.

While many watchmakers will label a watch as designed for diving, not all will meet international standards. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has outlined several requirements for what constitutes an actual dive watch. These include having:

• A unidirectional bezel
• Clearly distinguishable minute markings
• Easy-to-read when positioned 10 inches from your face in the dark
• Operates in the dark (luminous markers/minute hands)
• Magnetic resistance
• Shock resistance
• Chemical resistance
• Solid strap/band
• Water resistance

Be mindful of the fact that not all dive watches have a diver’s ISO rating. It is expensive for manufacturers to conduct these tests. So, you can find high-quality, budget dive watches that will withstand years of diving that DON’T have an ISO rating.

Maximum depth

An essential feature to consider when shopping for diving watches is depth rating. This details how deep you can dive safely, without running the risk of damaging your diver watch. Look for a depth rating of at least 100 meters (300 feet), even though you’ll probably never dive this deep. It will ensure your diver’s watch can withstand the pressure you might encounter irrespective of the depth you dive.

Water resistance

Sometimes dive watch manufacturers will talk about water resistance, which is directly related to the maximum depth they can go. So, if dive watches have a water resistance of 100 meters, they can descend to that maximum depth, without running the risk of being damaged. Once you go deeper, the manufacturer can’t guarantee that it will maintain its water resistance (and any warranties will likely become nullified).

There are watches labeled as having a water resistance of 100 meters or 200 meters, yet they are not suitable for diving. There are also dive watches with a water resistance of 100 meters or 200 meters, specifically approved for scuba diving. Check the product information carefully and study the fine print to ensure the watch is suitable for scuba diving.

Size

Dive watches come in a variety of sizes, which will appeal to different people depending on their preferences. If you’ve got small wrists, you’ll probably want a more modest dive watch face so that it fits comfortably. But if you’re happy to wear a larger dive watch, it will have more room for advanced mechanisms and will be easier to read underwater. Most sub watches will come with straps that can be adjusted to fit all wrist sizes.

Movement

Dive watches are available with two types of movement – quartz and mechanical. Quartz movements use a battery and tend to be the most affordable dive watches on the market. However, you may need to replace the batteries over time. Mechanical watches use a clockwork mechanism and are driven by a mainspring that can be hand-wound periodically.

Depth gauge

Some dive watches also come with a depth gauge that usually sits between the hands of the watch and the time numerals. Most will feature two hands – one for the current depth you’re diving at and one for the deepest depth you’ve reached on that dive.

Analog vs. Digital

Analog watches feature a dial with hands while digital watches have a display screen. Some dive watches will be analog-digital, with both features on the same dial.

Parts of a dive watch

Bezel

A bezel is a circular rim around the face of the watch. It is either stationary or can rotate unidirectionally or bidirectionally. The best dive watches have unidirectional rotating bezels that can be used to mark elapsed bottom time. As a result, you can safely plan your dive time and ascent to the surface.

Lume

Lume is a short-hand term for the “luminous phosphorescent glowing solution” that is a feature of all dive watches. It allows you to read the dial, even in the dark. Lume is useful whether you’re diving at a depth where light doesn’t penetrate, in low-lit caves and caverns or night diving. Dive watches will have varying levels of brightness on their displays. So, consider the lume when purchasing a dive watch if you’re doing a lot of low-light diving.

Straps

All dive watches come with a band or strap that is used to fasten the watch to your wrist. You can find rubber, stainless steel, and titanium bands, which will appeal to different people for their style and comfort. Rubber bands are often a feature of more affordable dive watches. They can contract and expand to different wrist sizes while being durable and flexible. You can also find stainless steel or titanium diving watches, with the latter being lighter and hypoallergenic. Titanium straps feature on some of the top dive watches but tend to be found more commonly on men’s dive watches than on women’s watches.

How to use a dive watch?

If you’re using a dive watch to keep track of the time you’ve spent underwater, set the bezel’s zero marker opposite the minute hand. As time passes, you can read the elapsed time on the bezel, without having to do any calculations. If your dive watch has a countdown scale (60-0), you should rotate the bezel so that your planned bottom time is opposite the minute hand. Once the minute hand reaches zero on that scale, your bottom time is up, and you should start your ascent.

When to wear a dive watch?

A dive watch can be worn as an everyday wristwatch, as well as underwater when diving. If you already dive with a dive computer, then you don’t need to wear a dive watch as well, although it can function as a good backup. Some dress dive watches are also designed to be worn as formal accessories for business or pleasure.

How to choose a dive watch?

The best dive watch for you will depend on the type of diving you’re doing and your individual style preferences. If you’re diving below recreational limits, then you’ll want a dive watch with a higher water resistance rating. However, if you’re only diving to a maximum depth of 30 or 40 meters, then there’s no need to invest in a dive watch with a high water resistance rating. The added expense would be tough to justify. The size and features of the watch face, as well as its band type, may also influence your decision.

What are the best divers’ watches?

The best diving watches are those that meet the ISO requirements for a dive watch, although not necessarily with an ISO rating. They are made from high-quality materials that can withstand the pressures of being at depth and the constant immersion in water. The best diver watch will also have a unidirectional bezel that can be used to track bottom time to ensure safe diving within no-decompression limits.

What is the deepest dive watch?

Currently marketed as the world’s deepest dive watch is the Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional by Omega. It was worn by adventurer Victor Vescovo when his submersible Limiting Factor reached the bottom of the Mariana Trench in early 2019. At 10, 928 meters, he set a new world record, with his Omega watch coming along for the ride!

What is the difference between a dive and an aviation watch?

Dive watches are built to withstand being regularly submerged up to 300 meters in-depth and at a pressure of up to 30 bars. They come with unidirectional rotating bezels and large dials with luminous numbers that can easily be read in dark conditions.

On the other hand, aviation watches often come with a slide rule bezel that assists in performing arithmetic or conversions. They can be used to figure out if you have enough fuel to make it to your destination. Other features of aviation or pilot watches include chronographs, tachymeters, and world time functions.

How to use the bezel on a dive watch?

The bezel on a dive watch can be used to figure out how much time you’ve spent underwater, so you know when to begin your ascent. If your dive watch uses a count-up scale (0-60), simply set the bezel’s zero marker opposite the minute hand. Then as time passes, you can easily read the elapsed time on the bezel, without having to do any calculations.

On the other hand, if your dive watch has a countdown scale (60-0), rotate the bezel so that your planned bottom time is opposite the minute hand. When the minute hand reaches zero, you know that your bottom time is up, and you need to start your ascent.

How to remove a dive watch bezel?

If you need to remove your dive watch bezel, lie the watch face-up on a soft cloth. Using a few strips of masking tape, place them beneath the bezel to prevent scratching the case. Slide a pocket knife blade under the bezel on top of the masking tape and rotate is slightly to pop the bezel off. While removing the bezel, be careful of the small spring that causes your bezel to click as it should remain in place.

When it’s time to replace the bezel, place it on top of the watch and push down on both sides until it clicks in place.

How to use a dive watch with a depth/time table?

Using a dive watch effectively requires you to understand how to read dive tables. First, select your planned dive depth, then your planned bottom time to make sure you’re within no-decompression limits. If you’re doing multiple dives, then you first need to select your surface time. Then slide your finger down to the bottom of the table to determine your new pressure group. This crossreference will consider your residual nitrogen levels. It can then be used to figure out how long you can spend underwater at your planned dive depth.

Based on these calculations, you can figure out how deep you can dive and set the bezel on your dive watch accordingly.

What is the best dive watch for under 500 dollars?

In our opinion, the best dive watch under 500 dollars is the Seiko SKX007K. It’s not only an affordable dive watch, but it comes with all the features you need for recreational diving. It recharges with the movement of your arm, so you don’t have to worry about replacing the battery, and it’s stylish enough for everyday wear.

Where to buy a dive watch?

Once you’ve done your research on the best dive watches under 500, there are various online platforms where you can purchase your preferred model. Amazon is one of the most convenient places for US buyers to buy dive watches, with similar platforms in Europe, the UK, Australia, and beyond. Alternatively, your local jeweler may stock boutique dive watches and big-name brand models.

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!