We Review The Very Best Watches For Diving – The Top Brands and Models Compared

by John Wren
best dive watch

Practical and stylish in their own way – chunky and yet somehow sleek – dive (or diver) watches have been one of the leading styles in men’s watches for almost 70 years. However, first and foremost, dive watches are all about functionality – you wouldn’t want to pay often hefty price for the best dive watches unless you’re planning on using it deep underwater.

I have a policy that I try to follow wherever possible. Buy Once – Buy right. 

It is no different when it comes to the gear I take with me on dives. In this article, we will take a look at 5 of the best dive watches on the market and what you need to look for before making a purchase.

Lets Review What A Computer Diver Watch Is

A computer watch is a crucial piece of equipment for scuba diving because it helps track and monitor important dive information such as depth, time, and nitrogen levels. This information is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable dive. Some specific reasons why a good computer watch is needed for scuba diving are:

  1. Safety: A computer watch helps prevent decompression sickness by monitoring the amount of nitrogen absorbed in the body during a dive and calculating the amount of time required for a safe ascent.
  2. Planning: The dive computer watch helps plan and manage the dive, including calculating the remaining dive time based on the current depth and air supply.
  3. Record Keeping: A computer watch can store dive data for future reference and analysis, allowing the diver to keep track of their dive history.
  4. Convenience: A computer watch is a convenient and easy-to-use dive tool, eliminating the need for multiple devices or instruments to monitor dive information.

A good computer watch is an essential piece of equipment for scuba diving because it helps ensure dive safety, improves dive planning and management, and provides valuable dive information for future reference.

Maximum Dive Depth

Generally speaking, the more you pay for a dive watch, the deeper the max depth. That’s not to say you should go for a watch with a 2,000m rating just because it looks cool. What I advise is that you consider your own skills and experience and the depths you are likely to dive too.

If you regularly dive at say 200m then perhaps a watch that covers you to 300-500 meters would be fine. All that matters is that you get a device with sufficient coverage should you wish to go deeper. There is nothing worse than paying upwards of $500 for a dive watch, only to have it bust on you because you maxed out the depth capacity.

Material

There are two elements to look at when it comes to the watch material.

The Strap

This is persona preference, however, most of the best models, as you will see from the dive watch reviews below, are made with a silicone rubber. This is so that the strap doesn’t absorb water and it resistant to abrasion, which greatly increases the lifespan of the watch itself.

The Casing

This is important. I have no doubt that you will, many times, knock, graze and bang your watch. It’s a natural occurrence with diving, boats, water and heavy gear. So you need to ensure you choose a strong outer casing that will protect the inner workings from damage.

My personal preference is Titanium for a few reasons. Namely, it’s superior strength and resistance to scratching and also it is super lightweight. It’s used on many of the top rated dive watches and for good reason. It is the best watch housing material period.

Features

Another one that will depend on your personal usage and preference. Some like a watch to have all kind of features, buttons and added extras to help train and improve their diving. Whilst others simply want to know the time.

Whatever your preference, there are a few features that can greatly add to your scuba diving experience. Such as:

  • A Unidirectional bezel
  • Illuminating hands or backlight
  • Day and Date
  • Powered by sunlight

Of course, there are many, many more features you can get on a dive watch, especially the digital ones. The often come with a great deal of bells and whistles – in addition to a number of necessary standard features – it can be tricky to differentiate which watches are worth $200 and which watches are worth $2,000.

Nevertheless, no matter the caliber or quality of watch you’re looking for, there are a few standard features you should look for. Depending on what you value, each of these features could or could not be indispensable; however, you should generally be looking for watches that offer them.

Big Markers and Hands: Deep underwater, you probably won’t be able to see very well. You’ll need big hands that are easy to find.

Glow-in-the-Dark Watch Face: Similarly, it’s probably going to be very dark deep underwater, so some glow-in-the-dark material is pretty essential.

Rotating Bezel (preferably external): Arguably the most distinctive element of the best dive watches, the rotating bezel will tell you how much time has elapsed since you’ve been underwater. A typical scuba tank holds 30 to 50 minutes worth of oxygen.

Now that we’ve nailed down the basics, we’ll explore some of the best dive watches on the market today. Dive watches fluctuate wildly in price, so we’ve included some from each range, whether or not you’re looking to pay top dollar.

 

Bestseller No. 1
NORTH EDGE Digital Dive Watch - Dive Computer Watches for Men, Scuba Diving Watches - Men's Wrist Watches with Compass, Altimeter, Barometer, Pedometer (Model: Aqua)
  • ⌚Diving computer watches: spin button dive computer makes it effortless to set air, nitrox, and gauge modes. ideal for beginners in scuba diving. it is easy to use and easy to read all the...
  • ⌚Sports watch: fashion design and rich functions suitable for men and women, nitrox, compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, stopwatch count down, alarm, backlight, 12/24h, Pedometer, calorie...
  • ⌚Diving mode: 2 diving modes, free diving, and scuba diving, scuba dive50m /164ft, with NDL(No decompression limit) time reminder, diving depth, water temperature, diving speed
  • ⌚High-quality watch: the watchcase is made of 316l stainless steel which is corrosion-resistant, shockproof, durable, rugged, and scratch-resistant glass with high light transmission, it provides 12...
  • ⌚Gift watch: is a perfect gift for any gift-giving occasion, valentine's day, anniversary, business, birthday, thanksgiving day, father's day Christmas, etc, Thanks to the casual and stylish design...
Bestseller No. 2
NORTH EDGE Aqua Professional Diving Computer Watch for Men Scuba Diving NDL 50M Dive Watch with Compass Altimeter Barometer Pedometer 100M Waterproof
  • Basic Function :Scuba Dive,NDL Time, Nitrox, Compass,Altimeter,Barometer,Thermometer,Worldtime,Stopwatch,Count Down, Alarm,Back light,100M water proof , 12/24H.
  • Scuba Diving:This is a powerful professional diving watch, Before scuba dive we need to set safety factor and oxygen content :1. CONS (Conservative) . 2. NORM (Standard) .3. AGGR ( Non-conservative) ....
  • Outdoor Activities use: This watch has compass ,pedometer,Altitudem......functions, you could also wearing it for outdoor sports. such as :go hiking ,mountain climbing ,go fishing ,go camping......
  • Materials: The watchcase is made by 316L stainless steel which is corrosion resistant ,Shockproof and durable, Tough,scratch-resistant glass with high light transmission.
  • Watch Size: diameter 47.0MM/1.85inch; thickness :1.5mm/0.59inch.Net Weight:300g/10.5oz
Bestseller No. 3
SEAC Partner, Wrist-Mount Freediving Computer, Black, one Size
  • Stopwatch and countdown function
  • Records your freediving session up to 99 dives
  • It works with a standard CR2032 battery and is 100 mt water resistant
  • Backlit display
Bestseller No. 4
Garmin Descent G1 (Slate Gray) Dive Computer Watch Diver's Bundle - GPS Diving Watch with Compass & Depth Sensor, Surface & Exit - Includes Waterproof Dry Bag & Cell Phone Pouch
  • Garmin Descent G1 Divers Bundle: Garmin Descent G1 Watch-Style Dive Computer, PlayBetter Waterproof Dry Bag with Window, PlayBetter Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch, Extra-Long Adjustment Strap & USB...
  • Perfect for Any Type of Diving: This addition to Garmin's exceptional line of dive watches for men and women is ideal for recreational, advanced, technical, free diving, or spearfishing. Get up to 25...
  • Diving Smartwatch That Can Do It All: This powerful diving watch comes packed with over 30 built-in sports apps and advanced training features such as 24/7 wrist-based HR, Body Battery, sleep score,...
  • Store Up to 200 Dives: Dive into a new level of smartwatch capabilities with this compass watch for divers. This rugged Garmin wrist watch offers features such as smart notifications, Garmin Pay, and...
  • Bundle for Dedicated Divers: Keep your valuables and electronics safe and dry on the boat while you're exploring the depths with our waterproof diver's bundle that includes a PlayBetter Dry Bag and...
Bestseller No. 5
Garmin Descent™ G1, Rugged Dive Computer, Multiple Dive Modes, Activity Tracking, Slate Gray
  • Rugged, watch-style dive computer with a sapphire lens, silicone bands and an easy-to-read monochrome display
  • Battery life: up to 25 hours in dive mode, 21 days in smartwatch mode and 26 hours in GPS mode
  • GPS/GLONASS/Galileo support allows divers to mark surface entry and exit points so you can see exactly where you started and ended the dive
  • Track your activities with over 30 built in sports apps, advanced training features such as V02 Max so you can see how your body is adapting to training
  • 24/7 wrist-based HR, Pulse Ox, Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep score and more give you insights into your health and wellness telling you when to slow down and take breaks (this device is...
Bestseller No. 6
Casio Men's Diver Inspired Stainless Steel Quartz Watch with Resin Strap, Gold, 25.6 (Model: MDV106G-1AV)
  • 200 M Water Resistance
  • Diver inspired Rotating bezel with anti reverse, Screw down crown
  • Date display Regular timekeeping Analog: 3 hands (Hour, minute, second)
  • Hands and hour markers with large fluorescent areas for easy reading
  • Stainless Steel Case w/ Black Resin Band
Bestseller No. 7
Invicta Men's Pro Diver Quartz Watch with Stainless Steel Strap, Silver, 20 (Model: 26971)
  • Stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 12.5mm thick; Blue dial; Magnified date window; Luminous hands and hour markers
  • Japanese quartz movement, PC32 Caliber; Assembled in Japan; SR626SW battery included; Watch weight: 140 grams
  • Stainless steel band, 180mm L x 20mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
  • Flame Fusion crystal; Push/pull crown; Uni-directional stainless steel bezel with blue top bezel ring; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports....
Bestseller No. 8
RATIO FreeDiver Helium-Safe Dive Watch Sapphire Crystal Automatic Diver Watch 1000M Water Resistant Diving Watch for Men (White)
  • Iconic dive watches designed in Italy with advanced functions to venture into the deepest depths.
  • Stainless Steel case with Black Silicon Strap
  • Automatic Movement and Caliber: NH36 Movement
  • 1000M Water Resistance makes it suitable for Swimming , Snorkeling & Scuba Diving.
  • Analog Display with Luminous Hands and Markers
Bestseller No. 9
Invicta Men's Pro Diver Automatic Watch with Silicone Band, Black (Model 23678)
  • Stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
  • NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight: 88 grams
  • Black silicone band, 215mm L x 20mm W; Buckle clasp
  • Mineral crystal; Screw-down crown; Uni-directional stainless steel bezel with black top bezel ring; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports....
Bestseller No. 10
Invicta Men's Pro Diver Quartz Watch, Silver, 30018
  • Stainless steel case 43mm diameter x 12mm thick; Black dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
  • Japanese quartz movement, PC32 Caliber; Assembled in Japan; SR626SW battery included; Watch weight: 170 grams
  • Stainless steel band, 185mm L x 22mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
  • Flame Fusion crystal; Screw down crown; Uni-directional stainless steel bezel with black top bezel ring; 100 meter water resistant: Suitable for recreational surfing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing and...
Click here to check the latest price on Amazon

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