Top 7 Best Dive Watches Under $1000 For Men – 2023

Unquestionably, divers need a reliable watch to go underwater with. In an environment in which we need to calculate the length of stay, having a piece of time-telling device is priceless. At the same time, we all want to spend our money wisely, hoping that the invested dive watch could use for other occasions rather than just diving.

Dive watches are intended to endure extreme underwater conditions such as water leaks and pressure. As a result, those who want to own a dive watch must invest a reasonable sum of money for this item. Fortunately, the dive watch market is segmented to match consumers’ budgets and preferences.

So if you are looking for a high-quality dive watch that won’t break the bank, this article is for you.

I have drawn up a list of the best dive watches under $1000 based on my experience and hundreds of customers’ feedback from prestigious watch forums. At the end of the list are several questions regarding dive watches’ functions and dress code. Let’s dwell on it!

Best Automatic Dive Watches under $1000

Davosa Ternos Professional Dark Blue 16155940

Review

Swiss watches have earned their prestige worldwide thanks to their durability and reliability. Davosa, with its 200-year-old experience in watch-making, isn’t an exception. Their Ternos professional watch for divers reflects their utmost attempt to preserve their reputation.

The design is deliberately made to draw attention to the luxury and flawless detail. If you look at the stainless steel strap and two-tone ceramic bezel, you will quickly notice that this watch is designed for outstanding flexibility, which is suitable for any occasion.

Under the water, ordinary high-end watches will suddenly lose their validity. As for a diver, the most important thing to bring is an excellent and reliable watch with him in every diving session.

The Ternos professional watch is famous among divers for being an exceedingly functional time-teller, even underwater. This model offers an exceptional level of water resistance: 1650 ft with ISO 6425 certification.

With the Ternos professional watch, not only recreational divers, professional ones – who enjoy deep diving – can now enjoy its full functionality and sheer readability underwater.

Davosa ensures that this timepiece is a trusted companion for any divers. For that reason, they built this model with the best features. The automatic Helium Escape Valve releases helium accumulated under pressure automatically, ensuring your watch won’t blow up underwater. Both caseback and crown are secured, protecting the internal mechanism from pressure.

What could be a drawback of this watch is the fact that it looks like the iconic Rolex Submariner. This is the most successful design for classic auto dive watches up to now, so no wonder why lots of watch brands are trying to remake the Submariner. This Davosa is a Rolex Submariner’s homage. You either love it or hate it!

Moreover, some would prefer a more oversized crown since it offers ease of use. Even so, this depends on personal taste. All in all, I still believe that this timepiece deserves consideration since it offers top-notch diving features.

Features

Case diameter	42 millimeters
Band width	22 milimeters
Glass Material	Mineral glass
Case Material	Stainless steel
Band Material	Stainless steel
Movement	Automatic,DAV2824
Water Resistance	1650 ft

Pros

• High level of water resistance (500m – 1650ft)
• Ensure absolute safety underwater with automatic helium escape valve and secured case back and crown.
• Look like the legendary Rolex Submariner

Cons

• Face and case size is quite aesthetically unbalanced
• Some people would prefer a larger crown
• Rolex Submariner look alike (Yeah, you either love it or hate it)

Seiko PROSPEX SBDC029

Review

Seiko PROSPEX SBDC029 is often known as Seiko Shogun among watch users (along with Seiko Sumo, Samurai, etc. The Shogun, as its name says, belongs to a higher segment).

Besides reliability, Seiko also emphasizes stylish design. The black matte dial is suitable for watches underwater since it offers its best readability and functionality. The oversized hands and markers add the strength of Seiko Shogun underwater, coming with Seiko’s LumiBrite for optimized readability. The gear-like bezel shapes the stern sporty look of this model.

One thing that makes Seiko Shogun so much loved by watch users is the fact that it is utterly lightweight. Both case and band are made of titanium, reducing the overall weight of the watch tremendously.

Titanium is one of the lightest and most rigid materials suitable for a diving watch since it must confront water and pressure.

Depending on different tastes, some may prefer a slightly heavier watch to feel solid. At least they will notice they are wearing a watch sometimes.

Seiko Shogun adopts Cal. 6R15 automatic self-wind movement. This movement includes 23 jewels and oscillates six beats per second. This accuracy rate is within a range of +25/-15 seconds per day. That means you must adjust the time after about three weeks of use. But don’t worry. It just takes a few seconds to complete.

Seiko Shogun meets the standard for an actual diving watch – the ISO 6425 certification. As you can see, the watch can stand up to 660 ft underwater. The caseback and crown are sturdily designed to protect the interior part.

The downside of this watch is its limited application on occasion. The watch may not be the best accessory if you want to wear it to formal events.

So if you are looking for a classic automatic dive watch under $1000 with the best features and sturdy build, Seiko Shogun is the best option.

Features

Case diameter	42 millimeters
Band width	22 millimeters
Glass Material	Mineral Glass
Case Material	Titanium
Band Material	Titanium
Movement	23-jewel Seiko Caliber 6R15
Water Resistance	660 ft

Pros

• Seiko Shogun’s design maximises the readability and functionality underwater
• Lightweight thanks to titanium
• LumiBrite technology offers outstanding lume

Cons

• May not be suitable for formal events

Marathon WW194026

Review

Founded in 1904, Marathon has built its reputation through its utmost attention, quality control standards, and customer service. The model WW194026 has lived up to the expectation of Marathon’s fans by adopting ISO 6425 – the International Standard for divers’ watches.

This model can withstand water pressure at a depth of 1000 feet, which means it provides the highest reliability underwater.

Moreover, Marathon ensures that the design is well-matched to divers’ expectancies. Stainless steel is a typical material for cases to confirm the durability of this watch underwater. The glass is thick and impenetrable, which is ideal to withstand pressure and scratching.

Tritium gas is included in making the dial so divers can keep track of time even when it’s dark. This old-style lume is loved by many vintage watch enthusiasts.

The model WW194026 uses Swiss Sellita SW200 Automatic movement. Swiss Sellita SW200 offers accurate time-telling and requires less frequent adjustment.

The rubber band is another feature that makes it compatible with diving equipment; though, for some people, this means they can’t wear it on various occasions. But don’t worry. You can easily replace it with a leather or fabric NATO strap, and the watch would have a different look.

This model suits those who don’t look for a showy accessory. The good news is that Marathon offers different rubber wristband colors so that you can choose the most suitable one. But the black version is still the bestseller.

If I have to point out one thing I don’t like about this model, that could be its weight. The watch is 92 grams – more than the standard for a watch that is the same size. Though some people may feel comfortable with it, others won’t. If you don’t see it as an issue, then the Marathon WW194026 is undoubtedly a good watch.

Features

Case diameter	36 millimeters
Band width	18 millimeters
Glass Material	Sapphire
Case Material	Stainless Steel
Band Material	Vulcanized black rubber
Movement	Swiss 26 Jewel  Sellita SW200 Automatic
Water Resistance	1000 feet

Pros

• Welt-built to withstand harsh condition under water.
• Suitable for casual wear and those who love the stylish yet masculine look.
• High level of water resistance (300m – 1000ft)
• Classic military style design

Cons

• Quite heavy compared to other watches with the same size (but it feels solid, too)
• Small size is not trendy

Best Quartz Dive Watches under $1000

Citizen Eco-Drive BN2029-01E

Review

Citizen, a well-known Japanese watch manufacturer in the North American market, has presented a watch for divers that brings excellent value and includes some up-to-date technologies.

It’s the look of this watch that is worth to be mentioned. Unlike other watches for divers, Citizen BN2029-01E offers three crowns on both sides of the watch. Some people may find this design a bit overwhelming and bulky at first, but once they know how this works, it turns out that operating this watch is much easier than others.

Citizen adopts a system called Promaster, which grants each crown a separate function. Reading the manual to use the crowns will take a few minutes, but afterward, you will find it easy to handle the mechanism.

Essential features of a dive watch are incorporated into this watch. The visibility in the dark is enhanced thanks to outstanding illumination. When you dive, it helps you to read your watch when it is entirely dark outside.

Citizen BN2029-01E offers a standard water-resistant level of 660 ft; this watch is ISO-certified, too. The case material is sturdy to withstand pressure under the water. The polyurethane wristband is perfect for underwater use since it holds firm around your wrist and also brings a comfortable feel.

What makes Citizen famous is their Eco-drive technology. Your watch will get energy from the sun and can maintain battery life for quite a long time(up to 6 months after a full charge and not exposed to light). Once charged, Citizen BN2029-01E can stay without light for an extended period.

Plus, this model includes a unidirectional bezel to prevent the watch from revolving back and ensure accurate tracking of time.

Citizen BN2029-01E’s case diameter is a bit larger for some watch users compared to other watches. Moreover, the polyurethane wristband & dial design would be suitable for only casual wear. However, these downsides are pretty trivial. If you don’t mind them, this watch is a valuable product for you.

Features

Case diameter	53 millimeters
Band width	27 millimeters
Glass Material	Minaral glass
Case Material	Stainless Steel
Band Material	Polyurethane
Movement	Citizen Eco-Drive Solar Powered Quartz
Water Resistance	660 feet

Pros

• Great sporty design and easy to use
• Offer best features with affordable price
• Eco-drive technology is environmental-friendly, providing durable battery life, powered by solar energy

Cons

• Case diameter is quite big for small-wrist folks

SEIKO Prospex SSC618P1

Review

Though joining late in the market compared to their Swiss counterparts, Seiko has built up its empire based on watchmaking standards and elegant design. That said, their watches are compatible with different clothes and social events. This model SSC618P1 continues to spread Seiko’s motto on watchmaking. This is a watch that you can wear both under and out of the water. Depending on the occasion, you can dress it up or down.

Like Citizen BN2029-01E, Seiko SSC618P1 offers three separate crowns with different functions. This will save you a lot of time adjusting the time and other purposes of the watch.

I especially love the rose gold tone. It looks gleaming and suitable with suits for meetings and the like. The case size is standard – 44mm, making it look fit on most men’s wrists. The silicone band wraps gently around the wrist, making you feel more comfortable underwater.

Consider replacing the band with a black leather strap if you need the watch for formal occasions. Flawless, I promise!

As for diving, this watch bestows must-have features with complete underwater functionality. Seiko SSC618P1 meets ISO 6425 standards for a pro diving watch. It can endure high-pressure underwater thanks to the substantial material for case and glass. The watch would be a great assistant at up to 660 ft under the water. Hands and markers are luminous in the dark, enabling divers to keep track of time.

Seiko uses V175 solar-powered quartz movement for this model. Undoubtedly Seiko movements are well known for their accuracy, so you don’t have to worry about time adjustment. The watch runs off a few seconds per month.

So far, this watch offers the best functions & flawless design at a competitive price. If you are looking for a watch with a sporty but dressy look that can be used underwater, you should put Seiko SSC618P1 into consideration.

Features

Case diameter	44 millimeters
Band width	20 millimeters
Glass Material	Hardlex glass
Case Material	Stainless Steel
Band Material	Silicone
Movement	V175 Seiko Solar Quartz
Water Resistance	660 feet

Pros

• Sporty design that is compatible with many social circumstances
• Great value with competitive price
• Attractive rose-gold tone

Cons

• Nothing to complain

Victorinox Swiss Army Men 241781

Review

Victorinox is another renowned watch brand coming from Switzerland. Most watches from Victorinox are handsomely designed, allowing users to mix-match with different styles of clothes.

This Victorinox Swiss Army 241781 is an excellent example of how attentive and careful Victorinox is toward its design. You can choose your favorite dial color from their collections: grey, yellow, blue, red, and silver. As for me, I prefer the silver dial since it keeps a neutral tone, which you can wear with different clothes.

Victorinox creates a perfectly balanced model with the 241781. The dial contrast is stylish. Both case and band are at the correct size. The watch looks great on your wrist.

Swiss Ronda quartz is used for this model to maximize functionality and accuracy regarding tracking time. Moreover, Victorinox adds an authentic touch to this design by offering a nifty rotating bezel.

The only flaw in the design is the old-school clasp. The deployant clasp makes some people hesitate since it conveys a feeling of obsolescence.

However, the features and functions of diving will ultimately compensate for this problem. It is an ISO 6425-certified watch for diving, offering both durability and readability underwater. All in all, given the price and features of this watch, I think it’s a stylish and suitable watch for pro divers.

Features

Case diameter	45 millimeters
Band width	22 millimeters
Glass Material	Hardlex glass
Case Material	Stainless Steel
Band Material	Stainless Steel
Movement	Swiss-Quartz
Water Resistance	660 feet

Pros

• Great design for many uses
• Sharp metal bezel adds some personalities to the watch
• Good price for a Swiss made watch
• Renowned for its durability
• Lots of different versions to choose from

Cons

• The deployant clasp looks a bit out of place.

Best Digital Dive Watches $1000

Casio G-Shock Frogman GWF1000-1

Review

Dive watches must be among the most durable ones on the market. The toughness of a digital dive watch must transcend standard benchmarks. Casio G-Shock GWF1000-1 proves it to be true.

This model offers a WR depth of 660 ft, enough for frequent divers. If you are fond of deep diving, this level of water resistance may need to be improved, but this one works flawlessly for recreational and most pro divers. The deeper you dive, the darker it becomes. Casio G-Shock GWF1000-1 offers a digital display that enhances readability with background light.

Case material is quite essential for dive watches. Suitable materials will prevent the watch from corroding or rusting. Casio G-Shock GWF1000-1 is made of stainless steel with a resin wristband to extend shock and water resistance under water. The mineral glass is also scratch-resist, which can preserve its fresh look for an extended period.

When scuba diving, you need to calculate the air left in your tank and leave some for the journey back to the surface. ISO 200M WR Dive Timer will help you record the period you are underwater so that you can keep track of your diving time.

At first, you may find it hard to master the digital watch. However, operating it will be fine if you spend time reading the manual and practicing. Casio G-Shock GWF1000-1 is an excellent selection for a sturdy digital diving watch under $1000.

Features

Case diameter	53 millimeters
Band width	28 millimeters
Glass Material	Mineral Glass
Case Material	Black IP Stainless Steel
Band Material	Resin
Movement	Japanese Solar Powered Quartz
Water Resistance	660 feet

Pros

• Extreme shock resistance
• Sturdily built for diving
• Has lots of advanced features

Cons

• Requires time to adapt because it has so many hi-end features

FAQs

How To Dress Up Dive Watches?

While many people live with a philosophy that allows them to wear whatever they like and however they want, regardless of what others may think, the rest of us can’t do that. Often, watches are considered accessories for clothes, and you should always choose a watch accordingly to what you wear.

So can you wear a dive watch with a suit? Traditionally, dive watches do not go well with suits due to their sporty design. Over the past few years, the style of dive watches isn’t an indicator of inappropriacy any longer. Wearing a dive watch with a suit has become a trend lately. Yet, I think not every dive watch looks good with suits. In the list above, you probably notice that you can wear some dive watches at any event, whereas some are only for casual wear. If you want to find a dive watch to wear at formal events, choose it wisely.

Why Are Dive Watches So Popular?

It is easy to notice the popularity of dive watches nowadays. So what are the reasons?

First, I want to mention the design. Most dive watches are bold-looking to some extent. Dive watches have become an equivalent symbol of elegance and boldness, which grants men strength and power when wearing them. Second, dive watches’ durability and functionality are all we have been asked for. Dive watches fit our active lifestyle and allow us to enjoy the comfort and numerous benefits far more than just time tracking.

Why Do Dive Watches Have Rotating Bezels?

Most dive watches feature rotating bezels. Most dive watches adopt a unidirectional bezel that revolves counter-clockwise so that divers can track time. Underwater, this is an essential feature since it allows divers to trace either elapsed time or remaining time. Most divers use this feature to alert them to the remaining oxygen and know when to float up.

Verdict

To wrap up, I want to remind you that buying a watch, especially a dive watch, needs careful consideration. If you have a favorite watch band, find your dive watch in their collection. If you still need to, you should always start with reputable watchmakers. After that, features, functions, and budgets come later. I hope this list of the best dive watches under $1000 will help you make the right decision.