Spending quality time deep in the sea is a humbling experience. To be within such proximity of stunning undersea life and witness their magic up close can be at once startling and life-changing. It’s easy to glean new appreciation for the planet when you quite literally immerse yourself in another world.
Of course, if you’re a diver, then you need the appropriate gear to see you through the experience in comfort and safety. One of the most important additions to the mix is a high-quality dive watch. Dive watches must resist water up to 330 feet, and have a measuring component that calculates diving time. They also need to resist elements that you’ll face underwater, including shock and salt.
With so many available, it can be tricky to select the right watch that meets your needs. Functionality is king, but even under water you know you’ll feel great with something that’s stylish and timeless, too. Here are our favorites.
Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000 S
Made with sleek stainless steel, the Ollech & Wajs OW C-1000 S is a sleek representation of the classic Swiss watch design technique. The style factor comes courtesy of the beautifully engraved Zurich 1956 plate. The entire package is stamped and brushed in Switzerland, built with a reinforced back case for additional security, and finished with an elegant domed sapphire crystal for greater strength. The watch keeps track of dive times, while bright hands are powered by Super-LumiNova® technology to make it easy to read while you’re under the water.
DS Action Diver Automatic Green Dial Men’s Watch
Made with sturdy, classic stainless steel, the DS Action Diver Automatic Green Dial Men’s Watch is the perfect piece for making a bold statement. The green aluminum finish adds a glossy, eye-catching touch to the sleek design, along with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a sturdy case back. The silver elements add intensive luminosity, making it simple to detect time and information while you’re diving.
Yema Superman II Dive Watch
If ever there was a reason to add something sculptural and beautifully defined to your dive wardrobe, it’s the Yema Superman II Dive Watch. This iconic piece takes its inspiration from the original Yema Superman II watch dating from the early 1990s. The secret to its success is the bold design, which provides the perfect setting for enhanced visibility under water. It’s waterproof up to 990 feet, and features sapphire crystal and a stunning 40mm steel case that is as robust as it is subtly elegant. The crisp “superman” hands, awash in green, enhances visibility on the bold black backdrop. It’s a testament to a beloved old-school style, made modern with more durable materials that are designed to stand the test of time.
Bell & Ross BR 03-92 DIVER
If you favor a more traditional, robust, functional design that will never lose its style, try the Bell & Ross BR 03-92 DIVER watch. The automatic mechanical design measures 42mm in size and features sleek, glossy satin-polished steel. The black and silver aesthetic is sleek and simple, perfect for working into your dive wardrobe. The addition of numbers and indices powered by Superluminova® technology make it easy to keep track of time while you’re exploring life below the sea. The sapphire crystal finish resists reflections to enhance visibility. This watch is designed to resist water up to 990 feet.
Panerai Submersible Bronzo – 47mm
A hint of bronze can make anything look a little more handsome, timeless, and elegant. The Panerai Submersible Bronzo behaves much like an aged leather wallet. The bronze acquires a warm, subtly stylish finish that deepens to a beautiful patina finish with time, lending the watch its own unique style and character. In addition to its browned-bronze finish, this thick, sturdy, automatic mechanical watch boasts a warm-toned dial with glowing indices and numbers. It’s resistant to approximately 990 feet. The beauty of this style is that it exudes a heritage-driven look—something that you could potentially pass down through the ages.
Baltic Aquascaphe
A touch of vintage style captures the spirit of the Baltic Aquascaphe. This stylish watch features an innovative bracelet that the brand dubs a “beads of rice” design. The textured finish nicely balances the bold dial, which is covered with double-domed sapphire glass. You’ll find this statement piece in a trio of colors, making it perfect to wear whether you’re in the water or staying on the land. This watch is resistant to scratches and shock, and is also water-resistant up to 655 feet.
S.U.F. Vetehinen
The S.U.F. Vetehinen was inspired by the admirable tale of a World War II submarine captain who made difficult decisions in the face of rough conditions. The watch is water-resistant up to 990 feet, just a small feature that contributes to the sensible design. Made with sturdy stainless steel, it features chrome mined in Finland and is designed with innovative Superluminova® technology to enhance visibility underwater.