12 Best Dive Watches Under $1,000 for 2024
Dive watches are perhaps the most popular segment of luxury sport watches. But the most popular divers, such as the Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster, retail from between $5,000 to $10,000. That is pretty pricey for most people. So I put together a list of my favorite 12 high-quality dive watches currently available for under $1,000.
Wren Diver One Aqua
Price: $895 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 41mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Swiss Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
When we recently launched the Wren Diver One in aqua, we weren’t sure what to expect. But after some recent features, including by Teddy Baldassarre and InsideHook we realized we had something. When we decided to design our own watch for Wrist Enthusiast, we wanted to create something that both had wide appeal but also was unique. To add this unique factor we blended a vintage-inspired diver with a very modern gradient aqua color dial. Swiss made, automatic, and with 200 meters of water resistance, we think the Diver One offers plenty of value for under $900. Limited to 100 pieces, these watches are going fast. Make sure to pick yours up soon! Learn more about the Wren Diver One here, or order yours here (or below).
Seiko Prospex Diver SRPJ35
Price: $525 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 45mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Japanese Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
If you are looking for a unique diver in the under $1,000 price-range, it’s hard to beat Seiko. The Prospex Diver SRPJ35 showcases everything I love about the brand’s dive watches. The bulbous Turtle case shape is unique (frequently copied), and screams Seiko. The bi-colored blue and turquoise bezel is a nice touch. The turquoise of the bezel is accented by a turquoise minute hand. And the watch has Seiko’s workhorse in-house movement. If you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank and will stand the test of time (and diving), I think the $525 USD Seiko Prospex Diver Ref. SRPJ35 is a great option.
Baltic Aquascaphe
Price: $729 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 40mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Japanese Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
When I think of vintage-inspired divers these days, I usually think of the Baltic Aquascaphe. Baltic, a French brand, is still considered by many as a “microbrand”, but they actually sell quite a few watches. What I like so much about it is that the Aquascaphe has more Blancpain Fifty Fathoms inspiration than Rolex Submariner. In a world where almost all vintage-inspired dive watches pay homage to the Sub, its nice to see something a little different. Plus, at 39mm in diameter, the Aquascaphe is a lot more wearable than the much larger modern Fifty Fathoms. ou can pick up the Aquascaphe for around $632 USD.
Jack Mason Hydrotimer
Price: $799 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 39mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Japanese Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
What started out as a fashion brand has evolved into something more recently… much more. Jack Mason has made a name for itself developing handsome watches with great specs, and at affordable prices. Specifically, there is a lot to like about the Hydrotimer, the brand’s diver. It has a Seiko-inspired turtle case, but the case is a bit less bulbous than the Seiko. Having handled Jack Mason’s recent releases in person, what I really like about them is the finishing. The finishing feels well above the under $1,000 price-point. Plus, the 300 meters of water resistance makes this piece a true diver. You can pick up the Hydrotimer on stainless steel bracelet for $799 USD.
Tissot Seastar 100 Powermatic 80
Price: $750 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 40mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Swiss Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
When it comes to Swiss watch manufacturers, Tissot sells 3.1 million watches a year, second only to Swatch. So with that type of production, the brand should be able to produce some quality watches at affordable prices. And they do. The Tissot Seastar is exactly the type of dive watch you’d want at under $800. Swiss made, 300 meters of water resistance, and an attractive, if somewhat restrained, design. Offered in multiple sizes, including 43mm and 45mm, the 40mm is probably my favorite. It retails for $750 USD.
Zelos Blacktip 200M Ti
Price: $599 USD; Case: Titanium, 41mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Japanese Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
In addition to price, what probably draws me most to Zelos timepieces are their dials. And the dial on the Blacktip 200m Ti is just stunning. The burn orange dial is not only a gradient, or fume, that fades to black around the corners, but is also a metallic sunray as well. To top that off, the watch’s case and bracelet are both titanium, quite the feet at its price-point. The blacked out bezel might be a little hard to read if you’re actually diving, but it looks good and how many of us actually dive with our divers. You can find the Zelos Blacktip 200m Ti in burnt orange for $599 USD.
Dryden Pathfinder Automatic Diver
Price: $550 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 41mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Japanese Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Another diver that really let’s its dial do the talking is the Dryden Pathfinder. The brand describes the dial as a green fume (probably due to the gradient pattern). But it actually really reminds me of the iris of an eagle pattern you see on the much more expensive Chopard Alpine Eagle. Beyond the dial, the watch is a fairly standard diver, sitting at 41mm with 200 meters of water resistance and a pretty off-the-shelf bracelet. But at just $550 USD, I think its quite the conversation starter.
Lorier Neptune
Price: $499 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 39mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Japanese Automatic; Crystal: Hesalite.
I’ve gone through a bunch of great dive watches with more eccentric dials. But if you’re looking for something that is a no-frills vintage-inspired piece, the Lorier Neptune is the perfect choice. Harkening back to the Rolex Submariners of the 1950s and 1960s, the Neptune features a gilt dial, hesalite crystal and big crown. But that’s not to say the Neptune is without its own identity. The watch features interesting triangular hands that are matched with the 12,3,6, and 9 hour markers. at $499, it’s one of the less expensive models on this list, but still worth a look.
Citizen Promaster Fujitsubo
Price: $796 USD; Case: Titanium, 41mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Japanese Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The second titanium diver on my list is from the other venerable Japanese watch brand, Citizen. The Promaster Fujitsubo is a well-proportioned 41mm diver with what the brand calls a “super titanium” case and bracelet. Unlike many of the other watches on my list, this piece is clearly modern. From the crisp white indices to the navy blue dial and bezel, this is the perfect piece for that person looking for a reliable, standard dive watch. It retails for $796 USD.
Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 300
Price: $910 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 42mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Swiss Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Christopher Ward is known for high quality Swiss made watches at affordable prices. And how do they do that? Well, they sell only direct to consumer online, cutting out any potential middle man. That allows the brand to offer their customers better prices along with higher quality. And has also created somewhat of a cult following for the brand. You can count me among one of their fans. I recently reviewed The Twelve in titanium and came away very impressed. And their dive watches, including the C60 Trident Pro 300, are very impressive. Showcasing the brand’s modern aesthetic, the C60 Trident Pro 300 has a dark blue dial and blue bezel with lumed numbers. Its truly an impressive watch for $910 USD.
Nodus Sector Deep
Price: $599 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 42mm; Water Resistance: 500m; Movement: Japanese Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Founded in Los Angeles in 2017, Nodus has quickly made a name for itself in the microbrand community. These highly durable watches are known for their modern design and playful colors. Take the Nodus Sector Deep Sky Destro. Not only does the watch boast 500 meters of water resistance, but the baby blue dial makes the piece stand out. Interestingly, most of Nodus’ Sector Deep lineup are “Destro” models, meaning that the crown is on the left side of the case (typically meant for left-handed people). However, some brands put the crown on the left side of the case when it is bulky, so it doesn’t dig into the wearer’s wrist. Perhaps the reason Nodus went with this design decision? Regardless, you can pick up the Nodus Sector Deep for $599 USD.
Ocean Crawler Core Diver
Price: $999 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 43mm; Water Resistance: 600m; Movement: Swiss Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Coming in at just a hair under $1,000, the final watch is the most serious diver on this list with a whopping 600 meters of water resistance. But there is a lot more to like about the Ocean Crawler Core Diver. The watch clearly has Seiko inspiration with its turtle case shape. But it also has a lot of lume, including lumed bezel numers, a lumed rehaut, and of course, lumed indexes and hands. You really won’t have to worry about legibility on this watch if you take it into the deep. It retails for $999 USD.
If you want to see all of Wrist Enthusiast’s favorite dive watches regardless of price, check out our Most Extensive Guide of the 70 Best Dive Watches.