12 Best Dive Watches Under $5,000 for 2025
Everyone loves a dive watch and most people’s collections wouldn’t be complete without one. However, many ‘dive watches’ aren’t actually dive watches… To qualify as a dive watch, designs must comply with the ISO 6425 standard which ensures that the watch will perform well in extremely challenging environments. The 60 minute timing bezel, 100m (well 200m) of water resistance, and legibility underwater are just some of the many features that are required. The sub-$5,000 range is possibly the best for dive watches as you’re able to get some really high-quality pieces that aren’t too expensive to use properly. Usually, we’d start an article about dive watches by shamelessly promoting our very own Wren Diver One, however it doesn’t quite make it into this price range (maybe we’ll have to do something about that in the future…). If you’ll forgive the awful pun, let’s dive in and see what the first watch is all about…
Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400
Price: $3,800 USD; Diameter: 41.5mm; Lug-to-Lug: 48mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Aquis Date Calibre 400 is exactly what you would expect from Oris: a serious no-frills tool watch capable of accomplishing exactly what it says on the tin. The spec sheet is super complete. You get a solid 300m of water resistance (way more than you'll ever really need) and a 5 day power-reserve thanks to the Calibre 400. The 41.5mm case is quite small relative to the spec sheet and will definitely fit most people's wrists. To top this all off, the sunburst blue dial with the gilt ceramic bezel give this watch a fun summery feel (let's face it, summer is the season for dive watches). This Aquis is available for retail online at Oris' website for $3,800.
Check out our review of the Oris Aquis Calibre 400 (43.5mm) here.
Tudor Black Bay 54
Price: $4,050 USD; Diameter: 37mm; Lug-to-Lug: 46mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
As a brand, Tudor are one of the heaviest hitters in the sub-$5,000 range and part of this success can be attirbuted to the highly popular Black Bay collection. The vintage feel of the collection as well as the high-performance specs and cool colorways have really captured the hearts and minds of enthusiasts. Released in 2023, the Black Bay 54 was instantly popular. At 37mm, its mid-sized case and vintage aesthetics pay homage to the first Rolex Submariner, released over 70 years ago. This is definitely the best dive watch for people with skinnier wrists. You can pick this up in-store and online for $4,050.
Bell & Ross BR-03 Diver White Steel
Price: $4,400 USD; Diameter: 42mm; Lug-to-Lug: 53mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
In my ever continuing campaign to remind folks that Bell & Ross make some of the coolest watches, the BR-03 Diver White Steel is next up in thr list. Aside from my biased opinion, this piece is super cool. Initially released in 2017, the BR-03 Diver was the first dive watch to have a properly square case. Their disctinct aviation instrument design language is still present, but with a more utilitarian and sporty feel. Whilst I love this white dial, the BR-03 Diver comes in loads of dynamic colorways and with lots of strap options, so you have plenty of oppotunities to customise it to your taste. If this uniaue diver has caught your eye, you can find more information here at Bell & Ross' website. It retails for $4,400.
SINN Spezialurhen UX (EZM 2B) Tegiment
Price: $2,900 USD; Diameter: 44mm; Lug-to-Lug: 50.8mm; Water Resistance: 5000m; Movement: Quartz; Crystal: Sapphire.
Moving onto Sinn Spezialuhren, a company that actually has very close ties with the aforementioned company Bell & Ross, we take a look at their highly acclaimed UX Diver. Sinn is acclaimed for making some of the best tools, especially their pilot's watches and chronographs, however, they also make some pretty fantastic divers. Most famous is their U50 with its distinct square handset, but the UX is another level above that. Extremely close to the U50 in design, the UX also uses german submarine steel for the case. Instead of the U50's 500m of water resistance, the UX boasts a massive 5000m thanks to its oil-filled case. This ultra durable piece is the watch of choice for the GSG-9 (German SF unit), could it be yours? It retails for $2,900 and more information is available on Sinn's website.
Longines Hydroconquest GMT
Price: $2,975 USD; Diameter: 41mm; Lug-to-Lug: 49.4mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
2024 has really been a super year for Longines...we've mentioned them in pretty much every recent guide that we've published. Whilst the Hydroconquest GMT is not a new watch, it is definitely a great watch. This is a proper 'Go Anywhere, Do Anything' watch with its dual functionality: Diver and GMT (it's definitely the watch I'd take with me on my summer vacation abroad). The aesthetics on this blue variant are super sharp and clean, offering a breath of fresh air from the vintage trend that has gripped dive watches recently. If the blue or the 41mm case isn't to your liking, fear not as there are 7 other colorways and a 43mm case also available: there is really one for everyone. Retailing for $2,975 this Longines is an absolute steal, you can find out more details here.
Christopher Ward C60 Trident Lumière
Price: $2,390 USD; Diameter: 41mm; Lug-to-Lug: 47.9mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Speaking of brands who have had a fabulous 2024, it would be criminal not to mention Christopher Ward and their C60 trident Lumière. They have made some really excellent modern and vintage inspired divers in the past but this is stepping it up a notch. The design looks nothing like anything available on the market right now. The block lumed indexes against the textured dial look absolutely insane (and even better in the dark). Obviously, the team at CW upgraded the movement to match the visuals and you now get an SW-300 calibre. To top this all off, it comes in a slim Grade 2 titanium case which makes it feel literally invisible on the wrist as well as extra robust. You can see why it won the Oracle Time prize for best diver in 2024. The C60 Trident Lumière retails for $2,390.
MicroMilspec ‘Nageur de Combat’
Price: $2,110 USD; Diameter: 42mm; Lug-to-Lug: 50.3mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Founded in 2019, the Norwegian brand Micromilspec are specialized in making highly limited military grade timepieces for units across the world. In 2023, they released the Milgraph (their first design desined for civilians). Every year for a limited time only, their focus shifts towards the civilians market and this is where their 'Nageur de Combat' dive watch comes in. Limited to just 200 pieces this year, this is a super modern looking watch that is super durable and rugged. The dial is really cool with a wave pattern on the lower half and it fits nicely into the monochrome look that this watch achieves. You'll have to move quickly if you want to get your hands on one of these as they're selling out fast. It retails for $2,110 .
Yema Skin Diver Slim CMM.20 Limited Edition
Price: $2,249 USD; Diameter: 39mm; Lug-to-Lug: 47mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Yema Skin Diver Slim CMM.20 has got to be one of the coolest watches on this list. This diver is powered by the CMM.20 Micro-rotor calibre that is compeltely designed and made by in-house Yema. This is one of the only micro-rotor dive watches on the market and is one of the only in-house micro-rotor calibres available at this price point. If this hasn't already convinced you, then the reworked vintage look paired with the extremely sharp case and bracelet pays homage to the original design beautifully. This Skin Diver is available now for $2,249 on Yema's website.
Jacques Bianchi JB200 Poulpro Blue Edition
Price: Approx. $1,250 USD; Diameter: 42mm; Lug-to-Lug: 47mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Jacques Bianchi are a dive brand based out of Marseille in the South of France. Their watches are primarily military spec dive watches designed for intensive professional use. You're probably thinking that's it hard to make such a serious watch fun, but they've done just that with this special Octopus dial. Paying tribute to their native city, they celebrate their brand's affinity with the ocean and the wildlife that inhabits it. On top of this, it's also a destro watch, meaning that it's ideal for everyone who wants to wear this on their right wrist. This watch retails online for approximately $1,250.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph
Price: $3,250 USD; Diameter: 40mm; Lug-to-Lug: 47mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Quartz; Crystal: Sapphire.
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer is definitely the dive watch for you if you're looking for a big name brand at a slightly kinder price point. This variant is particularly cool for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the blasted grade 2 titanium case is super light and durable, perfect for any adventure. Secondly, the Solargraph movement means that you never have to worry about keeping it wound or changing a battery nbecause the Sun will do that for you. And thirdly, the teal accents on the dial give it nice light-hearted and fun side. If this one isn't exactly what you're looking for, you can check out TAG Heuer's website here to see all the other options the Aquaracer has to offer. This Solargaph retails for $3,250.
Doxa Sub 300 Carbon
Price: $3,990 USD; Diameter: 42mm; Lug-to-Lug: 45mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Doxa is a brand famous for their dive watches. Their distinctive design language and vibrant dials are instantly recogniseable. The Sub 300 Carbon pays homage to the original Sub 300 released over 50 years ago. The carbon case give the tonneau shaped case a modern update whilst the yellow dial ensures that the watch remains legibile all the way under the ocean- Doxa were the first to experiment with orange and yellow dials, allegedly choosing to test them in Lake Geneva's murkiest waters. Obviously, a dive watch with this pedigree comes with all the expected bells and whistles, such as the wetsuit extension on the clasp, ensruing that it truly serves its purpose. You can find out more information on Doxa's website. This piece retails for $3,990.
Check out our review of the DOXA Sub 300 Carbon Divingstar here.
Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Compression Diver Malachite
Price: $2,295 USD; Diameter: 40mm; Lug-to-Lug: 45mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
To finish up this list we have the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Compression Diver. Initially launched in 1953, the Super Sea Wolf has a legitimate claim as the first ever dive watch. This PVD coated steel variant is a little bit flashier than most of its predecessors. As stone dials are seeing a resurgence, Zodiac have brought back the Malachite dial from depths of their archives and booted it into the present. Pairing it with the proprietary design language, Zodiac have made the stone dial just as functional as it is aesthetic. If you're a tool watch collector but you've also caught the stone dial bug, this Zodiac is definitely the watch for you. It retails for $2,295.
For more, check out our 70 favorite dive watches and our 12 favorite dive watches under $1,000.