Top Ten Luxury Dive Watches For 2023
Summer holiday planned? Whether you’re looking for a watch for your pool-side pursuits or deep-sea diving, these luxury dive watches are not only highly water resistant, but superiorly stylish. We’ve chosen 2023’s best diving watches based on their suitability for all your water-based adventures this summer and beyond.
What to look for in a diver’s watch?
It might come as no surprise that superior water resistance is the main thing to look for in a diver’s watch, but accuracy is also up there as a major factor when shopping for a luxury dive watch, with a series of tests designed to ensure resistance to different depths and pressures. Only watches that meet the exacting requirements of the ISO 6425 standard can officially be called diver's watches.
Alongside that, the case and band material of the watch must also be considered. Corrosion resistant materials are the best (look out for stainless steel, titanium, silicone and rubber), whilst the bands are typically longer than usual in order to fit over bulky dive equipment.
But the defining characteristic of a dive watch is a uni-directional bezel. Look out for a dive bezel that only rotates counter-clockwise as this means you can set the index to the minute hand at the beginning of the dive and easily see how long you’ve been under water. Especially important for those long deep dives where you’ve got to be conscious of your air tank!
When to wear a dive watch?
You’ll be pleased to know there’s no rules on when to wear a dive watch. After all, it’s designed to withstand extreme water sports so it’s definitely robust enough to be worn everyday. If you are using it for certain activities however, make sure to check the water resistance before using it, as a 100m watch won’t be sufficient enough for if you’re going scuba diving. Here’s a handy scale to help you decide just how water resistant you want to go:
Water resistant to 30m: Splash proof and waterproof in small amounts of water.
Water resistant to 50m: Can be submerged in water. Suitable for shallow swimming.
Water resistant to 100m: Suitable for swimming, snorkelling and water sports.
Water resistant to 200m: Ideal for scuba diving.
Water resistant to 300m and over: Professional and deep-sea diving.
Here’s our round-up of the ten best waterproof watches for men and women. Delve into the deep end first - luckily, you’re spoilt for choice…
1. OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean 6000m Ultra Deep
Water resistance: 6,000m
Wondering what the deepest dive watch is? Well, as part of the Five Deeps Expedition in 2019, this OMEGA Planet Ocean Ultra Deep 6000m Co-Axial Chronometer Men’s Watch is a modification of the original model that made history when it reached the deepest place on Earth.
Following that World Record dive, this game-changing watch has now been adapted into a unique collection for anyone to buy. Tested in real ocean conditions during its development, this watch is water-resistant to a whopping 6,000 metres (20,000 ft.) and meets the ISO 6425:2018 standard for saturation diver’s watches.
We love
Crafted in Grade 5 Titanium with a brushed black ceramic bezel ring and diving scale in Liquidmetal™
18ct white gold hands and hour markers, which are all coated with white Super-LumiNova
The distinctive OMEGA seahorse is laser-engraved into the case back, as an iconic design that’s true to the watch’s heritage
2. TUDOR Pelagos 39
Water resistance: 200m
Joining a family of technical diver watches that offer functions specific to niche professional dives, the new TUDOR Pelagos 39 stands out for its compact and versatile design with a touch of elegance. Blending cutting-edge watchmaking technology with a chic aesthetic, it’s a watch that’s as at ease in the city as it is on the shore.
Crafted in Grade 2 Titanium, it’s elegant design is achieved through a striking radiance of sunray satin finishes on its bezel and dial, and a monochrome two-tone colour palette with the name ‘Pelagos’ which stands out in glossy cherry red at 6 o'clock. Want to know more? Discover the features here.
We love
It’s perfect for both men and women alike thanks to its 39mm case size
The rapid length adjustment “T-fit” clasp which requires no tools and offers five positions, allowing the watch to be worn over a wetsuit
Equipped with the Manufacture Calibre MT5400 self-winding movement for robustness, longevity, reliability, and precision
3. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional Superdiver
Water resistance: 1,000m
Designed to endure every ocean adventure that comes your way, this TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional Superdiver 1,000 Automatic Men’s Watch truly lives up to the rich reputation of the Aquaracer collection. Built for saturation diving and ultimate reliability, this diver’s watch is ISO 6425:2018 certified and crafted in titanium for super durability.
Not only that, but it has a crown protector and helium escape valve which allows it to handle the impressive 1,000m of depth. We especially love how it comes equipped with a custom protective case featuring orange details and a backup light to help you raise the bar.
We love
Features a hard-wearing 45mm Grade 5 titanium case
Large indexes & hands filled with Super-LumiNova, as well as all the markings on the bezel to ensure visibility when it matters
Launched at this years Watches & Wonders event in Geneva
4. Breitling Avenger Automatic 45 Seawolf
Water resistance: 3,000m
As well as being at ease in the air, the Breitling Avenger Automatic 45 Seawolf is also prepared for adventures well below the surface of the ocean. Deep below in fact, at an impressive 3,000m. Offering unrivalled safety and reliability, this watch can be used wearing gloves thanks to its rugged bezel and special grip-pattern on the crown.
Not only that, but you’ll be on-trend thanks to its striking yellow dial and the colourful dial watch trend for 2022. The black military strap can be easily swapped to a stainless steel bracelet to change up your look, and fits either a pin buckle or folding clasp for a style that suits you and your needs.
We love
Bold, extremely robust and shock resistant
Sturdy 45mm stainless-steel case with black military leather strap
Powered by an automatic movement with a power reserve of up to 38 hours
5. Oris Divers Sixty-Five Stainless Steel Blue Automatic Watch
Water resistance: 100m
Add a splash of colour to your next underwater adventure with this Oris Divers Sixty-Five Stainless Steel Blue Automatic Watch. Featuring incredible technical accuracy in an automatic movement and a 38 hour power reserve, this diving watch is sure to be a reliable companion both in and out of the water.
A blue ‘Cotton Candy’ dial that’s as playful as it is bright, this timepiece is for those who like a vibrant watch that’s sleek and easy to use. The perfect watch for those poolside vibes, it comes with a stainless steel case and bracelet, a uni-directional rotating bezel, screw-down crown and is water resistant up to 100m.
We love
The bracelet, case, hands, and hour markers are all crafted in stainless steel, for a sturdy but co-ordinated look
Glow in the dark with SuperLuminova on the indices and hands, perfect for easy readability underwater
The charming blue dial that is instantly uplifting with its bright hues and light-hearted aesthetic
6. Breitling Superocean III Black 46 Automatic Men’s Watch
Water resistance: 300m
Remaining true to the aesthetic of the Breitling Superocean collection, this Breitling Superocean III Black 46 Automatic Men’s Watch comes with features that make it a reliable, desirable and wearable diver’s watch for today. Crafted for the most ambitious divers, the stainless steel uni-directional rotating bezel and instantly recognisable broad hands bring this timepiece to life.
All dive-related indications are coated with luminescent Super-LumiNova for optimal readability in low light conditions, whilst the rubber strap features a folding clasp for quick and comfortable adjustment when you’re wearing it. Not to mention the timeless monochromatic effect created by the contrasting dial colours!
We love
The case is made of stainless steel and sapphire crystal making it pressure-resistant to 300 meters
Distinctive black and white colours of the watch’s dial and bezel that create a modern-vintage touch
The black rubber strap that matches the dial, making it effortlessly comfortable to wear both in and out of the sea.
7. OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300m Co-Axial Master Chronometer Men's Watch
Water resistance: 300m
A Master Chronometer, high-performance mechanical dive watch, this OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300m Co-Axial Master Chronometer Men's Watch embraces OMEGA’s famous ocean heritage with a daring dark green dial, bezel, and stainless steel bracelet. Daring in design but also by nature, the ceramic dial and bezel, and the white enamel diving scale are crafted to endure, fit for the most testing conditions.
The skeleton hands and raised indexes are rhodium-plated and filled with white Super-LumiNova, for visibility in even the depths of the ocean. Boasting an automatic helium escape valve and an adjustable bracelet with extra diver extension, this timepiece uses innovative craftsmanship including all the features needed for your deep-diving adventure. What’s not to love? True to form, this is a watch that can be tested to the extremes.
We love
Powered by the OMEGA Master Chronometer Calibre 8800, which can be seen through the sapphire crystal on the wave-edged case back.
The watch is domed with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on both sides, for extra protection
The green ceramic dial and bezel are for when you need a diving watch that’s as stylish as it is sturdy.
8. Oris Divers Sixty-Five 100m Automatic Watch
Water resistance: 100m
Sure to attract attention both by the sea and in the office thanks to its retro style and bright blue details, the Oris Divers Sixty-Five 100m Automatic Watch boasts a state-of-the-art mechanism. Its anti-corrosive stainless steel and futuristic dial make it the ultimate timepiece for a contemporary sports look.
Living up to its counterparts, this watch matches the standards of the renowned Oris diver’s watches, in a 40mm model with cool grey-blue hues. Presented on a black leather strap, this timepiece is one that defines a modern diving watch, with contemporary elements that ensure it’s a highly functional one you can trust.
We love
The gradient grey dial features Super LumiNova filled hands and indexes
Encased in scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass with an anti-reflective coating on the underside
The blue dial markers and grey dial combination make it a stylish diver’s watch that’s set to make a statement
9. Longines Legend Diver Automatic Men's Watch
Water resistance: 300m
Reminiscent to the diver’s watches of the 1960s, this Longines Legend Diver Automatic Men's Watch incorporates the clean lines and slim case of past watches into a timepiece that incorporates new and innovative diving technology. Featuring a water resistance of up to 300m, the automatic movement offers a power reserve of up to 72 hours, leaving you with three days worth of exceptional timekeeping and functionality.
A synthetic strap adorns the stainless steel case, for a true sporty aesthetic that makes it easily distinguishable as a diver’s watch. The grey dial creates a monochromatic effect, making the Arabic numerals and lines on the dial even more protruding, a truly vintage finish.
We love
The power reserve of 72 hours, ensuring you’re covered for when you need it
It’s a watch with an aesthetic for sports lovers and adventure seekers alike
The vintage design and 1960s inspiration behind the timepiece
10. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Mother of Pearl Diamond Quartz Ladies Watch
Water resistance: 200m
This TAG Heuer Aquaracer Mother of Pearl Diamond Quartz Ladies Watch shows us that being deep in the ocean still doesn’t have to compromise on opulent style. A breathtaking mother-of-pearl dial and diamond detailing makes this the perfect luxury diver’s watch. A bonus if you’re a rose gold lover- the subtle rose gold tone details are striking against the silvery-white dial!
Dainty and elegant, don’t be deceived by the 30mm case size, which is crafted from durable stainless steel and has a matching bracelet. This quartz-powered watch features a water resistance to 200 metres. On-trend with fantastic functionality, this timepiece definitely had to make our top ten!
We love
The diamond detailing adds a stunning sparkle to the timepiece’s outstanding performance
A distinctive design element, the compass engraving on the case back is an ode to the adventurous Aquaracer spirit
Water Resistant to 200m meaning it’s great for showering swimming and snorkelling
Now you know the best diving watches on offer, why not find the perfect fit with our Watch Size Guide. For more help on finding your next timepiece, our Watch Buying Guide has all the help you need.
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