Best Cheap Dive watches of 2024

While renowned timepieces like the Rolex Submariner or the Omega Seamaster have established themselves as benchmarks for dive watches, many of our readers may not be inclined to invest that much in a watch.

Fortunately, there is a wide selection of high-quality yet affordable dive watches available in the sub-$300 range.

We’ve carefully curated this list to feature watches from reputable Japanese brands such as Citizen, known for their budget-friendly diver’s watches. Additionally, we’ve discovered dive watches made by Casio that fit within our budget constraints.

Each of these watches boasts a waterproof rating of up to 200m, a standard feature expected of quality dive watches.

Without further ado, here’s a detailed overview of our top picks for cheap dive watches.

It’s worth noting that all these watches were initially priced at $300 or less. However, prices may have fluctuated since then, potentially exceeding the original budget. To accommodate varying budgets, we’ve also included watches at the lower end of the price spectrum that still offer decent dive watch capabilities.

1. Casio Men’s Classic Dive Style Watch

The Casio 200M Duro dive watch boasts a sturdy and no-frills construction, prioritizing functionality over extravagance, making it an ideal entry-level option for enthusiasts of the sea. Its black and white design isn’t just visually appealing; it’s also highly practical. Casio has ensured that the Duro Dive is exceptionally easy to read, both in daylight and low-light conditions. The black resin band enhances grip and comfort, whether you’re on land or underwater.

Its black dial showcases bold, luminous indices, complemented by three analog arrow hands and a conveniently placed date display beside the three o’clock marker. Encased within the robust 44mm stainless steel casing is a Japanese quartz movement, ensuring top-notch reliability and accuracy at all times.

The Casio 200M Duro Dive excels as an affordable yet remarkably dependable dive watch. Its design is sleek, professional, and exudes a sporty allure. With its outstanding balance of performance and quality, the Casio 200M Duro Dive stands as a testament to Casio’s commitment to producing reliable timepieces.

2. Citizen Promaster Dive Eco-Drive Watch

Crafted with a focus on diving functionality and a minimalist design, the Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver BN0150-28E is the ideal companion for underwater explorations and effortlessly complements your casual attire for a refined appearance.

With a water resistance of 200 meters, a unidirectional rotating bezel featuring a luminescent pip at the 60-minute mark, generously sized luminescent hands and hour markers, a screw-down crown, screw-down case back, and a durable polyurethane strap, this timepiece epitomizes the essence of a diver’s watch.

Beyond its exceptional diving attributes, the watch offers additional impressive features. Being part of Citizen’s Eco-Drive series, which harnesses solar energy, it can convert any light source, be it natural or artificial, into power, ensuring reliable performance without the need for battery changes.

Further enhancing its functionality is the date display positioned at the 5 o’clock mark. The mineral crystal dial window provides a clear view of the dial, free from glares, thanks to its anti-reflective properties, while also offering robust protection against scratches, ensuring lasting durability and pristine clarity.

3. Luminox Quartz Navy Seal Dive Watch

Luminox epitomizes extreme resilience and functionality since its inception in 1989. Renowned for providing some of the toughest watches in the market, Luminox is distinguished by its proprietary light technology, offering visibility for up to 25 years without the need for an external light source or button activation, hence the aptness of their brand name.

Embraced by military and law enforcement groups, Luminox has also garnered widespread popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and active individuals, owing to its unwavering commitment to quality.

Once again, Luminox showcases its trademark quality with the Original Navy SEAL XS.3001, earning its place among the finest dive watches available.

Crafted with durability in mind, this Swiss quartz watch features a carbon-reinforced polycarbonate case, a double-security gasket crown, a screw-down case back, a mineral crystal dial window, and a rubber strap. With a water resistance of 200 meters and a carbon-reinforced unidirectional rotating bezel, it is tailored for diving adventures. Additionally, it offers a convenient date display positioned at the 3 o’clock mark.

4. Orient Mako II Diving Watch

A quintessential dive watch renowned for its reliability is the Orient MAKO series, with the Orient MAKO II representing its second iteration.

If you envision a traditional dive watch, chances are it resembles Orient’s MAKO timepieces. The Orient Mako II showcases a polished 41.5mm stainless steel case, paired with a standard 120-click unidirectional rotating bezel. Its mineral crystal glass ensures ample protection against scratches.

On the dial, the MAKO II features a blend of slender indices and three Arabic numeral hour markers at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions. Complementing the design are a sleek sword-style analog hand and a red-tipped second hand. The day and date display, serving as the three o’clock hour marker, enhances the watch’s functionality. Furthermore, all essential components on the dial are luminous, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.

The primary enhancement of the MAKO II over its predecessor lies in its movement. It is equipped with the caliber F6922, boasting manual hacking, a feature absent in its predecessor. Additionally, the F6922 offers a commendable power reserve of 40 hours, ensuring reliable performance over extended periods.

5. Invicta Pro Diver Watch

The Invicta Pro Diver stands out as one of the top-selling budget-friendly dive watches available today. With a solid 200-meter water resistance rating, it offers exceptional affordability compared to its counterparts. The Invicta Automatic Pro Diver boasts a 40mm stainless steel case and bracelet, exuding a professional allure.

Beneath its robust exterior lies a high-quality mechanical movement, the Seiko caliber NH35, renowned for its exceptional accuracy and reliability. With Seiko’s renowned horological expertise, the Invicta Automatic Pro Diver offers unparalleled value within its price range.

While the Invicta Pro Diver models enjoy a respectable reputation as dive watches, it’s advisable to primarily use them for swimming rather than more extreme scuba diving ventures. Nevertheless, the Invicta Pro Diver effortlessly combines the classic dive watch aesthetic with a commendable water resistance, making it stylish enough to be worn as a dress watch as well.

Guide to Choosing Dive Watches: Essential Features and Considerations

When considering the purchase of a dive watch, even if you’re not a professional diver or don’t plan on diving, their iconic appearance and ability to withstand full submersion make them highly sought-after timepieces.

The primary feature to prioritize is water resistance. Look for watches that are water-resistant to at least 200 meters (660 feet) or more. You can also check the IP Code, typically presented as IPX8, to confirm suitability for diving. Additionally, terms like ATM or BAR are alternative measurements for water resistance. However, rest assured that all the watches reviewed here have a rating of 200 meters or better.

Other essential features include a screw-down crown and case back for a tighter seal, a legible luminous dial for clear visibility underwater, and a unidirectional rotating bezel to track time spent underwater.

Diving is an exhilarating yet cautious activity, so choosing the best diver’s watch for your needs is crucial. Our curated list ensures you get the best value for your money, offering a variety of options including quartz, automatic, analog, digital, watches with rubber straps, or bracelets. Regardless of your preference, these watches are guaranteed to fulfill their purpose.

Timing is crucial in diving, as emphasized by professional diver Craig Mainprize. Therefore, having a precise diver’s watch underwater is essential for safety and accuracy.