15 Cheapest, High-Quality Dive Watches for Men (Under $500)

More than being a tool watch, dive watches nowadays are fast becoming a staple in men’s wardrobe — from very specific niches like in the scuba diving community up to general things like men’s fashion. But to whom do they owe this surge of popularity? Let’s find out what exactly are dive watches and why they are so popular.

What are Dive Watches?

If you have no idea what a dive watch is, just take a look at the wrists of James Bond. Or if I’m going to take it a step further, just steal a glance at random strangers’ wrists. Chances are, they’re wearing a dive watch.

But if we’re going to be technical about it, dive watches, as its name suggests, are watches used for diving. They usually have a high water resistance rating and have undergone a series of tests.

Why are Dive Watches so Popular?

The dive watch is arguably the most popular type of watch. In fact, nearly every collection contains at least one of those. Don’t believe me? Take a look at some of the most hyped-up timepieces. The Rolex Submariner, the Omega Seamaster, and the Seiko SKX007. What’s common about these three is that they are all dive watches.

It seems that the functionalities of the dive watch have proven useful even on land. Its robustness and timing ability, for example, have made life more convenient. With this in mind, it is no wonder why the dive watch became in-demand even to non-scuba divers.

In addition, dive watches have become the go-to timepiece due to its versatility. Like a chameleon, it will suit various kinds of straps from rubber to metal. In fact, some divers like the Tudor Black Bay even look good on an aged leather strap.

Indeed, its simple design makes it easy for enthusiasts to dress it up or down. Whether you’re wearing it to the mall or the opera house, the dive watch will easily blend in.

What are the Characteristics of Dive Watches?

For safety reasons, a dive watch has to go through a series of tests for it to be considered a dive watch. In the 1980s, ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) published the ISO 6425. This is the certification that all dive watches must possess.

To be ISO 6425-compliant, here are the following requirements:

1. It should have a water resistance of at least 100 meters.

One of the most important things a dive watch should have is water-resistance of no less than 100 meters. This is a given since the watch should still be able to function when the diver brings it underwater.

Some people describe the ISO test for water resistance as brutal. Firstly, the watch’s water resistance will be checked under normal conditions. If it passes, it goes on to the “torture test”.

Under the “torture test”, the watch will be dipped in freshwater in room temperature for 50 hours — that’s over two days! After that, the watch will be placed on a plate that’s heated over 35 degrees Celsius. A drop of water will then be placed on top of the dial. If condensation forms inside, then the watch fails the test as this means there is a leak.

2. It should have a unidirectional bezel.

Every dive watch should have a measuring system that lets the wearer know the dive time. This is in the form of a unidirectional bezel.

Using the timer is simple. The diver only has to rotate the bezel and align the marker (usually a triangle) with the minute hand. To know how many minutes have passed, just check which number on the bezel the minute hand points to.

Let me emphasize that the bezel should only be rotated counter-clockwise. This prevents the diver from thinking they have more supply of oxygen than they actually have in case they accidentally bump it.

3. It should be readable in the dark.

Those glow-in-the-dark markers on your watch are not just for aesthetics. In fact, they can be extremely useful to people who are underwater where it is dark.

ISO requires that all hands of a dive watch must be coated with lume. The minute, hour, and second hands should also be easily distinguishable from one another. Finally, the watch should be readable from 25cm in the dark.

4. It should be shock-resistant.

Aside from being water-resistant, the ISO also requires dive watches to be shock-resistant. And the tests that the watch undergoes is even more savage than the “torture test”. To illustrate, a 6.6-lb club is released from 1 meter above the watch.

This action is repeated a few times on different parts of the timepiece. But how strong is the force exactly? Some people say that the shock the watch receives is equivalent to a strong golf swing.

If the watch keeps the correct time as before, within plus or minus 60 seconds per day after the test, then the watch passes the trial.

Recommended Dive Watches Under $500

Now that we have the lowdown on what a dive watch is and what makes it good, let’s take a look at our options. Luckily, the market doesn’t have a scarcity of high-quality but affordable dive watches.

Here is a list of 15 of the cheapest, high-quality dive watches for men. The best part about this is they are all less than $500!

1. Seiko SKX007

 

The Seiko SKX007 is one of the most popular and iconic dive watches. Just visit any watch forum or community and you’ll notice that their default pick for first-time buyers is this. But it’s not all hype. It definitely deserves the praise that it gets.

It is durable, reliable, iconic, easy to read, and ISO certified. Not to mention, you get all these in under $500. The SKX007 definitely gives you a lot of bang for your buck. 

Aside from the durability and functionality, people love this watch for its versatility. Its black colorway will match most of your outfits.

2. Orient Mako II

 

If you’re looking for an affordable diver that looks less like a tool watch, check out the Orient Mako II. Its design is more elegant than the average dive watch.

But don’t be fooled by its looks. While it is more refined, it can still take a beating. Aside from that, it has an impressive water resistance rating, a hacking movement, and a very affordable price tag.

This model comes in neutral colors like black and dark blue which makes the watch easy to dress up or down. Indeed, the Orient Mako II is a good tool watch for everyday wear.

3. Orient Ray II 

 

The Orient Ray II is another worthy competitor from the Japanese watchmaker. This fan-favorite is widely considered as a good alternative to the Mako II. In fact, the two divers have a lot in common.

Like its sibling, the Ray II is equipped with a caliber that features a hacking movement. What makes it a lot more interesting is that the movement is made in-house. Honestly, that is a lot of value for a watch in this price range.

A noticeable difference between the Mako and the Ray are the hour markers. While the former has Arabic numerals and indexes, the latter has dots. This gives the watch a very simple and clean dial.

4. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver BN0150-28E

 

The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver BN0150-28E is a watch that looks and feels like how a dive watch should be. Minus the heavy price tag, of course.

This dive watch is equipped with the brand’s Eco-Drive technology. What this means is that its movement is powered by light so you wouldn’t have to change batteries every now and then. Thus, your watch will remain factory sealed and water-resistant because you’d never have to open the case back.

5. Casio G-Shock Frogman

The Casio G-Shock Frogman is one of the few digital dive watches on this list. This is not a bad thing, though. In fact, many diving enthusiasts consider this as a good supplement to a dive computer.

It belongs to Casio’s Master of G series. To the unacquainted, this collection was developed especially for professional-grade use by soldiers, divers, etc.

Among its features are an altimeter, barometer, moon phase graph, and other measuring functions for diving.

6. Seiko Men’s Prospex Special PADI Edition Samurai

 

Like a real-life samurai, this dive watch is well-respected by the community. The Seiko Samurai features a very aggressive-looking dial. Just looking at it will make you think that it can handle extreme underwater conditions.

The watch’s hour marker indexes are thick, which is a good thing. This makes it easy for divers to read the time underwater. The hour and minute hands are also broad and slightly resemble a sword — a nod to its namesake’s weapon.

If you look closely, PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is printed on the Samurai’s dial. You know it’s the real deal when a watch is partnered with the world’s leading scuba diver training organization.

7. Seiko Prospex SRPC91 Save the Ocean Special Edition 

The Seiko SRPC91 Save the Ocean is a collaboration with ocean explorer Fabien Cousteau. Like the other dive watches in the Save the Ocean collection, this one features a dark blue dial. It also bears subtle horizontal lines that give the watch its personality.

This particular model is an ISO 6425 certified watch. In fact, a lot of professional divers swear by its features and reliability.

It is important to note that the proceeds from the watch will be donated to Cousteau’s Ocean Learning Center. As if we need more reasons to love this watch.

8. Luminox Navy SEAL Chronograph Watch 3580

The Luminox Navy SEAL Chronograph is not named after the military branch for nothing. This cheap dive watch can handle tough conditions thanks to its Carbonox casing.

Aside from that, it is equipped with Luminox Light Technology (LLT). This allows the lume to last for up to 25 years!

When it comes to aesthetics, this dive watch will not disappoint. The matte black case shows off a sand-blasted finish. This watch is perfect for your stealthy all-black outfit.

9. Casio MDV106-1AV

If you’re looking for cheap dive watches, many enthusiasts will point you to the Casio MDV106-1AV. This model stands out for having 200m water resistance. This is rare for watches in that price range.

Aside from its impressive specifications, this dive watch sports a classic look. Its simple black dial is easy to read and will match a lot of outfits.

10. Invicta Pro Diver 8926

 The Invicta Pro Diver 8926 is an affordable alternative to the Submariner. In fact, it is considered as a homage watch.

For its price, it packs a lot of features. Among them are the 200m water resistance, screw-down crown, and durable steel case.

This is a great way to own a Submariner-like timepiece without breaking the bank.

11. Casio Men’s MTD-1079D-1AVCF

The Casio MTD-1079D-1AVCF is an affordable dive watch that has a lot of features. For its price, you get a chronograph, an accurate movement, and a stylish design.

But the highlight of this watch is the Super Illuminator LED Light. This makes it possible for you to see the time even in the darkest places.

12. Orient Mako XL

Once again, Orient did not disappoint when it comes to cheap dive watches. The Orient Mako XL was in response to the demand for a larger Mako dial.

Aside from its dimensions, this timepiece features a reliable movement, an impressive water resistance, and a strong lume to name a few. 

This model is perfect for those who have large wrists. Or for those who are charmed by the trend of big watches.

13. Orient Kamasu

Another addition to Orient’s line of affordable dive watches is the Kamasu. If you translate its name to English, it means barracuda. And like the sea creature, it features an aggressive design. 

Its hour markers are rectangles that taper down to the bottom. We’re not sure if these are intentional but those remind me of the barracuda’s sharp teeth.

Its case has a solid built that feels and looks a lot more expensive than its SRP. Indeed, the Orient Kamasu is a powerful contender in the category of cheap dive watches.

14. Seiko Prospex Monster 

The Monster is yet another contender that belongs to Seiko’s Prospex line. Staying true to its name, it is a monster both in the sea and on land.

Its bulky and robust case makes it obvious that the watch is meant for adventures. All of its indexes and hands are broad to make it easy for you to read the time. Meanwhile, its hands are applied with LumiBrite for legibility.

The inside of this watch is also a beauty to behold. It is equipped with the 4R36 automatic movement that is reliable.

15. Seiko “Arnie” Reissue SNJ025P1

 

The Seiko “Arnie” Reissue SNJ025P1 is a dive watch that’s definitely built to last. If you’re curious about its moniker, it’s named after Arnold Schwarzenegger. It became famous after the bodybuilder wore it in several movies like Commando and Predator.

Aside from its Hollywood fame, the watch is also known for being the world’s first digital dive chronograph that includes a digital alarm and an analog display. Meanwhile, the digital display on the top portion shows various features. A few of those are the chronograph, alarm, and calendar functions.

While its 47.8mm size might be intimidating, its price tag isn’t. In fact, the Seiko “Arnie” is an affordable dive watch that can compete with other watches on the higher tier.

Brands to Look Out for When Buying Dive Watches

There are a lot of watch brands out there, but there are others who stand out. Here are three brands that have built a reputation when it comes to making cheap dive watches.

Interested in Moonphase watches? Take a look at our list of affordable picks by reading this guide!