Watchmakers have always made watches to be able to function in places they normally wouldn’t. The result of this pursuit is in the creation of the diving watch.  Originally designed to be used by divers to calculate the number of hours they spend underwater, dive watches can also be worn as style timepieces.

So what is a dive watch? A dive watch is a watch that is waterproof and can be able to withstand pressure even when in depths like that encountered by actual divers. It is sometimes confused with a dive computer, which is used to measure depth during a dive. Divers sometimes where the both just to be extra prepared. Dive watches are stylish and aren’t just meant for divers.

The most defining features of a dive watch include the rotating bezel which allows for the measurement of time underwater, rubber straps, luminous indices, helium escape valves, and sometimes, a built-in depth sensor.

While these features may not sound familiar, they are criteria you should look up when considering buying a diver’s watch. Here we have the top 5 diver’s watches you should rock this year.

Rolex Submariner

It is only fair to begin this list with the Rolex brand, the pioneers of water-resistant watches. The submariner was first launched in 1953 and has set the style standard for other dive watches. It’s the predecessor of one of Rolex’s most technically impressive and modern dive watches, Sea-Dweller.

With large luminescent hour markers, the Sea Dweller is water-resistant up to a depth of 4,000 ft. and worth $11,350. The Rolex submariner launched a recent model in 2020 giving it a new look with a slightly enlarged case and 70hrs power reserve.

Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M

The Ploprof which is short for “prongeur professionnel” is a French word that translates to a professional diver. It is a clear indication of the main purpose of the timepiece which is to withstand high pressure it might face underwater.

The Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M was initially built in the 70s with a new model released in 2016. The 2016 model was designed to house the famous Omega co-axial movements.

In the world of high-end divers’ watches, there is no chance that one can overlook the Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M. The watch was first released in the 1970s and then re-created very recently. The watch was created with the sole motive of withstanding the highest of pressures and that it does.

Seiko SKX007

Wondering what watch brand Seiko is or where it came from? The diving watch has a reputation of being one of the “few ISO-rated dive watches you’ll find at an affordable price and one of the first choice timepieces that would be recommended by several persons.”

The Seiko SKX007 has a simple minimalist design with torch-bright luminous paint.

Simplicity isn’t always simple especially for diving watches but the creators of the watch have done the hard work of making it simple. Other notable features include a reliable movement, a clear and legible dial, and a case good enough that makes it water-resistant to a depth of 200 meters.

Hublot Oceanographic 4000

If you’re wondering why this popular watch brand has the number 4000 as part of the diving watch name, then keep reading.

The Swiss luxury watch brand partnered with the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco to build a watch that beats regular limits. That partnership led to the creation of the Oceanographic 4000.

The deep dive watch was tested in a 5000-meter Roxer tank and was unveiled as the first timepiece to go to depths as low as 4,000 meters. For the avoidance of doubt of how deep the piece can go and its ability to resist pressure, the synthetic sapphire crystal is 6.5 mm thick.

It also has a screw-down case back (48mm) made of grade 2 titanium. The diving watch uses a dive time indicator that is situated very close to the dial to reduce the risk of possibly altering the dive time.

Deep Blue Depthmaster 3000M

Last but not least is the Deep Blue Depthmaster 3000M.  It is a diving watch that is water-resistant to up to a depth of 3,000 meters.

Using a Miyota movement, the watch has an average accuracy of -10 to +40 seconds per day. It has a 49 mm wide case, is highly legible, and easy to operate. The helium escape valve protects the watch from unforeseen pressure changes.

Other features include its screw-down case back which is protected with double O-rings and the screw-down crown with triple O-rings. Similar to the Oceanographic 4000, its sapphire crystal is 6 mm thick.

Conclusion

Choosing which diver’s watch to own doesn’t have to be hard. Select the watch that comes first place using the criteria highlighted in the introduction. However, a good recommendation would be the Sea-Dweller.