Top Ten Luxury Dive Watches
Summer holiday planned? Whether you’re looking for a watch for your pool-side pursuits or deep-sea diving, these luxury Swiss dive watches are not only highly water resistant, but superiorly stylish. From renowned Swiss watch brands, these men’s and ladies dive watches are crafted for exceptional performance beneath the waves.
A dive watch is built to withstand the extreme conditions and pressure that are posed by the open waters. You’ll find a variety of technical complications on a diving watch, such as a rotating bezel to help divers calculate elapsed time, strong water resistance and high-tech materials, and Super-LumiNova® details for legibility underwater.
We’ve chosen some of the best dive 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 luxury Swiss dive watches, 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.
“The best dive watches are durable, robust, and highly accurate. A key diving tool, the precision of a diving watch is essential for alerting divers to their time spent underwater, and dive watches have a strong water resistance thanks to innovative materials, such as stainless steel and titanium. They must be easy to read, and this is achieved by strong colours, clean dials, and luminous details.” - Bruce, Head of 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, silicone, rubber and titanium dive watches), 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 dive 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 men’s dive watch 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 42 Titanium
Water resistance: 500m
Joining a family of technical diver watches that offer functions specific to niche professional dives, the TUDOR Pelagos stands out for its compact and versatile design with a touch of elegance. This TUDOR Pelagos 42mm Titanium Automatic Men's Watch is the ultimate choice if you’re looking for titanium dive watches. Blending cutting-edge watchmaking technology with a chic aesthetic, this collection of Swiss dive watches is as at ease in the city as it is on the shore.
Crafted in titanium, its elegant design is achieved through a striking radiance of satin finishes on its bezel and dial, and a monochrome two-tone colour palette with the name ‘Pelagos’ which stands out at 6 o'clock.
We love
The unidirectional rotating bezel features a ceramic matt blue disc and luminescent graduations
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 COSC-certified Manufacture Calibre MT5612 self-winding movement for robustness, longevity, reliability, and precision
3. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300
Water resistance: 300m
Designed to endure every ocean adventure that comes your way, this TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 42mm 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 stainless steel with a rubber strap for super durability.
Not only that, but it’s powered by the COSC-certified calibre TH31-00, a prestigious movement if you’re searching for automatic dive watches. We especially love how its black and white monochrome are perfect for legibility underwater, equipped with luminescent detailing.
We love
Features a hard-wearing 42mm stainless steel case with a rubber strap and deployment buckle
Large indexes & hands filled with Super-LumiNova® to ensure visibility when it matters
The COSC-certified calibre TH31-00, which boasts a power resistance of 80 hours
4. Breitling Superocean Automatic 36mm
Water resistance: 300m
As well as being outrageously stylish, this Breitling Superocean Automatic 36mm Turquoise Rubber Strap Ladies Watch is also prepared for adventures well below the surface of the ocean. Deep below in fact to 300m. Offering unrivalled safety and reliability, this diver’s watch for ladies 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 blue dial and matching rubber strap. If you’re looking for ladies dive watches with eye-catching aesthetics, this Breitling Superocean is definitely the right choice.
We love
The case is made of stainless steel and sapphire crystal making it pressure-resistant to 300 meters
The show-stopping blue dial with blue rubber 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 ‘Cotton Candy’ 38mm 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 green ‘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 Super-Luminova® on the indices and hands, perfect for easy readability underwater
The charming green dial that is instantly uplifting with its bright hues and light-hearted aesthetic
6. Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Bianco
Water resistance: 300m
Remaining true to the aesthetic of the Panerai Submersible collection, this Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Bianco 44mm Automatic Men’s Watch comes with features that make it a reliable, desirable and wearable Swiss diver watch for today. Crafted for the most ambitious divers, the iconic crown-protecting device and instantly recognisable broad hands bring this timepiece to life.
The dive-related indications are luminous for optimal readability in low light conditions, whilst the rubber strap is perfect for comfortability when you’re wearing this Swiss dive watch. Not to mention the statement green colour we love!
We love
The case is made of stainless steel and sapphire crystal making it pressure-resistant to 300 meters
Distinctive design of the watch’s dial and bezel that create a modern-vintage touch
The green rubber strap, 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 high-performance diver’s watch for ladies, this OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M 28mm Diamond Ladies Watch embraces OMEGA’s famous ocean heritage and luxury with a shimmering white dial and 18ct Sedna™ gold and diamond hour markers. Elegant but durable, the stainless steel case, matching bracelet and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal give this timepiece its water resistance of 150m.
One of the best luxury dive watches for those who love a timeless wrist partner, it’s driven by an OMEGA quartz movement, so you can expect expert precision on land and in the sea.
We love
The diamond and 18ct Sedna™ gold and diamond dot hour markers
The watch is domed with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for extra protection
The iconic seahorse engraving on the caseback, tribute to OMEGA’s rich maritime heritage
8. DOXA Sub 600T Caribbean
Water resistance: 600m
Sure to attract attention both by the sea and in the office thanks to its retro style and bright blue and orange details, the DOXA Sub 600T Caribbean Automatic Men’s Watch boasts a state-of-the-art mechanism. Its anti-corrosive stainless steel and futuristic dial make it the ultimate men’s dive watch for a contemporary sports look.
Living up to its counterparts, this watch matches the standards of the renowned DOXA Swiss dive watches, in a 40mm model with cool blue hues. Presented on a stainless steel bracelet, 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 blue dial with orange accents, as orange is the most legible colour underwater
Encased in scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass with a robust stainless steel case and bracelet
The uni-directional rotating bezel for measuring elapsed time
9. Longines HydroConquest 32mm
Water resistance: 300m
A classic diver’s watch for ladies, this Longines HydroConquest 32mm Diamond Mother of Pearl Ladies 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 quartz movement offers uncompromising precision and accuracy.
A stainless steel bracelet adorns the case, for a true sporty aesthetic that makes it easily distinguishable as a classic ladies dive watch. The grey dial creates a monochromatic effect, making the diamond hour markers on the dial even more protruding, a truly chic finish.
We love
The quartz movement, ensuring you’re covered all around the clock
It’s a watch with an aesthetic for diving lovers and luxury lovers alike
The vintage design with modern watchmaking technology
10. Tissot Seastar 1000 40mm
Water resistance: 300m
This Tissot Seastar 1000 40mm Men’s Watch shows us that being deep in the ocean still doesn’t have to compromise on statement style. If you’re looking for the best inexpensive dive watch, this Tissot timepiece is Swiss-made, boasting a quartz movement, stainless steel case and bracelet, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and water resistance of 300m.
Robust and sturdy, the monochromatic dial is clean and easy-to-read, for visibility in testing environments. Simply put, it’s the ultimate choice if you’d like one of the best dive watches under £1000.
We love
The remarkable Swiss-made craftsmanship at an accessible price point
A distinctive design, sure to make a bold statement on the wrist
Water Resistant to 300m meaning it’s great for swimming and diving
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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