Top 13 Best Affordable Waterproof Watches
Having a watch that can withstand water is a great thing. It’s not uncommon to come in contact during your everyday life whether you are washing your hands, swimming, or diving. Now, for everyday wear, you don’t necessarily need a watch that can withstand water pressure down to hundreds of meters. In many cases, you’ll be just fine with a watch that has a water resistance of 100m or even 50 meters and is what is called “splash-proof” but not water-proof.
With this said, we will not only look at dive watches in this article, which are specially made for diving and swimming. Instead, we will look at all kinds of affordable waterproof watches with different water resistances for all kinds of purposes and usage areas. If you need a watch with serious water resistance, you should instead be looking at dive watches.
With that out of the way, what should you think about and consider when buying an affordable waterproof watch? Here are a few things to consider:
How and when will you use your watch?
This is the first thing you need to consider as this will determine what type of waterproof watch you need.
If you don’t plan on going swimming or diving, you don’t need a water resistance of more than 100m. If the closest you get to the water is washing your hands, you can manage with a water resistance of 50 meters.
But the water resistance of the watch isn’t the only thing you need to take into consideration. You’ll also want to think about the type of watch you want. The first thing is when and how you plan to wear it.
- Do you need a watch for everyday wear?
- Do you need a dress watch?
- Do you need a sports watch?
- What functions do I need?
In addition, you want to consider the functions. Do you need any particular functions such as a chronograph, GMT function, Date function, etc.?
If you want a serious dive watch for the times where you are actually going to go diving, you should look for a dive watch. And in addition to good resistance against water (at least 200m), you should also look for a unidirectional rotating bezel which is used for measuring elapsed time underwater.
Quartz or automatic?
Waterproof watches come with all kinds of different movements. Digital, analog, quartz, or mechanical. Think about which type of watch and movement you prefer and choose accordingly.
What does ”waterproof” in watches mean?
Nowadays, manufacturers do not actually use the term ”waterproof” since nothing is actually truly waterproof. There is always a limit to how much water pressure a watch can handle but the term waterproof implies that a watch can’t leak under any circumstance, which is obviously not true.
Instead, the term that is most commonly used is ”water-resistant”.
This was introduced in 1960 after the US Federal Trade Commission ruled that no watch can be described as waterproof.
Water resistance is usually indicated in meters, feet, BAR, or ATMs. It’s important to know that when a watch is, for example, water resistant to 100m, it doesn’t actually mean that you can go swimming with it 100 meters beneath the surface in the water. Instead, it is an indication that the watch can handle the static pressure that 100 meters entail. But since a watch isn’t static when diving, 100 meters does not mean that it can be worn 100 meters below the surface.
This is also why, for example, a watch with a water resistance of 20 meters is not suitable for swimming or diving. Instead, these watches can only handle water splashes, even though a lot of people (unsurprisingly) believe they can dive down to 20m.
If you plan to go swimming with your watch, it is advised that you choose a watch with a water resistance of at least 100 meters. If you plan to go diving, it is advised to choose a watch with a water resistance of at least 200 meters. More than that will add further peace of mind when you are in contact with water. Most people don’t need more than 200m, however, unless they go scuba diving.
Breathable straps
When it comes to waterproof watches, the strap is very important to consider. If you want to wear your watch in contact with water, it is not ideal to choose a watch with a leather strap. This is because leather and water are not a good combination.
In a waterproof watch, we cannot emphasize the importance of breathable straps. Having moisture trapped between you and your watch is very uncomfortable. Both when it comes to sweat, but also when you are swimming or diving. A metal bracelet or rubber strap will be the best option if you plan to be frequently in contact with water.
Best affordable waterproof watches
There is an endless number of waterproof watches on the market in all kinds of price ranges and with all kinds of different designs. In this article, we have focused on quartz and mechanical watches and not included smartwatches.
Without further ado, let’s dig in.
Citizen Eco-Drive Chronograph AT2141-52L
Starting off this list, we have the Citizen Eco-Drive Chronograph AT2141-52L. This is a casual everyday watch with a sporty appeal.
It is presented with a stainless steel case of 42mm and has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal on top. In terms of design, it has all focus on the dial thanks to its slim case and large dial. Because of this, and thanks to the dial’s beautiful details and finishing, it really stands out. The dial is blue and has a beautiful sunburst finish which reflects the light beautifully. Being a chronograph, it also features three sub-dials on the dial. At 4 o’clock, it also has a date window discreetly tucked in.
Around the rehaut of the watch, it also has a tachymeter scale which is used together with the chronograph for measuring elapsed time. Furthermore, Citizen has paid even more attention to details by applying rectangular metal hour markers and using sleek pencil-style hands with luminescence on them.
The watch is powered by a Japanese quartz movement and has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet. The water resistance is what can be expected for a chronograph, and it is suitable for swimming and handling water splashes, but not diving.
All in all, this makes for a sporty yet versatile everyday watch, with water resistance that is appropriate for everyday wear.
Specifications
- Diameter: 42mm
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Crystal: Sapphire
Orient Ray II Automatic
Next up is the Orient Ray II. This watch is designed as a dive watch, and it also has the water-resistance to back it up.
The watch features a 41.5mm stainless steel case with a classic dive-watch-inspired design with crown guards. It is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a blue aluminum insert. Powering this watch is the in-house Automatic Orient caliber F6922 which has both hacking and manual winding functions. The power reserve is approximately 40 hours.
The diameter and thickness of 13mm give it a sporty presence on the wrist, but it is by no means a huge watch and therefore very wearable. The water resistance of 200m is also really good and makes it suitable for diving.
The dial is blue and has a beautiful sunburst finish which makes for a very vibrant look. At 3 o’clock, it has a date window which is practical for everyday wear. The hands are broad and the dial features large applied hour markers with luminescence for improved legibility.
Thanks to this, it is a versatile sporty watch that works for many different occasions.
Specifications
- Thickness: 13mm
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Movement: Automatic
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver BN0150-28E
The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster BN0150-28E is a sporty dive watch made for performance and to handle all kinds of different harsh conditions. It is presented with a large and bulky case of 44mm and has a thickness of 12mm. It is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel with a black aluminum insert. The crown is positioned at 4 o’clock to prevent it from digging into the wrist and has an anti-reflective mineral glass on top.
The dial has large hands and markers for optimum legibility with luminescence applied to them for great legibility even in the dark. With that said, the dial is exactly what you would expect a dive watch dial to be. It has a black dial and a date window positioned at 4 o’clock.
The water resistance is great as well at 200m/660 feet, making it suitable for swimming and diving. It is also ISO-certified.
Another great feature of this watch is that it is powered by an Eco-Drive quartz movement, meaning that it gets its energy from solar and ambient light, thus eliminating the need for replacing the battery.
All in all, this is a great waterproof watch if you are looking for something more robust and sporty.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Crystal: Anti-reflective mineral
- Movement: Eco-Drive Solar quartz
Fossil Machine Stainless Steel quartz
The Fossil Machine Quartz is an extremely popular and affordable everyday watch with a stylish design that combines sportiness and elegance. With a water resistance of only 50m/165 feet, it does not have the best water resistance, but it can handle water splashes and short periods of swimming which is enough for most people who wear everyday watches.
It has a rather large case with a diameter of 44mm which requires a relatively large wrist, so it is most suitable for men who enjoy big watches. It is powered by a quartz movement for perfect accuracy.
In terms of design, it has a case shape that stands out from the ordinary and an appealing machined steel bezel with a unique pattern. But the highlight of this watch is still its beautiful blue dial with a striped pattern at the center. This dial reflects the light beautifully and gives a very luxurious appearance. The dial also has large hands and hour markers which ensure great legibility as well.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
- Diameter: 44mm
- Movement: Quartz
- Crystal: mineral
Seiko 5 Sports Automatic SRPD73
The Seiko 5 series is known for offering affordable, high-quality timepieces with automatic movements at very attractive prices, and this watch is no different. It has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42.5mm and a thickness of 13.4mm. In that sense, it is a reasonable size for a sporty dive watch. This is the successor of the highly popular and iconic Seiko SKX.
The watch has the iconic Seiko design with a crown positioned at 4 o’clock for better comfort. The water resistance is 100m/330 feet which is relatively good for an everyday watch, meaning you can go swimming with it without any issues.
The watch is powered by an automatic in-house Seiko caliber which is known for being a robust and durable workhorse movement, which obviously goes very well together with the purpose and design of this watch. The power reserve is 41 hours.
As for the dial, it is kept clean in black which tones to a slightly brighter hue at the center. The watch has a sunburst finish that reflects the light beautifully and makes it more vibrant. Like all watches, it is, of course, also equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel.
The SRPD73 is simply an affordable waterproof watch you cannot go wrong with on any occasion.
Specifications
- Movement: Automatic
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Diameter: 42.5mm
- Thickness: 13.4mm
Casio Oceanus OCW-T200S-1AJF Radio Solar Bluetooth
The Casio Oceanus OCW-T200S-1AJF is another highly popular watch from Casio. Whilst its price is higher than some others on this list, this is also greatly reflected in the quality and everything that it offers.
And in terms of technology, it certainly has a lot to offer, whilst still retaining its classic design. It is presented with a stainless steel case with a diameter of 41mm and a thickness of 10.7mm. What really stands out about its case is its sharp lines and crisp polishing. This goes to show that Casio has really paid attention to the finishing. For improved scratch resistance, it has a hard coating on its case. And on top sits an anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
As its name suggests, it is inspired by the ocean. It has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet which is relatively good, and suitable for swimming.
It is its technology that makes it stand out as it has Bluetooth connectivity which allows you to connect it to a smartphone or a PC. It is radio-controlled and receives a calibration signal in order to ensure perfect accuracy at all times. Last but not least, its quartz movement is solar-powered, meaning you will never have to replace its batteries.
All in all, the Casio Oceanus OCW-T200S-1AJF is a watch that has a lot to offer in many aspects. And with this in mind, this watch offers exceptional value for money. In addition, it has a sleek and sporty design that makes it suitable for many different kinds of occasions, both formal and casual.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Movement: Solar quartz
- Crystal: anti-reflective sapphire
- Diameter: 41mm
Citizen Promaster Diver BN0198-56H
The Citizen Promaster BN0198-56H is a sporty and robust sport-and-dive watch made to handle harsh conditions. This also makes it a great affordable waterproof watch.
It features a large 45mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 12mm and a mineral crystal on top. The design is inspired by dive watches and therefore has a unidirectional rotating bezel. The water resistance of 200m/660 feet is actually quite good and makes it suitable for both swimming and diving.
It has excellent legibility with large applied hour markers and hands with luminescence applied to them.
This is a watch that will never let you down and be a trusted companion for all of life’s hardships.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Diameter: 45mm
- Thickness: 12mm
- Movement: Eco-Drive quartz
Seiko Neo Sports Chronograph SSB355
The Seiko Neo Sports Chronograph SSB355 is a racing-inspired chronograph that makes for a great everyday versatile timepiece. It has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 45mm and a thickness of 14mm, so it is a bit on the larger side in terms of size. On top of the case sits a curved Hardlex crystal.
The water resistance is 100m/330 feet which is commonly found in chronographs, but it still means that it can handle water splashes and be used when swimming.
The watch is powered by a quartz caliber for perfect accuracy at all times.
The dial adds to its sporty nature and has a carbon pattern at the center and sharp, aggressive lines for the details. Being a chronograph, it features three sub-dials and brushed metal hands with luminescence applied to them. It also has a convenient date window conveniently integrated between 4 and 5 o’clock. The thin bezel which leaves most of the room for the dial also has a tachymeter scale which goes very well together with the sporty, racing-inspired design and purpose.
Specifications
- Movement: Quartz
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Diameter: 45mm
- Thickness: 14mm
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
Bulova 98B203
Another affordable waterproof watch is the Bulova 98B203. This watch is designed as a true diver with a sporty and robust case and is presented on a sporty bracelet. It is completely satin-finished for a sporty look and has a unidirectional rotating bezel with a black insert. It is powered by a Japanese quartz movement.
The dial is everything you would expect a dive watch to be. It’s black and has large applied hour markers and big hands for optimum legibility. Both the hands and hour markers have luminescence applied to them. At 3 o’clock, you also have a date window which is always convenient to have.
Whilst it is designed as a serious dive watch, it only has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet which means it is suitable for swimming but not diving. But it wouldn’t be the first watch to have a dive-watch design but not dive-watch water resistance. So as an everyday watch, it should be enough.
If you enjoy the design of dive watches but do not necessarily need to go diving, then this is a great choice.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Movement: Japanese quartz
- Crystal: Mineral glass
Citizen Thin Blue Line Watch Chronograph CA0291-59E
The Citizen Thin Blue Line CA0291-59E is a stylish and sporty chronograph that is also designed as a dive watch. A great combination in other words. It offers a water resistance of 200m/660 feet which makes it suitable for diving and swimming. For the face, it uses a mineral glass crystal, and the case measures 42mm in diameter.
It features a 1/5 second chronograph that measures up to 60 minutes 12/24 hour time. Around the outer edge, on the reheat, Citizen has added a tachymeter scale for measuring average speeds.
As the name reveals, the dial has a ”thin blue line” across it horizontally which is a unique touch that makes it stand out and prevents it from being monochrome.
Interestingly enough, the luminescence material is colored black to go with the sporty theme. Whilst it does make it look more sporty, it also affects legibility somewhat. But the hands still have white frames which ensure a good contrast against the dial. At 3 o’clock, it also has a date window.
This watch makes for a perfect everyday watch with a combination of versatility and sportiness. It is a chronograph but it can also be classified as a dive watch, combining the best of both worlds.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Movement: Quartz Solar
- Power reserve: 210 days when fully charged
- Diameter: 42mm.
Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400
If you want a seriously tough and durable watch, look no further than the G-Shock collection.
The G-Shock Rangeman reference GW-9400 is a robust and durable watch that offers everything that the G-Shock is known for. It is crafted with a robust and durable resin case that can withstand shocks and bangs, as well as a black resin strap.
It is powered by a quartz movement and several digital screens which display a lot of different information such as a digital compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, sunrise, and sunset date, timestamp, Mb6 atomic timekeeping, auto LED, 5 Daily Alarms, 1/10-second stopwatch, countdown timer, day/date/and month calendar. In other words, it has lots of useful functions, in particular, when out in the field. The watch is also solar-powered which is always convenient.
The water resistance of this watch is also great at 200m/660 feet, which means you can go diving and swimming with it without having to worry.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Movement: Quartz
- Crystal: mineral
Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 T1274071105100
If you want a sleek, modern, and classy automatic everyday watch, we would dare to say that the Tissot T1274071105100 is one of the best alternatives.
It is presented with a reasonable case size of 40mm and a thickness of 11.5mm which makes it suitable for many different wrist sizes and has a perfect balance between versatility and elegance.
The watch is of course Swiss made and is powered by the latest Powermatic 80 Swiss automatic movement with Tissot’s Silicone hairspring.
The dial is stylish yet simple and goes very well together with its design. It is sporty and stylish, but at the same time not busy. It is black and has a lovely sunburst finish with applied metal hour markers and a date window at 3 o’clock.
The water resistance of 100m/330 feet is great for a watch that is made for everyday wear and is suitable for swimming and showering. This is a watch that looks just as great with a suit as it does with jeans.
Specifications
- Diameter: 40mm
- Thickness: 11.5mm
- Movement: Swiss automatic
- Crystal: scratch-resistant sapphire
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
Casio Diver Inspired MDV106G-1AV
And last but not least on our list of affordable waterproof watches, we have the Casio MDV106G-1AV.
We have said it many times before, but the Casio Duro line is one of our favorite affordable dive watches. In fact, there are few watches that can compete with this watch in terms of quality, durability, and finish if you consider its very affordable price.
In Casio’s own words: ”Whether you’re looking for something to wear to the office, something for your next adventure, or everyday wear, your new watch is waiting”
This is all you want a dive watch to be. It has a sporty case with a diameter of 44mm in steel, complemented by a yellow-gold unidirectional rotating bezel with a black insert.
The dial is black, sleek, and elegant, and has large applied hour markers and hands with gold frames and a date window positioned at 3 o’clock. The lime glows strong for good legibility even in low-lit conditions. It also has very impressive water resistance considering its price of 200m/660 feet.
This is a tough watch that combines sportiness with elegance, and this makes it a perfect watch for an everyday watch, even though it is, at its core a dive watch.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Crystal: mineral
- Diameter: 44mm
Can you swim with a 3 atm/30m watch?
A watch with a water resistance of 30m can normally handle light exposure to water. Whilst they will be able to handle short periods of recreational swimming, it is not advised to go swimming with a watch that has a water resistance that is lower than 50m/5 atm. For ultimate peace of mind, you should have a watch that is rated to at least 100m when swimming.
With 30m, it is usually only built for handling water splashes but does not offer the guarantee and peace of mind we want when fully submerging it underwater.
Can I shower with a waterproof watch?
Yes, you can shower with a waterproof watch but it is not recommended to do so. In general, if you have a watch with 200m water resistance or more, it will be able to handle showers well without having to worry. But the issue is that showers involve hot water with a steamy environment and soap. This tends to wear out and cause premature wear to the gaskets of your watch and may, over time, compromise its water resistance. This is why it is generally not advised to shower with your watch, even though, in most cases, you can, and for the most part, won’t have any issues.
What to think about before you go swimming or diving
As mentioned, no watch is truly waterproof. Most watches have rubber gaskets between different components and in places where the parts can leak water, for example, the crown. Since gaskets can wear out and lose their water-resistant properties, your waterproof watch may not actually be waterproof after a few years. This is why it is always advised to have your watch pressure tested every year before you go swimming or diving with it just to ensure that it won’t leak.
Naturally, this is especially true if you have an expensive watch as the service bill for repairing an expensive watch that has leaked can be really high. Therefore, our recommendation is to go to a watchmaker and ask to have it pressure tested at least once a year before you jump into the water to prevent any accidents, or expensive repairs, and to bring you peace of mind.
What water resistance do you need in your watch?
The water resistance you need in a watch depends on how you intend to use it. We have already discussed quite a bit about the different depth ratings, but as a guide, refer to this chart about water-resistance courtesy of Watch & Bullion:
