Top 12 Best Affordable Dive Watches Under $500 [List & Guide]

Top 12 Best Affordable Dive Watches [Under $500]

Dive watches are a style of watches that have increased a lot in popularity over the decades.

Dive watches were first popularized in the 1950s when they were developed as tools for professional divers for keeping track of time, in particular, elapsed time underwater. During this time, watches that have now become iconic were developed, including Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms and the Rolex Submariner.

Over time, more advanced diving tools have been developed for professional divers, but the original concept of dive watches still remains very relevant today thanks to their sporty nature, unique design, and robust build quality and performance.

Since dive-watch style watches are amongst the most popular types of watches today, there is an endless number of different dive watches on the market in all kinds of different designs with different performances and in different price ranges.

With that said, there are dive watches for tens of thousands of dollars, but at the same time, there are also endless choices within the more affordable price bracket. And these are the watches we are going to look closer at in this article. Further on, we’ll also look at the most important things you need to consider in order to find the perfect watch for you.

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Best Dive Watches Under $500

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Regardless of what you prefer, in the list below we have both automatic and quartz watches. We have gathered the best dive watches for under $500. These are watches with great specifications, build quality, performance, and watches that have received great reviews and are popular on the market. In terms of water resistance, they can vary, so it all depends on what you need in a dive watch. Most people today wear dive watches because they enjoy their design and sporty nature, but will perhaps never get closer to water than just swimming with it.

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Seiko Samurai Prospex SRPC07

This is a highly popular dive watch from Seiko which has everything you may want in a dive watch, as well as a unique and eye-catching design.

First and foremost, it is presented with a bulky, aggressive, and sporty stainless steel case with a diameter of 44mm. What stands out about it is its bright orange dial with large hour markers and hand which provide excellent contrast for superior legibility. The watch is of course equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute graduation scale. For a stylish look and to improve legibility, the first 15 minutes on the bezel are colored orange, and the rest is black. It has a luminous pip at 12 o’clock.

Its orange details make it bright, fun, and more suitable for everyday wear that does not involve diving below the surface.

Specifications

• Diameter: 44mm
• Water resistance: 200m/660ft
• Unidirectional rotating bezel
• Automatic movement
• Thickness: 12.8mm

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Seiko Prospex SRP777 Automatic

This sporty watch has all of the design features that most people would associate with a dive watch. Including a monochrome look. What stands out about this watch is that it has a bulky stainless steel cushioned shape case. Its design carries a touch of vintage inspiration, including a matte black dial which is very visually pleasing.

The water resistance is 200m/660 feet, and it has a unidirectional rotating bezel. This watch is presented on a black silicone strap which makes it easy to adjust the size and wear it either on the wrist or on top of a wetsuit. The legibility is also great thanks to the white markers with luminous material contrasted by the black dial.

This really is a visually pleasing watch with a classic design that you can’t go wrong with. In addition, it also offers great value for money, and this is one of the reasons why it is so greatly popular.

Specifications

• Water resistance: 200m / 660feet
• Movement: Automatic Seiko caliber 4R36
• Thickness: 13.4 mm
• Diameter: 45 mm

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Seiko 5 SRPD55K1

The Seiko 5 SRPD55K1 is a true classic.

First and foremost, the Seiko 5 divers is a collection of widely popular timepieces that have been in production for a long time. They have a classic dive-watch-inspired design, but also a distinct and instantly recognizable appearance. What stands out most about this watch is the fact that its crown is positioned at 4 o’clock which is a signature trait of these watches.

Perhaps the most popular dive watch from Seiko ever made is the SKX, but this was discontinued in 2019, and the SRPD55K1 is one of the replacements.

In terms of design, it looks almost just as you would expect a dive watch to look. It has a sporty case, a monochrome look, and a unidirectional rotating bezel.

The water resistance on this timepiece, however, is only 100m/330 feet, and this makes it only suitable for swimming. But Seiko took this step likely because they saw that most people did not wear them as dive watches, but rather as everyday timepieces thanks to their beautiful and sporty design.

This is a really versatile watch that offers great value for money. It is perfect for those who enjoy dive watch designs but don’t need them as tools.

Specifications

• Diameter: 42.5mm
• Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
• Movement: Automatic 4R36 Seiko caliber
• Thickness: 13.4 mm

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Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch BN0150-28E

Citizen is another highly popular brand when it comes to affordable dive watches. This watch also has a very classic and simple monochrome design which makes it possible to distinguish it as a dive watch.

It has a water resistance of 200 meters/600 feet which means it can handle most water activities you subject it to. It also features an ECO Drive technology which is essentially solar technology, meaning it converts light into energy for the movement so you won’t have to change the battery.

In addition, the watch is ISO-compliant and has a rotating bezel.

This is a sporty and robust timepiece that is built to last. It is presented with a black dial and large hour markers and hands for excellent legibility.

Specifications

• Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
• Diameter: 44mm
• ISO-compliant

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Orient ‘Mako II’ Automatic Diving Watch

Orient, just like Seiko, is known for making exceptionally high-quality watches at affordable prices.

And when talking about affordable dive watches, we just cannot neglect the Orient Men’s Mako II. This watch has a classic dive watch design which reminds a lot of the Rolex Submariner, which is considered one of the most iconic dive watches ever made.

This watch is presented with a unidirectional rotating bezel for measuring the elapsed time, and contrasting hour markers and hands for good legibility. The watch is water-resistant to 200m/660 feet. The power reserve is 40 hours and inside beats the automatic F6922 caliber which has both manual-winding and hacking seconds.

The case measures 41mm in diameter.

This is an extremely popular dive watch thanks to its timeless and sporty design, great performance, and visually pleasing appearance.

Specifications

• Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
• Power reserve: 40 hours
• Diameter: 41mm
• Movement: Automatic caliber F6922, Hand-winding, Hacking Movement
• Power reserve: 40 hours

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Orient Ray II Automatic 200-Meter Diving Watch

The Orient Ray II is similar to the Mako II in many ways. It has a classic dive watch design with a robust and sporty design, is powered by the automatic caliber F6922 with hand-winding and hacking movement.

The diameter measures 41.5mm and has a thickness of 13mm. It is equipped with a screw-down crown and crown guards. As a dive watch should, it features a unidirectional rotating bezel with 120 clicks.

It has great legibility and luminescence. It is available in different versions so you can find one you like.

Specifications

• Movement: Automatic F6922, Hand-winding, Hacking Movement
• Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
• Diameter: 41.5mm
• Thickness: 13mm
• Power reserve: 40 hours

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Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s I.N.O.X. Pro Diver Watch

Victorinox is most associated with making Swiss military equipment, so expect no less in terms of durability and quality from this watch.

This is a sporty and robust dive watch that has a design that stands out from the ordinary. It has a full stainless steel unidirectional rotating bezel which adds to its sporty nature and a luminous pip at 12 o’clock.

Another nice feature of this watch is the fact that it is Swiss-made. It is ISO 6425 certified, anti-magnetic, and has water resistance of 200m/660 feet.

The stainless steel case measures 45mm and with that said, it is a rather bulky timepiece. A nice feature of this watch is that it has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

This is a great watch for people who want a sporty and robust dive watch with great performance and great quality. It’s also great if you want a watch that stands out from the ordinary. It is available in a number of different versions.

Specifications

• Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
• ISO 6425 certified
• anti-magnetic
• Diameter: 45mm

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Casio Super Illuminator MTD-1079D-1AVCF Quartz

The Casio Super illuminator only has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet, but it still offers a lot of the things that you expect in a dive watch. It is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel, Super illuminator LED for excellent legibility. This is made possible at the touch of a button which activates illumination.

This watch also has a sporty design that can be instantly recognized as a dive watch. It is a perfect affordable everyday watch when you are not planning to go deep diving with your watch anyway.

Specifications

• Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
• Diameter: 44mm
• Quartz movement
• Accuracy: +-20 seconds per month
• Super illuminator LED for excellent legibility.

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Luminox 3001 Quartz Navy Seal Dive Watch

This is an affordable yet robust diver’s watch that has a very sporty appearance.

What stands out about this timepiece is that it has been made in an all-black design. The case is made in carbon-reinforced PC and has a diameter of 43mm. Being a dive watch, it features a unidirectional rotating bezel.

The crown is a screw-down and has a double-Security Gasket. It is presented on a black silicone strap.

For improved legibility, it has a self-powered illumination system. This means that the hands and dial markers glow 100 times brighter than other luminous watches which ensures superb legibility at all times. The white markers also provide excellent contrast against the all-black watch. The illumination system is made possible with tiny self-powered micro gas lights, called borosilicate glass capsules, which are embedded in the hands and the hour indicators on the watch dial, meaning it needs no external light source to “charge” the luminescent material on the dial or hands in order to glow as conventional luminous watches.

The water resistance is 200m/660 feet which is great. A great value proposition of this watch is that it is equipped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. It is powered by a Swiss quartz watch movement.

Specifications

• Movement: quartz
• Case: Carbon-reinforced PC 
• Diameter: 43mm
• Water resistance: 200 m / 660 ft / 20 atm 
• scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating

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Bulova Marinestar 98B203 Stainless Steel Watch

This is a really visually pleasing watch that is very evidently inspired by the Tudor Pelagos.

The watch has a very sporty appearance but at the same time can be instantly recognized as a dive watch. A downside is that it is only water-resistant to 100m/330 feet. This is enough for swimming but not deep diving, so it depends on what you plan on wearing this watch for.

The watch is powered by a Japanese quartz movement. It is presented on a fold-over clasp with double push-button safety closure

As a dive watch should, it has a unidirectional rotating bezel with a black anodized aluminum bezel insert

Specifications

• Japanese quartz movement
• mineral crystal
• Water-resistant to 330 feet 100m

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Orient Mako XL Automatic Diving Watch

The Orient Mako XL is a highly popular affordable dive watch that is also available in a number of variations so you can find one that suits your taste and preference.

What distinguishes this watch is that it has a bulky and sporty design. This may not be for everyone, especially not for those with a small wrist, however, if you like watches with a solid feel and wrist presence, this is a great option.

The watch is presented on a stainless steel bracelet with a fold-over clasp with a double push-button safety catch. The water resistance is 200 m (660 ft) which is good for an affordable dive watch. It of course features a unidirectional rotating bezel.

Specifications

• Diameter: 44.5 mm
• Mineral crystal
• Water resistance: 200 m (660 ft)
• Thickness: 13.3mm

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Citizen BN0200-56E Eco-Drive Dive Watch

Last but not least, the Citizen BN0200-56E Eco-Drive is a vibrant and well-performing automatic timepiece. It features a 45m stainless steel case, so it is not suitable for men with smaller wrists. It is powered by a Japanese quartz movement and has a water resistance of 200m/660 feet, meaning it is quite durable against water.

Partly thanks to its use of bright colors, it gets a slightly less sporty design and a more everyday appearance. Whilst has a good performance, it works great as an everyday watch.

The watch is presented on a stainless steel bracelet with a fold-over, double push-button release. The legibility is still rather good thanks to its large hour markers and hands. The blue dial also has a beautiful finish and decoration. This watch is also available in a number of different versions which is great if you prefer a more toned-down monochrome watch but still like its style.

Specifications

• Diameter: 45mm
• Movement: Japanese-quartz Movement 
• Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
• Thickness: 12 mm 

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What defines a dive watch?

There are two particular things that signify dive watches: water resistance and a unidirectional rotating bezel for measuring elapsed time.

Additional things we expect from dive watches are:

• Legibility
• Durability
• Sportiness
• A sporty bracelet – often, but not always, with a diver’s extension

Because of the above-mentioned factors, dive watches tend to get an instantly recognizable appearance that makes it possible to distinguish a dive watch from other models immediately.

Dive watches tend to look sporty, often with a robust and durable case. What stands out the most is usually its unidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute graduation scale. Apart from the actual water resistance, this is the most important factor of a dive watch. This is because the original concept behind the dive watch was to make it possible to measure elapsed time when diving so you could keep track of how long you had been submerged underwater and thus also how much oxygen is left in your tank. In other words, the dive watch was not just a fun gadget but also a critical tool.

Dive watches and water-resistance

As you are aware, dive watches vary greatly in terms of water resistance. On one side, we have models such as the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller which has a water resistance of 12800 feet/3900-meter water resistance. On the other hand, most dive watches tend to have a water resistance of 200 meters.

The fact is that the minimum water resistance for a watch to be considered suitable for scuba diving is 200 meters/660 feet. Less than that is considered not suitable for diving. This may sound strange, but this is because 100 meters does not actually mean 100 meters below the surface. It means it can handle pressure from 100 meters, but when the watch is not static (which it is not when swimming/diving), the pressure will be a lot different.

A watch with 100-meter water resistance is generally considered suitable for snorkeling and snorkeling but not for diving. A watch with 200-meter water resistance is suitable for diving, but it’s not a watch that you should take deep diving. It is most suitable for just a few meters below the surface.

300 meters is a bit better in terms of water resistance, and this is a watch that is made to handle water. If you have a watch that offers this type of water resistance, you won’t really have to think twice.

To make a water resistance of 200m+ possible, most dive watches are equipped with screw-down crowns. There are many different factors that can affect your decision, but some things worth thinking about when making your decision are:

• Do I want an automatic or quartz (battery-powered) watch?
• Do I want a monochrome or colorful watch?
• Do I want a large or small watch?

Best dive watches under 500 – Buyer’s guide

When buying any type of watch, there are a number of different things you want to take into consideration in order to find the perfect watch for your needs. Since there are so many different dive watches on the market, making a pick can feel rather overwhelming. But considering the factors below will help you narrow down the alternatives.

Quartz or automatic?

In addition to the defining factors of a dive watch as discussed above, there is also a difference between quartz and automatic watches. Both quartz and mechanical/automatic have their own set of benefits. Some people prefer quartz watches because of their accuracy and durability, but others prefer automatic watches because of the mechanical craftsmanship it goes into making them. This ultimately comes down to preference, but it can also be good to know that quartz watches are, in general, more affordable than automatic

What functions do you need?

The most basic and classic watches only have timekeeping and a unidirectional rotating bezel. But today, you can find dive watches with all kinds of different functions and features. With this in mind, it can be good to consider what functions and features you are looking for in a dive watch. Do you want a date function? A chronograph function? A day function? Or something else? There is a lot to choose from here, but deciding on the functions you want in a watch makes it easier to filter through them all.

What water resistance do you need?

Whilst a watch should have a water resistance of at least 200m to be classified as a dive watch, there are many watches on the market today that have the design of one, but don’t meet the criteria in terms of water resistance. This has to do with the fact that the dive watch design has become so popular and iconic, and that most people who wear dive watches nowadays don’t actually go diving with them.

If you’re just going swimming, then 100 meters of water resistance is enough.

With this in mind, it can be good to consider how you intend to use the watch and how important water resistance is. Do you plan to go diving with it or just wear it as an everyday watch because you like the design? There are all kinds of different specifications, so think about your requirements and make sure that the watch you opt for meets those.

There are also watches with substantial water resistance, as discussed above, but in general, a vast amount of people don’t need a water resistance of more than 300m unless they’re going deep diving (which most people who buy dive watches aren’t).

Size

The size, primarily the diameter, is always an important aspect of a watch since different people have different wrist sizes and also different preferences when it comes to watch size. Dive watches are meant for sports and therefore, they tend to be rather large and bulky by nature. But this is not necessarily true for all dive watches, there are those that are really large at 45mm+, and there are also dive watches that are 39 or even 36mm. The most important thing is that you select a case size that you are comfortable with and that sits well on your wrist.

Which color do you prefer?

Most dive watches today are black and monochrome and this is also the original color scheme of a dive watch. But today, there are dive watches in all kinds of different colors and executions. Blue, orange, yellow, and everything in between. If you want something classic, subtle, and discreet, then black or dark blue will probably be the best choice. But if you want something vibrant and striking that is sure to stand out, then you can opt for a dive watch that is more colorful.

How big should a dive watch be?

There is no official requirements in terms of size that a dive watch has to meet. There are also no guidelines on how big a dive watch should be. With this said, it ultimately comes down to your taste and preference.  Which size do you think works best on your wrist? But because dive watches are sports watches, it’s good to remember that their design tends to be bulkier and larger than many other designs. And diameter is not the only thing that affects how a watch wears on the wrist.

Do I really need a dive watch?

Most people don’t actually need a dive watch. Yet still, it’s one of the most popular designs in the world. The fact of the matter is that the vast majority of people don’t actually go diving with their dive watch. But if you do intend to go diving, you can wear your watch without having to worry about it breaking. And it has been proven time and time again that a dive watch can look just as good with smoking as with swim trunks.

What’s the point of a rotating bezel on a watch?

The rotating bezel is a crucial element of a dive watch as it serves an important purpose. The bezel normally rotates only in one direction (hence why it is called unidirectional) and is graduated into 60 divisions. The markings correspond to 60 minutes in an hour and serve the purpose of measuring the elapsed time underwater. This is done to calculate the remaining oxygen in the tank of the diver and to avoid putting themselves in a risky situation where the oxygen runs out whilst underwater.