You know what?
As a specialized watch type that is continuously exposed to the water, dive watches are operated by automatic mechanical movement or solar-powered movements.
That is to avoid affecting the watch’s water resistance when replacing batteries.
Nowadays, diving watches are increasingly popular because of their versatility.
They are not only suitable for participating in water sports activities, but also fashionable to wear on weekdays.
But, the problem is, most of them are not cheap.
So, wanna explore some of the best divers watches under $500?
Let’s ‘dive’ right in.
| AT A GLANCE: MY TOP 5 PICKS FOR THE BEST DIVE WATCHES UNDER $500 |
Table on Contents
How Deep Can a Dive Watch Go?
With the 100m rated diving watch, you can wear it for free and deep dives.
You can use a watch with a water resistance of up to 200m for deep recreational scuba diving.
Moreover, manufacturers also make high-end professional diving watches for use under thousands of feet in the ocean.
How To Properly Care For a Dive Watch?
You need to remove the diver’s watch when showering because the high temperature and humidity can damage the watertight seals.
Also, remember to turn down or push into the crown to make sure it is waterproof before diving.
A tip for you is to clean with fresh water after you wear this watch at the sea or pool.
You should regularly wipe the dust off with a soft cloth and make sure to change gaskets every two years to maintain water resistance.
Best Dive Watches Under $500 – Quick Comparison
| Product image | Product name | Editor's rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Men's Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch with Date, BJ8050-08E | [usr 4.9] |  |
 | NEYMAR 44mm Men's 1000m Diver Japanese Automatic Sport Stainless Steel Watch | [usr 4.9] | |
 | Luminox Men's 3001 Quartz Navy Seal Dive Watch | [usr 4.8] | |
 | Citizen Watches Men's BN2038-01L Aqualand | [usr 4.8] | |
 | Seiko Men's Black Boy automatic diver's watch SKX007K2 | [usr 4.7] | |
 | Victorinox Swiss Army Men's I.N.O.X. Pro Diver Watch | [usr 4.7] | |
#1. Editor’s choice: Citizen BJ8050-08E
Topping our list is the Citizen BJ8050-08E from a very famous brand of the watch over the world. You may wonder how good it is.
Here are its excellent features for you.
This Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster has a water resistance rating of up to 300m, rugged construction, and features to be suitable for professional diving.
You can also wear it comfortably with a rubber band and extension kit when using with a diving suit. Not only that, the bezel to track the time elapsed only moves in one direction to minimize the risk of accidental movement.
What’s more?
To help you read the information underwater, the watch has an easy-to-read dial, anti-reflective curved crystals, large luminous hands, and markers. You also have a crown on the left to avoid damage, while the quartz mechanism inside keeps the perfect time. It’s great that this Eco-Drive watch never needs a battery replacement.
Another notable feature is its durable build quality. Citizen makes this model with a sturdy case, reinforced band and band attachment system, and mineral glass dial window with 6mm thickness.
In short, this best men’s dive watch under $500 is suitable for you to wear in harsh working environments, outdoors, or water sports activities.
Pros:
- Large diameter
- Smooth crown action
- Excellent lume
- Robust movement design
- Accurate timekeeping
Cons:
- Small date display
#2. Best Watch for Beginner Divers: Neymar 000001
Coming next is the best watch for beginner divers. What can you expect from the Neymar 000001?
This Neymar diver’s watch has a classic design so that it will be suitable for many occasions. Moreover, you can wear it for deepwater diving thanks to its waterproof functions up to 3000m and Swiss BGW9 hand and blue marker.
As a result, both recreational and professional divers will love this watch.
Regarding watch design, Neymar equips this model with a thin profile. So, both men and women will not feel bulky when wearing this 44mm case diving watch. Not only that, but women can also choose stainless steel material in an attractive rose gold color.
To help protect the watch for heavy pressure, there is a convenient helium air release valve for deep-water divers. Also, sturdy structure comes from sapphire crystal with AR coating to enhance the product durability.
Here’s something fantastic for you.
This watch gives you precision without having to revise for a long time because it has Japan NH 35 automatic movement with a date indicator and analog display.
Last but not least, it’s easy and safe to wear and adjust the stainless steel band with a water-proof screw down the crown.
Overall, it is a lovely looking real dive watch that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Attractive full lume bezel
- Accurate movement
- Top-notch build quality
- Bright and clear numbers
Cons:
- Difficult to tighten the crown fully
#3. Best Value for Price: Luminox XS.3001
Here comes the best value for the price, the Luminox XS.3001. How is this product different from the other featured products on this list?
Check it out now.
This Luminox model has the look and performance of expensive watches because the manufacturer makes it with a reinforced carbon computer case and quartz movement. However, you only use it for shallow diving because its water resistance is up to 200m.
Like its NAVY Seal name, this watch offers high durability and performance. It means that you can use it in harsh conditions without worrying about significant damage.
One worth buying reason for this Tritium model is the medium size and lightweight. So, it is the ideal choice for both male and female users.
Lastly, you will love the integrated self-powered illumination system of this watch for long-term lightning without charging.
All in all, this watch is rugged and water-resistant enough for all types of outdoor activities.
Pros:
- Durable and lightweight
- Outstanding illumination
- Comfortable to wear
- Great size and accurate timekeeping
Cons:
- Cheap-looking rubber strap
#4. Best Quality for a Dive Watch: Citizen BN2038-01L
If you want to buy the best dive watch, you can count on the Citizen brand. We bring you the top-rated watch of this famous brand, the Citizen BN2038-01L.
This diving watch has a large size with a 46mm case diameter. So, you should consider not buying it when your wrist is small.
It also has 200m water resistance for your diving activities. Like the previous model, Citizen equips modern quartz movements and uses Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology for this model.
Thanks to that, you do not need to replace the battery because the watch is powered by solar energy.
High technologies make it easy to use the product. These include automatic water depth meter, power reserve indicator, rapid ascent alarm to inform you when ascending very quickly.
What about the design?
Aqualand BN2038-01L comes with a blue polyurethane strap and a stunning big Promaster mark that stands out on a silver-tone stainless steel case. There is a crown down screw signed at the position of 4 o’clock, with two push down screws at 8 and 10 o’clock mark to prevent water penetration.
Additionally, the 60-click bezel is marked with 60 minutes to calculate the dive time while the 9-hour power reserve indicator shows the reserved power. Finally, you can read the date with a small useful square display on the dial window.
To sum up, it’s a handsome timepiece for day to day use. Try it on your diving trip.
Pros:
- Good looking design
- Handy ascent alarm
- Eye-catching color
- Nice comfortable band
Cons:
- Bad customer service
#5. Best Dive Automatic Watch: Seiko SKX007K2
Now we bring you the best automatic dive watches under $500. Let’s meet the Seiko SKX007K2.
You need to know that Seiko is a famous brand in the world of diving watches. With a classic style, this model features large bright dots marking the minutes on the face and water resistance up to 200m and ISO 6425 certification.
Furthermore, Seiko’s eco-friendly LumiBrite technology illuminates the dial when it’s dark. All these features support your diving trip well.
For your ease of use, Seiko designs the product with an automatic power supply by wrist movements, so you don’t need to change the battery or remove the case to preserve the watch water-tight seal.
The 42mm stainless steel case is suitable for a 22mm folded stainless steel strip while the face protected by a scratch-proof crystal has a window for the date and day.
It is said that the Seiko SKX Series is a great deal for both entry and experienced divers thanks to its elegant design, reasonable price and a reputation for reliability.
Pros:
- Versatile and well-made
- Reliable movement
- Great lume
- Light and very comfortable
Cons:
- Flimsy bracelet
#6. Pro Dive Watch: Victorinox Swiss Army 241782
You soon reach our last product, the Victorinox Swiss Army 241782. It is an ideal choice for Pro Dive Watch.
How great is the best swiss dive watches under $500?
This model meets the strict NIHS 92-11 watchmaking standards for divers’ watches such as brightness, shock resistance, magnetic resistance, and strap toughness. Therefore, it can resist everything from water, high pressure, vibration, and extreme temperatures.
Furthermore, you can own a durable Swiss quartz watch. It has a hypo-allergenic and anti-reflective stainless steel case and band, as well as a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal dial window. Besides, there is crown down and casing down screw back.
Beyond that, the manufacturer also offers a diving extension for the bracelet and bumper to protect the case, keep the unidirectional rotating frame intact, and enlarge the dial. As such, you can use this watch quickly and conveniently.
And what’s the best part?
You can quickly read the dial underwater thanks to its minimalist design in a beautiful blue color and high luminescent hour markers and hands. Not only that, but the water-resistant to 200m also makes it possible to dive deep with this watch. Not to mention, the product offers a date display to enhance the functionality of the device.
In short, this model is an excellent choice for real men and outdoor activities. Do you want to buy one for your next diving trip?
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable
- Outstanding bracelet
- Good lume
- Excellent fit and finish
- Versatile and classic design
Cons:
- Quite heavy
How To Pick Up The Best Dive Watches Under 500 Dollars
Here are the factors to focus on when buying the best diving watches under $500:
Diving Depth
It is an important feature that indicates the depth equivalent to the water pressure they can withstand. Most contemporary dive watches have a depth of 200 meters or 300 meters.
You should also note that the international standard that sets the standards for diving watches is called ISO 6425, with the diver on the dial.
You can use this type of watch to go for recreational scuba diving, snorkeling, diving, swimming, and participating in serious water sports and professional marine activities.
See more: How Do You Scuba Dive – The Complete Beginners Guide
Waterproof
If you plan on diving with it, it must be a waterproof watch to survive underwater. It can withstand high water pressure when diving without breaking the seals and damaging parts inside the watch. Although the minimum ISO rating for water for divers’ watches is 100m, you should choose water resistance from 200 to 300m for diving safety.
A diving watch should have quality water pads that form a watertight seal, waterproof casing material, crown, and case that are screwed in, and a sealant applied on the case to prevent water ingress.
Watch Size
You should choose a strap long enough to go around your wrist in a diving suit or drysuit. Since diving watches tend to be large and thick, it is a tool watch. They have large and thick cases, so you should choose a size that fits on your wrist and is comfortable to wear.
Note that the thick and large face may be too large to be unbalanced and uncomfortable on the small wrists. Or a watch too heavy will hinder your activities.
Your Style
It is the factor chosen according to your personal preferences. The design of diving watches makes them versatile and fashionable. You can wear them underwater, wear as accessories with jeans and a T-shirt, or combine them with a suit.
Today, manufacturers make diving watches with many designs such as classic, traditional, elegant, or watches with medium or large and prominent size.
Additionally, you can buy different types of bands to coordinate with clothes for various occasions. There are also types of diving watch for men and women. Typically women design has a smaller side and feminine details like sparkling bezels.
Way To Use
How you use the dive watch will determine what type you need to buy. In fact, many people do not wear diving watches when they want to participate in professional diving activities. Diving watches are mostly worn as fashion jewelry, although they are certified for diving purposes.
However, for diving, you should buy a model with a water depth of at least 200 meters to withstand water pressure, excellent brightness and underwater readability, a unidirectional rotating frame for measuring elapsed time, and a crown screw down.
For everyday use like work, outdoors and on the water activities, a waterproof watch of at least 100 meters will be an ideal choice.
Reliability And Durability
The best diving watches under $500 are made from high-quality materials, reliable movements, great pads, thick and resilient crystals, so they are durable and able to work well under adverse conditions. As a result, you can wear them when participating in sports such as kayaking, fishing, hiking, cycling without worrying about damage.
Moreover, divers’ watches with ISO 6425 can resist magnetism, shock, and corrosion in seawater. You also need a screwed crown and back cover to protect the watch parts from water pressure.
Finally, you should choose a sapphire crystal and hard mineral glass to prevent scratches and increase product durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Deep Can A 200m Watch Go?
The specifications that come with the watches are tested with environmental simulations. So that leads to a lot of deviation when used in real life.
With a 200m watch, you can dive to a depth of less than 10m in the water for a long time, and it is suitable for those who prefer to dive at moderate depth.
Can You Wear A Dive Watch With A Suit?
Yes, you can. Although diving watches are considered inappropriate and too large to wear with a suit, you can use them if you prefer. Fashion rules are no longer strict today. As long as you feel comfortable and fit what you wear, try that style.
Can You Wear A Dive Watch With A Tuxedo?
No, you can’t. The dive watches usually have a thicker, heavier, and sturdier case than other types. They will create imperfections when combined with a simple and elegant tuxedo. If you want to wear a watch with a tuxedo, use a thin one with a black strap.
Are Dive Watches Casual?
Yes, they are. A diver’s watch is also designed as a regular watch, and few people use it to participate in real diving. So, you can wear this watch with sportswear, casual wear, or business casual clothes.
Conclusion
The hot season is an ideal opportunity for you to participate in water-related activities, so you should buy yourself a reliable dive watch with water resistance suitable for swimming or diving underwater comfortably. Do not forget to choose one of our six best dive watches to find the right one for you.
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Further reading:
Learn to Scuba Dive, Scuba Diving for Beginners
35 Awesome Scuba Diving Tips for Beginners
