15 Best Dive Watches Under $100 (2023 Reviews) – Dive Aeris

The best dive watches under $100 are models that have superb water resistance, stunning design, and an affordable price for you to wear and freely explore the deep ocean.

Dive watches have two common types of display: the digital or hands collection. As a diver, I prefer dive watches that use the hands display because of their versatile fashion. You can wear them to match with a variety of outfits, from diving suits, casual to formal clothes.

To make it easy for you to select the most suitable item, I’ve done thorough research combined with my own experience to write the suggested list below.

The top 15 best dive watches under $100 I picked are the popularly recommended models which can help to improve your performance.

My Top Picks

Based on my own experience and meticulous research on the Internet, I have ended up suggesting a list of the top 15 best dive watches under $100 for your consultation. Let’s scroll down to see some of their most outstanding features.

Comparison Chart

Are you confused about loads of information related to each model’s features and functions? Don’t worry; this table below summarizes some of the most important technical criteria that will help you better differentiate the top 15 best dive watches under $100.

The 15 Best Dive Watches Under $100 Reviews

Still not deciding which are the best dive watches under $100 for your next diving? My following section will present you with comprehensive reviews of the specifications, pros, and cons of each item currently available on the market.

Let’s check them out to have a clearer view!

1. Casio Men’s Duro Analog

(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)

Shop now at Amazon

The Casio Men’s Duro Analog Watch is probably great for anyone seeking an item suitable for wearing below and above the surface. It comes in a beautiful design with a black stainless steel case.

Moreover, the pitch-black bracelet combined with a buckle clasp is sturdy and light enough for divers to wear all day. Besides, the dive watch also gives you an excellent legibility model thanks to white luminous markers and hands highlighted in the black dial.

A cog-like edge bezel featuring one-way rotation not only makes it easy to get the time underwater but also helps the Casio Men’s Duro look more stylish and modern. Additionally, the timepiece offers you three-year battery life as well as water-resistant ability up to 660 feet.

Key Features:

• Black stainless steel case
• Resin band with a buckle clasp
• Balck-tone dial
• Luminous markers and hands
• Anti-reverse and cog-like edge bezel
• 660 feet water resistance
• Three-year battery life

Pros

• Durable material
• Easy-to-read dive watch
• Stylish design
• Lightweight to be worn all-day
• Long battery life

Cons

• Only one color option

Product Specifications:

Brand
Casio

Dimensions
1.74 x 1.91 x 0.48 inches

Material
Stainless steel case and resin band

Weight
0.18 pounds

Color
Black

Case Diameter
44 mm

Water Resistant Depth
660 feet

Display Type
Analog

Movement
Quartz

2. Casio Analog Sport

(Best Inexpensive)

Shop now at Amazon

The Casio Analog Sport Watch is a renewed version of its predecessor-Casio Men’s Duro. The dive watch features both case and band fully made of resin to offer divers an ultra-lightweight model.

The Casio Analog Sport’s case diameter is smaller than its previous form. However, its black mineral dial window, as well as enormous white Arabic indexes, will make divers read the information with great facility.

In addition, its traditional analog display containing three hands combined with a dual rotating bezel can help you avoid missing deadlines at ease. The Casio Analog Sport’s precision is also not a problem because it’s equipped with Japanese quartz movement.

Despite having limited water resistance capability with only 330 feet, the Casio Analog dive watch is still an ideal option for recreational surfing, swimming, snorkeling, etc.

See also: Top 9 Cheap Dive Computers in 2023

Key Features:

• 12/24-hour display
• Resin case and band
• Mineral dial window
• Japanese quartz movement
• Two-way rotating bezel
• Waterproof

Pros

• Suitable for many water sports such as recreational surfing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, etc.
• Simple-to-use dive watch
• Be able to water resistance up to 330 feet
• Effortless to get the information with a bidirectional bezel
• Super lightweight and compact

Cons

• Case and band are not made from the best quality material

Product Specifications:

Brand
Casio

Dimensions
4.84 x 3.19 x 2.24 inches

Material
Resin case and black resin band

Weight
0.13 pounds

Color
Black

Case Diameter
43 mm

Water Resistant Depth
330 feet

Display Type
Analog

Movement
Japanese quartz

3. Casio Diver Inspired Stainless Steel Quartz

(Best 200m Dive Watch)

Shop now at Amazon

The classic design and affordable price are two things that differentiate the Casio Diver Inspired Stainless Steel Quartz Watch from its competitors on the market today. The dive watch sports a stainless steel case and black plastic wristband.

Its dial window uses a blue tone which is inspired by the sea, combined with an anti-reverse bezel and a screw-down crown. These materials offer divers a sense of secureness to use because they are widely well-known for ruggedness, durability, and toughness.

Besides, the Casio Diver Inspired includes luminous markers and hands, which facilitates the readability underwater and inland. Therefore, it will be a perfect item that can be worn at the workplace or a useful companion for your adventures.

Key Features:

• Screw-down crown
• Blue dial
• NATO strap
• Stainless steel case
• One-way rotating bezel
• Three hands
• Date display

Pros

• Easy to read even under darkness thanks to luminous markers and hands
• Highly recommended dive watch
• Water resistance
• Ideal for daily use and diving
• Top-quality material

Cons

• The large face sometimes can be bulky

Product Specifications:

Brand
CASIO

Dimensions
9.05 x 4.35 x 2.25 inches

Material
Stainless steel case and black plastic band

Weight
5.43 ounces

Color
Blue dial and bezel, black band

Case Diameter
44 mm

Water Resistant Depth
660 feet

Display Type
Analog

Movement
Quartz

4. Vostok Amphibian Automatic Self-Winding Wristwatch

(Best Automatic Dive Watch)

Shop now at Amazon

The Vostok Amphibian is a mechanical watch with overwhelming features for its price tag. It contains automatic self-winding movement with 31 ruby jewels. In case you don’t wear the model for a long time, you can still wind up the dive watch manually by using its winding stem.

The anti-shock design accompanied by an acrylic dial window gives the Vostok Amphibian the ability against shallow scratches. Along with sturdy material, its adjustable bandwidth deserves your consideration because it enables you to make the bracelet fit your wrist size snugly.

In addition, the dive watch’s waterproof capability is up to 660 feet, helping it be excellent for scuba diving activities.

Key Features:

• Automatic or manual winding movement
• Fully wound watches can run up to 31 hours
• Anti-shock design
• Bidirectional rotating bezel
• Luminous hands and dots
• 22 mm bandwidth
• Acrylic dial window
• An arrow-tipped hour hand

Pros

• Various colors options
• Support both automatic and manual movement
• Be able to water-resistant and shock-resistant
• Perfect for scuba diving
• Durable case and band
• Lightweight

Cons

• A two-way rotating bezel is not ideal somewhat when you are below the surface

Product Specifications:

Brand
VOSTOK

Dimensions
7.5 x 5 x 2.6 inches

Material
Stainless steel case and nylon band

Weight
4.8 ounces

Color
27 options

Case Diameter
41 mm

Water Resistant Depth
660 feet

Display Type
Analog

Movement
Mechanical (automatic, manual)

Here is a video review of the Vostok Amphibian. Watch it and see for yourself how to wind the dive watch manually!

Watch Video: How To Wind a Vostok Amphibia

5. Stuhrling Original Pro Diver

(Cheapest Swiss Dive Watch)

Shop now at Amazon

Legibility has major implications for divers’ comfort when they explore the wonderful underwater world. Therefore, to maximize this, the Stuhrling Original Pro Diver Watch manufacturer uses contrasting color-tone for the dial, markers, and hands.

All critical information is placed in a coin edge bezel and shown by luminescent indexes to facilitate readability under low light conditions. Besides, one appealing aspect of the Stuhrling Original Pro is its stainless steel bracelet.

This silver-tone wristband will increase luxury as well as a formality for your suit on special occasions. Additionally, the timepiece also provides you with an accurate time display by applying high-precision Japanese Miyota quartz movement.

Key Features:

• Luminous baton-style hands
• A coin edge bezel
• A signed screw-down crown
• Japanese Miyota quartz movement
• Triple row stainless steel wristband linked by push buttons
• 330 feet water resistance
• 2-year comprehensive warranty

Pros

• Perfect for swimming and snorkeling
• Makes divers peace of mind to use with full warranty
• Long-lasting material
• Provides you with ultra-accurate timekeeping thanks to reliable Japanese quartz movement
• The dive watch comes in colorful designs to choose
• Completely adjustable bracelet

Cons

• Limited waterproof capability

Product Specifications:

Brand
Stuhrling Original

Dimensions
1.73 x 11.97 x 3.62 inches

Material
Stainless steel case and band

Weight
1.05 pounds

Color
8 options

Case Diameter
44 mm

Water Resistant Depth
330 feet

Display Type
Analog

Movement
Japanese quartz

6. Stuhrling Original Aquadiver Grand Regatta

(Best for Men)

Shop now at Amazon

The Stuhrling Original Aquadiver Grand Regatta brings divers a dive watch with an elite look and premium quality. It contains a stainless steel case and band, while its dial window is equipped with protective Krysterna crystal glass.

This classy polished dial is made from synthetic sapphire, providing the Stuhrling Original Aquadiver Grand Regatta the ability to resist scratch. Moreover, sapphire is 20 times harder than acrylic crystal, giving excellent durability.

Besides, Krysterna crystal is decorated in the back case to make the model look gorgeous as well. The dive watch’s legibility is fabulous as well. The black background easily accentuates the luminous white bold hands, markers, and numerals.

The date window is placed at the 4 o’clock position for your quick reference.

Key Features:

• Polished round-shaped case
• Krysterna crystal glass dial
• Luminous white bold hands and markers
• Black one-way rotating bezel
• 660 feet water resistance rating

Pros

• Offers stylish design
• The dial window uses the finest quality material
• Be able to resist scratch
• Simple to see the information
• Available for aquatic sports

Cons

• Only one color option
• No information about the battery life

Product Specifications:

Brand
Stuhrling Original

Dimensions
3.31 x 11.81 x 3.7 inches

Material
Stainless steel case and band

Weight
1.32 pounds

Color
Black dial, silver band

Case Diameter
42 mm

Water Resistant Depth
660 feet

Display Type
Analog

Movement
Swiss quartz

7. XONIX Ultra-Thin Minimalist Sports

(Best for Women)

Shop now at Amazon

The XONIX Ultra-Thin Minimalist Sports Watch gives priority to the comfort of divers when using. Therefore, it uses ABS rubber for the case and strong PU for the strap. These materials ensure your dive watch won’t slide off your wrist as well as reduce the risk of losing.

Besides, the ergonomic design with seamless connections between case and band makes divers always comfortable regardless of wearing the item all day. Moreover, thanks to lightweight components, the XONIX can bring a burdenless carrying experience while still offering long-lasting use.

Additionally, fantastic benefits that you can expect at the XONIX are EI backlight for reading clearly at night, digital movement guaranteeing the precision of time, and huge digits displayed on the white background to see effortlessly.

Last but not least, the dive watch’s innovative structure also allows you to press the button underwater, while this is impossible for most other modes in the same class.

Key Features:

• Underwater push-button
• Ergonomic design
• Large digits
• Stainless steel bezel
• ABS rubber case
• Strong Polyurethane bracelet
• Waterproof and scratch proof
• EI backlight
• Digital movement

Pros

• Perfect for most water sports and daily use
• Be able to press the buttons even when you are below the surface
• Provides divers an upgraded version
• Clear-to-see display
• Super light dive watch
• Support multifunction such as stopwatch, countdown timer, etc.
• Long battery life thanks to low power consumption mode

Cons

• Look bulky because of large screen
• Comes in only black color

Product Specifications:

Brand
TOMORO

Dimensions
10.24 x 1.57 x 4.33 inches

Material
Stainless steel, ABS rubber case and strong polyurethane band

Weight
1.38 ounces

Color
Black band, white dial

Case Diameter
44 mm

Water Resistant Depth
330 feet

Display Type
Digital

Movement
Digital

8. Phoibos Men

(Best for Plus Size)

Shop now at Amazon

The Phoibos Men Diver Watch features a handsome design with a brushed stainless steel case, and the band will make you satisfied even if you are the most demanding diver. Its dial window is made from the sapphire crystal that has the highest scratch resistance of all commonly used materials.

Besides, there is also a date display located at the 3 o’clock marker, making it easy for you to see the information at a glance. The Phoibos dive watch uses Swiss Ronda 515 quartz movement, ensuring the exceptional precision of time.

In addition, the Phoibos Men Diver Watch can withstand up to 1000 feet of water resistance, which helps it purely become an ideal choice for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Key Features:

• Swiss Ronda 515 quartz movement
• Brushed stainless steel case and band
• Sapphire crystal dial window
• Waterproof up to 1000 feet
• A three-fold clasp
• Push-button release
• A screw-down crown

Pros

• Outstanding water resistance ability with 1000 feet
• Suitable for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc.
• Reliable material
• Be powered by an accurate quartz movement
• Lightweight
• Provides excellent scratch-resistant dial window
• Straightforward display to see with large and luminous markers and hands

Cons

• No information about battery life

Product Specifications:

Brand
Phoibos

Dimensions
4.9 x 4.6 x 4 inches

Material
Stainless steel case and band

Weight
1.1 pounds

Color
Black dial, silver band

Case Diameter
44 mm

Water Resistant Depth
1000 feet

Display Type
Analog

Movement
Swiss quartz

9. Invicta Men’s Pro Diver

(Best Luxury)

Shop now at Amazon

The Invicta Men’s Pro Diver 8932 sports a luxury look that most high-end models own while still offering an affordable price point. It comes with a 37.5 mm stainless steel case, which is slightly smaller compared to normal dive watches, especially its 8926 cousin.

Therefore, thanks to the modest-size screen, the Invicta Men’s Pro Diver 8932 looks more compact than other items on the market now. In addition, it also includes a mineral crystal dial window that is anti-reflective.

With 660 feet of water resistance, the dive watch is suitable for both professional and entry-level divers. However, the classic design using a black dial and silver-tone wristband is one limitation of the Invicta Men’s Pro Diver 8932 because this makes it less advisable for colorful demands.

Key Features:

• 5 mm case diameter
• Black dial
• Silver-tone band
• Japanese quartz movement
• Mineral crystal dial window
• Push or pull crown
• Unidirectional stainless steel bezel

Pros

• Ideal for marine activities and surface water sports
• Band is adjustable
• Luxury design
• Offers anti-scratch dial
• Provides anti-reverse black bezel

Cons

• The timepiece’s color option is more constructed for men

Product Specifications:

Brand
Invicta

Dimensions
3.54 x 4.02 x 3.94 inches

Material
Stainless steel case and band

Weight
8.82 Ounces

Color
Black dial, silver band

Case Diameter
37.5 mm

Water Resistant Depth
660 feet

Display Type
Analog

Movement
Japanese quartz

10. Henry Jay Mens 23K Gold Plated Specialty Aquamaster Professional

(Best for Small Wrist)

Shop now at Amazon

As the name suggests, the Henry Jay provides you an impressive visage with delicately 23k gold-plated details. These parts include the edges of hands and markers in the dial window, as well as a bezel’s coin-like edge detailing.

Furthermore, the gold tone is also used in the bracelet’s center links and a screw-down crown. This two-color design enhances the prominence of the electronic blue dial with a magnified date window for quick and simple to see.

All three hands and markers are luminous, so that it’s a piece of cake when reading the information underwater. It’s the ability to show clearly even in the low light conditions that make the Henry Jay Dive Watch perfect for checking the time at night or cinema.

Key Features:

• Round shape
• Analog display
• Polished silver-tone band with gold-plated center links
• 40 mm case diameter
• Electronic blue dial
• Gold-tone markings and coin edge detailing in the bezel
• Miyota quartz movement
• Magnifying date window

Pros

• Brings divers a fancy-color dive watch
• Durable material
• Enormous date window
• Effortlessly get the crucial information
• The unidirectional bezel is suitable for underwater exploration
• Provides high-precision quartz movement
• Be able to check the time in the cinema and low light places

Cons

• Water-resistance is only 330 feet

Product Specifications:

Brand
Henry Jay

Dimensions
5.8 x 5 x 3.9 inches

Material
Stainless steel case and band

Weight
5.6 ounces

Color
Electric blue dial, gold band

Case Diameter
40 mm

Water Resistant Depth
330 feet

Display Type
Analog

Movement
Quartz

11. BENYAR Chronograph

(Best for Beginners)

Shop now at Amazon

The elegant design of the BENYAR certainly has a unique charm that separates it from the other entries in this list. The dive watch comes with a strong glass, blue dial, and first-rate stainless steel case.

Additionally, the wristband is made from silicone, which provides a soft feel to wear and makes your wrist well-ventilated even on the hottest summer days. Besides the tachymeter function for measuring speed, the BENYAR also offers divers the chronograph feature acting as a stopwatch.

With three sub-dial for a second, minute, and hour, combined with a built-in calendar, the dive watch operates as a constant reminder that helps you remember all the appointments on a day.

Despite the limited water resistance rating of only 98.4 feet, the BENYAR still works well for accidental light rains or water splashes. Its waterproof ability is suitable for beginners as well.

Key Features:

• Elegant design
• Blue dial
• Tachymeter and chronograph functions
• Silicone band
• A built-in calendar

Pros

• Top-quality case
• Provides a robust glass for scratch resistance
• Comfortable to wear
• The band is versatile and well-ventilated
• Available to fit formal and casual clothes
• Function as a reminder of your appointments

Cons

• New divers can be confused with the tachymeter and chronograph functions
• Only works well for light rains

Product Specifications:

Brand
BY BENYAR

Dimensions
4.49 x 3.11 x 3.03 inches

Material
Stainless steel case and silicone band

Weight
2.82 ounces

Color
Blue dial, black band

Case Diameter
45 mm

Water Resistant Depth
98.4 feet

Display Type
Analog

Movement
Japanese quartz

12. Timex Men’s Harborside

(Best With Backlight)

Shop now at Amazon

The Timex Men’s Harborside having an inexpensive price point yet delivering decent quality, probably shouldn’t be skipped by any divers. At a glance, the dive watch will impress you with its polished design. It includes a brass case and a silver-tone stainless steel bracelet.

Moreover, the band is also adjustable to fit up to an 8-inch wrist. Luminous Arabic numerals accentuate the dial that uses the Indiglo backlight. Besides, despite owning a cheap price tag, the Timex Men’s Harborside’s dial window is made from mineral glass crystal.

This material gives the item an excellent scratch resistance to be durable for years. One thing I think few similar models currently trending in the market contain is great battery life. The Timex’s battery lifespan is up to ten years, which is significantly longer than most other popular forms.

Key Features:

• Silver-tone stainless steel wristband
• Brass case
• Mineral glass crystal dial
• Indiglo backlight
• 165 feet water resistance
• Ten years battery life
• Quartz movement

Pros

• High-quality material
• The dial can resist scratch
• Provides divers a polished look and fancy design
• Support luminous markers and hands
• Adjustable bracelet
• Long battery life

Cons

• Only suitable for water sports in the short periods
• Restricted waterproof ability

Product Specifications:

Brand
Timex

Dimensions
1.57 x 3.94 x 2.36 inches

Material
Brass case and stainless steel or leather band

Weight
2.72 ounces

Color
6 options

Case Diameter
42 mm

Water Resistant Depth
165 feet

Display Type
Analog

Movement
Quartz

13. Fanmis Rotatable Bezel Quartz

(Best Vintage)

Shop now at Amazon

The case diameter of the Fanmis is 40 mm, which means that it can fit perfectly on most wrist sizes. As for quality, the dive watch delivers you reliable and substantial value.

It features a brushed 316L stainless steel case, mineral crystal dial, and fold-over clasp with safety. Besides, a one-way rotating green bezel with silver-tone cog-like edge detailing contributes to making the Fanmis look stylish as well as appealing.

Powered by a Japanese quartz movement accompanied by a digital calendar, the accuracy of the time that the dive watch displays is nothing to doubt. However, its water-resistance ability is only ideal for daily exposure to moisture such as sweat or a sudden light downpour.

Key Features:

• 40 mm case size
• Brushed 316L stainless steel case
• Silver-tone cog-like edge bezel
• Logoed dial
• Magnifying date display
• A digital calendar

Pros

• The case diameter matches with many wrist sizes
• Appealing and stunning design
• Provides the high accuracy of the time
• Affordable price

Cons

• Limited waterproof rating

Product Specifications:

Brand
FANMIS

Dimensions
5 x 5 x 0.7 inches

Material
Stainless steel case and band

Weight
8.01 ounces

Color
5 options

Case Diameter
40 mm

Water Resistant Depth
98.4 feet

Display Type
Analog

Movement
Japanese quartz

Watch this video review of the Fanmis and learn how to use the rotating bezel on your dive watch, set the dive profile as well as bottom time mode.

Watch Video: How to use the ROTATING BEZEL on your Divers Watch. Setting the Dive Profile Bottom time.

14. G-Shock Combination Military Watch-Matte Black

(Best for Scuba Diving)

Shop now at Amazon

The G-Shock Combination Military Watch is everything that a notable wrist-wear should have. It has a case diameter of 51 mm, which is pretty larger than most normal items in the same category.

Its case size is both the strength and weakness of the dive watch. The bigger screen means reading the information more smoothly, but it will make the wristwatch bulkier as well. There are two distinct sections in the G-Shock’s face, including digital and analog display.

There are also three small dials on the screen, and the names of buttons are marked in the black resin case. But I think the selling point of the G-Shock is the ability to withstand being submerged in a maximum depth up to 660 feet.

Key Features:

• All-black design
• 51mm case diameter
• Digital and analog display
• Three small dials
• Stopwatch function

Pros

• Huge screen
• Easy to see
• Two-option display
• Lightweight
• Luminous white hands to check the time more easily
• Shock resistance dive watch
• Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts

Cons

• The all-black design sometimes can be too monotonous

Product Specifications:

Brand
Casio

Dimensions
1 x 1 x 1 inches

Material
Resin case and plastic band

Weight
2.5 ounces

Color
Black

Case Diameter
51 mm

Water Resistant Depth
660 feet

Display Type
Digital

Movement
Quartz

Below is a Youtube video of the incredibly comfortable and lightweight G-Shock Combination Military Watch-Matte Black. Check it out and see the way to set time and light display.

Watch Video: Casio GSHOCK Military GA100MB-1A REVIEW | How To Set Time | LIGHT DISPLAY

15. NEYMAR 300m Sport

(The Deepest)

Shop now at Amazon

The NEYMAR uses standard materials like other models. Its case and band are made from stainless steel, while an aluminum sheet is used for its bezel. The dive watch’s dial window uses sapphire, which is the hardest crystal.

At the price range under $100, most similar models rarely use this type of glass; therefore, it’s an amazing benefit of the NEYMAR. For legibility, the dive watch comes with super luminous markers and hands, accompanied by a 120-click unidirectional rotatable bezel.

It also provides excellent water resistance up to 1000 feet. Thanks to that, the dive watch is convenient for many water-based activities such as diving, snorkeling, swimming, etc.

Clearly, at $100 overall cost for a dive watch, the NEYMAR’s superior waterproof ability is something that only a few items have.

Key Features:

• Stainless steel case and band
• Aluminum bezel
• Sapphire dial
• 120-click unidirectional rotatable bezel
• 1000 feet waterproof

Pros

• Durable material
• Comes with super luminous markers and hands
• Uses the hardest crystal glass
• Provides superior water resistance ability up to 1000 feet
• Perfect for diving, snorkeling, swimming, etc.

Cons

• The wristband is not adjustable

Product Specifications:

Brand
NEYMAR

Dimensions
4.7 x 4.7 x 3.2 inches

Material
Stainless steel case and band

Weight
14.89 Ounces

Color
6 options

Case Diameter
44 mm

Water Resistant Depth
1000 feet

Display Type
Analog

Movement
Japanese quartz

How to Choose the Right Dive Watches Under $100?

Summer is the ideal time when the stream of people rushes to the beaches to have fun. They immerse themselves in the cool seawater to relieve the pressure from life and work.

Along with the popularity of diving, the rugged and dedicated dive watches are becoming essential items in every diver’s diving tools kit.

To accurately choose a dive watch to match your needs, you need to know what to consider. Hence, the following section will present you with five crucial factors you should focus on before purchasing.

1. Maximum Depth

Maximum depth tells us the extent to which a dive watch can withstand water pressure. Besides, it suggests divers suitable water-based sports as well. If you dive beyond the maximum depth, water can enter your device and damage it.

Therefore always be sure that you are diving under a depth limit to keep you safe as well as your dive watch properly functioning. The standard depth rating is 330 feet, ideal for snorkeling, freediving, and swimming.

In case you plan on scuba diving and deep freediving, you will need a dive watch with a 660 feet water resistance rating.

2. Water Resistance

Waterproof plays a decisive role in which dive watch you should buy. You probably will need a model with at least 330 feet water resistance rating for diving and other underwater sports.

3. Size

The case diameter and bandwidth are two basic elements you need to consider. While the band’s standard size is 20 mm, there is no general number for the case diameter. That’s because of the different wrist sizes between men and women.

Most dive watches for males are in the 36-46 mm. Meanwhile, they are often under 40 mm for females because of their smaller wrist sizes. My advice is that you should choose an item with an adjustable band to ensure your dive watch can fit excellently on your wrist.

4. Material

A dive watch needs to have reliable construction to make sure it can be well-functioned for decades. For well-built models, the case is often made from stainless steel, whereas typical materials of the dial window are mineral and sapphire crystal.

Besides, a solid dive watch also must have a screw-down crown to prevent water from entering internal components.

5. Legibility

Dive watches allow you to know precisely how much time you have been underwater with their bezel. In addition, they include luminous hands and markers for providing better access to readability. This illumination helps you effortlessly check the time in the dark.

Mechanical vs. Quartz vs. Digital – Which Is Best For Your Next Dive Watch?

The dive watch’s movement is regarded as an engine powering the motion of hands. It has three main categories, including mechanical, quartz, and digital. The following section will give you a simple overview of these movement mechanisms.

Mechanical
Quartz
Digital
Benefits
● Powered by gears and springs (manual or automatic).
● No battery needed.
● Durable longevity.
● Much thinner than quartz.
● Powered by batteries.
● The most popular movement.
● No winding required.
● Easy to use.
● Be at a lower price point than mechanical watches.
● Powered by batteries.
● Be able to customize the data displayed.
● No winding required.
● Require little maintenance.

Drawbacks
● Less accurate than quartz.
● Lose track of time when not being worn.
● A watch winder needed.
● Manual watches require daily winding.
● Need to replace the battery.
● Much more accurate than any mechanical watch today.
● Battery replacement needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

By now, I have given the essential factors to look for when buying a dive watch under $100. I know there are still many queries that make you confused.

Don’t let you wait longer. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions combined with my answers for them.

Do divers actually use dive watches?

Divers can dive with or without dive watches because they can use dive computers as supporting equipment.

Can you dive with a 100m watch?

It’s obvious that you can dive with a 330 feet water resistance wristwatch. However, one limitation you may encounter is that it’s only perfect for water-based activities at the surface, like snorkeling.

Why are dive watches so expensive?

Dive watches are usually designed to be long-lasting for a long time. Therefore, they need to be produced and tested carefully before being sold in the market. The long production time plus the increasing demand makes dive watches’ price quite high compared to other diving gear.

Are dive watches dressy?

Dive watches are considered everyday items. Therefore, the best advice is you shouldn’t wear them in formal dress situations.

How big should a dive watch be?

In my opinion, a diver needs to own a wristwatch that has a case diameter large enough to read the information underwater easily. Besides, the case size must fit on your wrist perfectly so that the dive watch doesn’t look too bulky and makes it simple for divers to move during their dive.

To suggest a standard size, I think 36-46 mm are best for both men and women.

Why do dive watches have rotating bezels?

A rotatable bezel is the most important part that distinguishes a dive watch from regular watches. The dive watch’s bezel allows divers to know how long they have been underwater.

Final Thoughts

A dive watch is an indispensable companion accessory to help you freely dive into the ocean while still updating and managing time in harsh underwater environments. A careful look at my buying guide can help you make the right choice.

Among plentiful dive watches compiled above, the Casio Men’s Duro Analog is rated as the best overall thanks to its sturdy material, gorgeous design, and perfect legibility. It also provides you long battery life, which can last up to three years.

For a budget-friendly option, you should settle for the Casio Analog Sport Watch. Ultra-lightweight design with resin case and band, the high-precision Japanese quartz movement, and the superior waterproof ability for diving are the most remarkable advantages you can expect at the item.

All comments, questions, and suggestions related to dive watches are welcomed. The only thing you need to do is drop them in the comments section below. Please use the share button in my article to let other people know how to avoid making wrong purchasing decisions.