When people in the watch world talk about diving watches, they think of legendary watches like the Rolex Submariner, Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. These are great timepieces, no doubt about it – but they also require a somewhat more generous budget. The good news is that a great diving watch doesn’t have to be expensive. Today, we’re showing you the 6 best diving watches under $3,000.
1. Seiko Prospex King Samurai
Seiko is loved by long-time watch fans all over the world. At the same time, the Japanese watch brand is also a great place to start if you are just getting started in the world of watches. Diving watches like the Seiko 5 Sports offer a great, inexpensive way to enter the world of watches. The first watch on this list is a bit more professional. And apart from the cyclops lens, which will immediately remind you of the brand with the crown, the Seiko Prospex King Samurai boasts a unique design. It’s also water-resistant up to 200 meters (20 bar, 656 ft). Just like any other Seiko, this watch contains a Seiko in-house movement. The automatic caliber offers a power reserve of about 41 hours. With a diameter of 44 mm, this diver is anything but small. However, thanks to the short lug-to-lug, the King Samurai looks great on almost any wrist. With a price of around $640, the King Samurai offers you a great, inexpensive introduction to the world of watches.
2. Squale 1521
Squale may be a lesser-known name in the watch world, but they are true diving watch experts. Although the brand was not officially established until 1959, Squale founder Charles von Büren had been assembling watches under his own name since the late 1940s. In the 1960s and 1970s Squale made its cases available to other manufacturers, including well-known brands such as Doxa, Sinn, TAG Heuer, and even Blancpain. In 1974, Squale also started making its own watches. Probably the Squale icon par excellence is the Squale 1521. It’s currently available in numerous versions and features the legendary “Von Büren” case with a crown at 4 o’clock. Starting at around $1,000, the Squale 1521 is an extremely robust and reputable diving watch with a unique design, water resistance up to 500 meters (50 bar, 1,640 ft), and a remarkable history.
3. Certina DS Action Diver 38
Even though the Seiko Prospex King Samurai and the Squale 1521 are easy to wear, they are still somewhat heavier pieces, similar to tool watches. If you’re looking for a slightly smaller diver that can double as a daily wearer, the Certina DS Action may be the watch for you. It offers you everything you would expect from a modern diving watch. Sapphire crystal and water resistance up to 300 meters (30 bar, 984 ft) make the watch robust not only for everyday wear but also for all kinds of leisure activities. The Powermatic 80 automatic caliber offers a power reserve of 80 hours. With a diameter of 38 mm, the Certina DS Action Diver is comfortable to wear and also looks great on smaller wrists. The best part is that unworn models can be found for around $860. The Certina DS Action Diver is an affordable diver’s watch that you will definitely want to keep an eye on.
4. TAG Heuer Aquaracer 300m
Can’t get on board with the vintage hype? Don’t want a watch that reminds you of the Rolex Submariner? Then the TAG Heuer Aquaracer 300m is just the diving watch for you. This 43ßmm diver’s watch offers you a modern design that you won’t find anywhere else in the watch world. The automatic Calibre 5 inside offers a power reserve of 38 hours, which, to be honest, isn’t that great. But the water resistance of 300 meters (30 bar, 984 ft) easily makes up for this small shortcoming. The absolute highlight of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer 300m is the dial, which offers a visual variety that will make you want to look at your wrist over and over again. This affordable dive watch is available in a variety of dial colors. Prices start at around $2,500.
5. Longines Hydroconquest 41
The Longines Hydroconquest has a proven design and has long been a respected diving watch. For under $2,000, the offers you everything you’d expect from a modern diving watch. A modern case size of 41 mm, a ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal, 300 meters (30 bar, 984 ft) water resistance, and a practical date complication at 3 o’clock. This popular diver is available in a variety of dial colors including black, blue, green, and gray. The unique and time-tested Longines dial design features a beautiful sunburst effect on some dial colors that will make you want to look at your wrist again and again. For approximately $3,000, my recommendation would be the Longines Hydroconquest GMT, which will win you over with its GMT function and stylish design.
6. Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Navy
The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight is one of the most important diving watches of our time. Hardly any other diving watch has been as popular in recent years as this vintage-inspired diver. The Tudor’s biggest boon is its charm – and this 39-mm diver has plenty of it. It’s the little details that make the Tudor Black Bay so special: the curved lines of the case, the colors of the aluminum bezel, the rough but charming dial, and all the little nods and homages to the company’s history. You are unlikely to find a more lovingly designed diving watch. The quality of workmanship and the feel of the materials are outstanding and will inevitably remind you of its big brother Rolex. Sapphire crystal, 200-meter water resistance, a COSC-certified in-house movement and a 70-hour power reserve round out the package. The blue version of the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight is already available pre-owned for less than $3,000 – with a little luck, examples of the black version of the popular diver can also be found at this price.
