The Best Diving Watches Under 200 Bucks
Diving watches are so well known these days we almost don’t realise they are even diver watches.
Every brand has a few models, often costings hundreds or thousands of dollars.
But they don’t have to be that expensive, even watches with quality materials and features.
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That is why, in this review we have rounded up 10 diving watches that cost under 200 bucks. Some of them under 50! (I know, it’s nuts, and they are still good watches).
So, dive right in (no pun intended, perhaps) and check out the best dive watches for a reasonable price and I am sure you will have your next purchase lined up before you have finished reading!
1. Stuhrling Aquadiver Regatta
Stuhrling have created a great diver watch with the Aquadiver Regatta. It features most of the classic dive specs, but at a fraction of the price.
The surgical grade stainless steel with screw-down crown and case, ensure water-resistance to 200m. The lum on the hands and markers will hold it’s own in low light. And the uni-directional bezel has got you covered if you need to go diving with this baby.
It also features a reliable Swiss made quartz movement, so it won’t lose nearly as much time as an automatic watch. And all this for typically under one hundred dollars
There are 5 face colors to choose from two: black, blue, red, green and orange
- Specifications
- Swiss quartz Movement
- Protective Krysterna crystal
- Date function (at 4 o'clock)
- 3 piece steel strap with deployant clasp
- Unidirectional bezel
- Water resistant to 200m (660ft) with screw down case and crown
- Case size: 42mm
2. Orient Ray II
Orient are no stranger to diving watches and the Ray II is a popular variation they have been selling for quite some time. In fact, we have compared both the Ray and Mako II watches from Orient before, and they are both great buys.
It’s an easy to read, well made divers watch with a quiet, unidirectional bezel featuring oversized ten-minute markers. With the addition of a day/date function and quality stainless steel band, you will love wearing this watch no matter where you are headed.
- Specifications
- 22 jewel F69 caliber Japanese Automatic movement
- Mineral crystal window
- Day/date function
- 3 link stainless steel strap
- Water resistant to 200m (660ft) - can get wet only
- Case size: 41.5mm
3. Seiko Divers Automatic - SKX009
There is almost no diving watch as well known as the SKX009 (ok, the Rolex Submariner, but we are talking reasonably-priced watches here).
The watch pictured here is known as the “Pepsi” watch because of it’s red/blue bezel, but it also comes in black if that is your preference.
Seiko have been leading the way for decades, so you will be grabbing a quality product if you choose this watch. Japanese automatic movement, quality materials like a stainless steel case and either rubber or steel band.
It’s designed to seriously be taken diving, so you can expect it to live up to it’s 200m (660ft) water-proofing too.
- Specifications
- Seiko 7S26B automatic movement with a day/date display
- Scratch resistant hardlex crystal (Seiko's own)
- Etched, screw-down case back & screw-down crown
- Rubber or metal strap
- Uni-directional bezel
- Case size: 43mm
4. Vostok Amphibian
Originally the watch designed for the Russian Defense Department back in 1942, the Vostok Amphibian has been brought up to date and sold in the USA as well. It is actually one of many great Russian watches you can get today.
An unusually, slightly asymmetrical divers watch, the Amphibian appeals to those who like something a little unique. It has a classic round divers face, but the body is more square and gives this watch a completely different look.
Still, it’s water-proofed to 200m and has an automatic movement. So, don’t expect this bad boy to be a piece of junk.
You can also check out the Zissou Special Edition Amphibian here.
- Specifications
- Automatic movement (no winding)
- Acrylic window
- Luminous hands and markers
- Nylon Nato style strap
- Water resistant to 200m (660ft)
- Case size: 45mm x 41mm
5. Spinnacker Helium
Spinnaker are a UK based watch brand that make stylish, unique watches that are also super affordable.
The Spinnaker Helium is a dive watch all over with a clear black dial with contrasting markers and numbers. They have added a handy yet small date window at 3 o’clock, and an inner ring of minute markers which is quite unique for a dive watch.
There is a crown guard, which is a nice touch in this price range and the rubber band is very practical for those really wanting to take this into the water.
Suprisingly for an affordable watch with a Japanese quartz movement it also has 300m of water resistance, so you can seriously take it diving.
- Specifications
- Japense quartz movement
- mineral dial window
- Rubber strap
- Water resistant to 300 m (990 ft) - suitable for diving
- Case size: 48mm
6. Luminox Navy Seal
This watch is a very luminous watch, so is meant to be worn in low-light conditions, and few owners are disappointed with how bright it is at night. It features Tritium tubes, which glow on their own for up to 25 years. Quite a unique feature for sure.
The watch was previously used by the Navy Seal teams, and many a law-enforcement agency have taken it on as well. After all, it is clear as day (at night) and super accurate too. Swiss made!
Although it is not always easy to find a genuine seller of the Luminox on Amazon, this is a great deal under 200 bucks right now, and all the buyers seem happy.
Sure, it’s not a top-end watch with scratch-resistant crystal, but it is worth the money I think.
- Specifications
- Swiss Ronda 715 quartz movement
- Durable mineral crystal
- Very strong tritium tube lum (glow up to 25 years without the need of any light recharge) light
- Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft) - suitable for swimming/snorkelling (not diving
- Case size: 40mm
7. Casio MDV106
Victorinox also have a huge selection of steel watches and the Chrono Classic is one of the best looking I have seen. With a diver style look, a stylish black bezel and modern face, it will suit almost anyone.
It is also a mid-sized face at 41mm, so will suit many a teen who has not yet grown the wrist size to accommodate the bigger faced watches we see these days.
Lastly, the features: a chronograph, full stainless steel and 100m water resistant, so great for swimming or around water.
You can’t really go wrong with a Swiss watch!
See our full MDV106 review.
- Specifications
- Japanese quartz movement
- Mineral crystal
- Date window
- Screw-down crown and lock back
- Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft)
- Case size: 44mm
8. Citizen Eco-Drive BN0085-01E
This is a real divers watch that is meant to spend some serious time in the water. Waterproof tested and certified to 300m, it’s head and shoulders above the competition.
It features all the things a dive watch should – lum hands and markers, uni-directional bezel, large easy to read face, and a protected crown.
Another highlight of this watch is the Eco-drive, which is a light powered system to keep the watch running without a battery or automatic movement (it’s quartz). Everyone who owns one seems to be a huge fan!
- Specifications
- Japanese Quartz Movement powered by light (no battery)
- Durable hardened mineral crystal window
- Day display, depth measure, uni-directional bezel
- ISO certified to 300m (990ft)
- Case size: 47mm
9. Invicta Pro Diver
Not the top watch in this review, but some of you may like the overly large size (48mm). It’s not a size you will find that often in divers watches, most are in the mid to low 40mm range.
It is a little reminiscent of the Pepsi watch from Seiko (also featured in this list), but lacks the quality production and specs of a Seiko. If you are looking to save a little money, then it’s not a bad buy for sure. It is the only 100m water resistant watch in this review though (the rest are 200 or more), so not a true dive watch in terms of function.
But, if you just want something decent looking, modern and dive watch inspired, it will do the job.
- Specifications
- Quartz Movement
- Synthetic sapphire crystal window
- Day window at 3 o'clock position
- Water-resistant 100m (330ft)
- Case size: 48mm
10. Invicta Pro Diver Gold
A more popular and perhaps upmarket looking version of the one above, this gold and blue Invicta Pro Diver sells like hotcakes.
Unlike the above model, it has a more noteworthy Automatic, self-winding movement and is a lot more like the Rolex Submariner too – with the dot hour markers and the cyclops window for the date at 3 o’clock. This is more of a watch for a night out on the town, or to go with that expensive suit you own, than a daily or sport watch.
- Specifications
- Japanese Automatic Movement
- Synthetic sapphire crystal window
- Day window at 3 o'clock position
- Water-resistant 200m (660ft)
- Case size: 40mm
11. Phoibos PX002C 300M Dive Watch
Another quality watch that won’t break the bank. The Phoibos is another nice homage again to the Submariner without being an exact copy.
It features some higher end items you would not expect on such a watch like: 120 stop bezel, sapphire crystal glass and 300m water-resistance.
There are a couple of downsides according to reviewers through: lacklustre lum and a strap that a few people were not entirely happy with. If you can live with those, this is a great investment.
- Specifications
- Swiss Quartz Ronda 515 movement
- 316L Stainless steel with screw-down crown
- Sapphire Crystal Glass
- Swiss Super-Luminova BGW9 luminous hands & markers
- Date window at 3 o'clock
- Water-resistant 300m (990ft)
- Case size: 42mm
Which Diving Watch Should You Buy?
With 10 great watches to choose from, I know it’s not an easy decision. So, let me sum up what I think are the best options for you.
Note: I have not included the Casio G Shock Frogman dive watch in this review, which is another watch you may want to consider.
Price: if price is your only concern, I would go with the Casio MDV106. It is a reliable, durable and classic dive watch that will last you for years, and it’s perhaps the cheapest on this list.
Best: If you want some of the best materials, features and components, the Seiko SKX009 is a classic that has been popular for years. With a few color and band options, as well as a watch you can seriously wear diving, it’s a great option.
Uniqueness: The Vostok Amphibian is a stand out watch for a reason. It’s Russian military history, as well as it’s non-comformist shape make it a highly sort after watch.
Best Watch In Low Light: Used by the Navy Seals and other enforcement agencies for a reason, the Luminox is the brightest watch by far. With Tritium tubes, it will also glow in the dark without charging (exposing to light that is) for up to 25 years!
For the rest, it comes down to specific tastes and feature / price combinations. You just have to check them out in detail on Amazon!
