Top 12 Best Dive Watches Under 500 Dollars

Are you searching for a new dive watch under your budget of $500? This guide introduces you to the best dive watches under 500 dollars. Dive watches are among the most practical timepieces you can own.

For divers, a diver’s watch helps them know how long they have been underwater while withstanding the high pressures. For the active and casual guys, it’s one of the most stylish watch choices and a potentially life-saving tool.

Dive watches are the most perfect blend between minimal and complex timepieces. Manufacturers build them with high-quality parts ensuring precision and maximum performance.

The watches under 500 dollars come with water-resistant depth ratings above 150 meters, unidirectional bezels, screw-down crowns, excellent readability, and more.

Check our list of affordable dive watches, and hopefully, you’ll find a diver’s watch that fits your preference. We’ve ranked our list in terms of water resistance depth rating, from the highest to the lowest rated being 200 meters.Contentsexpand

Best Dive Watches Under 500 Dollars

A) 1000M water-resistant dive watches under $500

1. Tauchmeister 1000M Dive Watch

Tauchmeister Dive Watch Specifications

Case Diameter46mm
Case Thickness14.4mm
Case MaterialStainless Steel
DialSynthetic Sapphire
MovementAutomatic
Band MaterialPolyurethane
Water Resistance1000 meters

This dive watch comes with an excellent seal and fit. It has a sporty look that fits every outdoor lifestyle. The band material is Polyurethane which dries off quickly and doesn’t easily break as with rubber.

The bezel is accurate, tight, and protected, so it’s not easily moved.

The Tauchmeister timepiece also comes with a scratch-resistant sapphire dial. It is perfect for deep diving for depths as deep as 1000 meters.

While some customers who bought it doubt how water-resistant it can be, it remains an exquisite timepiece for the price.

Pros

  • Good for casual outings
  • Features a Helium release valve
  • Has a solid and sturdy look
  • Doesn’t feel heavy under water

Cons

  • Needs a constant weekly reset
  • Poor warranty policy

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2. Neymar Men’s 1000m Diver Watch

Neymar Men’s Dive Watch Specifications

Case Diameter44mm
Case Thickness16.5mm
Case MaterialSolid 316L Stainless Steel
DialSynthetic Sapphire
MovementSeiko NH35 Automatic
Band MaterialStainless Steel
Water Resistance1000 meters

If you are looking for a dive watch with a classy touch added to it, then this timepiece is for you.  This timepiece can withstand a deep dive of up to 1000 meters.

To withstand high pressure due to deep diving, it includes a Helium escape valve feature. It is ideal for both recreational and professional divers.

The Neymar men’s diver watch features a scratch-resistant sapphire glass. There are many styles and colors to pick from to suit your preference. Its gold/blue color makes it a suitable timepiece for female divers too.

The case material is a solid 316L stainless steel, which is anti-corrosive. Its Super Luminova dial is bright and legible at night, and the numbers and markers on the bezel are also dazzling and clear. Though not a renowned model like the Seiko, this timepiece is worth mentioning.

Pros

  • It’s suitable for both male and female divers.
  • Features an auto Helium release valve.
  • Very legible in the dark.
  • A sturdy and attractive case

Cons

  • It’s heavy on the wrist
  • Poor warranty policy

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3. Phoibos Men’s PX005C 1000M Dive Watch

Phoibos Men’s Dive Watch Specifications

Case Diameter43mm
Case Thickness13.5mm
Case MaterialPolished 316L Stainless Steel
DialSapphire
MovementSwiss Quartz
Band MaterialRubber
Water Resistance1000 meters

The Phoibos men’s dive watch withstands the most demanding conditions related to deep diving. Designed for all kinds of water sports and deep diving.

This timepiece features a screw-down crown, a 120 click unidirectional bezel, a helium release valve, dazzling Super Luminova c3 luminous hands and markers, and a 1000 meters water-resistance rating.

It comes with rubber straps, which dry easily and are comfortable for diving. The dial crystal is sapphire commonly seen on expensive watches.

The Swiss quartz movement ensures accuracy and precision in timing. If you are thinking of NATO straps, this timepiece gives you that flexibility for casual outings.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Comes with a sapphire crystal
  • Dial is lumed for easy readability
  • Has an octopus engraved case back

Cons

  • Battery doesn’t last long

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B) 300M water-resistant dive watches under $500

4. Tissot Men’s Seastar 1000 Powermatic

Tissot Men’s Seastar Specifications

Case Diameter43mm
Case Thickness12.7mm
Case Material316L Stainless Steel Case
DialSapphire
MovementSwiss Automatic
Band MaterialRubber
Water Resistance300 meters

The blue sunray dial face of this Tissot timepiece makes it an elegant casual watch. But there’s more to it. The Tissot Men’s Seastar is a dive watch designed with diving features.

Its blue dial face features stick and dot index hour markers, which is very legible in deep water. There is a date display at the 6 o’clock position. The dial ring features a second track while the bezel features a minute track.

If you are looking for best dive watches with a sapphire crystal dials, this stylish watch has it too.

The best automatic divers under 500 dollars from Tissot has a power reserve of up to 80-hours. This means you can take it off for several hours and it would still keep time perfectly. In fact, this timepiece is perfect for all water sports.

Pros

  • Durable and fully waterproofed
  • Features a power reserve
  • Keeps accurate time

Cons

  • Small wristband. Not good for someone with a large wrist.

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5. Phoibos Men’s PX002C Dive Watch

Phoibos Men’s Dive Watch Specifications

Case Diameter42mm
Case Thickness13.5mm
Case Material316L Stainless Steel
DialSapphire
MovementSwiss Quartz
Band MaterialStainless Steel
Water Resistance300 meters

The looks of this dive watch put it on the expensive side though it’s valued under $500. Phoibos has successfully made this an excellent diver watch with all the top-notch features at an affordable price tag.

The Phoibos Men’s dive watch features an anti-corrosive grade 316L stainless steel case. The sapphire crystal on the dial also elevates its look.

Its straps feel comfortable on the wrist and it is adjustable to fit your wrist. It features a date display at the 3 o’clock position.

Pros

  • An affordable dive watch
  • Features an engraving on the case back
  • The bezel lines up perfectly
  • Good quality bracelet

Cons

  • The aluminium bezel scratches easily

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6. Deep Blue Master 1000 Automatic Diver

Deep blue dive master

Deep Blue Master Specifications

Case Diameter44mm
Case Thickness15mm
Case Material316L Stainless Steel
DialSapphire glass with anti-reflective coating
Movement Seiko NH 35 automatic
Band MaterialSilicon
Water Resistance300 meters

Deep Blue specializes in making robust and dependable dive watches used by professional divers.

While their watches may not be comparable to expensive dive watch brands like the Rolex Submariner or the Omega Seamaster, they are both functional and affordable.

The Master 1000 Automatic Diver comes with both red and blue accents. It has a screw-down stainless steel crown and a screw-down case back.

It has a featured date display at the 3 o’clock position. To enhance its legibility underwater, they use several coats of Super LumiNova paint on the dial.Check Price on Huckburry Now!

C) 200M water-resistant dive watches under $500

7. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Specifications

Case Diameter44mm
Case Thickness12mm
Case MaterialStainless Steel
DialMineral
MovementJapanese Quartz
Band MaterialPolyurethane
Water Resistance200 meters

The Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster matches your casual attire on the outside while being a sea monster for deep divers.

Solar energy powers all Eco-Drive series, a technology Citizen has mastered over the years. This means that this quartz dive watch can convert a natural or artificial light source into power.

It features a unidirectional bezel with a luminescent pip at the 12 o’clock position. To improve readability, the hands and markers are also large and luminescent.

It also features a screw-down crown and screw-down case back make it a fully waterproof watch.

The Polyurethane straps that ships with this dive watch dries off quickly and are durable than rubber bands. With a glance at the dial, you can easily spot a date window at the 5 o’clock position.

The Promaster uses a scratch-resistant mineral crystal on its dial, which is scratch-resistant compared to acrylic crystals. This timepiece is definitely the best quartz dive watch you can have under this price point.

Pros

  • The lume is bright enough
  • Fully solar powered
  • Keeps time accurately
  • Perfect fit for smaller wrist

Cons

  • Lacks a sapphire crystal

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8. Seiko Men’s Prospex Diver Watch

Seiko Prospex Diver Watch Specifications

Case Diameter44mm
Case Thickness13mm
Case MaterialStainless Steel
DialHardlex
MovementSwiss Automatic
Band MaterialStainless Steel
Water Resistance200 meters

A collaboration between the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and Seiko gave birth to the Seiko Prospex Diver Watch. This timepiece features a combination of red and blue in its design.

A Hardlex crystal protects its blue dial from eventual scratches. For its diving-specific features, this is a 200-meter water-resistant timepiece.

It also has a screw-down crown and screw-down case back. The bezel is unidirectional with a luminescent pip at the 12 o’clock position.

You can easily read the date and day of the week from the 3 o’clock position. This is definitely the best automatic dive watch under 500 dollars from Seiko.

Pros

  • Has an attractive design
  • Well-made bezel with solid clicks
  • A PADI certified watch
  • Perfect for people with larger wrists

Cons

  • Lacks a sapphire crystal

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9. Victorinox I.N.O.X. Pro Diver Watch

Victorinox Pro Diver Watch Specifications

Case Diameter45mm
Case Thickness14.44mm
Case MaterialStainless Steel
DialAnti-reflective Sapphire
MovementJapanese Quartz
Band MaterialStainless Steel
Water Resistance200 meters

Victorinox excels in building profession-specific watches for construction workers, explorers, divers, etc. This timepiece can withstand high pressures, vibrations, extreme temperatures, and its water-resistant up to 200-meters.

It features an anti-reflective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal dial window, a screw-down crown, and a screw-down case back.

The watch comes with an attachable bumper to protect the case, keep the unidirectional bezel in place, and magnify the dial. To increase its readability underwater, this timepiece comes with luminescent hands and markers.

Pros

  • A rugged watch with INOX features
  • Very good solid clicking bezel
  • Features an anti-reflective sapphire
  • Dazzling lume

Cons

  • Bezel doesn’t align perfectly with the markers

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10. Orient Men’s ‘Ray II’ Diving Watch

Orient Ray II Diving Watch Specifications

Case Diameter41mm
Case Thickness13mm
Case MaterialStainless Steel
DialMineral
MovementJapanese Automatic
Band MaterialStainless Steel
Water Resistance200 meters

The Orient Men’s Ray II is one of the best cheap dive watch you can fine from this brand. The Ray II is an upgrade to the Orient Ray watch.

This automatic watch comes with hand-winding and hacking capabilities. The hacking feature allows you to keep the watch precise to the atomic clock.

It also features a 120 click unidirectional bezel, a scratch-resistant mineral crystal, and luminescent hands and hour markers. For those who love minimalist designs, this timepiece is for you.

Pros

  • Comes with a hacking feature
  • Feels solid on the wrist
  • Great for people with smaller wrists

Cons

  • Lacks a sapphire crystal

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11. Luminox Men’s 3001 Dive Watch

Luminox Dive Watch Specifications

Case Diameter43mm
Case Thickness23mm
Case MaterialPolyurethane
DialMineral
MovementJapnese Quartz
Band MaterialPolyurethane
Water Resistance200 meters

If you want the best dive watch under $500 built for waterborne soldiers, here you have it. Made for the Navy SEALs, this Luminox watch is now available for civilian purchase. It’s a resilient and functional timepiece.

To keep it resistant to water, it features a double resistant gasket crown and a screw-down case back. It’s water-resistant to 200-meters.

Its CARBONOX case can withstand high pressures underwater. The dial comes with a scratch-resistant mineral crystal. It is the best inexpensive dive watch originally made for the navy.

Pros

  • Very durable and offers high performance
  • Features a self-powered illumination system
  • Very affordable
  • Design fits female divers

Cons

  • Straps are poorly designed

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12. Glycine Men’s Combat Sub GL0081

Glycine Combat Watch Specifications

Case Diameter42mm
Case Thickness10mm
Case MaterialStainless Steel
DialSapphire
MovementAutomatic
Band MaterialStainless Steel
Water Resistance200 meters

We can’t end our review without mentioning the Glycine Combat Sub. Though a dive watch, this timepiece is also perfect with casual outfits.

Glycine design this watch with a stunning blue dial and a yellow gold-tone unidirectional rotating bezel.

To keep it fully waterproofed, it features a screw-down crown and screw-down case back. It is water-resistant up to 200 meters.

To increase its legibility underwater, it has luminescent hands and markers and also a luminescent pip at the 12 o’clock position. If you are after a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, this timepiece comes with it too.Check Price, Reviews at Amazon Now![the_ad id=”1435″]

How to Choose a Dive Watch—Buying Guide

hoe to chose the best dive watches under 500 dollars

A dive watch is a diver’s companion when going deep. Dive watches come with some specific features.

Make sure you review all these features when shopping for a dive watch.

1. Water Resistance

This is the most important quality for a dive watch. Every dive watch has to be water-resistant to survive underwater.

You need a watch that can withstand the high pressures as you dive deeper. You should go for a dive watch that is water-resistant to at least 200 meters.

The reason our reviews do not include watches with water-resistance less than 200 meters. These watches are highly resistant and you will hardly notice condensation in the watch dials.

2. Screw-down crown and a screw-down case

A dive watch with a screw-down crown and a screw-down case secures the seal. This prevents water from getting to the dial. When the crown locks, a screw-down crown creates a seal with the case’s internal thread and gasket.

If you want to adjust the date and/or time on a watch with a screw-down crown, it’s simple. Unscrew the crown until it springs open, then pull it out to adjust your time.

When you are done, push it back in and screw again. Screwing the crown ensures the water-resistance of the watch.

3. A legible watch dial

Going deep requires that you keep track of the time you spend underwater. Legible watch dial and bezel are important features for all dive watches.

A well-lumed diver’s watch will ensure that you read the time easily underwater. Therefore, be sure to review a watch that has a dazzling dial in the dark.[the_ad id=”1446″]

4. A unidirectional watch bezel

The unidirectional watch bezel is also one important feature you should consider. It helps divers measure their diving time in a handy and effective way.

It is unidirectional because it can only rotate in the counter-clockwise direction. Rotating it in this direction ensures the diver’s safety in case he/she manipulates it accidentally underwater. Read further below to learn how to use the watch bezel.

5. Size

Since dive watches are in most cases used as casual watches, the size of the watch is important. If you plan on using your dive watch in this manner, then it should be unobtrusive enough to wear.

Depending on whether you have a small or large wrist, choose a case size suitable for you. Also, choose a watch with a weight comfortable for you.

6. Durability

When considering a dive watch for your diving, check out its durability. To ensure the durability of the watch, make sure it is ISO certified.

A diver’s watch with ISO 6425 stipulates that it must be anti-magnetic, shock resistant and resistant to corrosion in seawater.

Also, make sure the dive watch you’re aiming for has a sapphire crystal on the dial or at least a hard mineral glass. This ensures that it is scratch-resistant and hence enhances its durability.[the_ad id=”1423″]

How to use a rotating bezel on a dive watch

a person showing off a dive watch bezel

Thinking about how to use a rotating bezel? Dive watches always feature a unidirectional bezel.

The watch bezel is the outer ring of metal or ceramic surrounding your watch’s crystal. It is unidirectional because it can only rotate in the counter-clockwise direction.

A close look at a diver’s bezel reveals that the scale goes from zero to 60.

Also, the scale usually has one-minute increments marks in the first 15 or 20 minutes, while the rest of the scale is marked at 5-minute intervals.

A standard scuba dive usually lasts 20 to 40 minutes. This explains why the first 15 or 20 minutes of the scale has one-minute increment marks.

Beyond the 20 minute mark, theoretically shows the point of return.

So how do you use a watch bezel? You can watch the video below before you dive.

Video: Using a Dive Watch Bezel

https://youtube.com/watch?v=k5mRmaCMIDQ%3Fenablejsapi%3D1%26autoplay%3D0%26cc_load_policy%3D0%26cc_lang_pref%3D%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26loop%3D0%26modestbranding%3D1%26rel%3D0%26fs%3D1%26playsinline%3D0%26autohide%3D2%26theme%3Ddark%26color%3Dred%26controls%3D1%26

Wrapping up

Diving, just like every other water sports, is enjoyable and requires caution. Adding a dive watch to go with it is important as it helps you make some decisions once underwater.

Which watch to go with depends on your preference and purpose. However, these are the best inexpensive dive watches you can find on the market. We can assure you, these watches would serve their purpose.

Which dive watch under $500 are you using? Share your experience with us.[the_ad id=”1447″]

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

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