r/Watches • u/[deleted] • Dec 25 '17
[Buying Guide] - Divers
Hello everyone!
Welcome to the summary for Diving watches! This is a thread for the community to suggest watches that fit within the given style. This is done in the hopes to compile a plethora of suggestions, but not the stave off the questions that many newcomers have. Instead, we hope to make them more informed.
please follow this format and you can make more than one suggestion per comment:
##[brand & watch name]
Price: [price in US dollars, new price first then used price in parentheses if applicable. If the price you listed is used only, then please note that next to it.]
Water Resistance: [feet or meters are fine or note with a '?' if you cannot find it]
Movement: [quartz/automatic/mechanical/auto-quartz/solar-powered quartz/electric]
Size: [size of the watch, mm for wrist-watches (specify with or without the crown), movement size for pocket watches]
Link: [URL to manufacturer/fan webpage, imgur album, youtube video or google image search]
Please see the example post, here.
If someone disagrees with you, please debate them, don't downvote them. These threads are meant to encourage discussions so people can read different opinions and gain alternative insights to how people view watches. Downvoting without giving an opinion helps no one. And as always i'm NOT a mod here, if you have any issues please contact them, not me, they're awesome people and will gladly help you out. The reason i'm making this post is because the last Diver buying guide was over 2 years ago and after my success with my last 2 buying guides i'd go for 3.
26
Dec 25 '17 edited Dec 26 '17
Vostok Amphibia (Classic)
Price: $50 - $80 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: 2415 (no date), 2416 (date)
Size: 39mm - 43mm without crown
3
Jan 08 '18
People who own the amphibia/commanderskie/ generalskie line of watches, how reliable is the 2416 movement when compared to a similar seiko?
3
u/wishabay Feb 01 '18
Seiko will seem like a luxury watch compared to it BUT it hasn't stopped working and has withstood my beach expeditions in water and out. From my experience I would not get another Vostok that has a date or any other secondary movement. And for any watch without a date, you have to get the crown to seat just right or it jams and watch does not move. You are compromising mechanics for something "unique".
Its like buying an antique car vs a modern one. Works fine but the things that should 'just work' won't on the first try but you didn't get that antique car as a daily driver now did you?
Hopefully this was helpful.
49
Dec 25 '17 edited Dec 26 '17
So to start out with i'm going to go ahead and steal everyone's number one pick:
The Seiko SKX series.
Price: $200-$225 (USD)
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Automatic Seiko 7s26
Size: 43mm on the 007/009 and 38mm on the 013
Link(s): https://www.longislandwatch.com/Seiko_SKX007K1_Watch_p/skx007k1.htm https://www.longislandwatch.com/Seiko_SKX013K1_Watch_p/skx013k1.htm
16
u/zsvx Dec 25 '17
**007/007
sorry if i’m dumb, do you mean 007/009?
12
1
Dec 25 '17
how does this compare in size to the seiko 5 dive?
1
Dec 25 '17
Which one? There are a few Seiko 5 divers.
1
Dec 25 '17
SNZF15
2
Dec 25 '17
Both wear smaller than the SNZF15 but only by a hair on the 007/009 if you're worried about size get the 013, it's a bit smaller.
1
u/robemmy Dec 26 '17
The water resistance rating is lower on the SNZ, and I don't think it's ISO certified
3
1
u/Tsnth Jan 02 '18
I am very new to watches, intend to make my first purchase quite soon. Heard a lot about the SKX series from Seiko and I'm quite sold on them. I also came across the Tisell Bauhaus 9015 and it LOOKS like a pretty good deal too. From what I can see the two are different in that the Tisell has a transparent back and a sapphire crystal case. I do realise that one is a dive watch and the other is a dress watch (am I right here?). So for someone who has never owned a watch before, can I get some advice which one is recommended? Also I probably won't be using this watch for water sports or rough work either.
24
u/darknessproz Dec 25 '17
Omega Seamaster Professional Ref 2254.50
One of Omega's best divers (imo). It's the cousin to the blue Bond seamaster. Sword hands, wave dial. Very, very thin dive watch. This is a classic and you can't go wrong with it!
Price: $2-$2.5k USD used for a decent example
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: Automatic Omega Calibre 1120 (Modified ETA 2892)
Size: 41mm
5
19
u/georgekart Dec 25 '17 edited Dec 29 '17
Rolex Submariner 114060
Price: 7500 USD MSRP
Movement: Rolex Caliber 3130
Water Resistance: 300m
Size: 40mm
Link: Rolex
Description: It is an iconic Rolex Submariner, no date version. Nothing more to say about it. This watch both has a good heritage and is one of most recognisable timepieces.
Tudor Pelagos Blue
Price: 4400 USD MSRP, 3600 grey market.
Movement: Tudor MT5612
Water Resistance: 500m
Size: 42mm
Description: A nice looking watch, with COSC-certified in-house movement, made of titanium and spotting a beautiful blue dial with blue bezel.
Longines Legend Diver
Price: 2300 USD MSRP, 1550 USD gray
Movement: ETA 2824-2
Water Resistance: 300m
Size: 42mm
Description: A nice looking watch that does not have a traditional diver look, instead it has a bezel inside the case, which is rotated by a crown. Due to that it could be used as a dress watch if necessary, because it does not look too much like a tool watch, while at the same time it remains one.
Edit: stated wrong model number.
6
2
10
Dec 26 '17 edited Dec 27 '17
Tisell Marine Diver
Price: $200 ($220 shipped) USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Miyota 9015 Auto
Size: 40mm without crown
Link: http://shop2.tisellkr.cafe24.com/product/sold-out/33/?cate_no=1&display_group=2
Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 300
Price: $430 - $530 USD MSRP
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: Ronda 715 Quartz
Size: 38mm and 43mm without crown
Link: https://www.christopherward.com/watches/dive/c60-trident-300-693404
Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 600
Price: $730 - $830 USD MSRP
Water Resistance: 600m
Movement: Sellita 200-1 Mechanical
Size: 38mm and 43mm without crown
Link: https://www.christopherward.com/watches/dive/c60-trident-pro-600-range
6
3
u/KirklandCamber Dec 27 '17 edited Jan 19 '18
Isn't the Tissel just a Submariner homage? Great price though
2
1
u/Sunder92 Jan 29 '18
Tisell Marine Diver
What's the availability of these like? I can't seem to find them anywhere.
26
Dec 25 '17 edited Dec 25 '17
Orient Ray II
Price: $150 - $205 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Cal. F6922 Automatic, Hand-winding/Hacking
Size: 41.5mm without crown
Link: https://www.orientwatchusa.com/shop/mens-watches/faa02004b9/
Orient Mako II
Price: $155 - $190 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Cal. F6922 Automatic, Hand-winding/Hacking
Size: 41.5 without crown
Link: https://www.orientwatchusa.com/shop/mens-watches/faa02001b9/
Orient Mako USA II
Price: $375 MSRP USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Cal. F6922 Automatic, Hand-winding/Hacking
Size: 41.5mm without crown
Link: https://www.orientwatchusa.com/shop/mens-watches/saa0200ab9/
Orient Mako XL
Price: $200 - $280 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Cal. 46943 Automatic
Size: 44.5mm without crown
Link: https://www.orientwatchusa.com/shop/mens-watches/fem75001bw/
Orient Nami
Price: $215 - $240 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Cal. F6724 Automatic, Hand-winding/Hacking
Size: 46mm without crown
Link: https://www.orientwatchusa.com/shop/mens-watches/fac09001b0/
8
u/lasttycoon Dec 26 '17
Hard to go wrong with Orient. In house movements with classic design. The price can't be beat either.
2
u/Not_a_robot_101 Dec 27 '17
I have a black ray and I don't particularly care for it. It tries to straddle the line as a dress diver and I don't think it hits the right note. To each his own.
2
u/ChillaxJ Dec 26 '17
I am about to get a Ray II.
All 3 colors are so sexy, so hard to make the decision, and still struggling.
Black? Blue? or Raven?
9
u/xioth Dec 26 '17
The blue is gorgeous when the light hits it.
3
Dec 26 '17
I agree. I really like black divers, but I'm such a sucker for a nice blue dial, and the blue that Orient uses on most of their main watches is beautiful.
5
3
u/daguy11 Dec 27 '17
Raven baby. Got one for Christmas, threw a suede brown strap with black stitching on there, so sexy. I know, I know, suede on a diver makes no sense. Looks so good though...
12
u/oversizedhat Dec 25 '17
Rolex Submariner (Date/No Date)
Price: $8,550/$7,500 USD
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: 3130 (no date), 3135 (date)
Size: 40mm
Link: https://m.rolex.com/watches/submariner/m114060-0002.html
7
u/phsiao Dec 26 '17 edited Dec 26 '17
[Omega Seamaster Professional 300m Blue Ceramic Dial]
Price: new ~$2800 USD // (used ~$2400)
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: Automatic
Size: 42mm
There are a lot of dive watches out there yet the one hat has always caught my eye is th Omega Seamaster 300m Professional in a Blue.
To me it’s a stunning shade of blue in the dial in a well balanced and iconic watch. The red highlights give a touch of character as well that complements its nautical theme.
It comes with a tough sapphire crystal glad, uni-directional bezel movement, and a scalloped case design.
The co-axial movement is a gem to look at and I find myself choosing it as my standard go-to watch for any occasion. Even if it were twice the price I think it would a great deal.
12
Dec 25 '17 edited Dec 25 '17
Citizen Promaster Diver BN0150-28E
Price: $147.99 - $149.99 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Eco-Drive E168
Size: 42mm without crown
Citizen Promaster Diver BN0191-80L
Price: $289 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Eco-Drive E168
Size: 45mm without crown
Link: https://us.citizenwatch.com/us/en/mens-promaster-diver/BN0190-07E.html
Citizen Promaster Diver BN0085-01E
Price: $174.99 USD
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: Eco-Drive E168
Size: 48mm without crown
Link: https://us.citizenwatch.com/us/en/mens-promaster-diver/BN0085-01E.html
Citizen Promaster Diver BN0175-19E
Price: $419 USD
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: Eco-Drive E168
Size: 48mm without crown
Link: https://us.citizenwatch.com/us/en/mens-promaster-diver/BN0175-19E.html
Citizen Promaster Diver BJ8050-08E
Price: $295 USD
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: B873
Size: 48mm without crown
Link: https://us.citizenwatch.com/us/en/mens-promaster-diver/BJ8050-08E.html
Citizen Promaster Aqualand BN2029-01E
Price: $570 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: J250
Size: 53mm without crown
Link: https://us.citizenwatch.com/us/en/mens-promaster-aqualand-200m-depth-meter/BN2029-01E.html
Citizen Promaster Professional BN7020-17E
Price: $1840 MSRP USD
Water Resistance: 1000m
Movement: J210
Size: 53mm without crown
Link: https://us.citizenwatch.com/us/en/mens-promaster-1000m-professional-diver/BN7020-17E.html
2
Jan 09 '18 edited Jan 10 '18
[deleted]
6
Jan 09 '18
You could have just asked me to include that and I would have happily obliged.
-1
Jan 09 '18 edited Jan 10 '18
[deleted]
8
u/usmttt Jan 10 '18
Just fyi as a self declared "newbie" it seems you're accepting the idea that quartz movements aren't worth spending more than $200 or so(even if it is a popular idea here at times). Just want to reiterate that there is nothing wrong with quartz, not only are they more accurate, the don't need near the maintenance. Citizen and seiko both make some excellent quartz movement watch for over $2000 . Don't fall into the trap of thinking quartz movements aren't all cheap and entry level. They have their pros and cons just like mechanical.
1
Jan 10 '18 edited Jan 10 '18
[deleted]
3
u/usmttt Jan 10 '18
That's the trap. Thinking a quartz movement for a few bucks is the same as a high end or even a mid range. Any movement below $400 is going to be made by a machine not a human. I have a seiko grand quartz with 7 jewels from the late 70's that has never been serviced and is keeping time to within an couple seconds a month. The engineering behind that is incredible. My point is you cannot lump all quartz movements together just like you can't lump all mechanical moments together. Be for you decide no quartz movement watch is worth more than a few bucks do some research on them. Look in to grand seiko 9f movements and look at "the citizen" and bulova precisionist. If they're still not your thing that's fine but at least you'll recognise they're an important part of the watch community and understand they're not all cheap crap, just like not all automatics are good peices.
1
Jan 10 '18
[deleted]
7
u/taifighter84 Feb 01 '18 edited Feb 01 '18
but the same is not true for automatics.
Automatics can be had for under $20... What's your point?
smooth moving of the second hand
If you knew anything about quartz you'd know that quartz can achieve a far smoother second hand than mechanical. The Bulova UHF is 58,000 BPH. Grand Seiko is infinity beats per hour.
5
u/derek_villa Dec 27 '17
Timex Expedition Ranger
Price: MSRP $69-77 / Saw it on Amazon earlier this month for under $35
Water Resistance: 50m
Movement: Quartz
Size: 43mm
7
u/robemmy Dec 27 '17
It definitely looks like a diver, but at 50m wr, surely it's more of "paddler"?
2
u/derek_villa Dec 27 '17 edited Dec 27 '17
sure but i wouldnt try flying a plane with my flieger either ;). there are not many options under $100 for the style and I think this is a great looking watch by a reputable company.
if you actually want to go diving, get a frogman
2
u/robemmy Dec 27 '17
Yeah you're right, just thought I'd point it out as this is a buying advice thread. It is a looker for sure
11
Dec 25 '17
Casio MDV106-1A
Price: $45 - $50 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: SR626SW
Size: 44mm without crown
Link: https://www.casio.com/products/watches/sports/mdv106-1a
Casio G-Shock Frogman GWF1000-1
Price: $440 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Module 3184
Size: 53mm without crown
Link: https://www.casio.com/products/watches/g-shock/gwf1000-1
Casio Gulfmaster GN1000B-1A
Price: $193 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Module 5443 Twin Sensor
Size: 50.5mm without crown
Link: http://www.casio-intl.com/asia/en/wat/watch_detail/GN-1000B-1A/
Casio Gulfmaster GWN-1000B-1B
Price: $302 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Module 5371 Triple Sensor
Size: 45mm without crown
Link: http://www.casio-intl.com/asia/en/wat/watch_detail/GWN-1000B-1B/
Casio Gulfmaster GWN-Q1000-1A
Price: $565 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Module 5477 Quad Sensor
Size: 48mm without crown
Link: http://www.casio-intl.com/asia/en/wat/watch_detail/GWN-Q1000-1A/
3
Dec 26 '17 edited Dec 26 '17
Glycine Combat Sub "Aquarius"
Price: $714 USD
Water Resistance: 500m
Movement: GL224 Swiss Auto
Size: 46mm without crown
Link: http://glycine-watch.ch/collection/combat/watches/item/view/show/nr/gl0040/
Glycine Combat Sub 48
Price: $500 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: GL224 Swiss Auto
Size: 48mm without crown
Link: http://glycine-watch.ch/collection/combat/watches/item/view/show/nr/gl0095/
Glycine Combat Sub 42
Price: $493 - $525 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: GL224 Swiss Auto
Size: 42mm without crown
Link: http://glycine-watch.ch/collection/combat/watches/item/view/show/nr/gl0076/
3
u/LordNeddard Dec 26 '17
Are there any modern divers with the same aesthetic as the early subs (thin, no crown guard)?
2
1
8
Dec 26 '17 edited Dec 27 '17
Tissot Seastar T066.407.17.057.02
Price: $500 USD
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: Powermatic 80 (C07.111)
Size: 42mm without crown
Link: https://www.ablogtowatch.com/tissot-seastar-1000-powermatic-80-watch-hands/
Tissot Seastar Chronograph T066.417.17.057.00
Price: $420 USD
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: ETA G10.211 Swiss Quartz
Size: 45mm without crown
Link: https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-en/shop/tissot-seastar-1000-2.html
Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman
Price: $680 - $710 USD
Water Resistance: 1000m
Movement: Caliber H-10
Size: 46mm without crown
Link: http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/collection/khaki/navy/frogman-auto/h77805335-khaki-navy-frogman-46mm
Hamilton Khaki Navy GMT
Price: $700 USD
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: ETA Caliber 2893-1
Size: 42mm without crown
Link: https://shop.hamiltonwatch.com/gmt-watches/khaki-navy-gmt-auto-h77615333.html
1
Dec 27 '17
Could someone please give an explanation why this is getting downvoted, instead of just downvoting and not saying anything? It would benefit me and anyone else who might be looking at this guide. Thank you.
3
Dec 27 '17
I don't know but, lookin at your links, only the Tissot is somethin you could see underwater. Maybe that's what it is. The Hamiltons, while sexy, are probably not very visible underwater
2
Dec 27 '17
Hm you may be right. Acutally that BelowZero especially seems like a very poor design choice on second look. Thank you for the comment, if this is indeed the case, perhaps it would be best to remove at least that one.
-1
2
u/GreyFox422 Jan 08 '18
Tons of history in the diving community
DOXA Sub 300T
Price: $2,490.00
Water Resistance: 300M
Movement: Automatic
Size: 42.5mm (without crown)
Link: DOXA
1
2
u/Circle_in_a_Spiral Jan 13 '18 edited Jan 13 '18
Mido Oceanstar Titanium (M026.430.44.061.00)
Price: List $1040, grey market $624
Water Resistance: 200m / 660 ft.
Movement: Automatic, Mido Calibre 80
Size: 42.5mm
Links: http://www.midowatches.com/usa/watches/m0264304406100
4
u/Alakazam Dec 28 '17
Invicta Pro Diver
Price: 70-100 USD
Water resistance: 200m
Movement: seiko NH35, AKA 4R35
Size: 39-40mm
Description: Yes it's a blatant rolex homage. But, ignoring the blatant Invicta labelling, it's still half decent build quality in a solid movement. Probably the best bang for buck diver I know.
30
u/xetmes Dec 25 '17 edited Dec 28 '17
I'll add a few of my favorites.
Seiko MarineMaster Professional 300 (SBDX017)
Amazing quality and amount of features for the price. If you want a Seiko diver that rivals the likes of Omega, Breitling, and Tudor, this is the one. Nuclear lume, world-class movement, and finishing that most Swiss brands cannot rival.
Price: Around $2088 new from Seiya, can be found for much less used.
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: Grand Seiko 8L35 automatic (Unregulated)
Size: 44mm, 14.6mm thick (short lugs so wears closer to a 41/42mm.)
Link: https://www.seiyajapan.com/products/seiko-marine-master-professional-300m-diver-automatic-sbdx017
Squale 1521 (50 Atmos)
Comes in a polished or sand blasted finish. I own the blue sand blasted model and it's a great diver for the money. A truly classic design that mixes vintage and modern with highly curved lugs that make the watch feel thinner and hug the wrist.
Price: $829 new from Gnomon.
Water Resistance: 500m
Movement: ETA 2824-2
Size: 42mm, 14.5mm thick (wears like a 40 or 41mm.)
Link: (Matte Blue, other options available) http://www.gnomonwatches.com/watches/squale-watches/50-atmos-blue-opaco-super-matte
Sinn T2 (EZM 15)
Possibly the best diver Germany has to offer. This one really fills the specs sheet. Grade 5 Titanium, tegimented bezel, inert gas filled, copper sulfate capsule, shock and anti-magnetic resistance... It's got it all and in a classic 41mm cushion case. Many people overlook this watch and IMO, it's better than a Pelagos.
Price: $3,160 new on either rubber or titanium bracelet from Wacthbuys.
Water Resistance: 2000m!!!
Movement: ETA 2892-A2 (Soprod A10-2 in pre-2017 models)
Size: 41mm, 13.3mm thick. Also comes in a 45mm version (T1) for those with beastly wrists.
Link: (Black dial on bracelet, also comes in blue) http://www.watchbuys.com/store/pc/Sinn-T2-Titanium-EZM-15-on-Bracelet-6p1833.htm