A diver watch is a gentleman’s favorite accessory due to its versatile use: they are appropriate for a number of occasions and activities. It can be your go-to timepiece at the office, on a dinner date, while hiking–you name it. For this reason, it’s completely reasonable to consider your diver watch an investment, and spend a little more. Finding the perfect diver watch under the $2,000 threshold is an exciting adventure. We have plenty of choices from well-known brands, where functionality, reliability and prestige all play a significant factor in finalizing our pick. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the best of the best–fair warning, you might find it hard to narrow down to just one choice. Shall we also include a list of legitimate reasons to add two of these to your collection? Check back–we’ll work on it.
*By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 41 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
Not that we pick favorites, but the Aquaracer has a special place in our hearts. The comparatively smaller case size (41 mm) makes it a very comfortable wear, yet due to its clean design the dial remains perfectly readable at a glance. The stainless steel rotating bezel has a slightly angular shape, which gives it a very cool, masculine look.
Reading in low light or under water is made easier by special luminescence markers on the hands and indexes, as well as a yellow-tipped center hand. At 3 o’clock, the angled date aperture is enlarged.
You can absolutely not go wrong with this classic.
STOWA Prodiver Mauritius Limited
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Sellita SW 200
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug-to-Lug Distance: 50.3 mm
- Water Resistance: 1,000 m (100 ATM)
- Price: Around $1,700
The STOWA Prodiver Mauritius Limited is a very exciting watch from the brand. It is inspired by the serene waters surrounding Mauritius. Its dial, painted in Pantone 304, captures the essence of the clear sea blue, offering a refreshing aesthetic that stands out not just in STOWA’s lineup, but in the general diving watch category. Limited to just 100 pieces, this model not only boasts exclusivity but also carries the accolade of being voted the Diver’s Watch of the Year 2021 by watchtime.net readers.
Crafted with a 42 mm titanium case, the Prodiver Mauritius Limited is designed for durability and comfort. Its matt, glass bead-blasted finish ensures a rugged yet refined look. The watch is water-resistant up to 100 ATM (1000 meters), making it suitable for professional diving. Key features include a helium valve for saturation diving, a ceramic bezel for enhanced scratch resistance, and a solid case back. Powered by the top-grade automatic Sellita SW 200 movement, it promises reliable performance under pressure.
Usually, I recommend dive watches as everyday watches as well, and while I love the STOWA Prodiver Mauritius, due to the angled case, and the black rubber strap, its appearance is definitely sporty, therefore this might not be the best choice for more formal occasions. With a lug-to-lug size of 50.3 mm and a height of 15.6 mm, it is definitely a statement piece. An excellent choice for a more casual everyday beater, as this watch is a very unique and modern design from a brand that often flies under the radar.
Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Compression
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: STP1-11
- Power Reserve: 44 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
The Zodiac brand has a unique association with light travelers, explorers, as reflected in their logo, the northern arrow. The Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Compression is a functional and elegantly simple timepiece that you can wear every day, or when you’re out exploring. The smaller case size and rubber strap make this watch a very comfortable wear.
Oris Aquis Titanium Date
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Oris 733 (base SW 200-1)
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 43.5 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
We love the understated elegance of the gray elements combined with the rugged sporty look of the silicone strap. The deep black color of the dial pulls it all together just perfectly.
The Oris Aquis comes with the automatic Oris 733 movement, which is based on the reliable Swiss-made Sellita SW 200-1 movement. A great choice!
Benrus Type I
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: ETA
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 42.5 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
The Benrus Type I watch was developed for the US Military in 1972. It was designed to be more durable than any previous watches and to meet the specific needs of UDT (Underwater Demolitions Team) divers and for use in the field. Although it was produced between 1972 and 1980, it was never released to the general public.
Today, a limited edition is available with the original design, great quality ETA Swiss automatic movement, and a very impressive water resistance of 30 ATM (300 meter).
Longines HydroConquest
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: L888
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Case Width: 43 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
One word: classy. The Longines HydroConquest strikes a perfect balance between elegance and active lifestyle. The 41mm case diameter makes it a great size for all wrists, and you can wear this classic design to a wide range of occasions, from a date night at a restaurant to a diving expedition. All around a great pick that will last you a lifetime.
Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: H-10
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
The original Hamilton Frogman was designed for the United States Navy’s ‘Frogman’ squad and was worn by divers during WWII. The essential elements that made the watch haven’t changed: the unidirectional rotating bezel, exceptional water resistance, and underwater lighting. The watch is 42 mm, so it’s a great size for all wrist sizes.
Rado Captain Cook
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: 03.763.035
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
The Rado Captain Cook is a perfect option for modern adventurers, charting new ground in antique timepieces. It’s the ideal watch for men and women because of its antique elements and modern functions.
The Captain Cook, Rado’s renowned diving watch, was first introduced in 1962. “Doctors, engineers, athletes, deep sea divers, race car drivers… this is the watch for you,” sounded off the ad campaign. It had a rotating anchor under the 12 o’clock mark, which was the first time Rado’s world-famous trade logo appeared. The anchor was more than simply a decorative element. Behind the dial, it was placed on a lubricated ruby bearing. It showed that the watch mechanism needed to be serviced when it stopped spinning freely.
Alpina Seastrong Diver 300
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: AL-525
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 44 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
The Seastrong Diver 300 is a beautiful, classic diver watch. It is water resistant up to 1,000 ft and the black dial ensures optimal readability underwater. We love the red turning bezel that contrasts nicely with the stainless steel case and gives the watch a dynamic, sporty look. The 44mm case size makes this watch a perfect fit for bigger wrists.
Longines Legend Diver
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: L888
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
The Longines Legend Diver is a modern interpretation of a classic 1960s diver watch that is part of the brand’s Heritage collection. It maintains the same design elements as the original timepiece, but has been updated with current technical features. This vintage-inspired timepiece with the mesh bracelet is perfect as an everyday watch, and would be an excellent addition to any collection!
Oris Divers Sixty-Five
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Oris 733, base SW 200-1
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug Distance: 21 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
The Oris Divers Sixty-Five is a retro-inspired watch that pays tribute to Oris’s first divers watches, particularly a model from 1965. Our favorite detail from the vintage-inspired design is the old-school crown that provides a timeless and elegant look, and makes this timepiece a great go-to watch for your everyday needs.
YEMA Superman 500 GMT
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: YEMA3000
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 39 mm or 41 mm
- Lug Width: 19 mm or 20 mm
- Water Resistance: 500 m
The Yema Superman 500 GMT comes with Yema’s in-house movement: the Yema3000 caliber is a 29-jewel movement, providing a 42-hour power reserve. The original design from the 1960’s evolved into today’s form, while maintaining a professional dive watch appearance. Apart from the in-house automatic movement, the 500 meters water resistance is a feature we need to call out as an impressive improvement. Overall, a very classy design with impressive features. Our personal favorite detail is the choice of brown on the bezel — a color that’s rarely used, and provides understated elegance that we absolutely love.
Marathon Arctic GSAR
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Caliber: ETA High-Torque FØ6
- Case Width: 41 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
The Marathon Search & Rescue Diver’s Automatic is a dive watch designed specifically for use by Search and Rescue (SAR) divers and issued to the United States Marine Corps. This is a watch built to withstand the most extreme conditions. Functional, sturdy, reliable.
Final Thoughts
Buying a dive watch under or around $2,000 is an exciting task. There are plenty of great options from well-known respected brands. We bring you a range of options to showcase the different design solutions, but overall we always pick the best options based on our requirements of overall quality, movement, and reliability. Your personal preference is very important and should be a significant factor when choosing your new favorite timepiece.
What To Look For In a Dive Watch Under $2,000
There are a few things you should be expecting when considering to buy a dive watch around $2,000. These are:
- Impressive water resistance (200 meters, 300 meters)
- Reliable Swiss automatic movement.
- Excellent top quality materials.
- A screw-down crown is a nice to have, but not a requirement.
WRITTEN BY
Maté D
SEE ALSO
Best Dive Watches Under $500
When compiling this list of our favorite dive watch finds under $500, we made sure to include timepieces that are well worth your money insofar as quality, craftsmanship and design.
Best Dive Watches Under $1,000
Here’s our list of the best dive watches under (or around) $1,000. Listed in no particular order, we paid close attention to quality, the timelessness of the design and the overall value for your dollar.
Best Affordable Dive Watches
A good dive watch is an absolute must in every gentleman’s repertoire, as it can easily be worn as an everyday watch and be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. We found the best quality pieces that will prove a great value for your money, all with an
Best Super Compressor-Style Dive Watches
The wide range of Super Compressor watches available means that those seeking a remarkable vintage dive watch have numerous choices, some of which are remarkably affordable.
Best Dive Watches Under $5,000
Finding the perfect diver watch under the $5,000 threshold is an exciting adventure. We have plenty of choices from well-known brands, where functionality, reliability and prestige all play a significant factor in finalizing our pick.
Everything You Need to Know About Dive Watches
A dive watch (also known as diving or diver watch) is a watch designed for underwater diving (shockingly), that features water resistance greater than 10 atm, the equivalent of 100 meters (330 ft) as a minimum. The typical diver’s watch will have a water resistance of around 200 to 300