The Watch Resource

Comparison: Longines HydroConquest vs Tag Heuer Aquaracer

The Watch Resource · June 9, 2023

When faced with the task of selecting a new watch, it is often typical to narrow down our choices to two final contenders. At The Watch Resource, we’re all too familiar with this dilemma, so we created a comprehensive comparison between two such possible options, the Longines HydroConquest and the Tag Heuer Aquaracer. By exploring their shared features and highlighting their distinctive qualities, our objective is to provide you with valuable insights to assist you in making an informed decision.

*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.

Longines HydroConquest vs Tag Heuer Aquaracer Comparison

Longines HydroConquest

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: L888
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Case Width: 43 mm
Lug Distance: 21 mm
Water Resistance: 300 m
Retail Price: $1,775

Tag Heuer Aquaracer

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Calibre 5
Power Reserve: 38 hours
Case Width: 40 mm
Lug Distance: 21 mm
Water Resistance: 200 m
Retail Price: Around $2,000

Dial

Longines HydroConquest

The Longines HydroConquest showcases a sunray blue dial that adds a captivating sense of depth to its overall aesthetic. The silver-tone secondary color harmoniously complements the stainless steel case and bracelet. The round-shaped hour indices are accompanied by prominent Arabic numerals at the 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions, drawing attention to these focal points. Thoughtfully positioned at 3 o’clock, the date window maintains visual balance. Notably, Longines has chosen a diamond hour hand design, reminiscent of Tudor’s iconic snowflake hour hand seen in their sports watches. Furthermore, the pencil minute hand introduces intriguing angles, serving as a counterbalance to the curved Arabic numerals. Connecting these elements visually is the lollipop second hand.

Tag Heuer Aquaracer

The dial of the Tag Heuer Aquaracer is very unique and it became a well-loved and recognizable, iconic detail element. This specific watch has a fumée effect dial, with the light blue center darkening gradually towards the edges into a moody dark, almost black hue. Additionally, the horizontally ribbed design element gives a stunningly eye-catching, rugged feel. Overall, the design is kept very clean and masculine, with the hour and minute indices all using straight lines and angles, no curves or round shapes can be found. This to-the-point, serious look is further emphasized with the pencil hour and minute hands.

A date window is positioned at the 6 o’clock position, providing exceptional visual balance and high visibility.

Bezel

Longines HydroConquest

The bezel of the Longines HydroConquest has no surprises. It features a unidirectional count-up ceramic bezel with an engraved 60-minute scale. The Arabic numerals on the bezel are slightly wider, ensuring better synchronization with the numbers on the dial.

Tag Heuer Aquaracer

The bezel of the Tag Heuer Aquaracer is a beautiful visual solution, tying together the straight and angular shapes found within the dial and the round shape that frames the dial itself. This is achieved by employing a slightly serrated bezel design that is broken up into 12 angles. This creates an overall round shape, with still perceptible straight lines. A beautiful, highly harmonious solution.

Case

Longines HydroConquest

In terms of dimensions, the Longines HydroConquest is 43 mm wide, with a 21 mm lug width. A thinner case, measuring 11.9 mm, provides an elegant look as most sports watches have an average 12.5 mm thickness.

Tag Heuer Aquaracer

The Tag Heuer Aquaracer’s case width is 40 mm. The lug-to-lug distance is 47 mm, and the watch has a thickness of 12 mm. It is an excellent size for smaller wrists, but can easily be worn on bigger wrists as well due to the substantial case thickness and visually prominent angles of the bezel. The Aquaracer is water resistant up to 200 meters.

Movement

Longines HydroConquest

The Longines HydroConquest is equipped with the L888 caliber, an automatic movement based on the ETA A31.L11. This 21-jewel movement offers a generous 72-hour power reserve and features a bi-directional winding direction.

Tag Heuer Aquaracer

Powering the Aquracer is the Calibre 5, an automatic movement based on either the ETA caliber 2824-2 or Sellita caliber SW200-1. This movement provides an impressive 38-hour power reserve.

Stainless Steel Bracelet

Longines HydroConquest

Completing the ensemble, the Longines HydroConquest features a stainless steel oyster bracelet. However, Longines takes it a step further by incorporating a combination of brushed and satin finishes. While an all-brushed stainless steel bracelet exudes a sporty vibe, Longines adds a touch of elegance with satin-finished center links.

Tag Heuer Aquaracer

The Tag Heuer Aquaracer comes with a stainless steel oyster bracelet also featuring a combination of brushed and satin finishes. Similarly to the Longines HydroConquest, the bracelet is the perfect blend of sporty and elegant. This blend of styles ensures the highest versatility which we find very important.

Summary

While a lot of people are comparing the Longines HydroConquest to the Tag Heuer Aquaracer, the two watches have distinct visual differences. We recommend trying them on, and analyzing the overall feel of each watch. One should immediately stand out as the more naturally fitting option. For one thing, the Longines is notably bigger with the 43 mm case width compared to the Tag Heuer’s 40 mm. Additionally, the Tag Aquaracer is really focusing on the angles with the overall design, creating a robust and rugged look, while the Longines in contrast employs more rounded, curvy design elements.

Verdict: Longines HydroConquest vs Tag Heuer Aquaracer

Your personal preference is a huge factor, but we’re always transparent here at TWR, so here’s our personal verdict.

Choose the Longines HydroConquest if:

If you’re looking for a bigger watch, as the Longines 43 mm case width makes it a statement piece.
If budget is a deciding factor. The HydroConquest is just below $1,500, while the Tag Heuer Aquaracer is slightly above $2,000.

Choose the Tag Heuer Aquaracer if:

If you’re going for the more rugged, robust look. The Aquaracer’s angular design, and the lack of curves creates an absolute badass of a watch, but depending on your personal preference, that may be an advantage or a drawback.
If you have a smaller wrist, or thinner arm. The Tag has a 40 mm case width, which is absolutely perfect for smaller wrists.

Longines HydroConquest

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: L888
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Case Width: 43 mm
Lug Distance: 21 mm
Water Resistance: 300 m
Retail Price: $1,775

Tag Heuer Aquaracer

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Calibre 5
Power Reserve: 38 hours
Case Width: 40 mm
Lug Distance: 21 mm
Water Resistance: 200 m
Retail Price: Around $2,000

Comparison: Longines HydroConquest vs Tag Heuer Aquaracer

We created a comprehensive comparison between two such popular options, the Longines HydroConquest and the Tag Heuer Aquaracer.

Comparison: Tissot Seastar 1000 vs Mido Ocean Star 200

In the following article, we will embark on a comprehensive comparison between the Tissot Seastar 1000 and the Mido Ocean Star 200.

Comparison: Longines HydroConquest vs Mido Ocean Star 200

In this article, we will undertake a thorough comparison between the Longines HydroConquest and the Mido Ocean Star 200.

Comparison: Longines HydroConquest vs Tissot Seastar 1000

In this article, we will undertake a thorough comparison between the Longines HydroConquest and the Tissot Seastar 1000.

Comparison: Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba vs Mido Ocean Star 200

In this article, we will undertake a thorough comparison between the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba and the Mido Ocean Star 200.

Comparison: Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba vs Longines HydroConquest

In this article, we will conduct a comprehensive comparison between the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba and the Longines HydroConquest.

Review: Longines Legend Diver

The Watch Resource · June 3, 2023

Longines is a brand with unparalleled heritage in the watchmaking world. Aside from the beloved classics, they also keep the inventory fresh with beautiful new designs, such as the HydroConquest or the Spirit Zulu Time collection. In this article, we are taking a closer look at one of the revived classics, the Legend Diver. It undoubtedly has its place in the brand’s Heritage collection, and we love this reinterpretation of a 1960s diver watch. The Longines Legend Diver is a true classic with refreshing modern features.

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: L888
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Case Width: 42 mm
Lug Width: 22 mm
Price: Under $2,000

Longines: The Brand

In 1832, Auguste Agassiz (1809-1877) established a watchmaking workshop with fellow watchmakers in the Swiss village of Saint-Imier. During that period, watch components were manufactured in the homes of individual watchmakers and later assembled at the workshop.

In 1852, his nephew Ernest Francillon assumed control of the workshop. Being a visionary, Francillon made the decision to build a dedicated factory. His initiative involved gathering all the skilled artisans under one roof and implementing a mechanized production system to ensure impeccable quality and precision. The factory was built on a piece of land locally referred to as “Es Longines,” and Francillon opted to retain this name for the company, thus giving birth to the Longines brand.

In 1867, the Longines factory was inaugurated, and it has remained operational at the same location ever since.

Longines was a force of constant innovation throughout history. For example, they introduced the first chronograph with a flyback function, and the first truly waterproof chronograph in the ‘30s.

Longines Legend Diver: Overview

The Longines Legend Diver is an updated, modernized re-issued version of a super compressor dive watch from the ‘60s. It is a beautiful combination of a serious sports watch and an elegant design, therefore it can be easily dressed up or down. The overall dark dial is counterbalanced by the light stainless steel case and mesh bracelet.

The width of the Legend Diver is at 42 mm, and the height is 12.7 mm. The comfortable, middle of the road dimensions ensure the Longines Legend Diver is a good fit for most wrist sizes. Powered by the L888 caliber Swiss automatic movement, it has a reliable 72-hour power reserve. The Legend Diver is a modern timepiece with modern dimensions and materials, reviving the design of the ‘60s super compressor diver watch, and the end result is an attention grabbing statement piece.

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: L888
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Case Width: 42 mm
Lug Width: 22 mm
Price: Under $2,000

Dial

The black dial gives an unmistakable air of seriousness to the watch. Usually, we see a bright secondary color on watches with dark dials to provide a dramatic contrast, and to that end, the Longines Legend Diver comes with an unexpected twist: a subtle creamy accent color to mimic the look of aged lume. This technique is also called a faux patina (or fauxtina), and in our opinion, it’s a brilliant way to marry the old with the new, to juxtapose the modern with the traditional. It creates an intriguing character, representing the heritage of the design, while still retaining that crispy clean and elegant look.

The date window is at the 3 o’clock position, providing a symmetrical, balanced feel. While the minute hand is a relatively simple pencil hand, the hour hand is a wider arrow hand that takes up the space in the center of the dial, so the watch doesn’t look visually empty in the middle.

Bezel

Continuing the theme of exciting design choices, the Longines Legend Diver has an inner rotating bezel. The bi-directional bezel is found underneath the sapphire crystal. To turn the inner bezel, you’ll have to use the crown at 2 o’clock position. The count-up bezel as an inner rotating bezel was an innovation in the ‘60s, as it was an attempt to improve the water resistance of the watches. The technique itself is not relevant anymore, but the design remained popular, understandably so.

It is important to note that, as we do not have a bezel that’s separated from the dial, we get a lot more “dial” visually, and less stainless steel case around the face of the watch. This means that the 42 mm case width could actually look bigger on the wrist than most watches this size.

Case

The case has a 42 mm width which places this watch in the mid-size range, however, due to the inner rotating bezel, the watch can look pretty substantial on the wrist. The 12.7 mm case height somewhat counterbalances this appearance, as it’s a thinner case than the average sports watch.

There are two crowns on the watch, one at the 2 o’clock position, and the other at the 4 o’clock position. The crown at 2 o’clock is used to adjust the inner rotating bezel, while the other one (at 4 o’clock) is the crown you’d use to adjust the time and date. The waffle pattern on the edge of the bezel ensures the bezel is easy to grip and adjust, but more importantly, it gives a more sporty look to the watch, as the case itself is definitely on the subtle, elegant side. This creates a perfect visual balance and ensures the versatility of the design.

The distance between the lugs is 22 mm.

Movement

The Longines Legend Diver is equipped with the L888 automatic Swiss movement. This 21-jewel caliber is based on the ETA A31.L11, and it provides a 72-hour power reserve.

ETA movements are very reliable automatic movements, and the L888 is no exception.

Mesh Stainless Steel Bracelet

The Milanese mesh stainless steel bracelet is a very elegant choice. While it’s not the sportiest look, the dial itself feels like a sports watch, so having an elegant stainless steel bracelet makes the Legend Diver a great option for almost all occasions.

The lug width is 22 mm, not an odd size, so changing straps should be easy, as this watch can look really good with leather straps, or even with tropic rubber straps for actual activities in or around salt water.

Pros and Cons

Let’s take a look at the summary of pros and cons, in our humble opinion:

Pros

Unique, vintage-inspired design.
Very comfortable wear.
Great price point for a recognized watch brand.
One of the most popular designs from Longines, a legacy brand in the world of watchmaking.

Cons:

The 42 mm case width is mid-size, however, we have a lot of dial visually, therefore it can look too big on smaller, more delicate wrists.
The mesh stainless steel bracelet somewhat limits the versatility, and we definitely recommend getting additional strap options to maximize the potential.

Summary: Takeaway and Final Thoughts About Longines Legend Diver

With its distinctive character, the Longines Legend Diver is a statement piece that retains the timelessly elegant look. Its vintage-inspired diver watch design is using understated and dark colors for the dial that is counterbalanced by the polished stainless steel case and mesh bracelet. Boasting a 42 mm case and a 12.7 mm case height, this watch is a comfortable wear for wrists around 7 inches and above. The reliable L88 automatic Swiss movement should give you a solid 72-hour power reserve. Overall, the Longines Legend Diver is a modern timepiece with modern dimensions and materials, reviving the design of the ‘60s super compressor diver watch, and the end result is an attention grabbing statement piece that will remain a classy choice for decades to come.

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: L888
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Case Width: 42 mm
Lug Width: 22 mm
Price: Under $2,000

Other Watch Reviews

Review: Longines Legend Diver

BENRUS Sea Lord Hands-On Review

With its distinctive personality, the BENRUS Sea Lord is a beautiful vintage-inspired dive watch drawing inspiration from its illustrious heritage.

VAER R1 Racing Chronograph Review

The VAER R1 Racing Chronograph is a vintage-inspired statement piece. Its cushion-shaped case with the cream dial design combination definitely brings us to a ‘60 auto racing vibe.

BENRUS Orbit Robot Skindiver Hands-On Review

The BENRUS Orbit Robot is a character of its own that delivers a modern yet timeless design inspired by its rich heritage.

Sternglas Marus black review dial detail

Sternglas Marus Black Automatik Review

Minimalist watches are fun, but we love how the Sternglas Marus is a bit more robust than the Bauhaus-style watches we usually see.

VAER D5 Meridian Navy Diver Review

The VAER D5 Meridian Navy is a serious dive watch with a touch of elegance: the warm-toned gold secondary colors on the dial make this timepiece a perfect choice as an everyday go-to watch as it is easy to dress up or down.

Best Dive Watches Under $2,000

The Watch Resource · May 29, 2023

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.

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

Let’s start with a sporty option for the dedicated adventure seekers out there. 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!

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.

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).

Read our BENRUS brand review.

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.

Read more:

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 (Arctic Government Search and Rescue)

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.

Zodiac Super Sea Wolf

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
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 53 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.

Buyer's Guide & FAQs

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.

Why Are Dive Watches So Popular?

Dive watches are popular because of their versatile nature. They are durable and be your “everyday beater” as they can withstand heat, salt water, etc. Additionally, dive watches can be easily dressed up for formal events as well.

What to Look For in Dive Watches 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.

Best Dive Watches Under $500

The Watch Resource · May 29, 2023

When compiling this list of our favorite dive watches under $500, we made sure to include timepieces that are well worth your money insofar as quality, craftsmanship and design. We were especially impressed with some of the lesser known brands you will find included on this list–timepieces you will not find on every corner. We have included dive watches from Swiss brands, American brands, noteworthy micro-brands, and we’re sure you will find something that resonates with you. Whether you are looking to add a diver watch to your personal collection, or are looking for a gift for a loved one, let us make your search much easier. Let’s dive in and take a look at the best dive watches under or around $500.

*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.

Victorinox Swiss Army Maverick

Specs:

Movement: Quartz
Case Width: 43 mm
Lug Distance: 22 mm
Water Resistance: 100 m

Starting out strong with the Victorinox Swiss Army Maverick, we are looking at a definite winner: reliable quartz movement, brushed stainless steel case (for that understated, timeless look), and a beautiful deep blue dial behind a sapphire crystal dial window. In the true spirit of classic Swiss watchmaking, it is a practical choice: wear it to the office, take it on a hiking adventure, or plunge into the ocean wearing the Maverick on your wrist.

Read more about Victorinox watches or the Maverick Collection.

Vaer D4 Meridian

Specs:

Movement: Solar Powered Quartz
Caliber: Epson VS-22 Solar
Case Width: 38 mm
Lug Width: 20 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters

The VAER D4 Meridian is a robust-looking dive watch. The cool tone colors of the watch represent the robustness of the timepiece. It went through rigorous testing, comes with a solar-powered movement and is ready for action. The overall width of the case is 38 mm, a comfortable wear for most wrist sizes.

Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba

Specs:

Movement: Quartz
Case Width: 37 mm
Lug Width: 18 mm
Water Resistance: 100 meters

The Khaki Navy Scuba Quartz 37mm, with its sporty design and great practicality, maintains perfect time at the beach or in the water. This timepiece offers a nautical touch to any outfit, therefore it could be your everyday go-to watch.

Read more about the Hamilton brand or the Khaki Navy Collection.

Victorinox Journey 1884 Quartz

Specs:

Movement: Quartz
Case Width: 43 mm
Lug Distance: 21 mm
Water Resistance: 200 m

True explorers react to changes in topography and weather, spotting possible issues before they occur. This pioneering attitude is embodied by the Victorinox Journey 1884 with quartz movement. Its antimagnetic protection shields against electropollution-induced inaccuracies. This, together with its built-in shock resistance and high-quality rubber strap for adaptable, comfortable wear, making it a great companion.

Read more in our in-depth Victorinox Journey 1884 review.

Spinnaker Hull Diver (Cognac Brown)

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: NH35
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Case Width: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 300 m

The Spinnaker Hull Diver does a beautiful job of fusing vintage elements with modern edge, resulting in this eye-catching dive watch that is sure to attract compliments. The deep brown color of the dial and bezel is cleverly contrasted with a brushed stainless steel case with softly rounded corners. The reliable NH35 automatic movement and the mesmerizing sweeping second hand will keep you punctual, while the watch itself is guaranteed to keep you stylish.

Read more about Spinnaker watches.

Dan Henry 1975 Skin Diver

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Miyota 9015
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Case Width: 39 mm
Lug Distance: 20 mm
Water Resistance: 150 m

The Dan Henry 1975 is a ’70s inspired skin diving watch that can be your everyday go-to timepiece. The vintage elements of the dial are made a bit more dynamic with the bright orange second hand. The reliable Miyota 9015 automatic movement provides 42 hours of power reserve, and the case at 39 mm width makes this a perfect fit for all wrist sizes.

Seiko SRPD63

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 4R36
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Case Width: 42.5 mm
Lug Distance: 22 mm
Water Resistance: 100 m

Seiko watches are always a popular choice, and rightly so. A Seiko watch is usually reasonably priced, and comes with a reliable movement – and the Seiko SRPD63 is no exception. The 4R36 automatic movement provides a 41-hour power reserve. The 42.5 mm case width is perfect for most wrist sizes, and the deep green dial makes this watch a very unique statement piece. Additionally, we love the positioning of the crown: having it at the 4 o’clock position makes it an excellent tool watch, where practicality is balanced with aesthetics.

Undone Aqua 316L Steel

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: NH35A
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Case Width: 43 mm
Water Resistance: 300 m

High-capacity, high-performance. With its automated winding mechanism, sapphire crystal, and better personalization possibilities, the 43mm UNDONE Aqua tool watch is a timepiece every dive watch enthusiast should consider. The Aqua II watches have the very reliable NH35A automatic movement provided by Seiko.

Read more about UNDONE watches.

Timex Navi XL 41 mm Automatic

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Miyota 8214
Power Reserve: 40 hours
Case Width: 41 mm
Water Resistance: 100 m

The Timex Navi XL Automatic combines design elements from the brand’s first diver-style watches with a 21-jewel automatic movement, ensuring that your watch stays ticking as long as you do. The mechanism, which is powered by your movements as you wear the watch, can store up to 40 hours of energy. If the watch has been stationary for more than 40 hours, wind it with the crown until resistance is felt, set it, and put it back on your wrist where every movement will supply energy for the movement. The black dial, brown leather band, and stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating top ring give a new interpretation on this historic design.

Intrigued by the automatic movement? Well, there’s another surprise for you: an exhibition case back! A great choice.

Seiko Prospex SRPC93

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 4R35
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Case Width: 44 mm
Water Resistance: 200 m

Seiko has a long standing track record of being a top quality watch brand, yet their timepieces remain very reasonably priced. The Prospex SRPC93 is no exception: coming in at a little over $500, we decided to include it nevertheless because of the exceptional value. The SEIKO in-house 4R35 automatic movement alone is enough to consider adding this watch to your collection. The stainless steel bracelet provides the classic element, while the blue wave pattern dial makes the Prospex a striking choice.

G-SHOCK G-STEEL

Specs:

Movement: Solar Powered
Case Width: 52.8 mm
Water Resistance: 200 m

G-SHOCK needs no introduction, well-known for their tough-looking (and tough-made!) timepieces, fit for all the serious adventure seekers. The new Bluetooth® solar powered GSTB100GA-1A features an updated stainless steel and black colorway with subtle green accents on the case and second hand. This timepiece also comes equipped with a two tone resin band boasting a classic black colorway on the outer layer with a green inner layer.

Alpina Seastrong HSW - Smart watch features

Specs:

Movement: Quartz
Case Width: 45.5 mm
Lug Distance: 22 mm
Water Resistance: 100 m

The Alpina Seastrong is similar in design to the Bulova Devil Diver in overall look and color scheme, but comes with extra features that are pretty unique to this watch. The perfect watch for the adventuring types, it counts your steps and even has call and message notifications. A perfect blend between a classic and a smart watch, it IS possible to have the perks of a smartwatch without the tech-y look.

The model featured here has a black rubber strap, orange aluminum bezel and black dial in a fiber glass case.

Final Thoughts

Finding a great dive watch under $500 can be overwhelming quickly, as there are so many options out there. Don’t forget, your personal preference and taste are essential and one of the most important factors. Our featured dive watches met the following requirements before we even considered them presenting to you: characteristic design, high quality materials, and reliable movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are Dive Watches So Popular?

Dive watches are popular due to their versatile design: they can be easily dressed up or down to be an appropriate companion. Additionally, they are durable, therefore they are perfect as “everyday beater” watches.

What to Look For in Dive Watches Under $500

There are a few things you should be expecting when considering to buy a dive watch around $500. These are:

Water resistance of at least 100 meters.
Reliable movement: Swiss quartz, Japanese automatic, or Solar-powered.
Excellent top quality materials.
A screw-down crown is a nice to have, but not a requirement.

Best Faux Patina Watches with Vintage Lume

The Watch Resource · May 29, 2023

Vintage-inspired watches are very popular today, and for a good reason. Vintage styles still popular today are designed with such timelessness, their track record reaches back over decades, often centuries.

So what design qualities determine if a watch is vintage or not? Naturally, the categorization is somewhat subjective and not set in stone. There are however certain design choices that carry a distinct vintage feel: the shape of the case that resembles an original inspiration (a good example of this is cushion-shaped cases that were very popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s), the size of the case (usually smaller than 40mm), or the domed crystal that also gives a watch that cool vintage look.

Now, the other element that can make a watch look vintage, is the patina. The most common example is when light color dials darken over time.

But in this article, our focus is something even more specific: we’re talking about a design that mimics the old lume as over time they turn yellow – a darker yellow, closer to a mustard yellow hue. This look brings a touch of class (in our opinion) as we love the interplay of the aged lume set against a crispy clean, new dial. Let’s take a close look at this cool effect.

What is Faux Patina on a Watch?

The aged retro lume is achieved on purpose today, and it is called “faux patina”, or “fauxtina”. It became a popular design element, as the unique color imitating the natural aging of the radium or tritium used for the lume provides a certain warmth and character to the overall look. Since manufacturers look at discoloration as a failure, not a feature, they’re using materials nowadays that prevent discoloration over time. As a result, natural patina is not likely to occur, and is done purposely as a design element.

Should You Buy a Watch with Faux Patina?

You’ll hear different opinions regarding the faux patina. “Purists” will say if you like the vintage look, go for an actual vintage watch.

In our opinion, it’s more complex than that. The main benefit of a watch with faux patina is not to be overlooked: you’ll get a vintage look with modern, durable materials, not to mention the newest technology when it comes to movement.

Here’s our take on the debate: if you like the design of a watch, that’s all that matters. We do not think new watches with faux patina (fauxtina) are trying to fake heritage for themselves. It’s a modern take on a look that happened accidentally due to aged lume, and the result was a surprisingly intriguing appearance with a warm color-tone. We love these vintage-inspired timepieces that are painting the hour and minute indices with a warmer color to create an aged look and feel.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at the best faux-patina watches that have beautiful vintage lume to bring some warmth to your collection. We’ve collected watches across all different price categories to provide a comprehensive list of the available options.

*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.

Benrus Sea Lord Diver

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Soprod P024
Power Reserve: 38 hours
Case Width: 39 mm
Lug Width: 20 mm
Price: Under $900

The Benrus Sea Lord Diver watch was one of the most popular Benrus watches back in the day, and deservedly so. Understated in its simplicity, the design highlights the classic features of a robust dive watch. The overall design makes this watch a versatile addition to a collection as it can easily be dressed up for more formal events, or down for more casual, sporty activities. In other words, it’s a great everyday go-to watch. The 39 mm case width makes it perfectly comfortable for all wrist sizes. The wide baton hour and minute hands pair well with the understated features of the watch, while the black dial and the faux patina for the hour markers counterbalances the ruggedness and brings a touch of elegance. The Benrus Sea Lord comes with the Soprod P024 Swiss automatic movement, providing a 38-hour power reserve.

Vaer A3 Tradition

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Miyota 9039
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Case Width: 36 mm
Lug Distance: 20 mm
Price: Under $600

Vaer watches are assembled in the USA, and the Vaer A3 blends class-leading durability with a combination of a rugged look and classic elements to display an evergreen field watch design. The 36 mm case width is on the smaller side (like the classic field watches), therefore it’s a great fit for smaller wrists as well. The classic syringe hour and minute hands give a touch of elegance to the VAER A3.

VAER D5 Pacific

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Sellita SW200
Power Reserve: 40 hours
Case Width: 39 mm
Lug Distance: 20 mm
Water Resistance: 200 m
Price: Under $700

Another options from VAER. the D5 is a very robust dive watch. Serrated bezel is combined with bold hour and minute indices on the dial with faux patina, making it the visual center of the watch. The width of the case is 39 mm, and the lug-to-lug distance is 48 mm, so we would say it’s a medium-sized timepiece. The VAER D5 comes with the Sellita SW200 automatic Swiss movement, providing a 40-hour power reserve.

Longines Legend Diver

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: L888
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Case Width: 42 mm
Lug Distance: 22 mm
Water Resistance: 300 m
Price: Under $2,000

Dan Henry 1975 Skin Diver

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Miyota 9015
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Case Width: 39 mm
Lug Distance: 20 mm
Water Resistance: 150 m
Price: Under $300

Spinnaker Fleuss Black

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: NH35
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Case Width: 43 mm
Price: Around $300

The Spinnaker Fleuss is built with a nostalgic nod to the golden age of the dive watch. It’s a tough, dependable timepiece that goes from beach to boardroom with ease, thanks to the best in watchmaking techniques. The deep, dark red tones come alive with a sunray treated dial, bringing boldness to your wrist.

Hamilton Khaki Field Murph – The Interstellar watch

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: H-10
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Case Width: 42 mm
Price: Under $1,000

We had to include this one from Hamilton. Not just any watch, mind you. This is the watch that saved the world in the movie ‘Interstellar’. The beautiful Hamilton classic that Coop (Matthew McConaughey) left for his daughter before departing on his mission to the stars. The watch was then used as a tool to communicate coordinates in Morse code from another dimension, enabling Murph Cooper (the daughter) to complete an equation and therefore save humanity from complete destruction. As a well-deserved nod to the movie, the word “Eureka” is printed on the seconds hand in Morse code in lacquer. A great watch with an awesome background story? YES please.

Omega Seamaster Railmaster

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Omega 8806
Power Reserve: 55 hours
Case Width: 40 mm
Water Resistance: 150 m
Price: Around $4,000

A functional yet stylish anti-magnetic watch, the original OMEGA Railmaster was created in 1957 for railroad employees, or anybody else who frequently came into contact with electrical fields. These days, its inventiveness and industrial spirit have been modernized for a contemporary collection.

The “blue denim” dial’s brushed stainless steel hands and recessed hour markers are all filled with light grey Super-LumiNova. The dial is vertically brushed. Additionally, the transferred “Railmaster” signal and beige center seconds hand add a vintage touch.

The Omega Seamaster Railmaster is often overlooked but it’s a wonderful timepiece with a very elegant look.

Bell & Ross BR V2-92 Steel Heritage

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: BR-CAL.302
Power Reserve: 38 hours
Case Width: 41 mm
Water Resistance: 100 m
Price: Around $2,500

When it comes to Bell & Ross, we usually think of their iconic square case models. However, the brand has other equally impressive designs, and the BR V2-92 Steel Heritage is a great example. A classic design with black bezel and dial combined with the sand colored numerals as if aged by the patina of time. The case itself is using a mix if polished and satin-finished stainless steel to provide a very elegant look to counterbalance the retro dial.

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
Price: Under $1,500

Certina DS PH200M

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Powermatic 80.611
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Case Width: 42.8 mm
Water Resistance: 200 m
Price: Around $1,000

The Certina DS PH200M is a contemporary re-edition of a classic dive watch. With its characteristic domed ceramic bezel and vintage charm, this dive watch is definitely an attention-grabber and a statement piece. The watch is on the larger side of things with its 42.8 mm case width. The dark dial and black bezel is broken up by a silver ring between them, a very interesting and effective design solution to visually separate elements.

The serrated bezel and crown provide a dynamic look, which works as a great contrast with the more sophisticated Milanese mesh stainless steel bracelet. The outline of the minute and hour hands in rose gold color connects the dial with the bezel, as the bezel is using a brownish color for its markers, which obviously a nod towards vintage-style lume (sometimes referred to as “fauxtina”, a combination of “faux” and “patina’). While some people don’t like a forced vintage look, we think this Certina timepiece has created a very tasteful design, and it is more of embracing the heritage, than trying to look something from a different time period.

Baltic Aquascaphe Dual-Crown Blue

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: Miyota 9039
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Case Width: 39 mm
Water Resistance: 200 m
Price: Around $650

Baltic is quickly becoming a favorite among watch enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. The 39 mm wide case is a great size for all wrists, and the brushed stainless steel with the black dial color and the faux patina finish for the hour markers give an overall elegant look. The bezel’s minute markers have the same color to visually connect it to the dial. The Miyota 9039 caliber automatic Japanese movement is a reliable movement with 42 hours of power reserve.

Doxa SUB 200 Sharkhunter

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: ETA 2824-2
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Case Width: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 200 m
Price: Around $950

Doxa introduced the SUB 200 Sharkhunter in 2019. This diver’s watch is a straight-to-the-point design, a three-hand movement classic look, with the windorwdial at the 3 o’clock position. With a diameter measuring 42 mm, the SUB 200 boasts a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that is complemented by an anti-reflective coating and the classic curved shape reminiscent of the plexiglass used in the past. It is capable of withstanding water pressure up to 200 meters (20 ATM) and incorporates a unidirectional rotating bezel. All components essential for diving-related information, including the bezel, are coated with Super-LumiNova® for luminosity.

YEMA Pearldiver

Specs:

Movement: Automatic
Caliber: YEMA2000
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Case Width: 38 mm
Water Resistance: 200 m
Price: Around $800

The YEMA Pearldiver was inspired by the 1970s, and there are some beautiful vintage elements: the dome crystal, the black coated hands with the white lollipop seconds hand, and of course the creamy hue of the hour markers and hands to resemble the retro feel.
The YEMA Pearldiver is equipped with YEMA’s in-house automatic movement, the YEMA2000, a 29-jewel caliber providing 42 hours of power reserve. The 38 mm case width is great for smaller wrists as well, while the 14 mm case height will make sure the watch won’t feel small on bigger wrists.

The Watch Resource

Longines HydroConquest vs Tag Heuer Aquaracer Comparison

Longines HydroConquest

Tag Heuer Aquaracer

Dial

Longines HydroConquest

Tag Heuer Aquaracer

Bezel

Longines HydroConquest

Tag Heuer Aquaracer

Case

Longines HydroConquest

Tag Heuer Aquaracer

Movement

Longines HydroConquest

Tag Heuer Aquaracer

Stainless Steel Bracelet

Longines HydroConquest

Tag Heuer Aquaracer

Summary

Verdict: Longines HydroConquest vs Tag Heuer Aquaracer

Longines HydroConquest

Tag Heuer Aquaracer

SEE ALSO

Longines: The Brand

Longines Legend Diver: Overview

Dial

Bezel

Case

Movement

Mesh Stainless Steel Bracelet

Pros and Cons

Summary: Takeaway and Final Thoughts About Longines Legend Diver

Other Watch Reviews

Oris Aquis Titanium Date

TAG Heuer Aquaracer

Benrus Type I

Longines HydroConquest

Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman

Rado Captain Cook

Alpina Seastrong Diver 300

Longines Legend Diver

Oris Divers Sixty-Five

YEMA Superman 500 GMT

Marathon Arctic GSAR (Arctic Government Search and Rescue)

Zodiac Super Sea Wolf

Buyer's Guide & FAQs

SEE ALSO

Victorinox Swiss Army Maverick

Vaer D4 Meridian

Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba

Victorinox Journey 1884 Quartz

Spinnaker Hull Diver (Cognac Brown)

Dan Henry 1975 Skin Diver

Seiko SRPD63

Undone Aqua 316L Steel

Timex Navi XL 41 mm Automatic

Seiko Prospex SRPC93

G-SHOCK G-STEEL

Alpina Seastrong HSW - Smart watch features

Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

SEE ALSO

Benrus Sea Lord Diver

Vaer A3 Tradition

VAER D5 Pacific

Longines Legend Diver

Dan Henry 1975 Skin Diver

Spinnaker Fleuss Black

Hamilton Khaki Field Murph – The Interstellar watch

Omega Seamaster Railmaster

Bell & Ross BR V2-92 Steel Heritage

Oris Divers Sixty-Five

Certina DS PH200M

Baltic Aquascaphe Dual-Crown Blue

Doxa SUB 200 Sharkhunter

YEMA Pearldiver

SEE ALSO

Join our Mailing list!