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. 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. 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.
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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.
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.
VAER D5 | Arctic USA Diver
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Miyota 9039
- Power Reserve: 40 hours
- Case Width: 39 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
Vaer watches are assembled in the USA and they go through rigorous testing: the D5 goes to the limits of real-world depth exposure, so they can be ocean-ready. While the style of this watch is distinctly military-inspired, the fine details on the dial make it an interesting cross between elegant and rugged. The D5 comes with the Vaer’s standard 24-month warranty, and the comfortable case size make it a perfect fit for most wrists.