Top 3 Diving Watches: Our Recommendations

Not everyone who likes watches is into diving, but dive watches are super popular. Why? Well, they can handle water really well, which is great for everyday wear. You don’t have to worry about taking them off if you go swimming or showering. Plus, some of the coolest watches in history are dive watches. Like the Rolex Submariner from the 1950s – it’s a big deal. So, what makes a watch a dive watch? People used to say it had to resist water to at least 100 meters, but now most dive watches go beyond that, usually to 200 meters. Also, a proper dive watch should have a way to measure dive time. This is often done with a one-way rotating bezel that shows 60 minutes. It’s designed to turn only one way to keep drivers safe, so it won’t accidentally show more oxygen time than they really have underwater. And, of course, dive watches need to be easy to read, especially in low light, so they usually have some glow-in-the-dark features. 

Dive Watch Special Features

Dive watches often come equipped with special features designed to enhance their performance underwater. These distinctive elements contribute to the overall craftsmanship of these timepieces:

• Rotating Bezel: A key function of dive watches is to measure the duration of a dive accurately. The rotating bezel allows you to mark the starting point of your descent effortlessly. Premium dive watches incorporate unidirectional bezels to prevent the risk of extending your dive time.
• Screw-Down Crown: The vulnerability of the crown stem to water ingress is a significant concern. Many dive watches address this by incorporating a screw-down crown that securely seals into the case. Similar secure screwing mechanisms are applied to the casebacks.
• Depth Measurement: Dive watches are not just for descent; they also aid in ascent. By monitoring both your depth in the water and the time spent underwater, you can reduce the risk of decompression sickness, commonly known as the bends. Rapid pressure changes can lead to nitrogen in the blood changing states and forming gas bubbles during ascent, posing potential life-threatening risks.
• GMT Functionality: Whether navigating different time zones underwater or on a boat, maintaining accurate timekeeping is essential. Dive watches with GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) complications enable users to track time in multiple zones, facilitating seamless adjustments without compromising precision.

While some features found in dive watches may overlap with those in regular sport watches, the unique combination of functionalities in dive watches sets them apart in terms of craftsmanship and purpose. Now, let’s check out the top three dive watches on our list.

Longines Legend Diver 42mm

First released in the 1960s, this timepiece from Longines became a true hit. With its defining clean lines and stylish medallion on the caseback, this watch represents a rich history. A 42mm large diving watch made of stainless steel, Longines’s Legend Diver is quite robust. The silver color of the stainless steel creates an amazing contrast with the navy blue leather band. Although the round shape of the case reminds you of dress watches, Legend is one of the most modern and versatile diving timepieces out there. Equipped with an internal diving flange and a screw-down caseback and crown, this superb timepiece checks all the “diving watch” boxes. 

The dark navy blue dial plays well with the light, appearing almost black in certain angles. Arabic numerals and indexes are painted with Swiss Super-Luminova for better legibility in the depths of the water. Moreover, the silver polishing on the hands creates a stronger contrast with the dial.  Equipped with a self-winding mechanical movement, Legend Diver is one of the most reliable watches, capable of reaching 72 hours of power reserve. 

Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver

A striking square watch that is actually the first of its kind from Bell & Ross, this diving watch is both attractive and durable. An ideal companion for exploring the depths of the oceans, the Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver has a water resistance of 300 meters. A stylish timepiece that meets the ISO guidelines. Built with a 43mm reinforced, screwed down stainless steel case, this watch is fitted with a unidirectional bezel. Powered by an automatic movement, this watch offers a date function as well. The face of this watch is detailed with orange accents which create a better contrast against the black face. This increases the watch’s readability in the dark. Paired with a black rubber strap made of resistant synthetic fabric, the Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver perfectly combines style with function.

Norqain Wild One

Norgain has released an amazing diving watch – The Wild One. This impeccable timepiece is bold, high-tech and 100% Swiss made. What made it famous was the special dial which was crafted using three layers cut using a laser. The design is exceptionally attractive with a double N logo that reminds you of the Norgain mountain. They’ve used baton markers which are covered in Swiss Super-LumiNova. These details add to the three-dimensional appearance even further. Powered by a caliber NN20/1, the Wild One can reach a power reserve of 20 hours. A stylish diving watch that promises a water resistance of 200m. You can choose between two models: one with a black dial accompanied by a black Norteq case and another one with a blue dial.