We’re now officially in the thick of summer, and with the temperatures steadily climbing you’re likely going to be spending a lot of time by the water. And for that, you can’t go wrong with a dive watch strapped to your wrist. Below, I’ve rounded up 5 of my favorite, all-around dive watches—all under *$5,000.
(*That’s retail, of course. Shop around. You can always find a deal.)
Seiko SRP777 “Turtle” – $495
I included the “Turtle” in my last article, The 10 Best Watches Under $1,000, and I’m slotting it in here, too. Yeah, it’s just that good.
Based on Seiko’s historic 6309 diver from years past, the SRP777 reissue is a solid diver’s watch even by today’s standards, tying together build quality, looks, and value into one neat, little package. It can be your weekend beater (the watch you won’t mind bumping around while doing some yard work or firing up the grill), or it can be your daily driver. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Click here for the full review on wornandwound.
DOXA SUB 1200T Professional – $1,890
A DOXA once graced the wrist of oceanic explorer Jacques Cousteau—that is to say, if it was good enough for him, then it’s sure to serve you well. From the dramatic orange dial and graphic hands to the ergonomic cushion case, the SUB 1200T looks as though it’s been pulled straight from the archives. This one’s sure to be a conversation starter.
Click here for the full review on wornandwound.
Oris Divers Sixty-Five – $2,100
Another heritage piece, the Oris Divers Sixty-Five is a great choice for anyone who prefers a more svelte design to larger, thicker divers. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in solid specs that punch well above its asking price. Plus, it’s super versatile, too. Wear it to the beach or wear it to the office—it won’t look out of place.
Click here for the full review on wornandwound.
Sinn U1 S E – $2,390
The U1 is Sinn’s quintessential dive watch chock-full of the brand’s impressive engineering and know-how, and the U1 S E is a tactical take on that concept. This thing is an absolute tank. It’s made of German submarine steel (known for its properties against corrosion and magnetism) it’s tegimented (surface-hardened for greater scratch resistance), and the case is rated to 1,000 meters. This is overkill done right.
Click here for the full review on wornandwound.
Tudor Pelagos LHD – $4,400
Tudor, Rolex’s sister company, has been the it brand for the past couple of years, cornering the sub-$5,000 dive watch market with its impressive Black Bay series. But the 500-meter Pelagos is, in my opinion, the unsung hero of Tudor’s modern catalog, and the recent LHD (Left Hand Drive) edition is the star of the show. With its beautifully finished lightweight titanium case, nostalgic dial, and unique configuration, it’s a high-valued sports watch that you’re sure to enjoy year round.
Click here for the full review on wornandwound.
Ilya Ryvin is the managing editor at Worn & Wound, a leading source of information on value-driven watches. He is also a frequent reader and fan of the “Poor Man’s Watch Thread.”
