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30.04.2021 7:19:16
They're designed for deep-sea diving — but certainly merit everyday wear.
See full version: The Best Dive Watches of 2021 Are Worth the Investment
They're designed for deep-sea diving — but certainly merit everyday wear.
In their first iterations in the 1920s, dive watches marked an important milestone. Advancements in water resistance helped popularize the use of the wristwatch (vs. the more typical pocket watch) by making them much more durable and practical for everyday wear. In the 1950s, when scuba diving was gaining popularity as a recreational sport, the dive watch became a truly necessary tool for keeping track of time while descending deep underwater, particularly when worn in tandem with a depth gauge. And as advancements in diving equipment and technology allowed for deeper dives, the watch industry kept pace with greater and greater ingenuity. here
A nod to the heroism of the Royal Italian Navy, the grit of the long-distance channel swimmer, and even Jacques Cousteau’s spirit of exploration, dive watches manage to be inherently inspiring.
Today, for a watch to be to be officially certified as a "dive watch," it must meet strict guidelines from the International Organization for Standardization. A few of these essential elements: water resistance to a minimum of 100 meters, particular levels of visibility and legibility in total darkness, magnetic, shock, and chemical resistance, and a glowing second hand that indicates that the watch is working, even in complete darkness. And while most of the watches here were designed specifically to pass these tests, they're also incredibly good-looking—so it's entirely reasonable to fall in love with these watches purely for their dry-land aesthetics.
This year, many brands are looking to the past to interpret important heritage models, and a few took the concept of modern dive watch to new places entirely. Read on for the top dive watches of 2019, but be warned: Picking just one favorite will be tough.
High up on the list of vintage diver reissues done right, this Mido is as close as a watch can get to perfection. Not only has the roulette-esque decompression timer been faithfully re-created in the most pleasing pastel shades possible, but the overall case design and 40.5mm sizing has been scaled up to modern tastes without encroaching on the retro vibe. The 80-hour COSC-certified movement seals the deal. more
The Rado Captain Cook is a firm fan favourite, inspired by one of the earliest dive watches from the brand in 1962. Featuring a steel case that guarantees the watch to 300m of water resistance and an attractive green dial and bezel combo, this 2020 release has a couple of exciting new features. In addition to the three-link bracelet, the watch also arrives with a supple leather strap and a hard- wearing fabric NATO. A true triple threat for the wrist. [links]
Ref No: SPB149J
Case size: 40.5mm
Case material: steel
Movement: 6R35
Price: $1995
Previously a concept watch that escaped the grasp of most of the brand’s fans, Ming has finally introduced a production version of their long-awaited dive watch. The design maintains the distinct Ming look and feel – but with a sporty twist. The watch has luminescent coatings applied to its hands, dial, and even its bezel, earning the watch the uno fficial nickname: “The Tron Diver”. The watch comes in two variations. The first is untreated grade 5 titanium, that can be paired with either their quick-release stainless-steel bracelet or rubber strap. The second is a Black DLC-treated grade 5 titanium case on a matching black rubber strap. Yet behind the stylish looks, this is a serious diver that’s water resistant to 1000m. [links]
The 43.5 mm case of this elegant titanium automatic diver is made of titanium with a super-hard coating for enhanced strength; the distinctive white dial framed by a black and gray rotating bezel provides high visibility in all conditions. The contrasting black silicone strap has expansion ribs for a secure, comfortable fit on the surface or at depth.
A faithful reimagining of a renowned timepiece with modern technology. more
This special edition Prospex pays tribute to explorers who rely on Seiko watches in the most extreme conditions. Built for the ice diver, it also honors Seiko’s renowned 2007 diver’s watch, with a re-imagining of the wide case and broad numerals on the rotating bezel. It has a textured gray face with a magnified calendar date window and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. [links]
Stainless tri-fold clasp with secure lock and extender for easy fit over wetsuit. [links]
Sporting a diamond-like-coating on its stainless case, this dive watch is perfect for everyday use or serious scuba diving. Depth-rated to 200 meters, it also features a depth display and max depth memory down to 50 meters. The black dial has a one-second chronograph and power reserve indicator, and can show time in 12- and 24-hour formats.
Good Design as awarded by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.
Just Get This: Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight
The Smart Spend: Seiko SKX007
Helium escape valve: Not a requirement, but useful on dive watches worn at particularly deep depths or worn by saturation divers. Breathing gas worn by these divers contains helium, which is so small it can work its way into a watch case. The valve allows this gas to escape once the diver has surfaced. If it were not there the helium could blow off the crystal from the watch case due to buildup and expansion at surface pressure.
For almost as long as watches have been worn on wrists, watchmakers have strived to make them function in places they probably shouldn’t, and nowhere is that pursuit more glorified than it is regarding the dive watch. How could it not be? Imagine a tiny network of gears and springs, working flawlessly, shielded from the relentless pressure of the ocean and surrounded by an unfathomable amount of water.