Dive watches are undoubtedly one of the most popular types of watches out there. Even if many dive watches never get near a shipwreck or the ocean depths, these robust and durable watches, designed specifically for underwater exploration, all have that cool, adventurous vibe we love… And since good diving watches don't necessarily have to break the bank, we've compiled a selection of five recently released models priced under €1,000… So you'll be ready for the summer holidays!
Certina DS Super PH500M
The iconic historical model Certina Diver DS PH500m was introduced a few months ago with a vivid orange dial and an “accordion” rubber strap. Now, the model is offered in a more versatile version with a black dial on a NATO strap (made from recycled #tide ocean plastic). As the name suggests, the watch is water-resistant up to 500 m. Inside the 43mm steel case is the automatic Powermatic 80 movement with an anti-magnetic Nivachron balance spring.
Quick facts: 43mm x 14.95mm - stainless steel case, sapphire crystal - unidirectional bezel with aluminum insert - water resistance 500m - automatic Powermatic 80 caliber, frequency 3 Hz, power reserve 80 hours - NATO strap - €870 - More information can be found at www.certina.com.
Citizen Promaster 200m NB6004
The new 46mm diving beast from Citizen is crafted in a lightweight titanium case treated with Citizen's Duratect technology and offers water resistance up to 200 meters. The unidirectional diver's bezel with knurling and embossed numerals is partially covered by the case and features trapezoidal indentations for maximum grip. The automatic caliber 9051 movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and has a power reserve of 42 hours.
Quick facts: 46mm super titanium case - unidirectional bezel - water resistance 200m - automatic caliber 9051, frequency 4 Hz, power reserve 42 hours - black polyurethane strap with an extension ripple and titanium buckle - also available on a titanium bracelet with a folding clasp - €695 on a strap - For more information, please visit www.citizenwatch.com.
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba 43mm
Presented this spring, the new version of the Khaki Scuba is crafted in a 43mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic insert. The crown and case back are screw-down, and the watch is water-resistant up to 300m. The automatic Hamilton H-10 caliber is essentially a version of the Swatch Group's reliable Powermatic 80 movement, featuring an 80-hour power reserve. As with the aforementioned Certina model, the Nivachron balance spring is anti-magnetic.
Quick facts: 43mm x 12.58mm steel case - unidirectional bezel with ceramic insert - water resistance 300m - automatic Hamilton H-10 caliber, frequency 3 Hz, power reserve 80 hours - black matte rubber strap with two-prong buckle or three-link brushed steel bracelet with folding clasp - €945 - Additional information at www.hamiltonwatch.com.
Jacques Bianchi JB200
In his workshop located near the Marseille port, Jacques Bianchi was acquainted with Jacques Mayol, Captain Cousteau, and his second assistant Albert Falco, and also repaired most of the Rolex watches for Comex divers. He also created his own brand, and in particular, diver's watches (1982) recognizable by the large silhouette of a frogman on the dial. The watches were sized at 42mm and had what is known as a “destro” profile. Now, this model has reappeared on Kickstarter in a modernized version, equipped with an automatic Seiko NH35 movement and available at an affordable price.
Quick facts: 42mm x 13.3mm - stainless steel case, sapphire crystal - unidirectional bezel - water resistance 200m - automatic Seiko NH35 caliber, frequency 3 Hz, power reserve 41 hours - tropic-style rubber strap with steel buckle - €595 (launch price on Kickstarter) - For more information, please visit www.jacquesbianchi.com.
Seiko Prospex Baby Tuna "SAVE THE OCEAN ANTARCTICA"
As part of the brand's environmental protection initiatives, Seiko recently released a special “Save the Ocean Antarctica” series, including this Prospex Baby Tuna model. The model stands out with its textured gradient icy blue dial. The iconic Seiko case measures 43mm. The crown, positioned at “4 o'clock,” is screw-down, and the water resistance is 200 meters. The watch features Hardlex crystal, and the movement is the automatic caliber 4R35 with a power reserve of 41 hours.
Quick facts: 43.2mm x 12.6mm - stainless steel case, Hardlex crystal - unidirectional bezel - water resistance 200m - automatic caliber 4R35, frequency 3 Hz, power reserve 41 hours - silicone strap with steel buckle - special, non-limited edition - €570 - Additional information at www.seikowatches.com.
