With a new year coming close it’s time to look back at what the past year(s) had to offer us for the top 10 dive watches for 2017. Still one of the most popular type of watch for many reasons. Everyone should have at least one decent diver in their collection as they go with nearly any occasion. Rugged as they are they are the ultimate tool watch and can withstand any situation.
So you will never have to worry about your watch no matter what you do. Wether you’re only desk diving or exploring some stunning reefs somewhere on the globe. So here we go and present you our top 10 diving watches of 2017 and earlier. The best thing is that we made a selection ranging from just under 1.000 euro to well over 10K which should suit nearly any watch budget. Once again presented in alphabetical order.
Blancpain Tribute to Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec
Together with some other of our favourites in this top 10, the “Tribute to Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC” is a re-edition of iconic models from the past. This limited edition of 500 pieces is fitted with a water-tightness indicator which was found on the designs of the 1950’s MIL-SPEC 1. Adapted to modern times this model features all characteristics of a dedicated dice watch based on the original 1953 Fifty Fathoms. The unidirectional rotating bezel is covered in scratch-resistant sapphire which is a Blancpain innovation first seen in 2003. Available on a stainless steel bracelet, canvas strap and nato bracelet which would be our choice as it comes closest to the watch it’s inspired on.
Stainless steel case of 40.3 mm, in-house calibre 1151, 100-hours of power reserve and waterproof up to 300 meter. Priced around 14.000 USD for the Nato version.
More info on the Blancpain website.
Doxa Sub 300 Professional
For those who like some colour on the wrist make sure to check out the Doxa 300 Professional. As most of the watches that made it into our top 1, Doxa also has a rich history and has been around for at least 50 years. In 2017 they celebrate the comeback of the iconic Doxa Sub 300 with a remake of the original.
Stainless steel case of 42.5 mmm, ETA calibre 2848-2 with COSC certification, 38-hours of power reserve and waterproof up to 500 meter. Priced at 2.490 USD (around 2.100 Euro).
More info on the Doxa website.
Longines Legend Diver Milanese
Within the Heritage collection of Longines there are many great watches to be found. The Legend Diver watch with the new mesh or milanese bracelet sure makes a great combo. Although we regret to see the other version without the date window has left their collection the Legend Diver still made it in our top 10. Unlike most of the other divers this watch features an inner rotating bezel which is adjusted but the second crown on the right side of the case.
Stainless steel case of 42mmm, calibre L633, 38-hours of power reserve and waterproof up to 300 meter. Priced around 1.900 Euro.
More info on the Longines website.
Omega Seamaster 300M Co-Axial 41mm
Paying tribute to Omega’s maritime legacy and dive watch heritage the Seamaster 300M features a great design that ticks all the boxes of what you expect on a dive watch. Our preferred model is the blue configuration which comes with a deep blue dial and a matching scratch resistant ceramic bezel. Presented on a stainless steel bracelet you will find a selection of other straps which will fit this watch, neatly presented on the website. Especially the 5 stripe grey and blue nylon (nato) strap looks amazingly well in our opinion.
Stainless steel case of 41mmm, in-house Co-Axial calibre 2500, 48-hours of power reserve and waterproof up to 300 meter. Priced around 3.400 Euro.
More info on the Omega website.
Oris Diver Sixty-Five
Oris also dived back in time and presents their Oris Divers Sixty-Five collection. The revival of an iconic diver’s watch which first appeared in the collection some 50 years ago. The Oris Diver Sixty-Five shares the retro looks of the 1960’s original which is modernised 21st century watchmaking techniques. The case is made of anti-corrosive stainless steel. The vintage-inspired bubble-curved glass is made of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and comes with anti-reflective coating on the inside to reduce glare and increase legibility underwater. Our preferred model is the silver dial with the rubber ‘tropical’ strap.
Stainless steel case of 42mmm, Oris calibre 733 based on SW 200-1, 38-hours of power reserve and waterproof up to 100 meter. Priced around 1.950 CHF.
More info on the Oris website.
Rolex Submariner 116610
Clearly one of the most iconic divers and we prefer this model over the Sea-dweller. Especially the new version which despite it’s cool single red writing comes with a cyclops (something that has never been featured) and an oversized case. So the Submariner makes it into our top 10 as favourite Rolex diver. Having an adjustable clasp this watch easily adjusts to suit your wrist under all conditions. The Submariner is just one of those watches that suit every occasion and the design is just spot-on.
904L Stainless steel case of 40mm, in-house calibre 3130 with COSC certification, 48-hours of power reserve and waterproof up to 300 meter. Priced around 7.500 Euro.
More info on the Rolex website.
Seiko Prospex SLA017
Paying hommage to Seiko’s first dive watch which was made in 1965 they presented the Prospex SLA017. This re-creation remained faithful to the original design while it was updated to modern technology. Featuring the calibre 8L35 which was specially designed for diving purposes. As this is a limited edition which might be hard to find at some point, Seiko also created 2 modernised versions. The Prospex SPB051 and SPB053 which also come at a budget friendlier price tag of between 900 and 1.100 Euro.
Stainless steel case of 39.9mmm, automatic in-house movement, 50-hours of power reserve and waterproof up to 200 meter. Priced around 3.800 Euro.
More info on the Seiko website.
Sinn U1S
When it comes to affordable watches Sinn is a company which you just should not surpass. With many great designs for their watches it’s no surprise we pick the U1S as one of our favourites. Made from high strength German submarine steel with an all black hard coating with contrasting hands and markers. The great thing is that you can choose from a variety of different configurations which allows for the perfect combo depending on your personal taste.
German submarine steel case of 44mmm, SW 200-1 movement, 38-hours of power reserve and waterproof up to 1.000 meter. Priced around 1.900 Euro depending on configuration.
More info on the Sinn website.
Squale 1521-026/A
The classic professional diver with the characteristic and famous “von Büren” case which can be found on many famous dive-watches over the decades. Squale supplied these to various famous and lesser knownSwiss brands. Clearly a recognition for the sheer quality of engineering and timeless design by Squale founder: Charles von Büren. Squale has been around since 1946 and has supplied many elite armed forces through the years.
316L Stainless steel case of 42mmm, ETA 2824-2 movement, about 38-hours of power reserve and waterproof up to 500 meter. Priced around 900 Euro depending on configuration.
More info on the Squale website.
Tudor Pelagos
From what was known as the poor mans Rolex back in the days, Tudor has managed to create an impressive and great looking collection over the years. Our favourite diver is the Tudor Pelagos which is a great example of a modern tool watch with historic influences. The typical ‘snowflake hands and matching hour markers just look great. As the watch is made in titanium the Pelagos keeps it’s weight limited. When you buy this watch it comes with an additional rubber strap which makes a great versatile combo. Our preferred model is the blue edition.
Titanium and steel case of 42mmm, in-house calibre MT5612, 70-hours of power reserve and waterproof up to 500 meter. Priced around 3.000 Euro.
More info on the Tudor website.
Let us know your thoughts and preferred models.
