So you’re looking to start a watch collection and you’ve decided to start with a diver. Great start! A perfect mix of sporty and classy, a dive watch is an essential part of any watch collection. These versatile watches can be worn across any occasion and can be purchased at great values. Here are our top picks for dive watches under $600:
For a quick primer on some of the things you’ll see in the “Specs” section of each watch, check out our post on watch sizing.
1. Seiko 5 SRPD63
It should come as a surprise to no one that a Seiko watch is atop this list. Known for reliability and value, Seiko produces quality watches and this diver is absolutely no exception.
This forest green model is our personal favorite, but this watch is offered in a variety of colors and styles. The blue dial version is classy and elegant while the orange dial version is bright and vibrant, but there’s just something about this combination of green and gold that speaks to me.
This watch comes complete with day and date functions and has monstrous lumen that will catch anyone’s eye in the dark.
With a case diameter of 42.5mm, this watch should fit comfortably on most average-sized wrists. It has a screw-down crown and 100 meters of water resistance, so you can feel confident wearing it almost anywhere.
The Specs:
- Case Diameter: 42.5mm
- Lug to lug: 46.0mm
- Case Thickness: 13.4mm
- Lug width: 22.0mm
- Water resistance: 10 bar (100 meters)
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Movement: Caliber 4R36
- Power reserve: 41 hours
2. Orient Kamasu
Like Seiko, Orient is known for its value-oriented offerings, so it should be no surprise that the Kamasu is one of the best values on the market.
As if the value wasn’t enough of a reason to grab this Orient, it’s incredibly well-designed, too. The pop of red on the second hand contrasts nicely against the deep blue dial, and the simplicity of the hour markers and writing on the dial aren’t at all distracting.
A true no-nonsense dive watch, the Kamasu, along with many other Orient watches, is a great and very affordable place to start or build upon a new collection.
The Specs:
- Case Diameter: 41.8mm
- Lug to lug: 47mm
- Case thickness: 12.8mm
- Lug width: 22.0mm
- Water resistance: 20 bar (200 meters)
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Movement: Caliber F6922
- Power reserve: 40 hours
3. Vaer D5 Tropic
A newer entrant to the watch market, Vaer is a California-based watchmaker using Japanese and Swiss movements. This eye-catching D5 Tropic sports a Japanese Miyota 9039 movement and is assembled in the USA. Finding automatic dive watches under $600 is enough of a challenge. Finding them with dials like this is near impossible.
Paying homage to the 1960’s, this Tropic dial packs a punch. The black bezel contrasts against the white border of the dial to create a near 3D effect on the face. The watch lumes around the inner border of the dial and on the non-numerical markings on the bezel, creating a distinct look in the dark.
This D5 diver has a date function, screw-down crown, a tried and tested movement, and a see-through case back that lets you see how all the magic happens. Vaer offers a wide range of straps to let you alter the look and feel of your watch, but with how this one comes out of the box, it’s unlikely you’ll want to change a thing.
The Specs:
- Case Diameter: 39.0mm
- Lug to lug: 48mm
- Case thickness: 11.6mm (13.7mm with crystal)
- Lug width: 20.0mm
- Water resistance: 20 bar (200 meters)
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Movement: Miyota 9039
- Power reserve: 40 hours
4. Tissot Seastar (ref. T1204071104103)
This Tissot Seastar is an absolutely incredible value at its price. Sporting a classic diver look with a timeless blue dial, its hard to ask for more from a diver at this price.
Perhaps the biggest difference between this Tissot and some of the other selections on this list is the movement that this brings to the table. The Powermatic 80 movement has an incredible 80 hour power reserve.
Nearly double the industry standard 40 hours, this Seastar makes a great member of a multi-watch collection. Set it and forget about it – this Tissot won’t hold it against you if you’re sharing your wrist with other pieces.
The Specs:
- Case Diameter: 43.0mm
- Lug to lug: 43mm
- Case thickness: 12.7mm
- Lug width: 21.0mm
- Water resistance: 30 bar (300 meters)
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Movement: Powermatic 80
- Power reserve: 80 hours
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking to add a dive watch to your collection and are able to pick up any of these watches, you absolutely should. Each piece has its own character and brings hard-to-beat value to the table. These watches are rugged, sporty, and getting any of these dive watches under $600 seems like a cheat code. Whether you’re looking for an affordable automatic watch or just one that looks good, these pieces have what you need.
