StrapHabit's Top 12 Dive Watches

As we continue to look back at the first five years of the StrapHabit blog, I wanted to take a look at some of my favorite dive watches. The Diver's watch category is one of the most popular among watch collectors, and I love a good Dive watch. As I did with lume and affordable watches, I will list my favorite dive watches that have been reviewed on this blog (this is not a comprehensive list of all dive watches available). With that out of the way, let's get to the list!

If you already have a favorite dive watch, you can also view our favorite straps for all your watches at the links below and our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.
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12. Seiko Prospex Black Series Limited Edition (SLA035)

As you'll find out soon, Seiko makes some of my favorite dive watches. While it makes a lot of desirable affordable models, the SLA series of MarineMaster divers is a step above. While it's not called the MM300 anymore, SLA035 featured a higher beat rate movement as well as 300m of water resistance and the iconic monocoque case. Its lume also came out on the top of the best lume article.

The thing that kept it from finishing higher is that it is quite thick and top-heavy. It's a beast of a watch, but has great finishing and style. It also lends itself well to an all-black case.

11. Synchron Military Black Edition

10. Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Aquamarine Dream (ZO9293)

9. Seiko Prospex Fourth Gen Monster (SRPD25)

The original Seiko Orange Monster (SKX781) played an integral part in my getting hooked on Seiko dive watches. When Seiko produced an upgraded version, I had to try it out. While it had grown up a bit, with its metallic blue dial, it still had lots of attitude. This, combined with the fact that it's been a popular article meant that it had to be on the list.

8. Doxa SUB300T Whitepearl (840-10-011-23)

7. Islander Watch Sands Point Titanium Diver - ISL-161

6. Seiko Prospex Marinemaster (SJE099)

The "MM200" resolved one of the main issues I had with the MM300 mentioned earlier in the list: thickness. This 12.3mm dimension is one of the reasons that I preferred it over the 15.4mm thick SLA035 (as well as the less expensive SPB series).

On top of that, it has a beautiful dial and nice finishing. The bezel insert isn't ceramic or sapphire, but it performs a striking color shift in a different light. The movement isn't the 8L series in the SLA watches, but it still beats at 8 beats per second. I preferred it over the SPB when I reviewed them both together, but the price is a tough pill to swallow for a lot of people. Thus it didn't finish closer to the top of this list.

5. Citizen Promaster Challenge Diver Fujitsubo (NB6021-68L)

The Fujitsubo was one of my first Citizen watches. While the 62MAS narrowly beat it in a direct comparison, it shouldn't be overlooked. It's less expensive, is made from titanium, and features a great sliding clasp extension. Citizen has been making great moves, and I'm surprised that it's not more popular.

5. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph (2210.50.00)

The first-generation Planet Ocean watches are going to go down as classics. The chronograph is a Frederic Piguet movement with a column wheel and vertical clutch, making it a great value too.

3. Sinn U1 S (1010.020)

If you read my original review of the Sinn U1 S, you'll remember that I said it's the best dive watch available. So why did it only make it to number 3? I still think that it's the best watch for diving, but that doesn't make it my favorite overall watch that happens to be a diver. Also, that article was intentionally silly, as I have never actually gone diving before.

That being said, it's still the most legible watch that I've ever owned (if we ignore the camo version), and I love its example of form over function. I'm also one of the few who prefer it over the slimmer U50 as I think the large size lends better to its harsh style, and it's much better balanced than the similarly hardcore MM300 (see the comparison here).

2. Seiko Prospex SPBXXX "62MAS"

I previously said that the Seiko SPB143 was my favorite dive watch for around $1,000. While it didn't make the top spot on the list, I still feel that way. Other watches offer better value, but it's a very well-rounded platform, and popular for a reason. So much so that I also reviewed the Save the Oceans and Black Series models.

While Seiko recently made small improvements with its updated SPB453 model (see the changes here), I would recommend that someone choose their favorite variant based mainly on dial color. Prefer something a little smaller? Check out the white or black "slim willard" models.

1. Nodus Sector Deep Random Rob Limited Edition

To be honest, I originally bought this watch simply because I like Rob and the guys at Nodus. The fact that it's a great watch ended up being a bonus. While the Sector Deep comes in a number of cool colors, I loved how the bright orange color took me back to my original Seiko Monsters mentioned earlier. The clicks on the brushed stainless steel bezel are more precise and positive than watches costing double or triple this price (I'm talking to you, Seiko). Additionally, it wears better than a 42mm, 500m diver has any right to. Add in the Nodex clasp and a sapphire crystal with great AR all for under $600, and you have my favorite dive watch.