Diving watches are no longer "only" suitable as a practical companion for hobby divers or diving professionals. Of course, they still are and they are becoming lighter, more robust and more practical. But they are at least as much true classics among wristwatches. Not only Submariner, Seamaster, Black Bay, Aquatimer or Superocean are world-famous and just as indispensable for watch collectors as they are for style-conscious men (and women). Almost every Swiss watch brand or the well-known Japanese watch manufacturers inspire with diving watch models. Technically, they impress with features such as extremely high water resistance, high corrosion resistance and a depth gauge. The timeless, simple yet sophisticated design ensures that diver's watches are consistently among the best-selling watch types from brands such as Oris and Seiko.
Functions of a diver's watch: Water resistance in 1st place
It's time for the beach vacation again - for those who don't want to part with their beloved wristwatch, choosing a waterproof diving watch is probably the best option. Diving deep into the ocean without worrying about the safety of the watch becomes a breeze with water resistance of at least 200 meters. This attribute is the most important feature of a diving watch since the watch should survive a deep and long dive effortlessly.
Other functions of diving watches may include:
- Rotating bezel
A rotating bezel helps the diver to determine the exact dive time. The bezel is rotated according to the planned dive time before the dive so that this can be kept in view during the dive. Diving watch bezels can only be rotated in one direction. If the dive time is inadvertently adjusted due to external influences, it will be shorter and not longer in case of doubt - an important safety feature.
- Robustness, scratch resistance and corrosion resistance
In diving watches, the display is concealed behind robust and scratch-resistant glass such as sapphire crystal; it is also highly resistant to corrosion. Special coatings and alloys prevent the watch from tarnishing. This means that diver's watches are durable and remain of high quality even with frequent use in and around water.
- Practical depth measurement
Some diving watches indicate the current water depth - and therefore also the diver wearing them. This makes it easy to determine the exact depth during a dive.
Diver's watches are not just a highlight for water sports enthusiasts
Thanks to their sporty, classic design and clearly legible dial, diver's watches are not only popular for their functions.
- Highlight 1: The design
Away from water sports, watch enthusiasts focus on the chic design. Diver's watches are often presented in a colour scheme that is reminiscent of the infinite blue of the ocean (also known as blue-red, often called "Pepsi") and is pleasantly softened by white or silver accents. Other models stick to timeless colours such as anthracite, white and black. Depending on the design, a diver's watch therefore suits different styles and character types. At first glance, it is not obvious that it is actually a special watch for diving - which is why it often tops the bestseller lists of the respective brand.
- Highlight 2: Comfort
Recreational athletes and outdoor fans who have nothing to do with diving or swimming also love the practical comfort straps made of rubber or silicone, which do not slip even during intensive sporting activities. This quickly transforms the actual diving watch into a jogging or hiking watch! Alternatively, diving watches are available with timelessly chic metal straps that give the watch an elegant charm and sit firmly on the wrist thanks to a secure folding clasp. This also proves to be practical and useful in everyday life.
Brands with popular diving watches
Tissot, Oris and Seiko are among the brands that stand out with their high-quality diving watches. The manufacturers are not stingy when it comes to functions or design variety - on the contrary, they outdo each other time and time again.
The Tissot Seastar 1000 automatic diver's watch alone is available in six different versions. Rubber strap or stainless steel, eye-catching blue or understated black? The choice is up to the watch enthusiast or diver. What all models have in common is a power reserve of up to 80 hours, an extra-scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a water resistance of 30 bar
The Aquis Date Relief model from Oris can keep up with this: Also water-resistant to 30 bar and equipped with a robust case, the design is clearly orientated towards the conditions of the sea. The relief-like numerals imitate the texture of the water, while the grey dial symbolises the often rough and volatile sea. The model comes with a choice of a bright red or grey rubber strap, but there is also a version made of elegant stainless steel.
The Seiko ProspexSea PADI Divers Automatic Baby Turtle is also available in three versions, one of which inevitably attracts everyone's attention with its blue and red unidirectional rotating bezel. In addition to the inviting look, functions such as a magnifying date display, a 41-hour power reserve and luminous indices ensure that the time is immediately visible even in the depths of the ocean.
Innovative smartwatches for divers
In addition to the classic diving watches, some of which have been around for more than 90 years, modern smartwatches also include diving watches for hobby divers and professionals, which have an unrivalled number of measurement values such as pulse, oxygen saturation, pressure and more. Examples include the Garmin Descent MK2s diving watch or the Garmin MARQ watches.
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