1. Orient Kamasu
The Orient Kamasu is a highly regarded dive watch known for its excellent build quality and value. It features a 41.8mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a date function. The dial is available in multiple colors, including blue, black, and green, and has luminous hands and markers for enhanced visibility underwater. With a water resistance of 200 meters, it is suitable for recreational diving. The Kamasu is powered by a reliable Orient in-house automatic movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping.
2. Citizen BN0190-07E
Citizen is known for its quality watches, and the BN0190-07E is no exception. This dive watch features a 44mm stainless steel case with a black ion-plated bezel. The dial is black with large, easy-to-read numerals and hands that are coated with luminous material for optimal visibility. The watch is powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, which means it is solar-powered and does not require a battery. With a water resistance of 200 meters, it is suitable for most water activities.
3. Seiko Turtle PADI SRPA21
The Seiko Turtle PADI SRPA21 is a special edition dive watch that celebrates the partnership between Seiko and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). It features a 45mm stainless steel case with a blue and red bezel, reminiscent of the PADI logo. The watch has a vibrant blue dial with luminescent hands and markers for enhanced legibility. The SRPA21 is powered by Seiko’s reliable automatic movement and has a water resistance of 200 meters, making it suitable for recreational diving.
4. Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Diver
The Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Diver is a rugged and durable dive watch that is built to withstand extreme conditions. It features a 45mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a vibrant yellow dial. The hands and markers are coated with luminescent material for optimal visibility in low-light conditions. The watch is powered by a Swiss quartz movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping. With a water resistance of 200 meters and shock resistance, it is suitable for both diving and other outdoor activities.
5. Certina DS Action Precidrive
The Certina DS Action Precidrive is a Swiss-made dive watch known for its precision and reliability. It features a 43mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a black dial with luminescent hands and markers. The watch is powered by the Certina Precidrive quartz movement, which offers impressive accuracy. With a water resistance of 300 meters, it is suitable for both recreational and professional diving.
6. Tissot Seastar
The Tissot Seastar is a classic dive watch that combines style, functionality, and value. It features a 43mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a black dial with luminescent hands and markers. The watch is powered by an automatic movement and has a date function. With a water resistance of 300 meters, it is suitable for serious diving enthusiasts.
7. Glycine Combat Sub GL0093
The Glycine Combat Sub GL0093 is a vintage-inspired dive watch that offers a unique and stylish design. It features a 42mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a black dial with vintage-looking hour markers. The watch is powered by an automatic movement and has a date function. With a water resistance of 200 meters, it is suitable for recreational diving.
8. Orient Mako II Dive Watch
The Orient Mako II is a popular and affordable dive watch known for its reliability and quality. It features a 41.5mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a black dial with luminescent hands and markers. The watch is powered by an automatic movement and has a date function. With a water resistance of 200 meters, it is suitable for recreational diving.
9. Orient Ray II Dive Watch
The Orient Ray II is another highly regarded dive watch from Orient. It features a 41.5mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a black dial with luminescent hands and markers. The watch is powered by an automatic movement and has a date function. With a water resistance of 200 meters, it is suitable for recreational diving.
10. Seiko Prospex Turtle (SRP777)
The Seiko Prospex Turtle (SRP777) is a reissue of the iconic Seiko divers’ watch from the 1970s. It features a 44mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a black dial with luminescent hands and markers. The watch is powered by Seiko’s reliable automatic movement and has a day-date function. With a water resistance of 200 meters, it is suitable for recreational diving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several excellent automatic dive watches available for under $500 that offer reliable performance, durability, and style. Whether you are a serious diver or simply looking for a reliable timepiece for everyday wear, these watches provide excellent value for money. From the Orient Kamasu to the Seiko Prospex Turtle, each watch on this list has its own unique features and design that cater to different preferences. So, if you’re in the market for an affordable dive watch, these options are definitely worth considering.