Rolex Submariner
Price: $10,100 USD; Case Size: 41mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Rolex 3235 Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Rolex Submariner might be the most famous wristwatch of all time, and deservedly so. The Submariner was first released in 1954 as one of the first true dive watches (the Blancpain Fifthy Fathoms was released just a few months earlier). Instantly recognizable on your wrist, the Submariner is a very wearable 41mm. As a true dive and “tool” watch it is also water resistant to 300 meters. The current Submariner, Ref. 126610LN, runs on Rolex’s in-house Caliber 3235 movement, which boasts an impressive 70-hour power reserve.
Glashütte Original SeaQ
Price: $9,000 USD; Case Size: 39.5mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Glashütte 39-11 Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
In our review of the Glashütte Original SeaQ we asked whether the SeaQ was a worthy competitor to the Rolex Submariner. We concluded that it was. If you want a high-end dive watch that is slimmed down and readily available, check out the Glashütte SeaQ. At 39.5 millimeters the SeaQ offers something a little bit smaller than the Submariner. The SeaQ is powered by Glashütte’s in-house Calibre 39-11 automatic movement which has a power reserve of 40-hours.
Seiko Prospex Land Turtle SRPE03
Price: $625 USD; Case Size: 45mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: 4R36 Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The most recognizable Seiko dive watches are probably their Prospex “Turtle” models, such as the SRPE03 (for its price we’d argue that Seiko is one of the best watch brands). The turtle moniker is just a collector nickname, referencing the oblong and rounded case of the watch. This gives off some great vintage vibes and adds character to the watch. Seiko has not been shy to offer copious models that utilize the turtle case, and that’s just fine with us. For anyone that is looking for a diver for under $1,000 USD, be sure to check out the Seiko Prospect “Turtle”.