Top 5 Luxury Watches for Divers

Top Five Luxury Watches for Divers (photo: Rolex)

While there are likely more dive watches sold internationally than there are deep sea divers in the world, these timepieces are quite popular amongst watch enthusiasts. In the past few decades, luxury watchmakers have melded the utility of tool watches with the finishings of high end timepieces to create some of the most sought after wristwatches on the market today. 

I have chosen five stand out dive watches that represent the best synthesis of sports and luxury in one timepiece. While there are many great diver's watches from these and other watchmakers that did not make this list, these represent the best value for a diver who wants a luxury watch or a luxury watch lover who wants a dive watch. All of the watches below retail from approximately $6,000 US to just over $15,000. 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver (Reference# 15710)

Featuring the beautiful finishings of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with the functionality of an ISO certified diver's watch, the Offshore Diver features a brushed steel 42 mm case with an octagonal bezel and black rubber strap. It has a depth rating of 300 meters and a unique internal unidirectional rotating bezel controlled by a crown at the 10 o'clock position. It is fitted with a 3120 movement with a 60 hour power reserve. With a retail price just over $15,000 US, this is the highest priced dive watch on this list. However, with the watchmaker's attention to detail and the stunning 'Mega Tapisserie' pattern on the black dial, it is well worth the price tag for those willing to invest in a luxury dive watch.

Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Titanio

Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Titanio (PAM305) 

While you could consider most Panerai watches dive watches based on their historical ties to the Italian Navy, the PAM 305 shown above is the best representation of Panerai's classic 1950 case with the functionality of a superb diver's watch. The 47 mm brushed grade 5 titanium case houses a P.9000 automatic movement with a 3 day power reserve. It has a depth rating of 300 meters and features a unidirectional rotating bezel with a graduated scale. This is a large and substantial dive watch with a very legible display. It features a clear case back and Panerai's patented crown guard. The retail price for this piece is approximately $9,200 US, which is a good value for a watch of this size and caliber.

Omega Seamaster 300 Spectre Limited Edition 

Omega Seamaster 300 Spectre Limited Edition on Nato Strap 

For fans of the 007 film franchise, Omega has released a limited edition version of their Seamaster 300 specifically designed for the film. It is the first time they offer a timepiece that is actually shown on the character in the film. It comes with a Nato strap and stainless steel bracelet, both inscribed with a 007 in this limited run. The 41 mm case features a bi-directional rotating bezel with a 12 hour scale on it. With a depth rating of 300 meters and push release extension system on the bracelet, this watch accommodates divers wearing a thick wetsuit. The seconds hand on this piece has a lollypop shape, unique to this configuration. It is fitted with an 8400 movement that is visible through the clear case back. This Seamaster is priced at around $6,000 US. 

Rolex Deepsea

Rolex Deepsea (Reference # 116660)

Although Rolex's Submariner model is arguably their most renown dive watch, it is their Deepsea model that truly embodies the watchmaker's dedication to creating the ultimate dive watch. This model features a 44 mm case, a helium escape valve and a Ringlock System case architecture that gives it a depth rating of 3,900 meters. It has a ceramic bezel with a 60 minute graduated scale and they Oyster bracelet comes with an extension system that increases the bracelet size to fit over a wetsuit. Equipped with a 3135 movement, the Deepsea has a power reserve of 48 hours. The suggested retail price for this timepiece is approximately $11,831 US.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5015

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 5015

The final timepiece on this list is the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 5015. This impressive dive watch features a unique curved sapphire crystal bezel on its 45 mm steel case with a cupped solid case back. The black dial is clean and clear with a date aperture between the 4 and 5 o'clock hour markings. Fitted with a 1315 automatic movement, it has a depth rating of 300 meters and a power reserve of 120 hours. The design aesthetic of this dive watch is unique and ideal for keeping time in the dark and in the deep. It retails for approximately $11,000 US and comes with a canvas strap.