Best Dive Watches Under $200 [2021 Edition]

Are you looking for a wristwatch that is stylishly rugged but also useful? Would you like to know how long your dive times last but don’t have a reliable computer nor a lot of money to spend on a dive watch? If so, this guide is for you. Check our top picks of the best dive watches under 200 dollars.

The dive watches that have made it on our list have all the qualities you would want: stylish, shock-proof and water resistant. Whether you are snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, fishing, diving or going on a mountain trip, these watches are the real deal and will not break.

Best Dive Watches Under $200 – Comparison Table

Click on any of the models to go to their full description on this page.

Whether you are looking for an electronic watch or prefer automatic movements, the above watches have what you need. The list comprises of the best watches for diving. However, our top picks are:

• Best Quartz Dive Watch – Citizen Promaster Diver BN0151-09L
• Best Automatic Dive Watch – Orient Mako/Ray II

While we have tested various watches to come up with the list of the high quality cheap dive watches we have here, we don’t claim to have the most exhaustive list. If we have missed a diving watch that you love, let us know by commenting at the end of the article!

Best Dive Watches Under $200 – Reviews

#1 – Orient Mako II & Ray II Automatic

Specifications

• Luminous markers
• Day and date window
• 40-hour power reserve
• 22mm bandwidth
• 47mm lug-to-lug distance
• 13mm height
• 5mm case diameter
• Mineral crystal
• 120 click unidirectional bezel
• 200m (660ft) water resistance
• Certified ISO diver’s watch
• In-house Orient caliber F6922 movement, hand-winding, hacking

This year, the Orient Mako/Ray II took the crown for the best cheap dive watch from the Seiko SKX007.

While the SKX007 is more popular than the Orient Mako II at this time, the latter is a newer watch with better features. The Seiko SKX Series has reigned as the best diver watch under 200 for years but has started to age. The Orient has a better automatic movement and has the ability to hand-wind and hack. Moreover, it is more accurate and comes at a cheaper price than the Seiko SKX007.

The styling of the Orient Mako II is something that the SKX007 does not match. The Orient Mako features various high-quality details that any diver would want. For example, there are the applied markers, engraving on the watch crown and the embossed Orient logo. Available at a price of less than $200, this watch is really great.

We’ve reviewed the Orient Ray II (which has the same features as the Mako but instead of Roman numerals, has round markers) here: Orient Ray II Dive Watch Review.

Love big stylish dive watches? If so, you should check the Mako XL. The model may be old at time point but it still stylish and has a 44mm case diameter.

Variations of the Orient Mako /Ray II Watch

#2 – Seiko SKX Series Automatic

Specifications

• LumiBrite markers (provide excellent, long-lasting luminosity)
• Day and night date window
• 80g weight (no strap)
• 44-48hr power reserve
• 22mm band with
• 46mm lug-to-lug distance
• 25mm height
• 41mm case diameter
• Hardlex crystal (softer than sapphire but harder than mineral)
• Unidirectional bezel (120 clicks)
• 200m (660ft) water resistance
• Certified ISO diver’s watch
• 7s26 mechanical movement

You can read our full review of the SKX007 here.

Without a doubt, the Seiko SKX007 is the most popular diver under 200 dollars. The watch has long been at the helm of the best dive watches under $200 for years. This explains why it has an almost cult-like following among divers. When you ask for recommendations of the best mechanical watches for beginners, the SKX007 is likely to be mentioned.

While the Orient Mako/Ray may have taken the crown of the best cheap dive watch on the market from the SKX Series, the SKX007 is still amazing. The watch is aging but is still one of the pieces we recommend.

The SKX007 focuses on one main thing: provide maximum visibility of the dial during diving.

However, most people that buy the Seiko SKX007 do not go underwater with it. Instead, they simply purchase it because it is waterproof and looks stylish when worn.

The SKX007 is designed for harsh conditions. You can subject it to a whole range of abuse, including wearing it when painting, diving, doing engine work, and power sanding and it will not flinch in performance. Apart from a few scratches that the crystal is bound to experience, the watch will look great. Check the current price of the SKX007K on Amazon.

You can also go for the SKX007K2 that has a stainless steel bracelet. However, many people complain about the poor quality of the bracelet (check complaints here).

Most people who buy the SKX007 end up switching its bracelet with the Strapcode Super Oyster. This bracelet surpasses the Seiko bracelet in terms of quality and comfort.

We highly recommend the Strapcode Super Oyster, as you can read from our review here. This bracelet is a must-have if you intend to use your Seiko SKX Series watches for diving and other outdoor activities.

The only downside you should be aware of the Strapcode Super Oyster bracelet is that it lacks a dive extension clasp. Therefore, fitting it when wearing thick gloves would be impossible.

Bottom Line: If you want the SKX007 but with a high-quality bracelet, go for the cheaper version. From there, replace its bracelet with the Strapcode bracelet.

Below are the variations of the Seiko SKX Series watches.

Variations of the Seiko SKX Watches

#3 – Citizen BN0151-09L Promaster Diver

Specifications

• Luminous hands, markers
• Date window
• 20mm bandwidth
• 49mm lug-to-lug distance
• 12mm thick
• 43mm case diameter
• Mineral crystal
• Unidirectional bezel (60 clicks)
• 200m (660ft) water resistance
• Certified ISO diver’s watch
• Citizen Eco-Drive E168 quartz movement powered by solar

Regardless of your budget, you will find a Citizen Eco-Drive powered watch that suits your requirements. If you are looking for a cheap dive watch, then the BN0151-09L is your best choice. This is the best quartz dive watch under $200.

What is Eco-Drive?

Citizen manufactures watches whose quartz movement are powered by solar. The solar-powered quartz movement is what is referred to as Eco-Drive. The watches’ dials are small solar panels. Therefore, when you leave them in the light occasionally, they will charge. You will not have to change the watches’ batteries ever.

The Promaster case is circular with protrusions of the crown guards/crown and the lugs. This is definitely a ‘tuna can’ style diver. Check the full Citizen Promaster Diver BN0151-09L review here.

The BN0151-09L features a beautiful blue lume. If you would like the watch but prefer a black dial, check out the BN0151-28E version.

Variations of Citizen Promaster Dive Watches

#4 – Luminox Navy Seal Colormark 3050 Series

Specifications

• Night Vision Tubes (have a lifespan of 25 years)
• Day and date window
• 23mm band width
• 80mm height
• 44mm case diameter
• Hardened case diameter
• Unidirectional bezel (120 clicks(
• 200m (660ft) water resistance
• Certified ISO diver’s watch
• Quartz movement

Like the name suggests, the Luminox Navy Seal Colormark was developed specifically for Navy Seals. The watch first appeared on the market in 1994 and since then, it has been continuously updated. The watch features a rugged bezel and polyurethane case and can withstand regular use in the harshest conditions.

The Colormark watches stand out from the list of the best dive watches under 200 dollars with their blue and green night vision tubes that illuminate the hands and dial.

A mild radioactive gas powers the vision tubes. Therefore, you do not need to put the watch in bright light for the tubes to recharge. The tubes have a lifespan of 25 years. You can rest assured that your watch not being visible when you are outdoors or diving at night.

From its style, it’s clear that this Luminox watch is not for everyone, especially those that favor a ‘dressy’ diver. However, if you are an outdoor enthusiast like a diver, you will love it.

Most of the 3050 series watches are available under $200 and come in different colors.

Variations of the Luminox Colormark 3050 Series

Best Dive Watches Ever

Still looking for the best dive watch? Get out the guides below:

• Best Women’s Dive Watches
• Best Dive Watches Under $1000
• Best Dive Watches Under $500
• Best Dive Watches Under $100