What Are 10 More Of The Best Dive Watches Under €1,000?

Two weeks ago, we brought you an article looking at some of the best dive watches under €1,000. Today, we’re continuing that feature with the second part.

Before I go further, I should note a few things that I found while researching these stories. First, I have been surprised at how many watches I once assumed fit in this category are now priced above it. Second, despite this fact, there are still many great options left. We are fortunate that with the rise of microbrands and independents, our choices have also grown.

The first article got a fair bit of feedback, so, as always, I would appreciate your suggestions in the comments section; I promise to read them. Without further ado, let’s continue the list we started in part one, starting with number 11.

11. Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro

Christopher Ward has built a reputation for delivering Swiss-spec dive watches at unusually competitive prices, and the C60 Trident Pro models might be the brand’s most convincing. These watches prioritize wearability while maintaining serious dive credentials. They offer 300m water resistance, ceramic bezel inserts, and slim case profiles for divers.

Inside beats the trusty Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement. What really elevates the Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro is its overall execution. The finishing is crisp, the bracelet features thoughtful micro-adjustment, and the dial design has been refined through years of feedback from the brand’s enthusiast community. In many ways, this watch represents the modern value proposition — direct-to-consumer pricing paired with specifications that rival watches costing significantly more. €750–950

12. Orient Kamasu

Orient often flies under the radar compared to its larger Japanese rivals, but the Kamasu has earned a reputation as one of the best entry-level mechanical dive watches available today. The watch features a 41.8mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, and a 200m depth rating. Inside beats an Orient’s in-house F6922 automatic movement, which includes both hacking seconds and hand-winding capability. For a watch in this price category, having a proprietary movement is particularly impressive.

The finishing is simple but honest, and the overall package feels solid and reliable. For newcomers to mechanical watches, the Kamasu is often recommended as a first serious dive watch — and for good reason. It’s an accessible gateway into the hobby that still offers genuine horological value. €250–350

13. Zelos Mako 40mm Diver

Zelos is one of the microbrands that helped redefine what collectors expect from affordable dive watches. The Mako is arguably Zelos’s signature model. This is a watch that I have seen firsthand, and I can attest to its attention to detail. At first glance, the watch stands out thanks to its bold design. Despite the creative aesthetics, it remains a serious tool. It features 300m water resistance, a sapphire crystal, and a robust Japanese automatic movement.

Prices vary quite a bit depending on material or design choices (from what I can see online). Generally speaking, the dial textures, applied indexes, and luminous materials are particularly impressive for the price point. Zelos has clearly focused on delivering enthusiast-level specifications. For collectors looking to add something distinctive to their watch box, the Mako proves that microbrands can still bring creativity to a category that often leans heavily on tradition. €500–800

14. Lorier Neptune

This is a watch that has done a very good job in bridging the design gap between the 1950s and the modern day. Few microbrands have captured the imagination of enthusiasts quite like Lorier. The brand’s Neptune diver is something of a cult favorite.  Measuring around 39mm in diameter, the case proportions feel almost perfectly judged. Rather than sapphire, Lorier intentionally opts for an acrylic crystal, which adds warmth and distortion reminiscent of vintage tool watches while remaining easy to polish if scratched.

Inside beats a dependable Miyota 90S5 automatic movement, offering reliability and easy servicing. With a 200m water resistance rating, a unidirectional bezel, and strong lume, the Neptune remains a capable dive watch despite its nostalgic character. More than anything, the watch succeeds because it feels authentic rather than derivative. The Neptune is a thoughtful and well-executed interpretation of a classic skin diver. €550–650

15. Casio G-Shock Frogman GW-8200TPF-1

Casio has produced many Frogman models, and some of these I found exceed our budget (but not all!). Part of the legendary Casio G-Shock family, it’s one of the few digital dive watches built specifically to meet ISO diving standards. The Frogman stands apart immediately thanks to its asymmetrical case design, which improves wrist comfort by preventing the watch from digging into the back of the hand. Like all G-Shocks, it’s engineered for extreme durability, with exceptional shock and water resistance. This particular example, the GW-8200TPF-1, provides some of that punchy design language for which the Frogman is famous. We get titanium hardware plus resin, and many of the core functions, including an alarm and a pretty unkillable solar-powered movement.

Modern Frogman models, like the GW-8200TPF-1, incorporate advanced functionality, such as solar charging, dive logging, depth measurement, and radio or GPS time synchronization, depending on the reference. Despite the technical complexity, the watch remains intuitive to use underwater. While its styling may be polarizing compared to traditional mechanical divers, the Frogman represents a different philosophy altogether. It’s not about nostalgia or heritage; it’s about building one of the toughest and most capable dive watches available today. There is a lot of variance among Frogman models, including some costing thousands of euros. However, this specific reference can be found for about €900.

16. Seiko Prospex SNJ025 “Arnie” Hybrid

This is one of those beautiful, ugly watches. It’s a reimagining of the original from the 1980s, which became known as the “Arnie” because the Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger wore it in multiple films. The modern version beefs up the specifications with modern tolerances but keeps the design language relatively close to the original.

The new watch has a large 47.9mm case diameter (from the original 45mm). But the tuna-can design of the case, being very round, makes it wear a little smaller even on my 6″ wrist (which is pictured above). The watch has a 200m depth rating and a wonderful bezel that is quite easy to navigate, even underwater. The case back also has the wonderful Seiko wave logo, which has adorned so many classic dive watches in the past. I have a huge soft spot for this watch, it’s just too big for my small wrists in day-to-day life. But if you’re after some of that analog-digital magic, this hybrid will have you covered. The best thing? At €470, the retail price is well within the €1,000 budget.

17. Unimatic Modello Uno UC1 Classic

Generally speaking, I have always appreciated the designs of Unimatic watches but found them rather bulky. Regardless, there will be many of you out there who appreciate a dive watch with a bit of heft, and one of the brand’s dive watches deserves to be on this list. I think it’s fair to say that few microbrands have embraced minimalist design quite like Unimatic. The U1 Classic strips the dive watch down to its essentials, resulting in a bold, highly legible tool with a distinctly modern aesthetic. The almost-sterile dial, oversized markers, and blocky hands give it a unique presence that stands apart from more traditional divers.

The 41.5mm case houses a reliable Seiko NH35 automatic movement and offers water resistance to 300 meters. A thick sapphire crystal and solid construction reinforce its tool-watch credentials. Despite its contemporary look, the U1 remains highly functional underwater. For those who want something minimalist but still rugged, Unimatic delivers a refreshing alternative. €750–815

18. Scurfa Diver One

Founded by a professional saturation diver, Scurfa Watches brings real-world experience into its designs. The Scurfa Diver One is perhaps the purest expression of a no-nonsense tool watch in this price category. Built around a Swiss quartz movement, it prioritizes reliability above all else. The Scurfa Diver series is an “if you know, you know” watch, to be sure.

The watch features a 40mm case, 300m water resistance, a sapphire crystal, and exceptional lume. What truly sets it apart is its purpose-driven design; everything is engineered for usability in harsh underwater conditions. It may lack the romance of mechanical watches, but as a functional dive instrument, it’s hard to fault. €250–350 (if you can get one!)

19. The Caravelle Sea-Hunter by Bulova 

This is a newcomer and an exciting re-edition of a vintage watch. The Caravelle Sea-Hunter by Bulova represents a powerful combination of excellent design chops and an affordable price tag.  A stainless steel 39mm case houses a 21-jewel automatic Miyota 8215-33E caliber. This provides 42 hours of power reserve, a date function, and hacking seconds. The watch has a 45.5mm lug-to-lug and a 14.3mm thickness, including the mineral crystal.

Looking at this watch, I am drawn to the way it pays homage to the original design from the 20th century. I think Bulova has done a great job with this watch, and I hope it becomes a hit for the brand and that we get to see even more watches with the Caravelle name. The prices of these seem to fluctuate, but I have seen this watch go for about €260–280, which I think is a bargain given the timeless look and design. I’m keen to get my hands on one.

20. CWC RN Quartz Divers Watch Mk.2

This is a case of certainly saving one of the best for last. OK, the watch pictured here is an automatic version, which exceeds our budget, but the brand does make quartz variants. These will not blow the budget, but they retain the design and specifications of the automatic versions. I have owned a CWC dive watch and can personally attest to how magical these watches are. Military-issued watches carry a different kind of appeal, and Cabot Watch Company (CWC) remains one of the few brands still supplying them. The CWC dive watch with a reliable quartz caliber is a direct descendant of watches used by the British Special Boat Service.

The design is stark and highly legible, with fixed strap bars, a bead-blasted case, and Super-LumiNova for the current version. Powered by a Ronda Swiss quartz movement, it emphasizes durability and precision over mechanical complexity. With a 300m water resistance rating, it’s a true military-grade tool. Around €700–900 will get you one of these watches, and I believe that is money well spent.

Concluding thoughts

There you have it, folks. Let me know if you feel I’ve missed any obvious choices here, but I must say I am particularly drawn to that Caravelle. It seems to offer a lot of bang for the buck, much like the Citizen Promaster pictured above, which is another great example of a Japanese watchmaker nailing the details!

Which sub-€1,000 dive watch would you choose, and if your choice is not on this list, what is it? I look forward to reading your feedback in the comments.