The Ultimate Divers Watch Under USD$2000

Awesome poll. Good to think about.

I always love the diver 65 collection, however it seems like the aquis got nicer specs than the diver 65 collection

On that list, I picked the Oris. I love my Divers 65 Heritage. It's one of my favorites watches and I'm wearing it today. Having said that, I'm not sure it's the "ultimate dive watch" at $2K (or $3K...), but it's at the top of that list.

Marathon GSAR, a watch actually designed for use by professional divers.

I hate to through another in to the mix (not really) but take a hard look at the Christopher Ward divers. All the specs, great build quality, great service, lots of options and well below $3k. No gimmicks just really good watches. I should get commission. Mine is the C60 Trident Pro and there are several options and other choices in this range.

A lot of good choices! Like @KristianG mentioned, you can't go wrong with Marathon. I'm a fan of the Oris Divers 65 that @Unholy and @MASP7GMT called out. If you're open to used / secondary market you should be able to pick up a Tudor Black Bay 58.

If I'm going the Oris way, I would pick up a Aquis if I want a true dive watch. I like the vintage aspect of the Diver 65 but it is more of a lifestyle watch in their current lineup. Also, the lume is underwhelming on Oris watches for the price.

I would pickup any Prospex divers from Seiko. Even a 8L movement dive watch like the new SLA065 or a MM300 for under $3000 can be found. The lume is going to outstanding no matter what on Seiko watches.

Or for $100, just pick up G-shock and it will do the job 😂

The secondary market prices for BB58 has dropped considerably and you can for sure find one almost new for under $3000. Plus there is always a BB58 for sale from somewhere.

I love CW. I recently found out they have a magazine. Not sure if the first one is free or how that works but I've enjoyed the little I've been able to read.

My favorite:

Crazy how Tudor and Rolex secondary market prices are complete opposites. Supply and demand… 🤷‍♂

If you're going off-list, you can't go wrong with the Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 300. Three sizes, several colorways, quality well beyond the price. I'd buy one but I ordered my C63 Sealander GMT the day before the Pro 300 dropped. I don't regret the Sealander at all as it's an incredible watch, but I love that Pro 300.

For around 3K the Montblanc Iced Sea

Not quite under £2k - but my Solargraph is pretty sweet. And something similar from Tag could definitely be picked up within £2k.

Under 3k, pre owned Black Bay

Under 2k, Baltic Aquascaphe or Serica 5303.

/gasp 🫣

Historically for me it will always be Seiko.

The 6105, 6309, 6159, and 7x Quartz series divers were all official, unofficial Coast Guard watches and sold in the Px back in the day. I voted for Oris, because the Oris Pro-Diver & der Meistertaucher series watches are a step up from those earlier Seikos in nearly all areas.

Later, GShock took over a lot of the military business, but current day Oris products would be my pick 100%.

I don't know if any currently made casios fit your most basic criteria of unidirectional rotating bezel plus great lume plus screwdown crown. What examples did you have in mind when suggesting Casio? Super illuminator perhaps?

These specs are pretty much describing Seiko's playground

Inserting some personal bias for the Longines Legend Diver:

• Started the trend for vintage reissues

• Stands out from ISO-style divers

• Shiny case and sparkly bracelet ✨ which is what most of us non-divers want in a dive watch anyway 🤣

• Technically good specs for a diver, except for the "polite" lume 😂

• Again, one of the most distinct case and dial designs that doesn't shout "dive watch"

I love Oris and I'm not even a Diver guy. Those watches look great and are doing something a bit different from others. Win win!

Not on your list but my pick would be a Sinn U50.

Opps, my bad, that is around $2,500 . . .

Are you really diving with the watch? Citizen. Is this for desk diving? Love the Oris with the recycled plastic dial.

“Polite Lume” 🤣🤣🤣

Oris leads this list, not by much. In reality Seiko outsells every other brand for divers under $2000.

Oris by a long shot. Let me give you my insight. I got a softly preowned Aquis for $1k. I have a Breitling Superocean to compare it to. The fit and finishing on the Aquis is superior to that of the SO. The only traits the SO wins on is the AR coating and movement. Besides that, I paid close to $3k on a watch that a $1k watch almost out performs. I still love my SO but I’m blown away at what the Aquis brings to the table.

i’m a sucker for the Orient Kamasu. it’s nowhere near the $2k budget you set and can be had for almost a tenth that budget. but bang for the buck, it’s a damn good dive watch and meets all the criteria. i’m also incredibly biased, being someone that owns one and wore it as my wedding watch. :)

The Casio Duro does all that, AND has 200m WR. For 50 bucks. Just sayin'. 😎

How did DOXA not get mentioned yet?!!

Waiting for you

Leaning towards the Oris on looks and a very long guarantee