I am a Class IV commercial diver and ex military diver.For me the best dive watch at the moment is the Tudor Pelagos FXD.Why you may ask?Simple,because it doesn’t have watch pins,but rather the solid bars.Over the years I’ve broken and lost watches due to those thin pins.
That's why you should always Dive with your Watch on a Nato Strap. Break One Pin. The Watch is Still Attached to the Strap. Both Pins Breaking at the Same time is *Almost* Impossible.
Im a Divemaster who always uses both a computer and a Dive Watch for redundancy purposes. A few years ago during a 90 ft. dive my computer fail and it was my Citizen Promaster Aqualand who did the job of helping me get to the surface safely, since then my advice is get in the water with both a computer and a capable dive watch.
As a retired STEM professional, I can vouch for this. If it's one thing I know, it's that technology WILL take a dump, and do do at the worst possible moment!
As a recreational diver, I used to use an SKX, before they started becoming too valuable. I now use either a basic ProMaster EcoDrive, or a Casio Duro. When going into an environment where anything can, and does happen. wearing a multi-thousand dollar watch can be a big hit to the wallet, if it should get lost or broken.
My dad was former Military and recreational Diver. He passed away about 25 years ago and wore a Seiko automatic turtle. It’s got heavy wear but still ticking and I wear it myself sometimes today, although I don’t dive.
Great video and very real recommendations. I am a PADI MSD and always used a Seiko on rubber as a backup next to my computer. After ten years I updated and bought a second hand Pelagos from someone who did not wear it enough and its been on more than 200 dives already :)
One word - “Tuna” - but I guess it didn’t make the cut because of being hard to find one now. I have been wearing my Seiko Professional 600m “Tuna” every day since I bought it back in 1975 / 76. Both for initially sport and then part time commercial diving with a marine construction company for a few years and in heavy mining and construction work ever since.. It has survived quite a number of car and motorcycle “incidents” over the years, three aircraft crashes and numerous parachute jumps. Nearly fifty years of continual use (and abuse) - I have had seals changed regularly and it still is the watch I put on every morning - a bit battered around the edges (in a bit better condition than me though 😜) and the luminosity has “left the building”. I look forward to handing it on to my son when my time comes.
Freaking loved this video! And of course the Sinn U50 HAD TO MAKE THE LIST! A watch I cannot stop thinking about! Excellent list as always! Probably the most comprehensive dive watch list I've seen! thanks Teddy!
I use an Oris Aquis Depth gauge for diving. The analog depth gauge is a brilliant "uncomplicated" complication which turned out to be an ACTUAL useful and important feature during my recent dives. Of course it does not replace a computer but I've used it as my main device during shallow dives and it's very reliable.
I have been a commercial diver (HSEpt2, saturation) for over 30 years and always wore a promaster under pressure. That said, the watch I would wear above the surface is the Longines Legend Divers.
@@mell3109 That makes sense. The G Shocks are tough as nails tool watches and have useful dive features, especially the GWF-D1000, 200M dive rated WITH depth meters. The Citizen Promaster Aqualands such as the original JP2000-08e are also dive rated to 200 meters WITH depth meters. I wonder how deep they’ve actually gone and survived.
You are all looking at it the wrong way when it comes to dive watches. For a diver, not only the ability to measure the elapsed dive time and the duration of the safety stop, or even decompression stops, but equally important is the depth reading. So for me, only the Aqualand from Citizen ticks all the boxes, which I actually use every day here in the Maldives, where I work since 18 years as a Dive Instructor.
Thanks for another great review Teddy. Owning 300-600m dive watches for most of us is like all the soccer moms and dads owning high capability, four-wheel drive SUV’s to pick up their kids after school. Not necessary, but highly desired. There is something about knowing you have the capability under you or on your wrist. I have many dive watches and have never strapped on a SCUBA tank in my life. I do love diving off the dock and working and playing around water though. Having a tool watch that I can keep on all day around the lake or beach gives me a great feeling.
The Doxa’s bezel with the built-in US Navy air dive table is the perfect timer for a single non-decompression dive outing. No need to have the dive computer and whatnot if you’re not doing multiple dives. Sometimes all I do is a single shore dive at night. SPG and Doxa are all you need to keep track of your bottom time.
Hi Teddy its nice to finally see a review of dive watches for actual Divers , like any endeavour there are as many types of watches as types of divers . As for myself I got my certification in 1976 primarily for recreation though over the years I find myself doing more salvage ,rescue and boat repairs and maintenance than having fun exploring . At present I’ve got 7 dive watches , 2 Seiko turtles ,a Cousteau manta ,and a gold turtle , 2 Longines blue and a 2 tone , Certina D S titanium , as well as a titanium Sedna ti ,tantalum OMEGA ,and just for fun an Islander 18 that I affectionately call the snot master as a cheap nockaround yachtmaster alternative……one can never have enuff dive watches
In my younger years I was a PADI divemaster. The choices the divers have today is remarkable, that being said my favorite brand is Citizen and I have several.
I own 2 Citizen Promaster Aqualands. I have to say my JP2000-08e is my favourite watch and such a crazy bargain for what you get. I am tempted to buy a second one because my first one is so darned good. My preferred variation with the original black dial and orange minute hand, with a steel bracelet is not widely available new. I’m concerned that it will not be available at all one of these days.
Glad to see Citizen get mentions. The upsized, uprated "Lefty" is of course up-priced, but you can still find NOS versions of the original 42mm "Lefty" (contemporary of the SKX and used for a time by the Italian Navy as their diver straight out of the box) very cheaply. I recently picked up the full lume version under $200. Grab one before they disappear. Admittedly never as iconic as the SKX but like that watch many will want them when they're gone. A very comprehensive list. Thank you.
Teddy. You talk the dive watch talk. Now, you "have" to take the plunge. Sign up for scuba school, and dive to about 50 meters. We all want to see that. You will be the first time piece vlogger to do this. Yes!!!
Glad to finally see Certina on here! I bought a Certina action DS diver back in October and I love it. It’s a reputable brand with history and used by divers.
Excellent work! This is my favorite content you have produced. As a Professional Diver I wear a watch on my left and a computer on my right. I'm wearing either my Seiko Samurai or my Citizen Eco-zilla in the water - I save my Submariner for the bar after the dive. Cheers, John
None! I've worn my Rolex Diving, doing what it was designed to do. But, I beat up my Dive Watches pretty hard - banging them on just about everything. So I just wear the beaters while diving. @@migueldlf1926
I just bought my first Certina, specifically the DS PH200M. Love how it looks and it's pretty cool to have something a little more off the beaten path.
Having been a diver for decades- before computers and during, first, I would never dive without a watch. At the very least, it's a backup. Second, a real diver's watch has some facility for bracelet/strap expansion to fit over the neoprene. Third, a dive watch has to take a beating because one is always slamming into something, raking across coral, banging into or through a steel hulled ship. The scars of a real dive watch from being actually used is as much style than when the box was first opened. It says "I've been there." Seiko used to be the defacto watch from the '80's, and still has that classic look, but a dive watch really is more than looks. Citizen far surpassed Seiko years ago, in both design and capability. My daily wear in and out of the water since 2009 until last year has been the same EcoZilla- the thing just won't die. Now it sits on the window sill keeping charged with its buddy, the Promaster Depth Meter Chronograph-Metric (Metric), which has only been in a pool. My daily wear is the Breitling Super Ocean Chronograph II, but when it comes to water, and until I can afford to thrash a Sea Dweller Deep Sea, it will always be the EcoZilla. And why not? For the price, the payoff makes it almost free.
+1 for Glycine Combat Sub and the Citizen Pro Master Eco-Drive, both of which I already own. This really is a great list of divers! I really like both the Certina and the Longines on this list, both of which I'd consider purchasing in the future. Keep up the great work, Teddy!
Active diver here, actually did 4 dives today…Ive got many dive watches ranging from $50-$4000 but seldom wear any of them diving (I use a diver computer), the only ones I’ve taken diving are my citizen pro master diver and my Luminox Deep Diver. What’s funny though is along with my dive computer I do wear a watch every time I dive but it’s almost always a GShock, they can handle the abuse without worry.
Commercial diver as well as recreational instructor , the first few mins of this video actually make it stand out from the rest of the die hards on you tube who spend a life telling folk they need a dive watch ,,, for that alone , well done.
I wear a rather old but still serviceable Citizen Promaster Automatic and will replace it with another should it ever pack it in. As much as I love the Citizen I thought I should mention my other Dive watch my Zodiac Super Seawolf 75, and think Zodiac deserved to be on your list for their contributions to Dive Watches. In fact there are so many brands with really top quality watches it would be really hard to put them into a list but some other inclusions might have been Squale, Bremont, IWC and Edox but, you guys did an admirable job constructing this list!!
In 1981 I was in the USCG, on board the Cutter Point Bridge. Most of us wore a cheap Timex. Our rescue diver wore a DOXA. A few years later when G-Shock became a thing, we all bought those.
Wow! Thank you for the great content here. Truly focused on the tool's intent. You highlighted a few brands I've not tried and one I hoped to keep more secret (Certina, especially for ladies' watches). Cheers.
Super video Teddy, I am scuba diver and own 5 of the watches on your list and have dived with them all, great watches that you really don't ever need to take off your wrist.
Love your videos. I bought a Seiko "Willard" 6105 in 1971 before shipping overseas and went through the entire decade in the US Army wearing it from the Far East to sub zero Alaska. If there was a torture test not given I can't recall, my only maintenance was replacing straps. By the mid 80s rather than refurbish it, it was a wreck, but still functional, that I should have kept in hindsight, I bought a replacement, one of their first Quartz divers in the mid 80s and got another hard decade out of it. A lot of scuba. Unable to just stick #1 inside a drawer forgotten I dove to a coral ledge off Maui and left it under the watchful eyes of a large moray eel. I suspect he's still guarding it today. Living in Kona, HI then, the most popular watch worn in the local scuba clan was the then new Casio G-Shock, an early poor man's dive computer around 40 bucks. And agreed, by the end of the 90s the dive computer had all but mothballed traditional dive watches. I worked in a dive shop before the Army and we sold the Doxa, marketed by US Divers with the Aqua Lung logo on it's face, it was pretty hot stuff along with the price. Orange incidentally at depth photographs black although your vision perceives the orange hue. ?? These days for old times sake I'm using a Casio Duro with an Uncle Seiko rubber strap reminiscent of my old 6105 band but a lot softer. The original 6105 was hard plastic. Still in Alaska, it handles -40F and some ruff stuff without a hitch. Who needs a Rolex Sub anyway?
Teddy I love the fact they you mentioned Sinn regulating it’s movements and not saying a word. That’s kinda the best watch makers they just do it and don’t really make a huge fuss about it brands like Sinn and honestly helm also are just two brands going for the same space at different price points and in different ways. Helm with Japanese nh seiko movements and a iso 6425 test and a real personal touch and distinct build quality. While Sinn just does it lil German amazingness with eta movements. Honestly that’s a amazing thing. That’s how Rolex started there’s no reason sinn, oris, helm, etc etc etc etc couldn’t replicate that exact thing. But then again the oyster case is perfect. Omega genially payed doctors to come up with the best fitting wrist watch for the largest percentage of humans. That watch, the dynamic is genuinely a oyster case by omega with a abnormally large protruding crown. My Theory is that the doctors came back and said you won’t like this but all watch makers have underestimated how big we can make normal crowns and omega ran with it. So do that again Sinn/helm and you’ll be forever written in history.
When I got my scuba certification dive computers weren't available yet and Jacques Cousteau was on TV. I said to my girlfriend, "Isn't that cool?" And she was like, "My dad's a scuba instructor. Talk to him, he can hook you up". So now I'm retiring after 50 years of machining, it's Doxa, for the kiss-my-ass gift to myself. Pure nostalgia for where it all started.
Thank you so much TEDDY for this great video. With your analysis and the data from professionnal divers , you help us to keep our mind opened to all the opportunities . Discover new watches, understood the requirements for professionnal watches, see the luxury divers watches. I am glad to learn about all these watches from 450 $ to 15 000 $. See you soon.
A lot of options, I personally snorkeled with watches that I am comfortable beating :) Usually go for Victorinox inox diver, Seiko SKX or Casio duro. Surprised that there is no mention of the Gshock frogman in this video :)
Thank you for another great video mate. I enjoyed every second. Please keep it coming. Thank you for another great video mate. I enjoyed every second. Please keep it coming.
I am a recreational diver. I liked how you started the video. Yes, we divers do not need a watch as we wear air integrated dive computers now. I have owned a Rolex Sea Dweller, the classic Seiko Automatic and currently own a Seiko LX Spring Drive Prospex SBDB021. Spring drive sets Seiko apart from all other brands. You can always buy a fake Rolex Submariner, Sea Dweller but not a Seiko or Grand Seiko spring drive. Tudor Pelagos has had some serious quality issues.
I love the Bremont Supermarine S2000 and have it in my collection. It is ISO certified and different to the more standard dive watch brands. An extremely well made watch.
For general use I have a Citizen Titanium Promaster. It isn't the best watch in the world but I got it relatively cheaply and I don't want a heavy watch if I am out doing an activity, like Kayaking, swimming, etc. Most important of all, I wouldn't want to spend a lot of money on a dive watch, which could break, if I accidently smashed it against rocks or something. The one downside is it doesn't have sapphire crystal but that isn't a massive issue. Also I am aware that a G-Shock maybe more practical but I prefer a less busy dial, where I can see the time easier.
Squale would have been an appropriate inclusion - given their history. Made cases for Blancpain (amongst many others) and are a genuine dive watch maker in their own right spanning many years....
I agree. Squale’s history goes back to the beginning of diver’s watches. They built the cases for Blancpain, Doxa, and other brands back in the day. They have only ever built diver’s watches. Perhaps they are not so well known in the US, but they are well regarded as a serious dive watch manufacturer. They certainly deserve to be mentioned alongside other diver’s watch manufacturers.
I love the passive aggressive nature of dive watch lovers, including myself! train of thought: "I know dive watches are completely irrelevant, but I want one and argue over which is a true dive watch or not!"
My dad was former Military and recreational Diver. He passed away about 25 years ago and wore a Seiko automatic turtle. It’s got heavy wear but still ticking and I wear it myself sometimes today, although I don’t dive. I now use either a basic ProMaster EcoDrive, or a Casio Duro. When going into an environment where anything can, and does happen. wearing a multi-thousand dollar watch can be a big hit to the wallet, if it should get lost or broken.
I use a my dive watch as backup and I set the bezel before every plunge. A Longines Hydroconquest (old version) gave me company the last 750 dives an served me well with no problem. There are maybe better quality, more luxurious and functional watches around, but I can really recommend this one, especially at the reasonable price point.
I remember reading somewhere that the likes of Fifty Fathoms and Submariner were sold in diver's stores just like another tool of this sport and trade. Curious how times change.
Great video as always Teddy -THANK YOU! My love affair with watches began in '76 when I bought my Seiko 6309 for my high school diving class and dive trips. In 1990 I replaced it with an Omega Seamaster 200M pre-Bond, which was replaced in '02 by a Rolex Submariner. All are still in my collection. Along the way, I have acquired many other divers including Certina, Vaer, Lorier, and several other Seikos. This past week, I broke out the 6309 that started it all and it was a pleasure having it on my wrist again. Keep up the great work.
Surprised you didn't mention the Breitling avenger Seawolf, the capability that watch has for the money is incredible. Good video though, some really excellent watches there
Hey Teddy. Take a Look at the *TITONI* (SEASCOPPER 600M) Chronometer (COSC). I picked up One as a Beater, but mainly just to See if What I had heard about it's Fit & Finish and Bang for Buck, wasn't Just Hype. Well When I received it (Direct from TITONI), The Presentation was Way More than it's $1800 total Cost. Seriously, A Bit, even More, Better than Rolex's Presentation (Not an Exaggeration).
10:35....."Helium escape valve which again, not needed.......' - It depends. If you're a saturation diver and you're wearing this Tissot it very much is needed. The fact its there means its a safe watch for sat divers to have!
I'd like the dual colored lume from the Omega Seamaster, with the fully lumed bezel of the Tudor Pelagos, and the specs of the Rolex Seadweller for the price of a Seiko.
No, no, no… I have three certifications, and still dive a couple of times a year. Almost every male diver… No matter what type of dive it is, still has a watch on… Is it necessary? Very questionable… But is it necessary? Absolutely! and everyone, almost without exception, sets their bezel as part of the pre-checks right before you go into the water… I’m a watch geek to the point I actually wear a different dive watch almost every time… next up is my Casio frogman… I hope to dive with my 6102 ‘ Captain Willard’ re-issue sometime next year. I know it’s silly… But it’s absolutely necessary!
Huh, I have taken virtually every single diving certification available, and as a master diver, and instructor I have never once worn a watch while diving. I have lead a dozen dive trips around the world, and no one has ever had a watch on. The one thing we all have is a computer strapped to our wrist. There is no need to wear a watch while diving, and as an occasional diver, why would you want to? The more toys you take with you, the less time your eyes are on what matters, and that is the environment you are in.
@@jimbobsmith2496 I go recreational diving… Three certifications, including advanced, open water… And everybody wears one for fun… Or just about everybody anyway… Been doing it for years… I’ll take a headcount and get back to you… Costa Rica in July
@@johnbuckmaster8117 and as a Rex diver you should be concentrating on the dive, the fish, the sand, the coral, etc. your watch. The only device you should be concentrating on is your computer, the thing that gives your exact depth, remaining air, safety stop times, etc. What side of Costa Rica? I have dove it on the pacific once, and just got back from a love aboard in Misool last month. Now that is a beautiful place to dive, it’s fairly expensive, but if you can ever get over to Indonesia, most of your bucket list items should be met
I used dive back in the 1980s. There were dive computers, but they were expensive. I planned out a dive and used a dive table and a watch. One thing that always bugged me was that the bezel on dive watches was backwards. If I were diving for 20 then I'd set the bezel so that it was 20 minutes ahead of the minute hand. When the two lined up while I was diving, I knew it was time to go back up, and I could use the watch to time my decompression rests. However, when used this way the numbers on the bezel are all backwards. I always thought this was strange. I guess most people line up the bezel with the minute hand when they start their dive and then come up when 20 minutes have passed, but if you can't see the numbers then you have to estimate the time between the glowing hands and the bezel dot. I much preferred my way of doing it, even if this meant the numbers on the bezel were useless.
I have to say that the Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Diver in either Quartz or Automatic is a great choice for an ISO rated Diver. You'll be hard pressed to find a tougher tool watch.
I love Sinn, I have a U2 SDR with Tegiment and dive with it (Recreational diver). I think they are far ahead of other manufacturers in the technology they use… Ar dehumidifying technology, extreme temperature resistance, submarine steel which is highly corrosion resistant, harder than normal steels, even harder with Tegiment technology, black hard coating on the bezeland antimagnetic. Crystals are resistant to negative pressures. A lot of watch for the money, and I highly recommend them.
One of my cousins is a commercial airline pilot. He wears a Citizen Skyhawk that his wife gave him as a gift. He told me he doesn't know how to use most of the stuff on it. Just "looks cool". :D
When it comes to Seiko Dive watches, I wish more love was shown to the Titanium Shogun. It's a wonderful watch but hardly anyone ever mentions it. You need to check it out and do a review on it if you haven't already.
Scurfa is amazing! Went swimming on a recent trip to Danang, Vietnam. When i got out of the water my Seiko solar PADI was dead. Thankfully it was still under warranty.
3:22 Scurfa Diver One Titanium $230
5:11 Seiko Turtle SRPE93 $495
5:38 Seiko Arnie SNJO25 $525
6:43 Seiko Samurai SRPE37 $595
7:47 Citizen ProMaster Diver $695
8:50 Citizen BJ8050-OBE $595
9:20 Citizen ProMaster Aqualand $750
10:20 Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional $1075
10:54 Mido Oceanstar 200C $1200
11:50 Certina DS Super PH500M $960
12:38 Marathon GSAR $1800
14:18 Doxa Sub 300T $1890
15:28 Longines Hydroconquest $1775
16:14 Sinn U50 $2520
17:22 Oris Aquis $3500
19:36 Tudor Pelagos FXD $4100
19:52 Omega Seamaster Professional 300 $5600
20:48 Rolex Submariner $10250
21:39 Blancpain Fifty Fathoms $15700
@menace you are very welcome
thank u
Thanks!! If you did this for all of his videos, we could become best friends! Hahaha
Agree with @island vibes 😂
Every content you update, i feel like spending money.
I am a Class IV commercial diver and ex military diver.For me the best dive watch at the moment is the Tudor Pelagos FXD.Why you may ask?Simple,because it doesn’t have watch pins,but rather the solid bars.Over the years I’ve broken and lost watches due to those thin pins.
Great point
I bought the nato adapter for my EcoZilla for the same reason, sold fixed bar for no worry strap attachment.
That's why you should always Dive with your Watch on a Nato Strap. Break One Pin. The Watch is Still Attached to the Strap. Both Pins Breaking at the Same time is *Almost* Impossible.
That is a nice watch. Plus it has a distinct color of blue on the dial.
I second this. The FXD is top class!
Im a Divemaster who always uses both a computer and a Dive Watch for redundancy purposes. A few years ago during a 90 ft. dive my computer fail and it was my Citizen Promaster Aqualand who did the job of helping me get to the surface safely, since then my advice is get in the water with both a computer and a capable dive watch.
i am also a dive master - i master my dive
Thanks for this advice of having a good dive watch as a backup to a computer. Makes very good sense.
will you try apple watch ultra?
As a retired STEM professional, I can vouch for this. If it's one thing I know, it's that technology WILL take a dump, and do do at the worst possible moment!
Citizen it's the best diver !!!
As a recreational diver, I used to use an SKX, before they started becoming too valuable. I now use either a basic ProMaster EcoDrive, or a Casio Duro. When going into an environment where anything can, and does happen. wearing a multi-thousand dollar watch can be a big hit to the wallet, if it should get lost or broken.
The Duro has basically no lume eso I don’t know how you deal with that
It's more of a back-up piece, but I don't do night diving, and I keep a limit so there's some sort of light.
Love my eco drive pro master ! Especially when I bought a few years ago for $150 !
@@mjdm1925 how many people are night diving? On the other side how many people are diving at night without a flash out or a back up?
I love it when reddit "experts" state that professional divers rely on mechanical watches and would never use something powered by a battery.
My dad was former Military and recreational Diver. He passed away about 25 years ago and wore a Seiko automatic turtle. It’s got heavy wear but still ticking and I wear it myself sometimes today, although I don’t dive.
Great video and very real recommendations. I am a PADI MSD and always used a Seiko on rubber as a backup next to my computer. After ten years I updated and bought a second hand Pelagos from someone who did not wear it enough and its been on more than 200 dives already :)
One word - “Tuna” - but I guess it didn’t make the cut because of being hard to find one now.
I have been wearing my Seiko Professional 600m “Tuna” every day since I bought it back in 1975 / 76. Both for initially sport and then part time commercial diving with a marine construction company for a few years and in heavy mining and construction work ever since..
It has survived quite a number of car and motorcycle “incidents” over the years, three aircraft crashes and numerous parachute jumps. Nearly fifty years of continual use (and abuse) - I have had seals changed regularly and it still is the watch I put on every morning - a bit battered around the edges (in a bit better condition than me though 😜) and the luminosity has “left the building”. I look forward to handing it on to my son when my time comes.
Freaking loved this video! And of course the Sinn U50 HAD TO MAKE THE LIST! A watch I cannot stop thinking about! Excellent list as always! Probably the most comprehensive dive watch list I've seen! thanks Teddy!
you have exceptional Tudors...and sure you don't need more dive watches...you have all the best divers foreverrr...
I use an Oris Aquis Depth gauge for diving. The analog depth gauge is a brilliant "uncomplicated" complication which turned out to be an ACTUAL useful and important feature during my recent dives. Of course it does not replace a computer but I've used it as my main device during shallow dives and it's very reliable.
I have been a commercial diver (HSEpt2, saturation) for over 30 years and always wore a promaster under pressure. That said, the watch I would wear above the surface is the Longines Legend Divers.
The most common divers watch I have ever seen on DSVs are G-Shocks
@@mell3109 That makes sense. The G Shocks are tough as nails tool watches and have useful dive features, especially the GWF-D1000, 200M dive rated WITH depth meters. The Citizen Promaster Aqualands such as the original JP2000-08e are also dive rated to 200 meters WITH depth meters. I wonder how deep they’ve actually gone and survived.
You are all looking at it the wrong way when it comes to dive watches. For a diver, not only the ability to measure the elapsed dive time and the duration of the safety stop, or even decompression stops, but equally important is the depth reading. So for me, only the Aqualand from Citizen ticks all the boxes, which I actually use every day here in the Maldives, where I work since 18 years as a Dive Instructor.
Thanks for another great review Teddy. Owning 300-600m dive watches for most of us is like all the soccer moms and dads owning high capability, four-wheel drive SUV’s to pick up their kids after school. Not necessary, but highly desired. There is something about knowing you have the capability under you or on your wrist. I have many dive watches and have never strapped on a SCUBA tank in my life. I do love diving off the dock and working and playing around water though. Having a tool watch that I can keep on all day around the lake or beach gives me a great feeling.
The Doxa’s bezel with the built-in US Navy air dive table is the perfect timer for a single non-decompression dive outing.
No need to have the dive computer and whatnot if you’re not doing multiple dives. Sometimes all I do is a single shore dive at night. SPG and Doxa are all you need to keep track of your bottom time.
Hi Teddy its nice to finally see a review of dive watches for actual Divers , like any endeavour there are as many types of watches as types of divers . As for myself I got my certification in 1976 primarily for recreation though over the years I find myself doing more salvage ,rescue and boat repairs and maintenance than having fun exploring . At present I’ve got 7 dive watches , 2 Seiko turtles ,a Cousteau manta ,and a gold turtle , 2 Longines blue and a 2 tone , Certina D S titanium , as well as a titanium Sedna ti ,tantalum OMEGA ,and just for fun an Islander 18 that I affectionately call the snot master as a cheap nockaround yachtmaster alternative……one can never have enuff dive watches
In my younger years I was a PADI divemaster. The choices the divers have today is remarkable, that being said my favorite brand is Citizen and I have several.
I own 2 Citizen Promaster Aqualands. I have to say my JP2000-08e is my favourite watch and such a crazy bargain for what you get. I am tempted to buy a second one because my first one is so darned good. My preferred variation with the original black dial and orange minute hand, with a steel bracelet is not widely available new. I’m concerned that it will not be available at all one of these days.
Glad to see Citizen get mentions. The upsized, uprated "Lefty" is of course up-priced, but you can still find NOS versions of the original 42mm "Lefty" (contemporary of the SKX and used for a time by the Italian Navy as their diver straight out of the box) very cheaply. I recently picked up the full lume version under $200. Grab one before they disappear. Admittedly never as iconic as the SKX but like that watch many will want them when they're gone. A very comprehensive list. Thank you.
Teddy. You talk the dive watch talk. Now, you "have" to take the plunge. Sign up for scuba school, and dive to about 50 meters. We all want to see that. You will be the first time piece vlogger to do this. Yes!!!
Yess!!!!!
Glad to finally see Certina on here!
I bought a Certina action DS diver back in October and I love it. It’s a reputable brand with history and used by divers.
I am balancing between DS Action Diver and DS Super PH 500m. Both models seems great.
Excellent work! This is my favorite content you have produced. As a Professional Diver I wear a watch on my left and a computer on my right. I'm wearing either my Seiko Samurai or my Citizen Eco-zilla in the water - I save my Submariner for the bar after the dive. Cheers, John
I just purchased a submariner. Just a rec diver. Any apprehension in taking it out. At least once?
None! I've worn my Rolex Diving, doing what it was designed to do. But, I beat up my Dive Watches pretty hard - banging them on just about everything. So I just wear the beaters while diving. @@migueldlf1926
Omega Seamaster Professional 300m
The 300 is actually very hard to see in the dark because of the lack of lume on the hands. Not practical.
@@Vox-Populi bro what they have lume on the hands😂
@@MattyPreacts Very little lume. Almost impossible to see underwater.
@@Vox-Populi you are delusional 😂
@@rickjason215 delusional 😂
A great list… thanks Teddy. The only addition I would suggest is the Squale 1521, a true divers’ piece which punches far above its price point.
I just bought my first Certina, specifically the DS PH200M. Love how it looks and it's pretty cool to have something a little more off the beaten path.
Nice list. I think having a power reserve indicator would be a plus for mechanical dive watches.
Having been a diver for decades- before computers and during, first, I would never dive without a watch. At the very least, it's a backup. Second, a real diver's watch has some facility for bracelet/strap expansion to fit over the neoprene. Third, a dive watch has to take a beating because one is always slamming into something, raking across coral, banging into or through a steel hulled ship. The scars of a real dive watch from being actually used is as much style than when the box was first opened. It says "I've been there." Seiko used to be the defacto watch from the '80's, and still has that classic look, but a dive watch really is more than looks. Citizen far surpassed Seiko years ago, in both design and capability. My daily wear in and out of the water since 2009 until last year has been the same EcoZilla- the thing just won't die. Now it sits on the window sill keeping charged with its buddy, the Promaster Depth Meter Chronograph-Metric (Metric), which has only been in a pool. My daily wear is the Breitling Super Ocean Chronograph II, but when it comes to water, and until I can afford to thrash a Sea Dweller Deep Sea, it will always be the EcoZilla. And why not? For the price, the payoff makes it almost free.
+1 for Glycine Combat Sub and the Citizen Pro Master Eco-Drive, both of which I already own. This really is a great list of divers! I really like both the Certina and the Longines on this list, both of which I'd consider purchasing in the future. Keep up the great work, Teddy!
Second that choice.
Teddy this has to be your most comprehensive and inclusive review of dive watches to date. Very cool!
Active diver here, actually did 4 dives today…Ive got many dive watches ranging from $50-$4000 but seldom wear any of them diving (I use a diver computer), the only ones I’ve taken diving are my citizen pro master diver and my Luminox Deep Diver. What’s funny though is along with my dive computer I do wear a watch every time I dive but it’s almost always a GShock, they can handle the abuse without worry.
Commercial diver as well as recreational instructor , the first few mins of this video actually make it stand out from the rest of the die hards on you tube who spend a life telling folk they need a dive watch ,,, for that alone , well done.
I wear a rather old but still serviceable Citizen Promaster Automatic and will replace it with another should it ever pack it in. As much as I love the Citizen I thought I should mention my other Dive watch my Zodiac Super Seawolf 75, and think Zodiac deserved to be on your list for their contributions to Dive Watches. In fact there are so many brands with really top quality watches it would be really hard to put them into a list but some other inclusions might have been Squale, Bremont, IWC and Edox but, you guys did an admirable job constructing this list!!
Thanks again Teddy. I bought a Tissot Seastar 2000 yesterday in Calgary, so it was nice to hear you talk about it.
In 1981 I was in the USCG, on board the Cutter Point Bridge. Most of us wore a cheap Timex. Our rescue diver wore a DOXA. A few years later when G-Shock became a thing, we all bought those.
My guy, I always appreciate your approach when talking about watches.
Wow! Thank you for the great content here. Truly focused on the tool's intent. You highlighted a few brands I've not tried and one I hoped to keep more secret (Certina, especially for ladies' watches). Cheers.
Sinn U50 and Doxa 300T are top of my list
Very nice list. I’m a bit surprised Zodiac did not get picked.
Super video Teddy, I am scuba diver and own 5 of the watches on your list and have dived with them all, great watches that you really don't ever need to take off your wrist.
Is something like the Casio Frogman even in this league or at least an honorable mention? I’m just curious. I’m not well versed in dive watches.
Teddy, this is one of your better current videos. Thank you. Filled with interesting information and valid opinion. Well done and thank you.
A friend of mine is a professional diver and he has a dive computer. But like you said, his backup of a Citizen dive watch.
Love your videos. I bought a Seiko "Willard" 6105 in 1971 before shipping overseas and went through the entire decade in the US Army wearing it from the Far East to sub zero Alaska. If there was a torture test not given I can't recall, my only maintenance was replacing straps. By the mid 80s rather than refurbish it, it was a wreck, but still functional, that I should have kept in hindsight, I bought a replacement, one of their first Quartz divers in the mid 80s and got another hard decade out of it. A lot of scuba. Unable to just stick #1 inside a drawer forgotten I dove to a coral ledge off Maui and left it under the watchful eyes of a large moray eel. I suspect he's still guarding it today. Living in Kona, HI then, the most popular watch worn in the local scuba clan was the then new Casio G-Shock, an early poor man's dive computer around 40 bucks. And agreed, by the end of the 90s the dive computer had all but mothballed traditional dive watches. I worked in a dive shop before the Army and we sold the Doxa, marketed by US Divers with the Aqua Lung logo on it's face, it was pretty hot stuff along with the price. Orange incidentally at depth photographs black although your vision perceives the orange hue. ?? These days for old times sake I'm using a Casio Duro with an Uncle Seiko rubber strap reminiscent of my old 6105 band but a lot softer. The original 6105 was hard plastic. Still in Alaska, it handles -40F and some ruff stuff without a hitch. Who needs a Rolex Sub anyway?
Teddy I love the fact they you mentioned Sinn regulating it’s movements and not saying a word. That’s kinda the best watch makers they just do it and don’t really make a huge fuss about it brands like Sinn and honestly helm also are just two brands going for the same space at different price points and in different ways. Helm with Japanese nh seiko movements and a iso 6425 test and a real personal touch and distinct build quality. While Sinn just does it lil German amazingness with eta movements. Honestly that’s a amazing thing. That’s how Rolex started there’s no reason sinn, oris, helm, etc etc etc etc couldn’t replicate that exact thing. But then again the oyster case is perfect. Omega genially payed doctors to come up with the best fitting wrist watch for the largest percentage of humans. That watch, the dynamic is genuinely a oyster case by omega with a abnormally large protruding crown. My Theory is that the doctors came back and said you won’t like this but all watch makers have underestimated how big we can make normal crowns and omega ran with it. So do that again Sinn/helm and you’ll be forever written in history.
When I got my scuba certification dive computers weren't available yet and Jacques Cousteau was on TV. I said to my girlfriend, "Isn't that cool?" And she was like, "My dad's a scuba instructor. Talk to him, he can hook you up".
So now I'm retiring after 50 years of machining, it's Doxa, for the kiss-my-ass gift to myself. Pure nostalgia for where it all started.
Thank you so much TEDDY for this great video. With your analysis and the data from professionnal divers , you help us to keep our mind opened to all the opportunities . Discover new watches, understood the requirements for professionnal watches, see the luxury divers watches. I am glad to learn about all these watches from 450 $ to 15 000 $. See you soon.
Wow Teddy. You covered the full spectrum! Fantastic video!
Fabulous review Teddy, some great content and advice
A lot of options, I personally snorkeled with watches that I am comfortable beating :) Usually go for Victorinox inox diver, Seiko SKX or Casio duro. Surprised that there is no mention of the Gshock frogman in this video :)
Thank you for another great video mate. I enjoyed every second. Please keep it coming. Thank you for another great video mate. I enjoyed every second. Please keep it coming.
Why no Rado Captain Cook? Solid diver with 300meter also
I have two of those, and the quartz marathon. What about Squale?
I am a recreational diver. I liked how you started the video. Yes, we divers do not need a watch as we wear air integrated dive computers now.
I have owned a Rolex Sea Dweller, the classic Seiko Automatic and currently own a Seiko LX Spring Drive Prospex SBDB021.
Spring drive sets Seiko apart from all other brands.
You can always buy a fake Rolex Submariner, Sea Dweller but not a Seiko or Grand Seiko spring drive.
Tudor Pelagos has had some serious quality issues.
I’m surprised Teddy, that you didn’t include the SeaQ from Glashütte. Fantastic watch!
I love the Bremont Supermarine S2000 and have it in my collection. It is ISO certified and different to the more standard dive watch brands. An extremely well made watch.
I seen an SLA019J green marine master , apparently there’s only 1968 made , beautiful green dial .
Great list!!! Thoughts on the Panerai Submersible line?? I think they certainly have some interesting heritage!
For general use I have a Citizen Titanium Promaster. It isn't the best watch in the world but I got it relatively cheaply and I don't want a heavy watch if I am out doing an activity, like Kayaking, swimming, etc. Most important of all, I wouldn't want to spend a lot of money on a dive watch, which could break, if I accidently smashed it against rocks or something. The one downside is it doesn't have sapphire crystal but that isn't a massive issue. Also I am aware that a G-Shock maybe more practical but I prefer a less busy dial, where I can see the time easier.
I was today years old when I realised this guy's name isn't Teddy Bulbasaur 😭😭😭
maybe it's Fushigidane?
Never knew the Blancpain rollie connection; and I finally found a Tudor worth owning. Thank you.
can you do a casio dive watches video? i don't mean any specific casio dive watch or dive style just maybe from the old poseidons to the oceanus
Squale would have been an appropriate inclusion - given their history. Made cases for Blancpain (amongst many others) and are a genuine dive watch maker in their own right spanning many years....
Agree! Was disappointed they weren’t mentioned especially given their price point and history of diving! Love Squale!
I agree. Squale’s history goes back to the beginning of diver’s watches. They built the cases for Blancpain, Doxa, and other brands back in the day. They have only ever built diver’s watches. Perhaps they are not so well known in the US, but they are well regarded as a serious dive watch manufacturer. They certainly deserve to be mentioned alongside other diver’s watch manufacturers.
Agree but also along the same lines thinking Panerai ... they also have diving heritage.
Agree especially over the longines
Definitely agree. Squale makes fantastic dive watches. Should definitely be included in this list
I love the passive aggressive nature of dive watch lovers, including myself!
train of thought: "I know dive watches are completely irrelevant, but I want one and argue over which is a true dive watch or not!"
My dad was former Military and recreational Diver. He passed away about 25 years ago and wore a Seiko automatic turtle. It’s got heavy wear but still ticking and I wear it myself sometimes today, although I don’t dive.
I now use either a basic ProMaster EcoDrive, or a Casio Duro. When going into an environment where anything can, and does happen. wearing a multi-thousand dollar watch can be a big hit to the wallet, if it should get lost or broken.
what!?. .you.. but why?
I picked up the Seiko Turtle a few months ago at the Marine Corps Exchange at Marine Corps Base Quantico a few months ago. I love it!
I use a my dive watch as backup and I set the bezel before every plunge. A Longines Hydroconquest (old version) gave me company the last 750 dives an served me well with no problem. There are maybe better quality, more luxurious and functional watches around, but I can really recommend this one, especially at the reasonable price point.
10:21 OMG! The Tissot is so Amazing!!! I need this one in my collection!!!
If you have 8 inch wrist then it is actually a good watch for the price orelse dont even bother with the Seastar lineup.
It does, I have Seastar 1000 and I love it so I planned to have the 2000 in next year
@@Nightfury0695 do you suggest anyway other choice then?
I love my tissot 2000 beautiful watch great function. I'm not a professional diver, just recreation
@@robertjuniordorval9982 they also have Seastar in Quartz and it's smaller, I have 6 inch wrist I still own Seastar Powermatic because why not
Thank you for making high quality videos!Love MaMaCoo ’s watches
I remember reading somewhere that the likes of Fifty Fathoms and Submariner were sold in diver's stores just like another tool of this sport and trade. Curious how times change.
Great video as always Teddy -THANK YOU! My love affair with watches began in '76 when I bought my Seiko 6309 for my high school diving class and dive trips. In 1990 I replaced it with an Omega Seamaster 200M pre-Bond, which was replaced in '02 by a Rolex Submariner. All are still in my collection. Along the way, I have acquired many other divers including Certina, Vaer, Lorier, and several other Seikos. This past week, I broke out the 6309 that started it all and it was a pleasure having it on my wrist again. Keep up the great work.
Surprised you didn't mention the Breitling avenger Seawolf, the capability that watch has for the money is incredible. Good video though, some really excellent watches there
Because in his store he does not sell breitling
Glad to see Doxa, Seiko Arnie and Sinn mentioned
Hey Teddy. Take a Look at the *TITONI* (SEASCOPPER 600M) Chronometer (COSC). I picked up One as a Beater, but mainly just to See if What I had heard about it's Fit & Finish and Bang for Buck, wasn't Just Hype. Well When I received it (Direct from TITONI), The Presentation was Way More than it's $1800 total Cost. Seriously, A Bit, even More, Better than Rolex's Presentation (Not an Exaggeration).
10:35....."Helium escape valve which again, not needed.......' - It depends. If you're a saturation diver and you're wearing this Tissot it very much is needed. The fact its there means its a safe watch for sat divers to have!
Are "edox" diving watches any good? You don't mention them anywhere..??
Did Teddy do a similar episode for military watches, like Marathon? Lots out there, but get the vibe military guys just wear Casio G-Shocks.
Btw great detailing Teddy. Kept seeing you and Kevin popping up on my feed after watching reviews so I’m gave a sub and 👍
Great vid, like always. I missed the Longines visit video! Going to watch it now haha
I'd like the dual colored lume from the Omega Seamaster, with the fully lumed bezel of the Tudor Pelagos, and the specs of the Rolex Seadweller for the price of a Seiko.
I just want to know who owns that Benchmade Gryptillian that I always see in the still photos.
So happy to see Scurfa absolute tank of a watch
Yep. I've not managed to kill mine, outstanding watch.
No, no, no… I have three certifications, and still dive a couple of times a year. Almost every male diver… No matter what type of dive it is, still has a watch on… Is it necessary? Very questionable… But is it necessary? Absolutely! and everyone, almost without exception, sets their bezel as part of the pre-checks right before you go into the water… I’m a watch geek to the point I actually wear a different dive watch almost every time… next up is my Casio frogman… I hope to dive with my 6102 ‘ Captain Willard’ re-issue sometime next year. I know it’s silly… But it’s absolutely necessary!
Huh, I have taken virtually every single diving certification available, and as a master diver, and instructor I have never once worn a watch while diving. I have lead a dozen dive trips around the world, and no one has ever had a watch on. The one thing we all have is a computer strapped to our wrist. There is no need to wear a watch while diving, and as an occasional diver, why would you want to? The more toys you take with you, the less time your eyes are on what matters, and that is the environment you are in.
@@jimbobsmith2496 I go recreational diving… Three certifications, including advanced, open water… And everybody wears one for fun… Or just about everybody anyway… Been doing it for years… I’ll take a headcount and get back to you… Costa Rica in July
@@johnbuckmaster8117 and as a Rex diver you should be concentrating on the dive, the fish, the sand, the coral, etc. your watch. The only device you should be concentrating on is your computer, the thing that gives your exact depth, remaining air, safety stop times, etc.
What side of Costa Rica? I have dove it on the pacific once, and just got back from a love aboard in Misool last month. Now that is a beautiful place to dive, it’s fairly expensive, but if you can ever get over to Indonesia, most of your bucket list items should be met
I have the first seiko he mentioned. Wear it more than my tudor . Its a great watch for the money
Excellent. Loved this one
I used dive back in the 1980s. There were dive computers, but they were expensive. I planned out a dive and used a dive table and a watch. One thing that always bugged me was that the bezel on dive watches was backwards. If I were diving for 20 then I'd set the bezel so that it was 20 minutes ahead of the minute hand. When the two lined up while I was diving, I knew it was time to go back up, and I could use the watch to time my decompression rests. However, when used this way the numbers on the bezel are all backwards. I always thought this was strange. I guess most people line up the bezel with the minute hand when they start their dive and then come up when 20 minutes have passed, but if you can't see the numbers then you have to estimate the time between the glowing hands and the bezel dot. I much preferred my way of doing it, even if this meant the numbers on the bezel were useless.
I have to say that the Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Diver in either Quartz or Automatic is a great choice for an ISO rated Diver. You'll be hard pressed to find a tougher tool watch.
Teddy, what about the Breitling SuperOcean?
You should do this for every watch related profession
I love Sinn, I have a U2 SDR with Tegiment and dive with it (Recreational diver). I think they are far ahead of other manufacturers in the technology they use… Ar dehumidifying technology, extreme temperature resistance, submarine steel which is highly corrosion resistant, harder than normal steels, even harder with Tegiment technology, black hard coating on the bezeland antimagnetic. Crystals are resistant to negative pressures. A lot of watch for the money, and I highly recommend them.
Cool series Ted. Should do pilots watches by jet pilots and bush pilots. Be interesting to see how they stack up.
One of my cousins is a commercial airline pilot. He wears a Citizen Skyhawk that his wife gave him as a gift. He told me he doesn't know how to use most of the stuff on it. Just "looks cool". :D
"The Best “Professional” Dive Watches - Picked By An Actual Diver".....The video we really needed 🤿🐟. Thanks Teddy 😉👍
When it comes to Seiko Dive watches, I wish more love was shown to the Titanium Shogun. It's a wonderful watch but hardly anyone ever mentions it. You need to check it out and do a review on it if you haven't already.
Great for those who appreciate this model. Got mine at 50%. 😊
Great video teddy! Wish you could’ve also included the zodiac sea wolf, as it’s from the same year as the submariner and the fifty fathoms
how does the Breitling super ocean heritage hold up in this lineup
Love the helium escape. My favorite Omega
How about a gshock
Another solid comparison post, keep up the good work. Also I was glad to see you're a fellow Delta guy 👍
That Seiko turtle with a lume at the 3 o'clock is my perfect watch. Blue sat red sun 4 o'clock crown. Thank you Seiko.
The Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic in that exact green dial was my first watch when I started collecting about 4 months ago. I absolutely love it!
In my opinion the best Diver watch is the Sinn UX GSG 9
Great choice 👍
Have to agree. Technologically it's a very very serious dive watch.
Sinn U50 with the black bezel would be my choice.
Scurfa is amazing! Went swimming on a recent trip to Danang, Vietnam. When i got out of the water my Seiko solar PADI was dead. Thankfully it was still under warranty.