If you guys enjoyed this video and are interested in any of the watches mentioned in this video, feel free to check them out here: ORIENT RAY II: amzn.to/2UcGODw CITIZEN PRO MASTER: amzn.to/2utKcLL INVICTA PRO DIVER: amzn.to/2UhCQt7 CASIO DURO: amzn.to/2Ow4MnR VICTORINOX DIVER MASTER: amzn.to/2HKVMKQ SEIKO SKX: amzn.to/2HNn97c SEIKO 5 SNZF17: amzn.to/2Ug0tSU ORIENT MAKO XL: amzn.to/2U2O3i0 CASIO G SHOCK GG 1000: amzn.to/2HJxnpa VOSTOK ANPHIBIAN: amzn.to/2Ow1hO0 (Watchlad affiliate links!)
@@joebradshaw5542 There are a LOT of watches. Unfortunately, most watch content is focused around the same soon-to-be-released microbrand or Rolex ROLEX ROWLECKS! It's a shame because there are plenty of cool watches.
Wonderful video! Great information. You might like ASOROCK watches. ASOROCK watches is a luxury affordable lifestyle watch brand in Africa. They do ship worldwide. Check it out at asorockwatches.com.
I have a Bulova Marine Star, and though I have several other divers, I feel this at $110.00, is the best bang for the buck I’ve found. The finishing is phenomenal and it’s been nothing but dependable. It’s more of a desk diver with only 100 meters of water resistance, but I never go in the water. It just looks cool.
I have owned the Citizen Diver Eco-Drive, in black with black band for about 3 years. Used it for surfing and skin diving as well as every day, but not work (too chunky). I love that I won't ever have to buy a battery for it and it won't die after a few days of non-use, or when I'm on vacation. I thought I didn't need another dive watch until this video... but a dressy Orient Ray II in all black, maybe...
I have Promaster’s, Orients and Casios, 6 auto’s & 6 Quartz solar. a dozen divers in all and I must say they are all rock solid. Built nicer w/ better features than any of the Seikos in the same price ranges. Very happy with these And I don’t find the need to get any other brands unless I’m looking for different styling.
Well done ! I do however believe that the now iconic and automatic Citizen NY0040 , the dive watch used for about 10 years by the Marina Militare, trumps the newer quartz driven Promaster 200.
I have an Invicta pro diver. I've had it for 4 years and wear it almost every single day. Still works great. I've been looking to get an Skx for a while and since they've been discontinued I have to get one fast
You brought up some very good watches. I use my Citizen Pro Master when I go snorkeling. I also sail and you can't beat my Casio Duro for durability and toughness.
This was a great list of dive watches at the price point, the SKX is definitely the winner! It's been time tested just like all the others, but for me it was my introduction to the dive watch niche when I was a Corporal in the Marine Corps back in the day!
I have several pro master citizen watches , and set up a IKEA LED small round lights x2 in a cupboard on a timer to charge them up, and LEDS are said not to charge up the watches , WRONG ! ! The LED lights are quicker in charging the watches up and keeping them at full charge , then sitting in the hot , bleaching sun , on a window seal , minus the HEAT ! SEIKO AND CITIZEN , CASIO , FANTASTIC watches and truly a practical watch’s , especially the PADI ‘ Pepsi ‘ bezel divers watch and MUD Casio series .
I have the SKX, the Citizen NY004, the Orient, the Casio G Shock, The Casio Duro, the Citizen Pro Master Eco Drive, the Victorinox Dive Master and a Vostok......So......Yes, I kinda agree with your synopsis ;)
Hello. I've had my Seiko Pepsi SKX for over ten years now, more than 4000 days of constant use and not more than +2 minutes/month... It has well over 100 dives to its log and I consider it like the hummer of watches. I bought an Orient a few years ago because it had a good press review and I found it very elegant until it fell off my arm without me noticing It... So I am not so happy with Orient. Last week, I received my new Pagani 1639 in blue/gold/silver, so cheap (in term of money but not in term of quality, though it is only 100M waterproof) and so beautiful, even better looking in hand than on the photos of the seller's website. I also bought recently a Vostok Amphibian because it is a piece of Russian history with it's unique and specific technical solutions. To finish with my watches, I just ordered a green "Hulk" Steeldive 1953, and I'm looking forward to receiving it. However, though the glass has some tiny scratches now, my Seiko will always be my all time favorite... Thanks for your good work!
In 2022 the Seiko SKX.... $900 and higher. I did recently see on ebay, used (pre owned) for $280 and another pre-owned for $499. So under $250 is long gone.
Got a Duro and just bought a blue Promaster yesterday. Both are AMAZING watches for their prices. Wanted to get a Seiko King Turtle too but I just can't justify paying $400+ for it right now.
My daily wearer is a Sea-gull Ocean Star diver. 28800bph movement, Sapphire Chrystal. I love it, great wrist presence, accurate, hand windable and hacking with 200m water resistance with its smooth screw down crown. I have a Seiko 5 Snxg47k1, but it only keeps going if I wear it 24/7. So that's what I do. It keeps better time if I also give it a few shakes now and again throughout the day. I had a Vostok Amphibia 710 ministry case but it was too fiddly to set the time and date, because it was non hacking.
At this price point the Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch with Date, BJ8050-08E, or ECOZILLA. Big, sturdy, and can be customized if you want. Good list. I also like the Invicta watch, and yes you can get a lot of grief from people. I give the Invicta as gifts to relatives to get them started with auto watches.
Good on you. I've had 2 Invictas and one loses about 20 minutes per week and the other loses and gains a few minutes. I have a Bulova Precisionist and a Citizen Eco Drive and neither lose significant time. If they lose or gain time it's by a few seconds a year.
@@watchlad1969 It wears very well Jim, you should try one! I have that same model and am very impressed! Case size is 44mm, not 48, unless you're measuring the crown maybe? I just looked and it's the same size as the Casio Duro, I have them side by side in a watchbox.
Chinese Seiko-'hommages' are actually some of the best value mechanical (Seiko powerred) divewatches right now. Seiko still generally has much better lume, and nicer details on dials, but that's about it.
The Invicta kiosk at the mall quoted me a price of $499 for the Pro Diver. I bought one from Amazon for $90 instead. Same model with the Seiko movement.
Watch Lad Made me laugh also. I told her that price was ridiculous! She was reading the watch spec’s from the Invicta website to me. I was wearing my Tudor Pelagos at the time I stopped by and I’m pretty sure she knew nothing about timepieces.
I have the Casio Duro and the Citizen promaster, and I must say, the Casio is much better built. The Citizen bezel clicks up and down on the watch face and the spring bars click as well, the casio out of the box is a much better fit all round with no weird noises that make you think the watch is going to fall apart. And for $50 (CAD) It was well worth it
Check out the Vaer D4 dive watch. They are an independent US brand, American Assembly, Seiko solar movement, double sapphire, engraved case back, 200 m of water resistance, screw down crown, the works. Screw down crown, the works. Works. They're slightly higher but definitely under 300 and that's with two straps. Fabulous watch company
I have never seen the need for 200m water resistance in a watch. Before I retired I never dived much below 40m as I was diving on air, and I used a Suunto dive computer. Diving in Scotland means using a dry suit over an undergarment and also thick gloves. You would struggle to get a watch on your wrist. Dive computers all have extra large rubber straps to compensate for this and provide you with all the information needed to dive safely including decompression and no stop times. I could even view my dive profile on it. I used a watch in the 60's coupled with decompression tables, but these days are long gone.
Invecta pro diver with the Seiko automatic movement is hard to beat at well under $100....it could easily be priced twice as much and still be an amazing value.
Great watch. Check out the Boldr Venture. They don't have the bezel, but titanium case, 200m, nh35A. Bezels are cool, but from what I hear real divers use dive watches with O2 sensors etc. nowadays. The Invicta though looks like a great price, but I think it is really silly looking. I have small wrists though, so larger watches are out. I prefer 38mm and under. I have a couple of amazing Vaer C3s. 36mm, Dome Sapphire, 100m, Assembled in USA (card signed by technician), Rhonda EOL jeweled quartz. 200$ with 2 bands including choices. For 250$, you can add a Horween leather band.
Really enjoyed your video on dive watches. I own four dive watches, the Invicta Pro Diver 8927OB and the 8928OB which are great watches which I only paid £79 each for here in the UK. I also own two Casio quartz dive watches the MTD1053D watches, one in black and the other with a blue dial which are for the smaller wrist at 40mm but with the specifications similar to the Casio Marlin diver you have shown. The Casio's come on a stainless steel bracelet. I purchased my Casio's for around £50 each which you can't go wrong in purchasing such a good watch at this price point. Many thanks for your informative video and I have subscribed to your channel.
I agree with all of these. Funny enough, I've owned nearly all of these with a few substitutions (Baby Ice Monster instead of the Sea Urchin and an INOX instead of the Dive Master).
Great list, but definitely you should make an updated list post pandemic. In my country an SKX is new for well over $700, used around 400, so viewing this on 2022 is not so relevant price wise.
Great summary. I've always been a Seiko fan and own a couple of auto SKX009 and solar and Kinetics as well as Longines chrono, Baume Mercier and 2 Seamasters (random auction finds). The SKX are my faves along with the first Seiko chrono SQ100 I bought new maybe 30 years ago! (7T42-7A00). Funny, the most appealing ones on your list to me are the Citizen Eco-Drive and the Casio Duro. The solar powered Seiko I have just keeps perfect time, always, and to get one like that Citizen at that price is a bargain. But just might be on the large size at 48mm.
I got 300m water resistance, 26852, its such a tank. full stainless steel body, not tacky, and a good looking crono. just for 60 dollars, yes its a quartz but I dont want to have the impending repair costs of a mechanical yet
A lot of these lists always seem to leave out some of the smaller "boutique" brands. For sub-$250 dive watches I am a fan of the Day/Night Tritdiver (I own) and the Master 1000 Gen2 (I don't own) both by Deep Blue. I also own one of their AlphaMarine 500 models but you won't get one of those for less than $250 unless you stumble across one of their sales. No, I don't work for or represent Deep Blue and have spent my own money on their watches. The Tridiver is hard to beat, what with tritium tubes for nighttime illumination instead of lume. They are not the brightest initially, but will have constant illumination for decades instead of just minutes without the need to "charge" the lume with an external light. Add to that a genuine 500m of water resistance with an NH35 movement and these are hard to beat. By comparison, the AlphaMarine 500 series use a Miyota 9015 movement and have a fully lumed FACE, along with a depth rating of 500m. The obvious issue is having to patience to wait for a sale. And lastly, the Master 1000 also has some models with a fully lumed face or standard lumed indices and uses an NH35 movement, but only has a paltry 300m depth rating - at a going price of $169 all the time.
Just got the Oreint king diver 70th aniversery-its bezel is under the crystal with a crown for adjustment at the two oclock.Definitly a somewhat unique setup,(these days)
I have two Vostok, one new ( made in Russia) and the other old (made in USSR) both with same caliber. If cared for, they last for many years, being originally made for merchant naval service. The bracelets are pathetic though, rattly cheap metal that I would recommend to replace with rubber bands or aftermarket steel bracelets. To get one that really works well, the choice of the vendor is important. Make sure to find one who tests and controls the watches before sale, there are some specialists who know what they`re doing.
INVICTA Pro Diver black/silver. I bought that watch after your review. I was quite happy with it. I enjoyed the connection. It arrived from N.Y. in its perfect yellow sponge case. Like the box is made of coral? Another Boss Video!
I have an amphibia and a loreo homage. Both under 80$ and I snorkel with both (that's why I got them). They are superb, even chlorine water doesn't affect them and you can keep both your kidneys. I stopped using my skx007 when they got discontinued but that was well worth the 160$ I paid for it. I don't think you can get them for that now and as I'm dreadful on watches I set it aside for something cheaper and currently available
I have a few Invicta's; the Pro Diver in stainless is a TERRIFIC and reliable dive/sports/daily watch IMO. For the money, it is a no-brainer. In full stainless, you can get one for around $100. For travel to certain places in the world, where valuing one's arm more than his watch is a real concern, its the perfect time piece. I also own the Rolex Submariner in two tone/18kt with the blue face; I bought it new back in 1998 for $5200. I just had it maintenanced and cleaned (after two-decades) at Rolex-CH for about $1000...they also replaced the crystal as part of the maintenance. I could've lived that small edge chip at about 5 o'clock...but Rolex did it as part of the standard service! I used to wear this watch all the time...I put it away about 3 years ago, as it began running slow, and finally got around to sending it off to Rolex last year. I know...I should've had the maintenance YEARS ago, but it ran well so I let it ride for 19 years! Sure, the Rolex is a superior watch and has been a reliable watch that holds its value (actually appreciated significantly in my case...its worth $12000+ today). But for the money, you cannot go wrong with the INVICTA Pro Diver with Seiko NH35A movement. Screw the anti-Invicta snobs.
I have 3 of the ten you mentioned. Mudmaster G shock, Orient XL and Vostok Amphibia. I wouldn't really put the Mudmaster as a dive watch. It has no dive bezel and it wasn't meant for diving despite the water resistancy. G shock does make a real dive watch but it's not the Mudmaster. My Vostok Amphibia out performs my Orient Mako XL. The Vostok is the best automatic dive watch you can get for the money 💰 imo.
I've got 4 of them : 2 Vostok Amphibian, 1 SKX, 1 MAKO ... and I love them all... even if I think the Mako is the best value. It's an amazing watch....
Every day I wear a Casio diver. It cost about $40. It is fantastic when it comes to being abused. No it is not as nice as my Seamaster, the most beautiful watch I have ever seen. Quartz movement and a rather cheap band, but $40, and takes a beating.
Nice work, man. Now i will spend at least 2 weeks to decide wich of them to buy. I like to buy used watches, because they have a specific "patina", and of course, they are way more cheaper then the new ones.
I bought that same darn seiko diver pepsi but with solar.. mistake. left it in a drawer for a few months and DOA. garbage can. no one can fix it. so it makes the automatic look better and better. thanks for the reviews
That's how I started but after buying Citizen promaster eco-drive then 2 Seiko skx007 -i really wish I had started with the 007😍. You'll feel like a boss for making the decision💪😁
Not bad but, you better pull the trigger and get that damn skx007 (discontinued 😵) -heck buy it through Amazon if you don't like return it✔️ but you will😂🍻
Have several on your list, but you missed the Invicta 9937, which is the upgraded swiss automatic that I am afraid is being discontinued. Love my Orient as well.
I really like that Citizen Pro Master. It's a huge 48mm, slightly larger than my beater Invicta Grand Diver Automatic 47mm which I bought for a little over $100 at TJ Maxx. Definitely a fan of diver watches and will eventually get that Rolex Submariner! Thanks for the vid!
As someone who has had a Rolex submariner, I traded it for a Omega Sea Master. on your list the Seiko Oranges Monsters is my #1 . I wear a Pro Diver and Grand Diver, they have been great watches. You can't go wrong with these watches for under $250 (the Orange Mobster is hard to find and the Omega and Rolex are big money now) 9:46
Cool vid, thanks! Some will hate it but my fav is the Heimdallr SKX, the white dial version in particular. With a regulated NH36a (mine runs within 2 seconds a day) and sapphire crystal at only a 135 bucks it is a much better buy than the original SKX imo. Another fav that could be on your list is the Seiko SNZH, aka the fifty fathoms. Too bad the white dial version is so hard to find but the blue one or the black one with the gold accents are both stunning as well I think. Cheers!
I was gonna add The Mako XL to my collection but read to many complaints on amazon saying the watch goes 10 to 15 min faster a day..i ran toward the hills
If you guys enjoyed this video and are interested in any of the watches mentioned in this video, feel free to check them out here:
ORIENT RAY II: amzn.to/2UcGODw
CITIZEN PRO MASTER: amzn.to/2utKcLL
INVICTA PRO DIVER: amzn.to/2UhCQt7
CASIO DURO: amzn.to/2Ow4MnR
VICTORINOX DIVER MASTER: amzn.to/2HKVMKQ
SEIKO SKX: amzn.to/2HNn97c
SEIKO 5 SNZF17: amzn.to/2Ug0tSU
ORIENT MAKO XL: amzn.to/2U2O3i0
CASIO G SHOCK GG 1000: amzn.to/2HJxnpa
VOSTOK ANPHIBIAN: amzn.to/2Ow1hO0
(Watchlad affiliate links!)
Your channel’s definitely going to blow up. No snobbery at all, just a genuine love for watches
Thanks Sam! Let's hope!
There are just too many watch channels now
@@joebradshaw5542 There are a LOT of watches. Unfortunately, most watch content is focused around the same soon-to-be-released microbrand or Rolex ROLEX ROWLECKS! It's a shame because there are plenty of cool watches.
Wonderful video! Great information. You might like ASOROCK watches. ASOROCK watches is a luxury affordable lifestyle watch brand in Africa. They do ship worldwide. Check it out at asorockwatches.com.
I have a Bulova Marine Star, and though I have several other divers, I feel this at $110.00, is the best bang for the buck I’ve found. The finishing is phenomenal and it’s been nothing but dependable. It’s more of a desk diver with only 100 meters of water resistance, but I never go in the water. It just looks cool.
Now its an illusion to get an Seiko Diver under 700eur. Amazing Watch!
Y want a Seiko Prospex Turtle diver ♥️
I am into Doxa and Squale. However, I swear by my beater watch. The Casio Duro is tough, rugged and dependable. Definitely a best buy.
The Duro is an absolute beast for the price!
I have owned the Citizen Diver Eco-Drive, in black with black band for about 3 years. Used it for surfing and skin diving as well as every day, but not work (too chunky). I love that I won't ever have to buy a battery for it and it won't die after a few days of non-use, or when I'm on vacation. I thought I didn't need another dive watch until this video... but a dressy Orient Ray II in all black, maybe...
I've the promaster since a few years. It's brilliant and looks even nicer in reality.
The Pro master is SOLID!
I love my Pro M
promaster series NY0080 12X perfect
I have Promaster’s, Orients and Casios, 6 auto’s & 6 Quartz solar. a dozen divers in all and I must say they are all rock solid. Built nicer w/ better features than any of the Seikos in the same price ranges. Very happy with these And I don’t find the need to get any other brands unless I’m looking for different styling.
Me too, but the automatic NY0040 - 17le
Well done ! I do however believe that the now iconic and automatic Citizen NY0040 , the dive watch used for about 10 years by the Marina Militare, trumps the newer quartz driven Promaster 200.
True
I have an Invicta pro diver. I've had it for 4 years and wear it almost every single day. Still works great. I've been looking to get an Skx for a while and since they've been discontinued I have to get one fast
People have gone 10 to 12 years on Invicta pro. I think they did that one right.
Orient Ray is my favorite, with looks and functionality. I’m targeting the Raven Ray II for my next acquisition.
I agree that the ORIENT Ray has a really nice ascetic!
You can use a Ray 2 not just as a dive watch but also as a field watch or even as a poor man's Rolex Explorer.
@@robc8468 I pulled the trigger on the Raven Ray 2. I actually believe it’s more of a dress watch. It’s a handsome watch!
@@eronavbj I think it can be whatever you want it to be the Orient divers rock I am sure you will be happy.
You brought up some very good watches. I use my Citizen Pro Master when I go snorkeling. I also sail and you can't beat my Casio Duro for durability and toughness.
The Casio Duro is an absolute legend for the price!
This was a great list of dive watches at the price point, the SKX is definitely the winner! It's been time tested just like all the others, but for me it was my introduction to the dive watch niche when I was a Corporal in the Marine Corps back in the day!
Bought the Invicta pro diver and was blown out of the water for $50 its insane that they can make a great watch at that price.
The deep blue watches are also good value and very stylish.
Terence Inch I’m surprised they didn’t make the list
Terence Inch Deep Blue is fantastic. I was going to ad a comment about them but was pleasently surprised to see the first comment covered just that.
I agree, I have a juggernaut 3 automatic with hacking and rated for 500 meters, it’s built like a tank.
They don't deserve to be on the list because of their TERRIBLE customer service. They are the rudest people on the planet. Bar none.
VOSTOK AMPHIBIAN is my pick. So many mod options to really make it unique.
Vostok is great. Such a cool and interesting brand!
Raketa Amphibia is better.
i am obsessed with the look, but the broken crown and friction bezel is something i cant let go
Currently wearing my Orient Ray II. Easily my favorite watch in my admittedly budged-minded collection!
I have several pro master citizen watches , and set up a IKEA LED small round lights x2 in a cupboard on a timer to charge them up, and LEDS are said not to charge up the watches , WRONG ! ! The LED lights are quicker in charging the watches up and keeping them at full charge , then sitting in the hot , bleaching sun , on a window seal , minus the HEAT !
SEIKO AND CITIZEN , CASIO , FANTASTIC watches and truly a practical watch’s , especially the PADI ‘ Pepsi ‘ bezel divers watch and MUD Casio series .
I got the hand-me-down Seiko Diver "150m" first laid eyes in 1982. If my calculation is correct it's 39yrs now. Refused to RIP in one occasion.
Got an Orient Mako instead, a Vostok 420 and a Gshock Tough Mudder and frankly they're all amazing in their own right, great list man
In my opinion, a diver's should NOT have a display case back. Where the crystal mates with the metal is just another possible failure point.
Unless you’re actually diving down to pretty deep depths this shouldn’t be a worry.
I have the SKX, the Citizen NY004, the Orient, the Casio G Shock, The Casio Duro, the Citizen Pro Master Eco Drive, the Victorinox Dive Master and a Vostok......So......Yes, I kinda agree with your synopsis ;)
haha that's awesome!
Hello. I've had my Seiko Pepsi SKX for over ten years now, more than 4000 days of constant use and not more than +2 minutes/month... It has well over 100 dives to its log and I consider it like the hummer of watches. I bought an Orient a few years ago because it had a good press review and I found it very elegant until it fell off my arm without me noticing It... So I am not so happy with Orient. Last week, I received my new Pagani 1639 in blue/gold/silver, so cheap (in term of money but not in term of quality, though it is only 100M waterproof) and so beautiful, even better looking in hand than on the photos of the seller's website. I also bought recently a Vostok Amphibian because it is a piece of Russian history with it's unique and specific technical solutions. To finish with my watches, I just ordered a green "Hulk" Steeldive 1953, and I'm looking forward to receiving it. However, though the glass has some tiny scratches now, my Seiko will always be my all time favorite... Thanks for your good work!
In 2022 the Seiko SKX.... $900 and higher. I did recently see on ebay, used (pre owned) for $280 and another pre-owned for $499. So under $250 is long gone.
You can’t never go wrong with a Seiko, love their SNZF17 model.
Agreed, Seiko is great!
Great selection! But unfortunately with the SKX being on its end of production, prices for new ones on Amazon DE have raised way above 250 bucks.
True..
Almost 350 now
@@rabbdadaas :'(
Bugger, thatnks for the heads up. An ex of mine took my fave one and I've been thinking I'll replace it for 5 years now. I better hurry!
Great channel! I'm glad to see the Invicta Pro Diver, as I just recently purchased it. Thanks for the review.
Thanks Chad! I really appreciate the comment!
Not a bad watch for the money.
I have one too. Very good value for money
Got a Duro and just bought a blue Promaster yesterday. Both are AMAZING watches for their prices. Wanted to get a Seiko King Turtle too but I just can't justify paying $400+ for it right now.
My daily wearer is a Sea-gull Ocean Star diver. 28800bph movement, Sapphire Chrystal. I love it, great wrist presence, accurate, hand windable and hacking with 200m water resistance with its smooth screw down crown.
I have a Seiko 5 Snxg47k1, but it only keeps going if I wear it 24/7. So that's what I do. It keeps better time if I also give it a few shakes now and again throughout the day.
I had a Vostok Amphibia 710 ministry case but it was too fiddly to set the time and date, because it was non hacking.
At this price point the Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch with Date, BJ8050-08E, or ECOZILLA. Big, sturdy, and can be customized if you want. Good list. I also like the Invicta watch, and yes you can get a lot of grief from people. I give the Invicta as gifts to relatives to get them started with auto watches.
I liked Invicta since I was 12 years old, Never owned one that didn’t fall apart.
Good on you. I've had 2 Invictas and one loses about 20 minutes per week and the other loses and gains a few minutes. I have a Bulova Precisionist and a Citizen Eco Drive and neither lose significant time. If they lose or gain time it's by a few seconds a year.
Loving my Vostok Amphibia SE line. I get more comments about my $100 watch than any of the others that cost more than a few times over.
That Citizen Pro Master has a 48mm case. WAY too big, even for a diver. GREAT video.
Thanks Jim!
@@watchlad1969 It wears very well Jim, you should try one! I have that same model and am very impressed! Case size is 44mm, not 48, unless you're measuring the crown maybe? I just looked and it's the same size as the Casio Duro, I have them side by side in a watchbox.
I love my new citizen promaster 1000M @55mm I need a big face with great lume for the murky Waters
Chinese Seiko-'hommages' are actually some of the best value mechanical (Seiko powerred) divewatches right now. Seiko still generally has much better lume, and nicer details on dials, but that's about it.
No Citizen NY0040...?
The Invicta kiosk at the mall quoted me a price of $499 for the Pro Diver.
I bought one from Amazon for $90 instead. Same model with the Seiko movement.
Haha! Not gonna lie this made me laugh.
Watch Lad Made me laugh also.
I told her that price was ridiculous!
She was reading the watch spec’s from the Invicta website to me.
I was wearing my Tudor Pelagos at the time I stopped by and I’m pretty sure she knew nothing about timepieces.
Snagged a Seiko 4t57 blue dial today wondering around a Sears. Jewelry sale, watch sale, and a Christmas sale made the price 180$. Im loving it.
NICE!!!
I have the Casio Duro and the Citizen promaster, and I must say, the Casio is much better built. The Citizen bezel clicks up and down on the watch face and the spring bars click as well, the casio out of the box is a much better fit all round with no weird noises that make you think the watch is going to fall apart. And for $50 (CAD) It was well worth it
‘ well said , truly good to see someone give information on divers watches, compared to other sites ‘ well done , and thank you
Greatly appreciated!
Good honest not snobby review. Good job sir
The SKX is over $350 AUD and is only going to rise as it has just been discontinued.. every watch fan is nutting to get one at the moment.
Very true. Would not be surprised to see it at 500 by the summer time... :(
Casio seriously needs to release a smaller version of the Duro.
At 38mm I would snap one up in a second.
YES!
I will buy 2✔️
I had one and sold it for that very reason.
I've owned the Orient Ray 2 since Spring of 2017!
But just got the Seiko SKX007J in December. Both are great "Diver's"!
Orient and Seiko... Some would argue that those are the only two brands you really need. haha Great watches from both.
I also picked up a Seiko skx 009j too!
My own 3' favorite's are my old #1' doxie diver , # 2' my Seiko diver , # 3' my Rolex submariner
Check out the Vaer D4 dive watch. They are an independent US brand, American Assembly, Seiko solar movement, double sapphire, engraved case back, 200 m of water resistance, screw down crown, the works. Screw down crown, the works. Works. They're slightly higher but definitely under 300 and that's with two straps. Fabulous watch company
I have never seen the need for 200m water resistance in a watch. Before I retired I never dived much below 40m as I was diving on air, and I used a Suunto dive computer. Diving in Scotland means using a dry suit over an undergarment and also thick gloves. You would struggle to get a watch on your wrist. Dive computers all have extra large rubber straps to compensate for this and provide you with all the information needed to dive safely including decompression and no stop times. I could even view my dive profile on it. I used a watch in the 60's coupled with decompression tables, but these days are long gone.
my favorite is seiko skx 013. small and comfortable, just VOSTOK ANPHIBIAN several rare and iconic models
Agreed! The 013 is awesome and compact!
An Orient Bambino and a Ray 2 would make a perfect two watch collection or someone starting out with automatic watches.
Invecta pro diver with the Seiko automatic movement is hard to beat at well under $100....it could easily be priced twice as much and still be an amazing value.
Agreed.
I love how the cheapest watch is probably the most accurate (Duro),,,
That's quartz for you! I picked a Duro up as my first proper watch and love it as my sports watch.
@@insert-name-here3350
I've got my Duro on a cheap Bond (spectre) nato strap, so I can pretend to be rich, (from a distance),
Ha ha ha,,,
@@John..18 I won't lie, I have that exact strap on my wrist right now and for the same reason haha
i would buy one but its not a divers watch....
@@elliotbeerline1286
Yes it is,,,,,,, I've dived loads with mine,, lol, ,,
Do a field watch version! really love your format!
That's a great idea Micho! Thanks for the idea. I'll definitely do that video in the future!
He quit making videos.
You're right about the SKX and the Promaster, but IMHO, Vostok deserves to be well and above several of the earlier mentioned watches.
The Phoibos Reef Master definitely should have been included in this list.
Great watch. Check out the Boldr Venture. They don't have the bezel, but titanium case, 200m, nh35A. Bezels are cool, but from what I hear real divers use dive watches with O2 sensors etc. nowadays. The Invicta though looks like a great price, but I think it is really silly looking. I have small wrists though, so larger watches are out. I prefer 38mm and under. I have a couple of amazing Vaer C3s. 36mm, Dome Sapphire, 100m, Assembled in USA (card signed by technician), Rhonda EOL jeweled quartz. 200$ with 2 bands including choices. For 250$, you can add a Horween leather band.
Really enjoyed your video on dive watches. I own four dive watches, the Invicta Pro Diver 8927OB and the 8928OB which are great watches which I only paid £79 each for here in the UK. I also own two Casio quartz dive watches the MTD1053D watches, one in black and the other with a blue dial which are for the smaller wrist at 40mm but with the specifications similar to the Casio Marlin diver you have shown. The Casio's come on a stainless steel bracelet. I purchased my Casio's for around £50 each which you can't go wrong in purchasing such a good watch at this price point. Many thanks for your informative video and I have subscribed to your channel.
I agree with all of these. Funny enough, I've owned nearly all of these with a few substitutions (Baby Ice Monster instead of the Sea Urchin and an INOX instead of the Dive Master).
Great list, but definitely you should make an updated list post pandemic. In my country an SKX is new for well over $700, used around 400, so viewing this on 2022 is not so relevant price wise.
I’m so impressed l decided to subscribe. Here’s a top of my shortlist: Casio Duro, Orient Mako XL and Citizen Pro master
@@thetruthhurts7500 loser
I'm happy and glad that the current watch which I'm constantly wearing is part of this list! 👍 specifically it's a vostok amphibian scuba dude..
VOSTOK!!
Great summary. I've always been a Seiko fan and own a couple of auto SKX009 and solar and Kinetics as well as Longines chrono, Baume Mercier and 2 Seamasters (random auction finds). The SKX are my faves along with the first Seiko chrono SQ100 I bought new maybe 30 years ago! (7T42-7A00).
Funny, the most appealing ones on your list to me are the Citizen Eco-Drive and the Casio Duro. The solar powered Seiko I have just keeps perfect time, always, and to get one like that Citizen at that price is a bargain. But just might be on the large size at 48mm.
I got 300m water resistance, 26852, its such a tank. full stainless steel body, not tacky, and a good looking crono. just for 60 dollars, yes its a quartz but I dont want to have the impending repair costs of a mechanical yet
I love divers and most of my watches are divers ! They kick butt
A lot of these lists always seem to leave out some of the smaller "boutique" brands. For sub-$250 dive watches I am a fan of the Day/Night Tritdiver (I own) and the Master 1000 Gen2 (I don't own) both by Deep Blue. I also own one of their AlphaMarine 500 models but you won't get one of those for less than $250 unless you stumble across one of their sales. No, I don't work for or represent Deep Blue and have spent my own money on their watches.
The Tridiver is hard to beat, what with tritium tubes for nighttime illumination instead of lume. They are not the brightest initially, but will have constant illumination for decades instead of just minutes without the need to "charge" the lume with an external light. Add to that a genuine 500m of water resistance with an NH35 movement and these are hard to beat.
By comparison, the AlphaMarine 500 series use a Miyota 9015 movement and have a fully lumed FACE, along with a depth rating of 500m. The obvious issue is having to patience to wait for a sale.
And lastly, the Master 1000 also has some models with a fully lumed face or standard lumed indices and uses an NH35 movement, but only has a paltry 300m depth rating - at a going price of $169 all the time.
I'm a highlander.. me even can't swim.. but yes, ima fans of divers watch...
Thx for the review bro
Just got the Oreint king diver 70th aniversery-its bezel is under the crystal with a crown for adjustment at the two oclock.Definitly a somewhat unique setup,(these days)
I have two Vostok, one new ( made in Russia) and the other old (made in USSR) both with same caliber. If cared for, they last for many years, being originally made for merchant naval service. The bracelets are pathetic though, rattly cheap metal that I would recommend to replace with rubber bands or aftermarket steel bracelets. To get one that really works well, the choice of the vendor is important. Make sure to find one who tests and controls the watches before sale, there are some specialists who know what they`re doing.
INVICTA Pro Diver black/silver. I bought that watch after your review. I was quite happy with it. I enjoyed the connection. It arrived from N.Y. in its perfect yellow sponge case. Like the box is made of coral? Another Boss Video!
I have Ray 2 - very good piece. It's reliable and comfortable to wear. Love it. Thanx for your video, like
Great picks,Vostok is awesome to mod.Phoibos also makes great Divers.
Great video saved my day being sick at home ps. I am wearing a tissot seastar and probably the best diver under 250 is the orient mako or the invicta
Thanks! Glad I could brighten the day up!
No it's the SKX007
Have the Vostok, Seiko, Casio, Invicta, the Citizen and the Orient...beautiful watches...
Great review regarding affordable diver's watches. Also great to have you to provide us with a really professional job!; Many thanks and keep up!👍
Thanks Hernando!
I’ve dived in the sea of Cortez with the Orient Ray 2 and Pro master ... great watches
Did I miss the Citizen NY0040? It can still be had for under $250.
How can you have the SKX and not the 0040? The Citizen is far superior to the SKX.
I have an amphibia and a loreo homage. Both under 80$ and I snorkel with both (that's why I got them). They are superb, even chlorine water doesn't affect them and you can keep both your kidneys. I stopped using my skx007 when they got discontinued but that was well worth the 160$ I paid for it. I don't think you can get them for that now and as I'm dreadful on watches I set it aside for something cheaper and currently available
The gg 1000 is just a beast when it comes to durability.. it's my workhorse watch in the construction site.
It eats batteries but.
I have a few Invicta's; the Pro Diver in stainless is a TERRIFIC and reliable dive/sports/daily watch IMO. For the money, it is a no-brainer. In full stainless, you can get one for around $100. For travel to certain places in the world, where valuing one's arm more than his watch is a real concern, its the perfect time piece.
I also own the Rolex Submariner in two tone/18kt with the blue face; I bought it new back in 1998 for $5200. I just had it maintenanced and cleaned (after two-decades) at Rolex-CH for about $1000...they also replaced the crystal as part of the maintenance. I could've lived that small edge chip at about 5 o'clock...but Rolex did it as part of the standard service! I used to wear this watch all the time...I put it away about 3 years ago, as it began running slow, and finally got around to sending it off to Rolex last year. I know...I should've had the maintenance YEARS ago, but it ran well so I let it ride for 19 years!
Sure, the Rolex is a superior watch and has been a reliable watch that holds its value (actually appreciated significantly in my case...its worth $12000+ today). But for the money, you cannot go wrong with the INVICTA Pro Diver with Seiko NH35A movement. Screw the anti-Invicta snobs.
I have 3 of the ten you mentioned. Mudmaster G shock, Orient XL and Vostok Amphibia. I wouldn't really put the Mudmaster as a dive watch. It has no dive bezel and it wasn't meant for diving despite the water resistancy. G shock does make a real dive watch but it's not the Mudmaster. My Vostok Amphibia out performs my Orient Mako XL. The Vostok is the best automatic dive watch you can get for the money 💰 imo.
VOSTOK!
Great review but you may find that many former Invicta owners may choose Stuhrling or Momentum next time.. They are both great values.
Agreed.
Very well done video. I'm sure you're going to get lots of subs
Thanks Leonard! Appreciate it!
I've got 4 of them :
2 Vostok Amphibian, 1 SKX, 1 MAKO ... and I love them all... even if I think the Mako is the best value. It's an amazing watch....
The Mako is definitely up there. It does not have the legend status of the SKX but it really SHOULD.
Just came accros your video and I have 3/10......Casio Duro, Invicta, & Vostok.....great video
Pretty sure the citizen promaster has a diameter of 43mm and the lug to lug is 48
I thought 41mm but you might be right 😁🍻
Choices spot on. Ratio freediver, heidallr, but. You have 5. Including the skx, which my 2 are copies of.
My favorite dive watch is the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association watch. It been great.
Those are interesting little dive watches. I like their selection of dial colors.
great video, surprised by the Vostok also the Victorinox, didn't know they made a dive watch.
Woooooo don’t forget the Casio Pro Trek PRG line which is an ABCwatch for $200
Every day I wear a Casio diver. It cost about $40. It is fantastic when it comes to being abused. No it is not as nice as my Seamaster, the most beautiful watch I have ever seen. Quartz movement and a rather cheap band, but $40, and takes a beating.
Nice work, man. Now i will spend at least 2 weeks to decide wich of them to buy. I like to buy used watches, because they have a specific "patina", and of course, they are way more cheaper then the new ones.
I bought that same darn seiko diver pepsi but with solar.. mistake. left it in a drawer for a few months and DOA. garbage can. no one can fix it. so it makes the automatic look better and better. thanks for the reviews
I really like the color combination with the brown strap at 1:01. Could you please help me find the strap?
Thank for the video. I am going to go with the Casio dura for my first diver style watch but I see many more in the future
That's how I started but after buying Citizen promaster eco-drive then 2 Seiko skx007 -i really wish I had started with the 007😍. You'll feel like a boss for making the decision💪😁
Surfside haha yeah I lied I ended up getting the pro master. Ordered it yesterday. But I think I will still get a dura for work.
Not bad but, you better pull the trigger and get that damn skx007 (discontinued 😵) -heck buy it through Amazon if you don't like return it✔️ but you will😂🍻
Getting INVICTA Pro diver delivered tomorrow!
Great selection and review. Subscribed.
I've got my eye on the Orient Ray and Vostok Amphibia!
Two great watches for the price!
Have several on your list, but you missed the Invicta 9937, which is the upgraded swiss automatic that I am afraid is being discontinued. Love my Orient as well.
ORIENT!
I really like that Citizen Pro Master. It's a huge 48mm, slightly larger than my beater Invicta Grand Diver Automatic 47mm which I bought for a little over $100 at TJ Maxx. Definitely a fan of diver watches and will eventually get that Rolex Submariner! Thanks for the vid!
No problem. Yea I think the Rolex Sub is pretty much on all of our bucket lists!
As someone who has had a Rolex submariner,
I traded it for a
Omega Sea Master.
on your list the Seiko Oranges Monsters is my #1 . I wear a Pro Diver and Grand Diver, they have been great watches.
You can't go wrong with these watches for under $250 (the Orange Mobster is hard to find and the Omega and Rolex are big money now) 9:46
Cool vid, thanks! Some will hate it but my fav is the Heimdallr SKX, the white dial version in particular. With a regulated NH36a (mine runs within 2 seconds a day) and sapphire crystal at only a 135 bucks it is a much better buy than the original SKX imo. Another fav that could be on your list is the Seiko SNZH, aka the fifty fathoms. Too bad the white dial version is so hard to find but the blue one or the black one with the gold accents are both stunning as well I think. Cheers!
Thanks for the comment! And yea I agree!
I own a Casio Duro MDV106. It is certainly a good durable dive watch.
Been using that shit and nothing else for its price
I was gonna add The Mako XL to my collection but read to many complaints on amazon saying the watch goes 10 to 15 min faster a day..i ran toward the hills
Wonderful review and recommendations. Thank you, loved the Casio.