Best Affordable Dive Watches for 2024... so far

[@Subcomandante73]

The Casio Duro deserves a spot on this list for £50 and 200m water resistance.

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

Deffo

[@David-bb7mt]

Yeah but they're on every other list on the Internet

[@JF-lt5zc]

Because they are worthy of being on every other list on the internet...@@David-bb7mt

[@davidmccall4776]

I'm waiting for Casio to reintroduce the MDV-1010, and when they do, I'll buy it! It was a great little 40mm "beater," which for me was perfect. ⌚👀👍

[@robertmckinlay7242]

It's a great diver for people unsure if a dive watch is their style.

[@michaelweber1143]

That invicta was my gateway watch into the hobby. Wife bought it for me for our anniversary years ago and the rest is history.

[@NoblesTx]

I think it has to be said San Martin makes a great NH35 diver for around 150. Watches look great but what really knocks them out of the park are the bracelets and clasps. They can’t be beat by any watch under 400 dollars.

[@JP-ly7yp]

The Glycine crushes all of these. Pre Invicta the same watches were $1k plus. Their grey market distribution allows for the low pricing. Glad to see it recognized.

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

There was slight differences between the pre and post invicta combat subs but it wasn't a $600 to $800 difference. My pre invicta combat sub has drilled lugs, a slightly better bezel action and the eta 2824 is decorated.

[@JP-ly7yp]

@@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen I mean sure we’re talking drilled lugs on some models and a Sellita SW200-1 instead of the ETA. But this watch used to be carried in high end stores around the world and that distribution has been replaced by the grey market shops, which is a huge advantage to the consumer. The watch is nearly the same, but people equate quality with price. It’s funny how Zodiac is owned by the king of the mall watch, Fossil and sells at entry level luxury prices because their distribution is brick and mortar, yet a brand like Glycine with even greater heritage is somehow sullied by their Invicta ownership. I’ll take Glycine all day.

[@TheBimmer74]

Great list! I had alignment issues on my Seastar too, so I sold it. My Phoibos is a keeper!

[@j.k.7595]

Enjoyed the video Randy! A while back I purchased a Seestern because I wanted a Doxa 600 and couldn’t justify $1,600 for a watch I would have had to buy sight unseen…I ended up really liking the Seestern

[@thetruebatman4632]

Walked in here for the thumbnail, stayed for the mentions of Glycine and Tissot dive watches. Think I’ll subscribe my man. Love the Tenet soundtrack transitions too lol.

[@nedflanders3769]

They’re spies, like us! Also, super glad you included the shot of the guy in a speedo. My day is now complete 😮

[@albertsmith9315]

Micro brands... I bought the Vaer solar diver with 38mm case and it has been great. Comes with two quick change straps, rubber and nylon and is very understated, no day / date complications and just lumed dots and hash marks, no numbers. Available from the Vaer site and also the big A (river in South America) site. I was stationed at Edwards AFB when the movie "Spies Like Us" came out, and the drive in movie that the scene takes place with the line, "Why don't you have a Pepsi?" Was out the base gate. I saw the movie in the town, and when that scene popped up, the whole theater gasped from seeing a place that everyone knows.

[@patzguitarz]

I'm a dive watch only guy. Citizen NY series divers are the best value out there. $175 new/$100 preowned. Great lume, Goldilocks size, and indestructible Miyota movements. Make sure you get the new one with the Miyota 8204 hacking movement.

[@NoblesTx]

Yea but it’s ugly :(

[@eurovnik]

Spot on. Those underpants at 12 are a 90s design icon. Trust me, they'll come back into fashion.

[@rorschach8585]

The favorite dive watch in my collection is my Seiko SRPE93 Turtle, but when it comes to ACTUALLY getting in the water, whether at the pool, at the beach, or kayaking, I always grab my NY0040-17L Promaster, and yes, mine says 8203 on the dial, but it says 8204 on the case back, and it does hack.

[@davem6442]

Great new channel. Followed. My favorite affordable an old school Wenger quartz Roadster. Found at a discount store after Xmas in 2018 for $42. Ditched the rubber strap, added a 5 ring Zulu, hacked the dial with better lume dots to replace most on the indices. Now I can wake at 5 am and still see the time. I have only one grail a Heuer Monnin 844 2nd gen French made with Mercedes hands. I'm the original owner.

[@johnsmith-gs4qf]

The PHOIBOS looks amazing. I have always been fascinated by the octopus, and this watch has great specs as well!

[@ikeman5774]

Nice list. I have the Glycine Combat Sub and its my favorite diver.

[@OneWay2.38]

skipped Vostok and the Casio Duro?

[@davidmccall4776]

I purchased an Invicta Pro diver, model 9937OB, with the Swiss Sellita automatic movement for $170.00, and I love it! The fit & finish is comparable to watches costing 100's more, and it's extremely accurate, for an automatic. ⌚👀👍

[@ginom407]

Bought my first Seiko Dive watch while in the Navy. I've loved Seiko ever since! That Tissot is talking to me though, but so are some the others. Great video Randy!!! 👍👍👍

[@jb678901]

Same here. I had a really nice Seiko Diver (automatic)...but I made the mistake of doing a reactor compartment inspection with it on and it didn't make it out of the RCA. Not sure of the exact model, but it had an aluminum Pepsi-colored bezel and S.S. caseback (with the wave). I suppose the dial and hands were using some form of tritium paint, at the time. It was G-Shock, after that.

[@ThecrosseyedTexan]

You know I was watching one of your cheap audio Man videos the other day and I noticed the watch on your wrist. I was wondering to myself if this guy does watches too and lo and behold you do.

[@keving4408]

Informative video and some great suggestions. Would love to see a similar video for dress watches.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

How did I miss this offering from you? Thanks for a great dive start to this year. Good to see this channel ticking over nicely. Keep up the great work, Sir. Always good to watch your polished reviews. I own several of these, and I'm glad you like this selection too. I do like some of the Phoibos offerings.

[@paullunkes8383]

Thanks for the great review…I have a handful of Invicta watches…shocking how many people take it for a Rollie…my favorite in this group is Orient

[@patricksmith6253]

Love my Glycine. As well as my pro diver. Both bought from Costco

[@gregtolley3455]

Glycine combat 42 on Joma or Ashford rules them all, Swiss movement, great specs and sub 400 for pretty much any model.

[@grahamekellermeier8280]

Great video have a few Adina amphibian watches all 200 meters, some citizen eco drive diver, some Seiko solar dive watches all 2meters like the look of the diver watches.

[@khackett7]

Phoibos kills it with their designs.

[@tonymolina7744]

Totally enjoyed these rankings. Still researching, and these videos really help with my education. You Rock CAM/CWM!!! 🤘

[@marcoams6239]

Just discovered your channel and I gotta say the quality of your videos is pretty insane I also really like how you explain your point of view about different watches ! Keep up the good work man you have alot of success on your way

[@sidesaladaudio]

I really like the Orient Dive watches as a good balanced of value. I bought one for my Dad and he loves it

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

Yes, the solar multi band-6 G-Shock is the watch the entire military would wear. Except if you are in a submarine or burried deep in an engine room. No solar and no radio signal🤦‍♂️. (This is the funny scenario I have in my head. A sub surfaces in the middle of the ocean, there's sun shining, and there's 100 solar G-Shocks on an exterior clothes line getting a few hours of sun for a recharge.

[@sinjinadams2862]

In my opinion, the best Invicta and only Invicta to buy is the black bezel 1953. A really nice Rolex Submariner 6204 homage.

[@jamesblonde2271]

Yeah, love mine, I wanted a sixties style skindiver but not mecedes hands

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

There is some really good aftermarket bracelet options on the market for the orient mako 1,2,3 and kamasu divers.

[@GruntWays6900]

I'm late to the party, but I appreciate the Spies Like Us reference.

[@SerialWheeler]

Excellent roundup! Surprised about that Seiko Turtle going so high up in value. Good thing there are quite a few variations. I'd also add the Tuna as an excellent choice between $300-$400 range. Subscribed!

[@brianmurphy8154]

Nice vid…would really dig a video of how you polish a cheaper watch to a dull surface. I think that would be pretty cool…

[@JF-lt5zc]

It's relatively easy to put a satin or brushed finish on metal. You just need varying grades of wet sandpaper. Start with something coarse, like 220. Scuff the metal you want brushed until it is uniform across the surface. Then move to the next grade, 300. Repeat, 400, then 600, etc, until the surface looks good to you. You can go further than that but you will end up with more and more of a satin or polished look depending on where you stop. Best thing is, if you hate the way it turns out, you can go all the way to 2000/3000 grit and then polish it with metal polish (mag wheel polish works well) to get your shine back. Practice on something you don't care about to get the technique down, then give it a go on something you DO care about.

[@roamready9732]

"Spies like Us," great movie reference👍 And fun watch comparisons!

[@amoulet69]

Save a little more for a Henry Archer, NTH, Phoibos or even Spinnaker. Good vid.

[@cbayardelle]

Aragon watches extremely well built, they have tourbillions for $600 & more. Seiko orange monster first edition excellent.

[@Max_Thunder]

I just bought a Parnsrpe watch. It was 70 bucks and i don't have any super heavt hitter watches but have a few in the 1-2k range. This cheap watch is still a blast to wear and I'm amazed at the quality for 70 bucks.

[@BCallum]

Thanks for the video. "Two pepsis to go" is the next part of that movie quote...LOL.

[@micahbiesinger9824]

Excellent vid, my man. Keep ‘em coming!

[@vladchan]

There is a huge difference btw true ISO divers which say divers on dial like the citizen and the turtle and the pretenders, merely water resistant watches which can say combat sub or professional or some other marketing speak.

[@micheldepaula8733]

Great choices… very difficult to beat Glycine, I have a combat vintage and its great. You could add Citizen Marine and Citizen Fujitsubo. Cheers

[@brycepalmer4061]

Thoughts on hamilton khaki navy scuba or froggman?

[@con81rad]

Great video, I’ve got the phoibos and it’s great, the citizen is also underrated. Nice to see you pushing the invicta , as you’ve more than tried and tested it, rather than following the sheep who have just rubbished it

[@jontpt]

I mostly agree with this review, with the exception of the Tissot-Glycine comparison. Your particular Combat Sub color/design way is a little flat, but they have literally dozens of other examples. Also, you get a real high beat movement instead of that dumbed down Powermatic 80 thing...

[@Allaces305]

Spies Like Us ...lol... Casio also makes a nice diver for about $50.. Great deal.

[@MADHIKER777]

We have similar taste based on the fact that I own the Citizen, the Orient, the Glycine and the Phoibos.

[@SpaceG95]

You need a few Aragon watches if you want an established micro/independent brand.

[@apparaoapparao]

Aragon DM 42 is a no brainer sweet deal.

[@alexspink4325]

Didn’t mention the Squale

[@chrisswanson9724]

Immediately subscribed. Funny, honest and pretty much spot on with which watches I'm researching or own. This is a terrible hobby to get into, but it's nice to see someone review less expensive options that aren't trash (even though Invicta is trash).

[@ibez07]

Subbed....just picked up a 2009 Aquaracer for £600 chrono24..loving it

[@BillyTheCheeseMonger]

I love my glycine combat sub!!!

[@DinoCorvino]

Casio Duro. I mean, the answer to any Dive watch question is Duro.

[@joshsher6327]

For the Citizen Promaster, why is the crown on the left?

[@user-cw9qk3hk3y]

How about Vostok Amphibia?

[@fldiverjc4496]

I would have included momentum and deep blue .

[@jb678901]

Yes, I own a Deep Blue "Master Dive 2000" and it's a fantastic dive watch. Matt-black ceramic bezel, Orange minute hand. Exceptional lume on dial, hands, and bezel. Sapphire crystal. Hi beat-rate (4Hz) ETA 2824-2 movement. Satin and brushed finishes on case and bracelet.

[@apparaoapparao]

$70 Phorcydes 50 Fath LIP homage $150 Ratio 2 1000meter with Helium escape valve $200 Vostok Amfibia Scuba 2415/070798 $200 Certina DS Blue Ribbon 300m

[@kylesalisbury6789]

Love all your videos. Keep it up.

[@ErikGenerik76]

Just got my Grail Invicta. Ref # 32823 44mm.

[@doobeedoo2]

why does it have to be automatic? what is wrong w the Glycine quartz? Is there anything great about the automatic movements here?

[@steven3379]

Second generation Seiko Monster! 👍👍

[@erickobetitsch6055]

Love the show. Keep them coming.

[@FatherSonWatchTalk]

Great video and recommendations. However, long live the Casio Duro!!

[@frankbama3684]

IMHO watchmakers can eliminate the date feature on dive & military. Not used by most wearers and the cyclops lens is just in the way.

[@jorgegodoy1590]

I saw cheap invicta on Walmart

[@TT-ch2pz]

I dig the Glycine because the thin case. It really wears well.

[@NoblesTx]

Yea but they ruin it with a 22mm fat boy bracelet. Wish it was a conventional size.

[@reesebroekhoven3962]

Hey quick none watch question Sinclair audio speakers whats your quick take on them?? Brighton series

[@leonidaslantz5249]

The Spinnaker Hull.

[@watchalot919]

Can't believe you left out San Martin, especially their original design versions

[@DavidLee-yu7yz]

Just to let you know that the Seiko Turtle is available in the UK for between £379.00 to £450.00 for the standard models, your 'pepsi' is priced at £429.00 from my favourite supplier and comparable with other UK dealers, still good value even with any import tax to you guys across the Pond. I favour the Samurai but that is just personal taste and both equal in my eyes. I would mention two companies but I don't know whether KZbin would be happy. I also have the Citizen Promaster NY0040 the black one. Good video. D

[@edteach3r]

Love that Turtle! They age very well.

[@artieshell9205]

Thanks for this !

[@jimf5160]

take a look at Zelos' dive watches...and Yema.

[@Friends_and_fragrances]

I still wear my 42 mm promaster all the time, it’s a tank

[@jorgeolguingarcia]

Spies like us? Awesome movie, best regards

[@JeffBreyer]

Its too bad that the Invicta's get so much hate. I love my pro divers. I don't care for much of their other watches but it keeps great time and looks good from doing it.

[@jb678901]

In my opinion: Best Quality low price divers: Steeldive SD1953 (300m), SD1964 (1000m), Cronos L6009 (3000m) Some Other High Quality at or below $200: Seestern S434v2, Seestern 416 Cronos L6009 (3000m) Thorn SHY036 (Titanium diver, 200m)

[@billanders9199]

I like my Dufrane Travis Diver. $699 and made in Austin, TX with a Swiss mvmt.

[@Matthew-wn8oq]

I have three DuFrane watches, they are awesome! I have the Country Wine Barton Springs 2 love it! The green Travis is next 😊

[@davidblack8174]

Love that hoodie, Shipmate!

[@AudioFileZ]

Hey CWM. I need some advice. I received the Zodiac ceramic cert chrono for Christmas. It has a rubber band. A nice rubber band, but rubber. I like titanium, metal, or ceramic. What would be your pick to go aesthetically and functionally with this watch in a metal, or similar material, band? Oddly enough this watch though certified runs about 4-minutes slow per 30-days. This can be adjusted...right? Where? I'm not sure.

[@freedomfirst5420]

Good list.

[@holtmoore5313]

All good choices.

[@MisterE495]

No steel dive?

[@stefpix]

The Citizen NY0040 is great. But I definitely prefer the black version, with its inky black dial. The Pepsi with the matte dial and the bezel insert with a slightly different blue is less well executed. The Glycine has a nice case shape, but the dial is a bit too busy and all flat/printed. The Phobos is nice, but the bezel insert lacks a diver watch minute markers and the white date is a bit too conspicuous. I think the Citizen Orca is a great option, when legibility, accurate and lume are paramount

[@eurovnik]

Each to their own. I love the blue sunburst NY0040 for its 90s cheesiness.

[@stefpix]

@@eurovnik yes. But the sunburst blue dial is different than the Pepsi version’s blue dial. I like the blue sunburst.

[@eurovnik]

@@stefpix ah, I hadn't appreciated that there was a blue Pepsi. Mine's a blue sunburst with a black bezel. I may have got the reference number wrong. Looks great on a blue/yellow Ukraine NATO.

[@eurovnik]

Shout out to the Tissot Seastar 1000 300m 36mm. $250 on sale all day long. Thermocompensated quartz movement accurate to +/-10s/year. Yes, it lacks a lume pip on the bezel, but who actually dives relying on a watch anyway?

[@pyrolusite]

Great topic. Yes inflation is real!

[@MikeSmith-er1qs]

[@davidsparling3505]

Randy, I’m subscribed to both your channels and gave you lots of likes. However, if you want this channel to grow, perhaps it needs as much love as your audio channel. Actually amazed you have time for both.

[@jhoag2577]

Watchdives Sharkmaster 300 big triangle is the best for $155

[@AffordableWatchGuy]

Anyone else surprised that the Casio Duro ain't here?

[@willmarshall4685]

Wearing speedo now

[@rushman13]

that's definitely not the SRPB11K1 as that has a sunburst blue dial

[@Solerf1]

Helm?

[@Akstergrind]

I was hoping someone would mention Helm! I have a Komodo and a Khuraburi.

[@thriftshop2609]

The Tissot with the Powermatic 80 movement cannot be regulated by amateur watchmakers, bummer.

[@Matthew-wn8oq]

I can only imagine since the only watches made in China you listed was Invicta and now Glycine is because you didn't think they were made in China ? It would have to be the reason since there are many Chinese companies that make dive watches built and specd way better than most of what your talking about.

[@123jawillia]

Spies Like Us (best guess, no interwebs cheating)

[@ethimself5064]

eBay site shows zero items. Just a mention

[@jameshaury2716]

Enlisted or Officer.

[@franciscozaragoza7193]

Spies like us

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

No SanMartin? I'm very happy with my water ghost v3 with a PT5000.

[@IronButterknife]

Helm