The BEST Dive Watches Under $500 (22 Watches Mentioned)

[@11c00lj]

The Orient Kamasu and now the Mako 3 punch so high above their price points. Absolute home runs, both of them.

[@_all_around_us]

Wait.. aren't the Kamasu and the Mako III the same thing??

[@anotherdaytobetheslayer7091]

​@@_all_around_usNo, the Mako III has the 12-3-6-9 Arabic numeral markers While the Kamasu has the teeth-like markers.

[@v1nnyq]

agree, i have them both. my kamasu keeps great time, hopefully the mako breaks in nice too.

[@jonjustdope]

@@_all_around_us some differences in the design. The crown shape and face is the main distinction and the Kamasu is slightly more expensive and premium but both are great watches.

[@MadDrummer100000]

Teddy, I’m really happy you’re doing a video on the best affordable divers right before Black Friday. That’s incredible.

[@madbrainmakesnosense8229]

Great you mentioned Vostok. I am really in love with mine. I love to wear a watch all the time and in everyday use as well as when traveling, at the beach or in the pool I love wearing the Vostok. If things would go really bad not much to lose. In the beginning I had some problems with mine, it sometimes lost time, like it would have stopped working for some minutes. I think after a few weeks all parts in the watch started to work together and since 2 years now not a single problem with the watch. Simple construction as you said 😂

[@Constable.Chauvin]

I loved my 420, it ran perfectly but i purchased a citizen ny0040 and had to sell it

[@TabbyLavalamp]

Citizen also has a 36mm Promaster which is great for everyday wear for people who have smaller wrists or just prefer smaller watches. I got mine as soon as I found out about it and it's become one of my favourites in my collection. I've wanted a dive watch for a while but have been put off by the sheer size of most of them.

[@justsain3236]

Tissor Seastar 1000 36mm for me.

[@mojoriden]

2026 edition "so with inflation every watch on this list is a Casio. Lets start off at the upper end of the range at $499 we have the classic F-91W"

[@markbock3027]

Glad you mentioned Glycine. It’s a great legacy brand that has thankfully been mostly left alone by Invicta after their purchase, apart from better distribution (they’re widely available at several of the major online resellers). They’re one of the best values on the market - I actually just bought a Combat Sub automatic (ETA/Sellita movement) for less than $300, fully legit purchase with box, papers, warranty. It’s a shockingly nice watch for the price, with excellent finishing and quality components. The lugs turn down quickly, so it wears smaller than its 42mm size would suggest, and it’s very thin. And it’s been running about +5 seconds per day.

[@ryangochuico]

I too got a bronze glycine combat sub. All the good things you mentioned i agree with. Although if i have to point out one negative, their lume is quite terrible for a diver watch. 😂

[@MichaelFischetti]

Completely agree about what you said regarding Glycine. I have 5 combat subs and I love each one. If lume however is a priority for someone, it's not Glycines strong point except for the GL0425 which is a bronze case and a black leather strap. It has the best lume of any dive watch I own which includes and Omega Seamaster 300 and a couple of Citizen Pro Divers (which I always felt had the best lume for that price point) The 0425 outlasts them all.

[@ryangochuico]

@@MichaelFischetti thank you for the suggestion 🤩

[@ensemb]

You are great at talking about watches and showing them. I have a favor to ask of you. Please show the clock not only with the preset time 10:10, but also other positions of the hands. This would allow us to better understand watch design.

[@andresgianfelice8302]

after watching this video, and some research, I ended up getting my first dive watch: Orient Kamasu. Ive been wearing it every day for three weeks. I love this watch!. Thanks for your advise

[@markikn3183]

Two brands worthy of the list: Helm and Spinnaker: Helm make such a great diver, the fanbase makes them tough to obtain. Spinnaker at the value end of the price range has improved virtually every cycle. I own one and love it.

[@andhenny]

I’m loving these more affordable option videos. I’m over paying thousands of dollars to enjoy wristwatches as a hobby or an accessory.

[@sailor123ize]

Revue thommen, Swiss made, 300ft wr, $500 Gevril Wallstreet, Swiss made, 200ft wr, $750. Great movement, solid, good looking watches. Under $1000 and Swiss.

[@peasantstimekeeper]

I actually have a Zelos SF Black Sand dial on the way right now! Itll be my 2nd Zelos. Incredible value for money brand! And i love the exclusivity feel. They dont produce a ton of watches and are arguably harder to get than a Rolex! Which for me just means i have something that most people dont AND its value for money is INCREDIBLE..

[@chasebusch7426]

I’ve been looking at the Orient Kamasu with the red dial for the last week. None of the other watches on this list really come quite as close to my taste as the Kamasu does.

[@robertmilner1407]

It's a gorgeous watch, the red is stunning in daylight, but understated in low light. It seems more compact on my wrist than in the photos, but with a few different straps, it's so versatile I wear it most of the time.

[@chasebusch7426]

@@robertmilner1407 You are only selling me more. I’ve got a couple dress watches now, but I really wanted something more versatile for everyday wear and the Kamasu seems like a winner!

[@mattmiller5673]

To me, if you didn't plan to have a million subscribers, I would be shocked. You appear very well thought out and so knowledgeable. Thank you for your channel.

[@giantsnerd]

I'm not sure how HELM Watches gets left off this list. Yes, wait times are really long, but you're getting a true ISO 6425 certified dive watch with good specs for $350.

[@shanephillips8735]

Under $500 dive watches is where the microbrands really shine, needs a video all of its own really

[@arielargo]

Agreed. Also Wise is another microbrand with great value!!

[@BennyLlama]

I think he might have rushed his last few videos. His video yesterday, about types of divers left out the CW Super Compressor, one of the only actual compressor divers on the market, from the compressor section of the video.

[@willcarella]

Hmm if I had to guess, probably because they look awful

[@BennyLlama]

@willcarella That's subjective as heck and a minority opinion as all their models have multi year-long waiting lists.

[@BennyLlama]

I'm glad you mentioned Zelos. They've been hard to get in the past, but they're finally starting to do larger production runs

[@infinitekronos]

Agreed. Helm are great watches and so damn chunky. They are beautiful! The problem I have is availability.

[@ryangochuico]

Being an owner for 1 week of a zelos swordfish meteor dial, im very happy to see it featured here. The watch is wonderful for the price ❤🎉

[@Blayzn18]

Can't go wrong with the Casio Duro. The blue color genuinely makes me happy when I wear it. It gets a lot of attention too! Thanks for the great video Teddy

[@RaphaelSafr]

Great watches ! Great review !

[@LSBContractingLLC]

​I think investors should exercise caution with their exposure and exercise caution when considering new investments, particularly during periods of inflation. It is advisable to seek guidance from a professional or trusted advisor in order to navigate this recession and achieve potential high yields.

[@2003JrF4i]

I have the Citizen fugu one. I get a ton of compliments on it !

[@ginsengroot815]

I'd love to see you do more videos about obscure brands from smaller countries. I have a feeling you've done those before but I enjoy those much more than seeing another video about Omega, Seiko or Tudor.

[@johnseeger9083]

Teddy, Congratulations! I’ve been watching for years and your production is great! As to a robust and great looking dive watch close or under $500, what about the Vaer D5? I will admit I haven’t dived with the watch but I’ve used it as a field watch for years and it is terrific. Robust, good lume and a terrific US assembled watch. Speaking of US assembled watches, how about a couple of episodes on the US brands - Shinola, Vaer, Tornek-Rayville, Jack Mason and Cincinnati Watch Co are a few of the terrific US firms. How about giving them a little love? Cheers JR Seeger old warrior/even older novelist

[@dblh84]

I agree and have owned my Jack Mason Batgirl GMT (Strat-o-timer) for about three weeks; I absolutely love it and the 9075 is keeping perfect time - literally. Also, they're all regulated to +5/-5spd in Texas. Their customer service is top notch and they stay engaged with the community on social media. Amazing value for money.

[@kenamaro3942]

Have the Citizen Promaster BNO 150. Replaced the rubber strap with a stainless steel oyster bracelet from Long Island Watch. Looks good, feels good, good to go..

[@dhruvpatki2169]

I just ordered an Orient Ray 2!! I can’t wait for it!

[@GeoffreyDavis-WebDev]

Great video, very helpful. Buddies turned me onto the Duro which I love, and checking these suggestions out for my next step up into divers

[@akastenas]

I like how microbrands / homage microbrands are facilitated in US and EU to lower extent. But Chinese Microbrands remained somewhat frowned upon. The funny thing is that Microbrands Usually source their parts from the very same factories where Chinese Microbrands such as San Martin are made. So we are often paying premium for a design which is Usually borrowed from somewhere. A good example is Numai watches which look almost identical to San Martin.

[@ragr5133]

I'm currently wearing a Steeldive SD1970 Willard homage while typing this comment. An absolute spec monster. I've paid a bit over 150$ including taxes because I'm not from the US and in my country there is a high import duty. Even after paying almost double over retail, still the value exceeds the price. Getting the same watch in sale in the high 70-80s would be an absolute no brainer. It feels sad that Chinese homage brands like Steeldive, Pagani or San Martin get no recognition or just meaningless hate... just because it's in the "clommage" category even if it offers good value for a fraction of the price.

[@dblh84]

​@@ragr5133 I agree completely. I've never given a rat's ass what others think about my watch, however - I'm happy and that's all that matters.

[@ragr5133]

@@dblh84 glad you think that way. Wear your watches in good health! I've read a good analogy somewhere - Chinese homage brands and microbrands are impacting the watch industry similar to the Quartz revolution in the 70s. There were narrow minded snobs who resisted it and they still do, even after understanding the fact that Quartz is more accurate and cheaper than mechanical movement. I love both, there are personal preferences. But resisting progress in industry is foolish. Homage watches and microbrands are bringing top notch quality with lower price to the general public, which makes the elites curse and swear who spent thousands on a brand, which doesn't even have twice as much value in terms of specifications.

[@salmatosjr5285]

Might as well throw in the Zelos Mako. It was my first micro-brand and it astounded me how the kept the price so reasonable with a sellitta movement in it. Those days are long gone now, but it's still a great value with the miyota movement they are currently using.

[@brucenicole1902]

Here in Germany the Seiko is well over 500. Between 650 and 700 euros. The citizen and orient are under 300 euros. I have the citizen.

[@RyanCedeno-d3i]

When people are saying #amzwatch is a better option for buying a watch,I very much agree!

[@SkywardFR]

I love my Seiko 5 so much but it pisses me off that it stops after one day if I don't wear it, I became a big fan of Hamilton's 80h movement (and field watches by the same occasion as i'm not a diver). Would you have recommendations for anything Field/Compass/Expedition/explorer watch? it seems quite a left on side category oustide of Hamilton and IWC (and of course the Seiko Alpinist)

[@markrrace]

Deep Blue brand watches are also making some great watches that could have been included in this video...I know you can't cover every brand but I've got 3 dive watches from Deep Blue and I couldn't be any happier! And many meet the "under $500" price point.

[@drmanhattan225]

It's out of this budget, but I think the SLA055/057 is the best bang for buck dive watch in the world. Grand Seiko fit, finishing and movement at a non GS price, and it's leagues above anything the likes of Tudor and even Rolex have to offer.

[@TrueNorth1217]

So happy they came out with the Tissot Seastar 40mm. Its the perfect size.

[@BassJournal]

What is the reason that san martin can not find a place inside of this list?

[@chrislee6853]

Great video!! I’m going to share this with a friend who is looking to buy a diver in this price range. I think he will find this video extremely helpful …Thanks

[@jasonwilson7674]

I bought the citizen fugu used 'like new' for £250 and it is the best watch pound for pound I've ever bought, it was that good I bought another in a different colour, excellent value. I do own other watches that cost an awful lot more and was just blown away by citizen for the price, a proper no nonsense tool watch 😊

[@punkypink83]

man ive been after that Scurfa One for a year or so now and it's so difficult to get. Picked up a Zelos last month though! wow i actually have 10 of the watches mentioned here or some variant of them. like the tissot seastar in 36mm instead of 40, a mini turtle instead of the regular turtle, mako 2 n kamasu instead of the mako 3, the 5 GMT instead of the 3 hander etc

[@thedestroyer.]

Hey Teddy !! How is The Frederique Constant World-timer Watch ?? Can you please Review World Timer Watches .

[@rantdeville]

If you have a couple hundred to spend, buy yourself a mako 3. Everything about the watch is stellar for the price.

[@syedrehanfida]

I really wanna get a Vostok or Seiko dive watch, but they are too big for my 6 inch wrist.

[@jacobambach8143]

The Vostok 420 and 120 cases will fit small wrists. I've got the same issue on my side.

[@speedracer2please]

I'm so glad you included the Tissot Seastar 40mm! I got one in a duty free shop for $300 and it instantly became one of my favorites. It wears better than watches several times the price, is really clear in a variety of lighting conditions, and my friends and family think it looks like a Rolex, as far as they can tell lol

[@chandude3]

I'd get an islander dive watch over a lot of these

[@laeclaec1783]

I think casio duro is a very good opción... Its price is ridiculous in comparison what you get... In Europe the dolphin is disappeared of the dial... I miss some invicta model too... Diver watches options are enormous nowadays... Thanks for another great video.

[@mikevu6071]

to stretch budget a little bit more you would get the Doxa which is a fantastic Diver

[@meDave]

id love to hear your opinion on the Oceaneva brand. I just got the new titanium GMT and I gotta say...I am very impressed.

[@dejuanmcguire9348]

Great list! Another dive style watch in this under $500 tier that I would recommend checking out is Monterey Watch Company, the Blacktip series. Automatic NH35A movement, sapphire crystal, 100 meters water resistance, 40 mm case diameter, assembled in the USA. Under $300.

[@TheBelu57]

something was forgotten , somethin from Romania , Dapix Hebros , a neat watch made with quality materials!

[@frankschroth4038]

Hi Teddy , one question What do you think about Citizen venturing out into high end Watches like the new "The Citizen" line ?

[@mitchellvancoppenolle5535]

Vostok owner instructions said if not running slap it and it started working no joke

[@DavidV4444]

I do wish they moved to sapphire and replaced the clasp with a milled one - I really don’t like the stamped clasp but can live with Hardlex.

[@ComicConBooBoo]

i like the steeldive series. but everyone seems to have a dive watch the aqualand is nice

[@JohnnyTaxonomy]

That T counter on the minute hand of the Tissot Seastar really detracts from it, IMO.

[@johnbecker1996]

My first decent watch was a Seiko solar Diver's 200m, bought in Nagoya about 6-7 years ago. It's a great watch for the money, has all the attributes Teddy mentions in reviewing the new Seikos, and will be in my rotation for years to come. Great to see Zelos mentioned! I've been asking Teddy to give them some attention, but he rightly points out that there's no way to review watches that are usually sold out the day they're released. I got one of their true GMTs earlier this year and love it - incredibly high quality for the price.

[@alias110]

By the way the tissot seastar quartz have an accuracy of +-10 seconds a year with that perci drive eta movement

[@cadburries]

It's the ETA F06.412 which has the HeavyDrive and PreciDrive technologies.

[@philippestrickler3461]

For the young divers (and the older one) it is paradise . I appreciate to discover microbrand . The offer from SEIKO and from CITIZEN is breath taking. If i need to by a dive watch under 500 $, i will for sure choose a SEIKO or a CITIZEN . In Europe, they are well knowned brand for thier reliability.

[@Italiantonio76]

The Scurfa Diver One looks really nice, but I can't find it anywhere. Any help, would be appreciated. THANKS!

[@ihitconnect3521]

Hey teddy! Been watching you for a long long time now and keep seeing you reference the Vostok! If you or anyone knows where i can buy one online please share. I’ve been trying to find it for ages but due to the Russia ukraine issue its becoming more and more difficult to get your hands on a dime of a watch! Thx teddy and keep up the good work

[@tolypolonty5766]

I have a Henry Archer akva which goes for £367 with their welcome discount and I truly believe it's in the argument for the best diver under 1000 let alone 400.

[@coreymitchell2756]

What's your thought on Spinnaker Piccard? Would appreciate your feedback?

[@johnnyJoe10]

Looking for suggestions on automatic watches with sapphire glass, under $500. Open to all styles. Appreciate it.

[@leonschumann2361]

phoibos should be in there. have 3 by now. unique design. great quality.

[@Grollebol]

Nice. But missing one Icoon of a Diver. Citizen Aqualand!

[@iAmAHobbyist]

I'm interested in Vostok Amphibian..

[@Grasshopper0122]

If Vostok was a person, it would be the poor kid down the street that your mom told you not to play with…..named Butch !!

[@Henk-007]

Love this video ! I would like to see a video on the best tool watches under $1000.

[@dblh84]

Jack Mason Strat-o-timer GMT for $999. My dark knight (Batgirl) is keeping perfect time with the 9075 inside. I absolutely love this watch.

[@Freeskiingisdabest]

The Seiko - Arnie also ought to be mentioned imo. Great video though.

[@roelvandenbergen611]

I’m considering to buy the seiko sne black on a nato as a first good watch for my son. Just want to feel it on the hand before buying.

[@phorshor]

Mr. Baldassarre, this video came at a splendid time for me, as today is day 1 of looking for my 1st dive watch. Much obliged, good sir! 🫡

[@declanmcdermott5579]

Although lacking a diver bezel hard to look past the seiko prospex tortoise , cheapest seiko in the prospex range with sapphire crystal .

[@gtrfreak]

I’ve recently fallen in love with Seiko Dive Watches and I was at the dept store yesterday and almost pulled the trigger on a 41mm variety but I already have a 45mm I love. Teddy, please stop telling people out secrets 😅😅

[@mjmboogie]

Teddy, thank you for putting out some great, educational, and pertinent content. I just added a Swatch x Blancpain Scuba to my collection, yes it’s not a real dive watch. And more than likely not worth what I paid for it. But that’s not why we buy watches. We do it because we can, and we like it. 😂

[@bonumfatum457]

Glad to see you bringing up Lorier more often. The Zephyr is my go to dress piece. Excellent quality and customer service and the classic designs are timeless…

[@MrPotatoHead343]

Great video as always, now I just need to make it to OH and visit your shop!

[@FatherSonWatchTalk]

Great review. Love these watches. The Bulova rocks.

[@trtcommunity9248]

Great video, guys. But no Spinnaker? 😭 I love Spinnaker. I've purchased 3 of them.

[@TH_ANDY]

The aqua blue 38 mm seiko was so nice looking. The movement is so clean.

[@jhoot3482]

I recently purchased a Swedish brand called Octon. So far their dive watch, similar to a Tudor is great. Under 400 USD

[@Sebastian-db6ur]

They look quite interesting, how’s the build quality ?

[@jhoot3482]

Solid

[@blueissocool]

I wish they would give the dial diameter size. Buy one, and the case is 44mm but the dial is 30mm.

[@to2055]

Great list! The Bulova is in fact a certified dive watch. At least it says so on the caseback.

[@zillsburyy1]

san martin, helm, heimdallr, orient, citizen

[@TheIronDuke9]

Love my Heimdallrs - better than the originals imo

[@zillsburyy1]

much better than POS mediocre overrated seiko@@TheIronDuke9

[@cjblazer385]

Seiko monster, the 4th gen got overlooked a lot a feel. I think it is a super unique and interesting watch with good specs. I know Teddy doesn’t like them but I love mine. Nice to see the Kanno on the list though, one of my other favs that I think is always overlooked.

[@joshsher6327]

Good list. Wish they would list the best true traveler GMTs under $1K.

[@LeShark75]

That Seiko Pepsi Padi Turtle is a beautiful watch. I've owned mine for around 6 / 7 years now, and when it comes out in rotation I struggle taking it off again. A cracking watch that's well worth the money.

[@ivanmejia6843]

How is the OEM bracelet?

[@LeShark75]

The bracelet is absolutely fine, very comfortable for me personally.

[@brianglade848]

Have you ever looked at San Martin watches.....very interesting indeed

[@Sar0]

Bought San martin for the first time and im in love. Great homage watch too

[@cosminbanciu7958]

I can’t choose between orient kamasu- Seiko prospex- tissot seamaster 1000 😢 please help

[@krisztiannagyszeder1095]

I like Seiko King's Turtle Save the Ocean Men but I have a 7-inch wrist maybe it's too big for my wrist? or just buy no care about my wrist :)

[@natemiller770]

This is going to hook a lot of new watch enthusiasts. 👍

[@lov.2.g]

I think seiko just need to put sapphire on their below 500$ watch....honestly citizen doing a better job...seiko prospex is bang on ...solar power + 200m + sapphire crystal so yea same except they should do the same for their analog watches ...

[@aaronzx10r]

Dammit Teddy , often when you upload I end up buying a watch, Today I recieved my Casio Duro, Casios are cheap , but I just really like them……this one is no different.

[@ZEN43D]

I'll take the G-Shock please!

[@traiviator]

Loved the Vostok Segment :-D Definitely will be looking out for one.

[@gregman0007]

Hey - why the hell do watch companies even use mineral crystal? It scratches so easily - and question, how can I find out if the bezel is also for instance sapphire coated? What’s the point of a sapphire lens and a scratched bezel…

[@antyvirusuk8056]

So fun fact, that 38mm duro... Is actually 35mm

[@BFit25]

If tired of seiko I’d go with the Lorier personally.

[@GodisGracious1]

thx Teddy you rock, exactly the video i was hoping for.

[@jaimemolina1777]

Can you do a video on mod watches? I would be curious if these modded watches are any good.

[@aureliuscaos692]

Please, take a look at these models; NY0129-07L, NY0120-01Z, NY0120-52E. Enjoy!

[@marcusehrnecker7287]

Maybe you can make a review of the Outsiders Revolution Diver…

[@tioo5265]

Wonder watch review. Interesting is the price and robust built time pieces for less than the tax price for others doing the same functions. T)

[@tayne5009]

“Scurfa watches are available…” You can theoretically buy one, but in reality you’d have to be very, very lucky to get one.