Quartz divers are a timekeeping staple and are far more abundant and affordable than any other watch movement on the market. Though an argument could be made on the engineering ingenuity and craftsmanship of automatic movements, quartz watches are no slouches either.
Since they were first created by Japanese watch manufacturer Seiko in the late 60s, quartz watches have completely changed the watch industry with its affordability and timekeeping accuracy. Even today, quartz watches are typically cheaper than their mechanical counterparts which has ensured that it dominates the marketplace.
With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to find one that suits your needs. In this review, we’ve compiled a list of the best quartz dive watches for you to choose from.
Our Top Picks:
Best Quartz Divers: Recommendations
Stührling Aquadiver Regatta
Specifications:
- Case diameter: 42mm
- Case thickness: 12mm
- Band width: 22mm
- Water resistant depth: 200m
The Stührling Aquadiver Regatta is a great quartz diver with most of the classic specs found in other watches but available at a fraction of the price.
It features surgical grade stainless steel construction with its case, bracelet, and screw-down crown all made of it. The Aquadiver Regatta is durable, corrosion and scratch-resistant, and is water resistant to 200m. The lume on the markers and hands can store energy to produce its own light in dim conditions.
Next, the unidirectional bezel with coin edge lets you easily rotate it in one direction even while underwater. It will audibly click as you pass each minute that you are tracking. The Aquadiver Regatta features Swiss quartz movement which is highly accurate and will keep time more accurately than an automatic watch.
The Aquadiver Regatta from Stührling comes with many 5 face color options to choose from, of which you can pick two: black, blue, green, orange, and red. You can get all of this for an extremely low price of around $100.
Key Features:
- Swiss quartz movement.
- Date display at 4 o’clock position.
- 3-piece steel strap with deployment clasp.
- Protective Krysterna crystal.
Luminox Navy Seal
- Precise Swiss-quartz movement
- Mineral crystal
- Case diameter: 44 mm
Specifications:
- Case diameter: 44mm
- Case thickness: 14mm
- Band width: 23mm
- Water resistant depth: 200m
The Luminox Navy Seal is a very bright watch that is designed for use in low-light conditions. If you are someone who prefers night activities or need to be able to see your watch in dark conditions, then you will not be disappointed at how bright the Luminox Navy Seal is.
Its unparalleled luminescence is possible thanks to Tritium tubes which can glow on their own for as long as 25 years. The Luminox Navy Seal has a rugged aesthetic owing to the fact that it was used by Navy Seal teams. Many law enforcement agencies have also relied on this watch in the past. The reason is simple: if you need something that can stand up to aggressive use that can also be used at night, then this quartz diver is the ideal choice.
Since this watch was clearly designed to be worn by people in the service, unfortunately its aesthetic is not the most attractive because it clearly favors function over form. There is nothing wrong with that, but if you want a quartz watch with more versatility, perhaps a sleeker watch would be preferable.
On the other hand, if you are a very active individual who prefers night activities such as night diving or camping, then those are the moments where the Luminox Navy Seal will truly shine.
Key Features:
- Swiss Ronda 715 quartz movement.
- Robust mineral crystal.
- Very bright tritium tube lume which can glow on its own for 25 years without any recharging necessary.
Casio MDV106-1AV
Specifications:
- Case diameter: 44mm
- Case thickness: 12mm
- Band width: 20mm
- Water resistant depth: 200m
The Casio MDV106-1AV is a quartz diver that provides all of the durability and convenience of a sports watch with a versatile appearance that wouldn’t look out of place in an office setting. At a glance, you will see the stainless steel case and black resin band which give it a classic feel.
This watch features an intuitive 3-hand analog with date display at the 3 o’clock position for an easy read. Specifically, its large round dial is black and white for a contrasting effect, and in the center are two luminous hands and a red arrow-tipped seconds hand.
Next, the black stainless steel bezel is marked with dox indexes and Arabic numerals paired with a one-way rotating bezel to make tracking time straightforward. The bezel is machined to have a distinctive cog-like edge which provides a stylishly industrial look.
The band is constructed from durable black resin and comes with a buckle clasp. The Casio MDV106-1AV is quartz powered and is water resistant up to 200m (660ft), with battery life that can last up to 3 years.
Key Features:
- Japanese quartz movement.
- Screw-down crown and case back.
- Mineral crystal.
Citizen Eco-Drive BN0085
- ISO-certified diver watch with sunray design on inner dial and rubber band
- Japanese quartz movement with analog display
- Eco drive technology is fueled by light and it never needs a battery
Specifications:
- Case diameter: 47mm
- Case thickness: 14mm
- Band width: 23mm
- Water resistant depth: 300m
While all of the watches on this list so far are certified dive watches, the Citizen Eco-Drive BN0085 is head and shoulders above (or in this case, below) the rest with its water resistant depth rating of 300m.
It comes with all of the necessary features you’d expect from a true diver’s watch: lume coated hands and markers, large and easy to read face with a tough hardened mineral crystal window, one-way rotating bezel, and a screw-down crown.
As this watch is part of Citizen’s Eco-Drive collection of watches, it comes with a special feature. Their Eco-Drive technology absorbs light from all sources, natural or artificial, and converts it into electricity to power the watch. In other words, you never need to recharge it or replace its battery because it takes care of that all on its own.
Everyone who owns this quartz watch has been enthusiastic about how low-maintenance it is, all the while providing the same high-quality functionality that other quartz divers do. Not only that, but it is quite the looker too. It’s hard to go wrong with the Citizen Eco-Drive BN0085.
Key Features:
- Japanese quartz movement powered by Eco-Drive technology.
- ISO Certified to 300m (1000ft).
- Very tough hardened mineral crystal window.
Invicta Pro Diver 21392
- Stainless steel case 48mm diameter x 12.5mm thick; Black dial; Luminous hands
- Japanese quartz movement, PC32 Caliber; Assembled in Japan; SR626SW battery included
- Black silicone band, 215mm L x 24mm W; Buckle clasp
Specifications:
- Case diameter: 48mm
- Case thickness: 13mm
- Band width: 22mm
- Water resistant depth: 100m
Depending on who you ask, Invicta watches are either considered excellent entry-level divers or they are labeled as cheap knock-offs that fall far short of the real deal. Watch enthusiasts fall into the latter category because they can’t accept that watches as affordable as the ones in the Invicta Pro Diver collection can look and function as well as they do. For those who are budget-minded, Invicta divers are a godsend.
While it is true that the Invicta Pro Diver 21392 Analog Quartz Watch isn’t as high-quality as some of the watches one this list, you are looking at a watch that is sub-$100 that looks like it is worth 10x that price. It has all of the same features as other divers, though the numbers are a bit lower.
For instance, it only has a water resistant depth of 100m instead of 200m (so not a true dive watch since it is not ISO certified), though you can still wear it without worrying about if it’s raining outside or if you are in situations where water can get splashed on it.
It features a date display window at the 3 o’clock position and we are happy to see that, for once, the date window does not obstruct the hour marker in any way. Interestingly, even in much more expensive watches the hour marker that would be next to the date display would be partially obstructed or completely removed to make room for it. Not so in this case.
Despite some of its shortcomings, at the price that you can get it at you are getting quite a bargain. We suppose this is why dive watch purists tarnish the Invicta name every chance they get, however not everyone can fork over thousands of dollars for a nice watch. If you are looking for something that is modern, stylish, and dive watch inspired, then the Invicta Pro Diver 21392 is a solid choice.
Key Features:
- With a case diameter of 48mm, it is great for larger wrists.
- Date display window does not obstruct the marker it is next to.
- Highly affordable.
- Quartz movement.
- Synthetic sapphire crystal window.
- Caution: Not a true dive watch with its 100m depth rating.
Phoibos PX002C
Specifications:
- Case diameter: 42mm
- Case thickness: 13mm
- Band width: 22mm
- Water resistant depth: 300m
Yet another quality timepiece that won’t break the bank is the Phoibos PX002C. This watch pays respects to the Submariner without being an exact replica. Despite being an homage watch, it has some higher end features that you would not expect a watch of this price to have, such as: 120 stop bezel, water resistant depth of 300m, sapphire crystal glass, and 316L grade stainless steel case with solid link stainless steel brace (with solid end links).
That’s not all. The strap also has a three-fold clasp with push-button release so that it can both secure tightly on your wrist and get released in case it gets tangled up on something. To ensure water doesn’t get inside, the Phoibos PX002C has a screw-down crown as well as screw-in caseback.
Looking at the watch face, you will find a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9 treated hour markers and hands, a date window with cyclops magnifier, and a 120-click uni-directional bezel. That sure is a lot of features for the price.
And most pertinently, the Phoibos PX002C is powered by an accurate and reliable Swiss Ronda 515 quartz movement. Whether you are on dry land or hundreds of feet underwater, this movement will accurately keep the time. Other than scuba diving, you can also use it for snorkeling, swimming, or activities away from the water.
This watch runs on a 371 (1.5V) battery that is easy to find, and weighs only 180g. It wouldn’t look out of place if you wore it on the beach or in a boardroom meeting. And the kicker is, it easily looks like a watch that is 10-20x its price. If you want a quartz watch that will turn heads, then look no further than the Phoibos PX0002C.
Key Features:
- Surprisingly good specs for an homage watch at this price point.
- Water resistant depth of 300m, higher than standard dive watches.
- Durable sapphire crystal glass.
Tissot Seastar 1000
- Case Size: 45.50 mm, Band Width: 22 mm, Case Thickness: 12.82 mm
- Swiss quartz movement, 316L stainless steel case with rose gold PVD coating, Without dial type, Date
- Rubber bracelet, standard buckle closure
Specifications:
- Case diameter: 45.5mm
- Case thickness: 12.82mm
- Band width: 22mm
- Water resistant depth: 300m
The Tissot Seastar has a minimalist design that is easy on the eyes and highly legible. Depending on the model you purchase, the ceramic top ring of its unidirectional rotating bezel could be red, or black with a gold outline. It also has a nice design molded directly onto its strap, improving its overall aesthetic. This watch is great for those who are looking for a stylish timepiece to adorn their wrist.
With that said, it doesn’t just look good; it has excellent functionality backing up its appearance. It has a water resistant depth rating of 300m, and other useful diving features such as a helium valve to automatically depressurize the watch; it has a diver’s extension and buckle attached to its silicone strap; a unidirectional rotating bezel with a luminescent pip at the 12 o’clock position; and luminescent hour markers and hands so the watch is still usable in complete darkness.
To keep water from getting in, the Tissot Seastar 1000 has a screw-down crown and caseback. Outside of its diving functionality, this Swiss quartz watch has a date display window and chronograph at the 5 o’clock position.
Scratches and glares will never be an issue with its scratch-resistant, anti-glare sapphire crystal. You will always see a clean face as you peer through the dial window upon this watch’s beautiful dial.
Key Features:
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating.
- Screw-down case and caseback ensures water resistance even at 300m.
- Elegant, beautiful aesthetic.
You may be interested in reading our in-depth review of the Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 which you can find here.
Citizen Promaster Altichron (BN5058-07E)
- Professional Promaster watches for high-speed adventurers with all the tools for the toughest terrain. Powered by any light source, continuously and...
- Imperial Altimeter, 9h: Sub Altimeter, Compass (power reserve) +/-15 sec/month, altimeter 1,000ft-32,000ft, Altimeter adjusting function:...
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
Specifications:
- Case diameter: 46mm
- Case thickness: 14.5mm
- Band width: 22mm
- Water resistant depth: 200m
The Citizen Promaster Altichron is an excellent timepiece with a durable design and packed in a sleek case with an eco-friendly design. It is the ideal dive watch for someone who’s always outdoors, whether he is diving or not.
This Japanese quartz watch is ISO 6425 certified with a water resistance rating of 200m, making it suitable for most underwater adventures. To ensure it is extra resilient against leaks, the Altichron has a screw-down case back and crown to form the tightest seal. With its luminescent hour markers and hands, you can easily read the display even while underwater.
Additionally, the Altichron comes with a bi-directional rotating compass bezel, an altimeter, and date display at the 3 o’clock position. Another advantage of this watch is that it includes Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, which is an eco-friendly approach to decreasing the amount of discarded batteries that could be toxic to the environment.
Essentially, what Eco-Drive is is a way to convert light into electricity for your watch. Whether it is from an artificial or natural source, as long as the Altichron is exposed to light then it will begin to recharge its battery. It has a power reserve indicator to let you know how much energy it has stored up. The battery is rated to last for 25 years, so you never have to worry about replacing it.
Furthermore, the Citizen Promaster Altichron has a rugged construction with a solid stainless steel case and a black-ion plated bezel. The dial is protected by the scratch-resistant mineral crystal window that is also anti-reflective. A polyurethane strap keeps the watch snugly on your wrist.
Key Features:
- Eco-Drive technology allows this watch to automatically recharge when exposed to a light source.
- Battery can last up to 25 years; you basically never need to worry about replacing it.
- Rugged and durable construction that is perfectly suited for outdoor adventures.
- Mineral crystal scratch-resistant dial window.
Casio LRW200H-7BVCF
- 100m water resistant
- 3-hand analog (hr, min, sec)
- Date display
Specifications:
- Case diameter: 33mm
- Case thickness: 12mm
- Band width: 14mm
- Water resistant depth: 100m
There aren’t many dive watches for women, but the Casio LRW200H-7BVCF is considered by many to be the best one thanks to its compact waterproof casing and beautiful white aesthetic. It sits perfectly on smaller wrists, and the white dial with pastel markings keeps its legibility high. As an added benefit, the rotating bezel is bi-directional to make tracking time while underwater much easier.
Despite looking like a casual watch, the Casio LRW200H-7BVCF is made from high-end materials that allow it to be submerged up to 100m underwater. Both the band and case are constructed from impact-resistant resin which ensures that it can withstand the trials of daily use both in and out of the water. Furthermore, it is lightweight with a weight of only 2.8oz, making it one of the lightest quartz watches on the market.
The crown and case of the Casio LRW200H-7BVCF is tightly sealed to keep water out, up to depths of 100m. This should be adequate for recreational diving, though professional divers will probably want a dive watch that is water resistant to depths of 200m or more. Furthermore, the bi-directional rotating bezel gives you greater control of how you track time, instead of the one-way direction most rotating bezels are.
Lastly, to ensure that accuracy remains high, the Casio LRW200H-7BVCF uses high-quality Japanese Quartz movement. All three hands are white which can make it somewhat hard to read against the white dial. However, these hands are covered in lume so that they can be seen in the dark. It also has a date window at the 3 o’clock position.
Key Features:
- Bi-directional rotating bezel makes it easy to track time.
- Compact design is perfect for women or people with small wrists.
- Weighing only 2.8oz, it is one of the lightest dive watches available.
- White dial with beautiful pastel indices.
Casio Sport Analog Dive Watch
- 330 ft. (100 M) water resistance. In general, suitable for recreational surfing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing and water sports.
- 12/24-hour timekeeping, 43 mm resin case with mineral dial window, Japanese quartz movement; Analog: 3 hands (hour, minute, second)
- Case / bezel material: Resin; Rotating bezel
Specifications:
- Case diameter: 43mm
- Case thickness: 12mm
- Band width: 18mm
- Water resistant depth: 100m
If you’re looking for a versatile watch that can be worn as your daily timepiece and can even function underwater, then consider the Casio Sport analog dive watch. Its black resin casing looks sleek on the wrist and gives off a sporty vibe. It has a bi-directional bezel and a water resistant depth of 100m, making it a solid choice for scuba diving.
Constructed from high-quality resin, the Casio Sport line of watches are up to tackle any challenge underwater. In addition, it has an impact-resistant mineral dial window. Unlike some of the other models in this liet, the Casio Sport runs on a single cell battery that has a charge which lasts for years.
Even experienced divers can appreciate what this watch can do underwater. Its bezels can turn in either direction which allows you to fine-tune your tracking by letting you adjust it how you please. In a unidirectional watch if you accidentally turn it too far, you simply cannot rotate it back which can be frustrating. Furthermore, the resin bezel has small grooves along its edge which provides extra grip so that slipping is a thing of the past.
Similar to other Casio watches in this review, the Casio Sport uses a Japanese quartz movement which allows it to maintain impressive accuracy even over long periods of time. The Casio Sport has a completely dark color scheme and features white luminous hands which contrast against the dial to stand out, making it easy to read.
Key Features:
- Japanese quartz movement with precise accuracy.
- Date window which also displays day of the week.
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Great battery life with easy replacement.
- Bi-directional bezel with grooved 5-minute markers.
Last update on 2024-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API