The Casio Duro “Marlin” MDV 106-1AV is a dive watch that is well-known for providing great functionality for its price. It is a favorite among both divers and budget-minded watch collectors. In this review, we will be going over what exactly this watch provides to give you an idea of why it is so well-known.

What makes it stand out is its exceptionally low price and the fact that it is a true dive watch. Unlike many watches in this price range which are simply “dive-inspired”, the Casio MDV106-1AV puts them all to shame with its full suite of dive watch features. A quick cursory glance and you might think this watch is much more expensive than it actually is. On top of all of this, the Duro is a highly accurate quartz-powered watch and possibly the best affordable dive watch you can get. Let’s get into what it offers.

Casio Duro “Marlin” MDV106-1AV

Specifications

• Water Resistance: 200 meter/660 feet/20 bar
• Crystal: Mineral
• Case Material: Stainless Steel with resin band
• Case Diameter: 44mm
• Lug-to-Lug Distance: 48mm
• Case Thickness: 12mm
• Band Width: 20mm
• Weight: 92g (case only)
• Screw-down crown and screw-lock caseback
• Movement: Japanese quartz
• Battery: SR626 with 3-year battery life
• Unidirectional rotating bezel

Case

The Casio Duro MDV106-1AV has a highly angular stainless steel case, with various curved corners around the crown and lugs. The lugs are relatively short which keeps its lug-to-lug distance low, and are curved downwards to adhere to the contours of one’s wrist.

With its large 44mm case diameter, the curved lugs help the Duro fit snug even on smaller wrists. People with wrists in the 6-7” range can comfortably wear this watch without the lugs overhanging.

Moving over to the sides, we can see that the Duro sides have been polished to a nice mirror finish. Additionally, the bottom of the case and the tops of the lugs have also been brushed for a less reflective finish.

Examining the case closely, we were unable to find any imperfections left behind by the manufacturing process; if there are any, they are very well hidden. Based on other user’s impressions, this appears to be the norm. Casio appears to have extremely high quality control over their products, and even their budget watches get that same treatment.

Caseback

Heading over to the caseback, you can see the marlin engraving from which the Duro gets its nickname “Marlin” from. However, there’s something off about the way it is positioned. It doesn’t take a magnifying glass to see that the positioning is not perfectly aligned with the rest of the case. This slight mispositioning is not something you’d find in a higher end watch, such as the Omega Seamaster. Omega have even patented a mechanism for achieving the perfect alignment each time. Anyways, this is just a minor cosmetic complaint; the real question is, how well does the caseback function?

The engraved marlin isn’t just there for show. Casio uses this emblem to signify that this watch is indeed a dive watch with 200m of water resistance. If the screw-down crown and screw-lock caseback aren’t enough of a sign, this right here is another, along with the text “WATER RESISTANT 20 BAR” just above. Looking at Casio’s other offerings with a rating of less than 100m, you will not find the marlin emblem anywhere.

Overall, the case looks simple and straightforward. There isn’t much to complain about, but there isn’t much to compliment it on either. It gets the job done and that’s just fine.

Crown

The screw-down crown on the MDV106-1AV has notched ridges which provide extra grip. It has a polished, mirror-like reflective finish to it. It is sandwiched between two crown guards which provide some protection against impacts.

If you turn the watch over to its back, you will see that the bottom half of the crown extends well below the guards. This lets your fingers turn it more easily from the bottom, but it also reduces the protection that the guards can provide.

The Duro’s crown is perhaps the weakest aspect of its design. It looks small and undersized compared to the rest of the case. When tightening and loosening it, the crown felt fiddly and cheap. It gives off the impression that if one is too rough while adjusting it, that the crown could break right off. It doesn’t help that it’s not as well protected by the guards on the bottom.

On a more positive note, since the MDV106-1AV has a quartz movement, its superior accuracy means one will not need to sync the watch as often compared to an automatic one. The only times you will need to unscrew the crown is to advance the date at the end of a month with fewer than 31 days.

Crystal

Next up, the MDV106-1AV has a mineral crystal. It’s not surprising, for a watch at this price point, that it doesn’t have a sapphire crystal. The top of it protrudes slightly above the height of the surrounding bezel, and its edge looks to be slightly bezel. Mineral crystals are not as scratch-resistant than sapphire which is why it is often used in cheaper watches.

So far it has held up strong with a few months of on and off use, however your mileage may vary. Since it is just a very standard mineral crystal, there isn’t much to say here except that it’s adequate.

Bezel

Next we have the bezel. Being a dive watch, the MDV106-1AV has a unidirectional rotating bezel. The bezel features a black insert with white markings for every 10 minutes, with 5 minute positions indicated by thin, somewhat tapered rectangular bars. The first 15 minutes of the bezel has markings for every minute with smaller bars, and this design is undoubtedly a nod to the Rolex Submariner.

Notched edges on the bezel provide good grip so that it can be easily turned even when wet or with thick gloves on. It is intentionally stiff so that it will not turn unless you try to turn it, but not so stiff that you can’t even turn the darn thing.

As you turn it, the 120-click bezel provides a tactile click sound that is not only satisfying to hear and feel, but useful information to know just how much time you just set it to track. It doesn’t lock in as well compared to the more expensive divers, but the bezel is not so bad that it jiggles on its own like in cheap dive watches.

The 12 o’clock marker features a large luminous pip, the only lumed filled point found on the bezel. This is the bare minimum needed for one to get a reference point of where the 12 o’clock position is, and then estimating approximately how much time is left. Ideally, there would be a lumed marker every 10 minutes for greater accuracy.

What’s the purpose of a unidirectional bezel?

There is often a misconception on the purpose of the rotating bezel and why it only turns in one direction. It actually doesn’t have anything to do with monitoring the remaining air supply. After all, it’s not attached to the tank and there is no sensor to gather data. Also, what happens if you suddenly start using oxygen faster than normal due to sudden increased exertion?

The true purpose is to monitor elapsed time to try and reduce the likelihood of experiencing decompression illness (“the bends”). When a diver inhales too much compressed air, excess nitrogen is absorbed into one’s blood and tissues. As a diver ascends to the surface and the nitrogen is slowly removed by the lungs, some excess nitrogen may form bubbles that accumulate throughout the body. This leads to the various symptoms experienced when one has the bends.

As such, one should not stay underwater for too long in a single dive.The dive watch will warn you to ascend after a maximum of 60 minutes. The unidirectional design of the bezel ensures that it will only turn in one direction even if it gets bumped and turned accidentally. Should it turn, it will do so in the direction that shows you’ve spent longer time underwater than you actually did so that you will surface more quickly.

Turning the bezel in the other direction means the bezel will show that you have spent less time underwater than you thought, making you think you can spend more time underwater and drastically increasing the chances of experiencing decompression sickness. Obviously this situation should be avoided, which is why bezels are unidirectional and turn in the more conservative direction.

With that said, analog watches have largely been replaced by digital dive computers which use complex algorithms to create a “dive profile” for the diver. It has many sensors and can actually track the remaining oxygen in the tank, heart rate, nitrogen load, and so on, and update this information on the display for users to monitor. Dive watches are still used by some old-school divers or as a backup to a dive computer.

Dial

Looking at the dial, you will find a beautiful, minimalistic design. The Duro has a black, white, and chrome color scheme. It does not have any numerals, instead relying on thicker markers for the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions, and circles for the rest. The date window can be found at the 3 o’clock position, cutting the marker in half.

The brand name is featured below the 12 o’clock marker, and the iconic marlin logo with the text “WR 200M” is printed above the 6 o’clock marker. Once again, the Duro is proud to show off that it is indeed a dive watch. There is also a very small text at the bottom of the watch which says “JAPAN MOV’T”.

It’s hard to notice in pictures, but the dial reflects a starburst pattern depending on the viewing angle which provides a much needed accent to this simplistic dial.

The applied lumed markers have a chrome edge and stand above the black of the dial. We appreciate the attention to detail displayed in a watch at this price range, such as the markers aligning perfectly to the dashes on the chapter ring.

Hands

Looking more closely at the hands, we can see that the minute and hour hands are an arrow and sword respectively, and both are lined in chrome and filled with lume. The second hand is a thin, long arrow with a long tip. There is a small amount of lume in the arrow head. It starts off a dark color up until the midsection, where from then it is red all the way to the tip.

All three hands have large counterbalances which may partially obstruct the lume on the other hands depending on how it is aligned.

With each passing second, the second hand jumps forward with a slight rebound which is common among quartz watches. What’s not common is that the second hand is surprisingly accurate, with each tick lining up to the seconds markers found on the chapter ring. This seems like a small detail, but this level of accuracy is appreciated in a watch as affordable as this.

Date Window

The date window is displayed as black numerals on a white background at the 3 o’clock position. The marker found here is necessarily smaller here to make room for the date window. We are happy to see that at least there is a marker there, albeit a smaller one. Many watches completely forgo the marker and the absence of lume in that position in the dark is noticeable, but not so here.

The cutout is emphasized with a surrounding white box. It does not display the day, and the font is somewhat misaligned. Furthermore, the cutout appears to have a rough edge. On top of that, it’s small and older divers may find it difficult to read. The date window is nothing to write home about on the MDV106-1AV.

Movement

There’s not much information to be found regarding the Japanese quartz movement that powers the MDV106-1AV. Being a quartz watch, we know it is accurate, with a rating of +-30s/month. Ours was much better than that, being accurate to about +-5 seconds a month.

The movement is powered by a SR626 battery which should last about 3 years. It can be easily replaced by your local jeweler, dive shop, or even by yourself. If you decide to go the DIY route, we still recommend bringing it to a dive shop afterwards to pressure test it for water-tightness.

Band

The Casio Duro includes a standard resin band. It is relatively comfortable, and this softer band actually feels more comfortable than the band included with the Seiko SKX007. With that said, it doesn’t look very good nor is it enjoyable to wear in the summer with sweaty arms.

Thankfully, you can easily swap the strap with a nice third-party strap. We recommend purchasing a NATO strap, and if you are feeling adventurous, perhaps you can get away with a more colorful strap. Or if you prefer to dress up more formally, you can even get a sleek stainless steel bracelet for the Duro.

Casio MDV106-1AV Duro Alternatives

Seiko SKX007 / SKX009

You may have come across this name while searching for the best entry-level dive watch. The Seiko SKX007/SKX009 are perhaps the most recommended, overall “best” entry-level dive watch.

When we say “best”, in this case we don’t mean best in terms of price but rather best in terms of functionality. The SKX line of watches have a 200m water resistance rating like the Casio Duro, however it has the added bonus of being ISO certified. In other words, it has been rigorously tested and confirmed to have a true depth rating of 200m.

Whereas other watches may claim they are water resistant to 200m, without an ISO certification, those claims should be taken with a large spoonful of salt. The SKX007 is truly a professional dive watch and not just in name only.

Even if you never plan on diving with your SKX007, you can at least feel a sense of confidence (and perhaps a little snobbery) knowing it can be completely submerged in water without issue.

The downside of the SKX007 and SKX009 is that it is significantly more expensive than a MDV106-AV, though it still falls within the “entry-level” category. Furthermore, they have an automatic mechanical movement which is powered by the user’s movement compared to the battery-powered quartz one in the Duro.

Unfortunately, the SKX007/SKX009 have since been discontinued by the manufacturer, so that has only increased the price of the remaining supply. However, if you have the funds for it, it’s well worth the money for a true dive watch.

Seiko are starting to phase out the SKX line with their newer Seiko 5 Sports divers. Unfortunately, these new ones do not have the iconic history of the SKX watches, and only have a 100m water resistance rating.

Orient Kamasu / Mako / Ray

If you are willing to pay a bit more than the Casio MDV106-1AV’s incredibly low price tag, and plenty more options suddenly become available to you. Some options are the Kamasu, Mako, and Ray, all of which are Orient dive watches.

Orient has been making amazing affordable automatic dive watches, in particular the Kamasu, Mako and Ray. They offer a ton of good specs while still keeping the price tag low, but not quite on the same level of affordability as the Casio Duro.

Still, for the higher price tag, you are getting a few upgrades over the MDV106-1AV to justify the expense. For starters, you will get a watch with a sapphire crystal instead of only a mineral one. The included bracelets in these Orient watches are made of stainless steel, and a mechanical movement means you don’t have to worry about the battery running out. They also have 200m of water resistance like the Casio Duro.

Any of these three watches from Orient are solid options for someone who is willing to spend a bit more for a watch with higher build-quality, but if we had to recommend one, we think you should choose the Ray.

Invicta Pro Diver

If you want another watch that is similar in price to the Casio MDV106-1AV, then some of the watches in Invicta’s Pro Diver line would interest you. They are simply the cheapest automatic dive watches you can get, however their build quality isn’t the greatest.

Invicta watches can be hit or miss when it comes to build quality. They are not as sturdily built as the above-mentioned Orient watches, nor can they hold a candle to the Seiko SKX watches. With that said, they still come with a rebranded Seiko automatic movement (NH35A) and their aesthetic is clearly inspired by the Rolex Submariner.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a solid dive style analog watch but don’t want to break the bank, then the Casio MDV106-1A Duro is perhaps the best inexpensive watch you can get. At a price well under $100, you get a watch that you can wear while swimming, snorkeling, diving, boating, or any other activity where a watch can get wet.

This little watch can handle the abuse of a rigorous backpacking, camping trip, or whatever you throw at it. If the marlin emblem and screw-down crown is any indication, this watch isn’t afraid to get wet. You will be hard pressed to find a watch that looks as good as the Casio MDV106-1A Duro and is as water resistant as it is, at the price point it’s being sold at.

Pair all of this up with a decent level of build quality and a streamlined design, and the Casio Duro provides incredible value for anyone looking for a dive watch on a budget. If this is your first time buying a dive watch, or even if you are an avid collector, this is one for you.

Photo Credits: 555 Gear

Dive watches are the perfect companion for those who love scuba diving or boating. This type of watch is designed specifically to be submerged underwater. A dive watch also comes with specific features so that it can still provide utility while underwater, such as luminescent hands and hour markers. As such, dive watches are not like your typical watches, but they are versatile enough that you can wear it as a beater watch as well.

In this article, we are focusing specifically on dive watches under $200. For under that price, you can get a watch with 200m of water resistance, excellent lume and legibility while underwater, scratch-resistance, and a unidirectional rotating bezel that can help you keep track of your oxygen levels. Or if you don’t intend on diving at all, these watches will look good on your wrist regardless.

We have already covered the best automatic dive watches under $100, but if you would like to level up and get an even higher quality dive watch with more accurate movements, then this article is a good starting point.

Our Top Picks:

Best Dives Watches Under $200 Recommendations

Disclaimer: At the time of reviewing, these watches were priced at $200 or under. However, prices are constantly in flux and we apologize if some of them have since increased in price.

Orient Ray II

Specs:

• Case Diameter: 41mm
• Case Thickness: 13mm
• Band Width: 22mm
• Water Resistance: 200m/660ft

The Orient Ray II is powered by Orient’s own caliber F6922 movement, which is a highly accurate movement that features handwinding and hacking seconds. With it, your time keeping will be nearly spot-on. This movement is powered by your own arm movement as you go about your day, but you may also wind it manually. When you pull out the crown, the second hand stops moving when you so  it is easier to re-sync.

At under $200, the Ray II has features that you expect in a more expensive watch such as the aforementioned hacking and handwinding, but also a 120-click unidirectional bezel, screw-down crown and caseback, an easy to read, high-contrast dial with its markers and hands filled with lume that is both bright and reliable. With a water resistance rating of 200m, it is more than adequate for most water sports like swimming, snorkeling, and recreational diving.

Lastly, the finish and fit of the Orient Ray II is incredible. It is polished and finely brushed, giving it a luxurious appearance. The bezel and indices are in perfect alignment, with a day and date window at the 3 o’clock position. The watch face is elegant with its embossed logo and stainless steel frame around the date window. The Ray II has a rugged yet classy design that you can wear both casually or in an office setting.

Check out our in-depth review of the Orient Ray II here.

Stauer Evergreen

Specs:

• Case Diameter: 44mm
• Case Thickness: 14mm
• Band Width: 19mm
• Water Resistance: 200m/660ft

If you’re tired of seeing the usual black and dark blue dial and bezel, then here’s a watch that should catch your eye: the Stauer Evergreen. This watch features a vibrant green dial and bezel with a design that is reminiscent of a Rolex homage.

The Stauer Evergreen is stainless steel all-around with its case, bezel, and band. The dial is protected by a hardened mineral crystal, and the bezel is unidirectional with clearly labeled minute markers. This watch is water resistant at 200m thanks to its durable crystal, screw-down crown and caseback.

Looking at the dial, you can see luminescent hour indices and hands, as well as a date window with a magnified cyclops lens. All of this is powered by a Precision 2115 movement

Overall, the Stauer Evergreen is a very solid watch with some minor downsides. First, the bracelet feels cheap, so we recommend replacing it. Next, the lume isn’t so bright underwater, so night diving is out of the question. The bezel will also gain some play after some time.

However, the Stauer Evergreen looks absolutely amazing. We love its bold color scheme and style; it is definitely a watch that will turn heads and lead to spontaneous conversation. Despite looking like it’s worth 5-figures, it is reasonably priced at under $200, and its timekeeping and diving capabilities are solid.

Citizen BN0151-09L Promaster Diver

Specs:

• Case Diameter: 43mm
• Case Thickness: 12mm
• Band Width: 20mm
• Water Resistance: 200m/660ft

Next is the BN0151-09L quartz dive watch from Citizen. This watch is part of Citizen’s Eco-Drive line which basically means that the watch is able to absorb light from natural or artificial sources and convert it into electricity. In other words, this watch charges itself and you never have to worry about it running out of battery.

Depending on where you live or what season it is, for instance if it is constantly cloudy or raining, or if you are wearing a long-sleeve jacket that covers up the watch, then you may have to make a small effort to expose the watch to some light so it can recharge.

Being a quartz watch, the BN0151-09L is extremely accurate with its timekeeping. You rarely need to manually re-sync this watch.

In addition to its Eco-drive technology and quartz movement, it has all of the features you’d expect from a dive watch: unidirectional bezel, screw-down crown and caseback, lume filled markers and hands, and so on.

There are two versions of this watch that you can get. The BN0151-09L has a blue dial and even its lume is a blue color, whereas the BN0150L-28E is the version with the black dial. Both variations have a very circular shape, reminiscent of the ‘tuna can’ style of diver, with only a few protrusions in the form of the crown, crown guards, and lugs.

When you purchase any watch from Citizen’s Eco-drive line of watches you can be confident in knowing that your watch uses great technology (Eco-drive), has an attractive design, has an accurate quartz movement, and has unbeatable value for its price.

Seiko 5 Diver Sports

Specs:

• Case Diameter: 44mm
• Case Thickness: 12mm
• Band Width: 20mm
• Water Resistance: 100m/330ft

You may be familiar with Seiko’s Monster line of watches, and the Seiko 5 sports can be considered a “mini-monster.” The Seiko 5 has similar styling and build quality with absolutely terrific lume. It uses the same movement as the ones found in the 2nd gen series of Seiko’s Monster line, all of which are ISO certified with 200m of depth resistance.

Unfortunately, the Seiko 5 is not a true dive watch. This watch only has a 100m water resistance rating, and does not have a screw-down crown or crown guards. However, what you do get instead is a sleek exhibition case back that lets you see the shiny 4R36 movement in action. Also, the Seiko 5 is roughly half the cost as its 2nd/3rd gen Monster counterparts.

With the 4R36 movement you get hacking and hand-winding functionality, both of which are necessary features if you like to ensure that your watch is keeping time accurately. Even if the average person may not use them, they are nice to have if they ever decide to play around with it.

Furthermore, the Seiko 5 is not just a clone of the Seiko’s Monster watches. Each variant has a unique, stylistic element and a different color scheme. There are similarities between them, however little details like a distinctive set of dial markers and bezel designs help them stand out.

What isn’t so obvious in photos or videos you see online are the gold borders around the lumed markers. They are highly reflective and reflect the light in a striking manner that is simply breathtaking.

The bezel of this specific variant is made of stainless steel and has a surface treatment that makes it look like it is cut from a precious gemstone, given its onyx hue. What’s more, the color shifts depending on the angle you view it at, and at times it can look jet black.

All in all, the Seiko 5 is a sporty dive-inspired watch that is quite the looker. It knows what it’s trying to be, and that’s why it doesn’t even have a screw-down crown or crown guards. Instead, it bares all with its exhibition caseback that shows its complicated 4R36 movement in action. If you are in for a stylish timepiece then this is the one.

Wenger Sea Force 3H

Specs:

• Case Diameter: 43mm
• Case Thickness: 12mm
• Band Width: 21mm
• Water Resistance: 200m/660ft

The Wenger Sea Force 3H is a Swiss quartz watch that comes in many black and chrome variations, but the one that really stands out is the one with the blue dial. It is simply the perfect shade of blue. Most dive watches have a royal, bright blue dial and bezel, but this one is a lighter shade of aqua blue that looks amazing under any light.

Furthermore, the dial is clean with some horizontal line textures and hands with a simple pointed tip. The markers, hands, and bezel pip are filled with lume. The Sea Force 3H has a coated sapphire crystal that provides superior scratch-resistance compared to mineral or Hardlex crystals.

That’s not all that is durable about this watch. The stainless steel case of the Wenger Sea Force 3H seems to be much more sturdy than other watches in a similar price category. Even though they may also have a stainless steel case, this one seems to be made from an even harder steel that doesn’t get nicked or scratched as easily.

As expected from any respectable dive watch, the Sea Force 3H has a unidirectional bezel and a screw-down crown, and screw-down case back, hence how it has 200m of water resistance. The crown has concentric grooves and looks nice by itself. However, the grooves are more of a stylistic benefit, as they don’t do much for grip when trying to loosen or tighten the crown.

Additionally, this watch has many strap options available so you can get the perfect one that looks nice and fits your wrist. It’s clear, however, that certain options are more popular, such as the black silicone rubber or steel bracelet, so those might be pricier. The included band is made of thicker rubber, very flexible, and fits larger wrists.

Overall, the Wenger Sea Force 3H is sharp-looking, reasonably-priced, and Swiss made. It comes with all of the things you want a dive watch to have: sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, screw-down caseback, excellent quartz movement, and a nice looking dial. Furthermore, the watch is just beautiful and is available at a low price; you should just buy it, no questions asked.

Invicta Men’s 10640

Specs:

• Case Diameter: 47mm
• Case Thickness: 18mm
• Band Width: 20mm
• Water Resistance: 300m/984ft

Invicta is well-known for providing budget homage dive watches that look like they should be worth ten times the price than they actually cost. For this reason, you either love them or hate them; love them for their low prices, or hatefully call them cheap knock-offs. Whatever you may think about them, Invicta’s 10640 dive watch is a watch to look out for.

One of the main selling points for this watch is its pearlescent quality when the sunlight reflects off of it due to the vibrant lume they used on the dial. Normally, lume is only applied on the hands and the markers. For the 10640, the entire dial is covered in lume and lights up majestically. It lasts such a long time, it will literally glow all night.

The bright glow of this watch is truly a sight to behold, and you will be getting stares and compliments whenever you wear it out. In fact, its brightness may even go so far as to be a downside; if you are wearing it while sleeping in your tent on a camping trip, it will feel like you are sleeping with a night light.

Despite calling itself a “Grand Diver”, this watch is part of Invicta’s Pro Diver line. It comes with a Seiko automatic movement, the NH35A, which is very accurate and dependable with a 40 hour power reserve.

The 10640 is probably the most durable watch you can get at a price under $200. Despite not having a sapphire crystal, this thing is built like a tank. The stainless steel case and bracelet feel like they are indestructible. You can put the glass through hell and back and it will come back with nary a scratch. Whether it is camping trips, excursions to the beach, or any other rough physical activity, this watch can endure it all.

Out of all of the watches in this list, this one has the deepest water resistant rating at 300m/984ft. It has a screw-down crown, unidirectional rotating bezel, and a display case back so you can see the movement in action.

We have a few minor complaints about this watch. First – and this is a general complaint for all Invicta watches – it says “Invicta” in way too many places. Invicta sure do love the sound of their name. Invicta should probably get rid of some of their text saying “Invicta.” Invicta, Invicta, Invicta. See how annoying that’s getting? That should give you an idea.

Next, this watch sits high on the wrist due to how the end links attach to the lugs. Also, the display caseback adds 5mm of thickness alone. It’s quite a bulky watch. Finally, it lacks the polish that a Seiko would have. There are rough spots and imperfections in the steel around the edge of the case. It’s tough to see unless you remove the bracelet, but it’s there.

Overall, the Invicta 10640 is a truly unique timepiece that provides great value for what it offers. With a dial that is fully covered in lume and can glow all night, you will be able to reliably use it no matter the environment. It is also seriously durable, with a 300m/984ft depth rating, so you can basically take it everywhere you want without worry. This watch wears big and performs reliably; you can’t go wrong with the Invicta 10640.

For more reviews of Invicta Pro Diver collection dive watches, we recommend you read our comprehensive review.

Casio MDV106-1AV

Specs:

• Case Diameter: 44mm
• Case Thickness: 12mm
• Band Width: 20mm
• Water Resistance: 200m/660ft

Many of the watches in this selection provide great value for the money, but none of them punch above their weight quite like the Casio MDV106-1AV. When shopping for dive and dive-inspired watches, you could easily spend several hundreds, upwards of thousands of dollars. Somehow, Casio have managed to pack all of the same features found in those more expensive watches along with a quartz movement, all in one stylish watch, and at a price point well under $100.

The Casio MDV106-1AV is reminiscent of the myriad expensive watches from famous brands like Seiko on up, at a fraction of the price, and it comes from a legendary watch manufacturer as well. For basically a pittance you get a stylish, sporty, and durable stainless steel sports watch for everyday use.

This watch has a nifty marlin logo on it and it claims to be water resistant down to depths of 200m/660ft. And to all the people who want to call its bluff, the MDV106-1AV also has a screw-down crown with crown guards, screw-down caseback, and a unidirectional rotating bezel. The rotating bezel clicks and locks in place and everything. You may need some silicone to loosen up the bezel the first time, but otherwise it works fantastically. For a price of around $50, you are getting a true dive watch.

Looking at its dial, you can see a very visible date window at the 3 o’clock position. The hour and minute hands feature an arrow and spear white and silver design, with a white-tipped spear for the second hand. There are no numbers to be found on the face, only white rectangles at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock position, and white circles elsewhere. For 12 o’clock, you get the typical diver’s double squared-off delta.

The markers and hands are filled with lume to help with diving at night or in dark environments. The luminosity is quite good; it lasts about 4 hours when it is fully charged up. The hands light up brighter than the markers. Unfortunately, the small hands make them hard to see as the lume starts to fade.

Going over to the band, it is completely serviceable and there is nothing wrong with the included band. However, you can swap it out easily and since you’ve already saved so much money by buying this watch, you can pony up a few extra dollars for a better band.

Obviously, there are better watches for the money. However, if we are talking strictly about which watch provides the best value for the money, the Casio MDV106-1AV may literally be the best one. Watch snobs may sneer at this affordable entry-level model, but even they have to admit this is one to look out for.

You can check out our in-depth review of the Casio Duro MDV106-1AV by clicking here.

How to Select a Dive Watch Under $200 – Buying Guide

Just because a watch is within your budget doesn’t mean it’s worth buying. Not all watches are made equal, and even in the under-$200 price range, there are significant differences between each watch. Thus, there are some additional considerations you need to make before selecting a watch.

The watches that we reviewed in this article have been selected based on the criteria that we will be going over below. If you do not like what we have selected and want to do your own independent research, then this is where you can learn how to sort the wheat from the chaff. If a dive watch, after considering these factors, still seems like a solid buy, then by all means get that watch.

Maximum Depth & Water Resistance

Since you are shopping for a dive watch, the first thing you should consider is its maximum depth/water resistance rating. You should find it printed near the bottom of the dial, usually above the 6 o’clock marker. This rating is how far underwater the watch can withstand the water pressure without any water ingress.

A basic dive watch should have a depth rating of at least 100m/330ft. This is adequate for activities near the surface of the water, such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and shallow freediving. A depth rating of 200m/660ft is suitable for recreational scuba diving. It is generally recommended to stay well below the depth rating, particularly if the watch is not ISO 6425 certified.

What is ISO 6425 certification?

One sneaky thing that some sellers do is list their watch with a decent depth rating, such as 200m, but then throw in a “not suitable for scuba diving” somewhere in their product description. We find this behavior very unethical, because they clearly have marketed their product as a dive watch and even bothered to label it as 200m water resistant, only to contradict themselves later on.

To avoid this, you should look for a product that has been ISO 6425 certified. What this means is that the watch has passed the strict criteria set forth by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for water resistance in a dive watch. A watch that is ISO 6425 certified is truly a dive watch, and all others are in name only.

If a dive watch is ISO certified, then you can be confident that when it says it has 100m/330ft or 200m/660ft of water resistance, that it truly meets those numbers. (Note: in order to be ISO certified, technically a watch has to resist over 25% of the rated pressure, so a 200m dive watch has been tested at depths of 250m). How’s that for a guarantee?

Size

When it comes to the size of the dive watch, there are a few factors to keep in mind: case diameter, lug-to-lug distance, and bezel size. The case diameter is the measurement that is most readily available while shopping for a new watch.

Watch sizing can be a complicated topic due to the wide variety of shapes and sizes that humans come in. As such, there are no rules written in stone. Sometimes you wear a watch that looks good and feels good, even if it might be “too big” or “too small” for your wrist size. With that said, it is better to at least be aware of the “rules” and break them knowingly, than to be completely ignorant of them.

Case Diameter

The case diameter is the measurement of the distance from one edge of the bezel, past the dial, to the other edge. It should not be confused with the lug-to-lug distance.

Unsurprisingly, watches marketed towards women are quite small, whereas men’s watches are much bigger. For instance, a woman’s dive watch may have a case diameter of only 24mm. Obviously a smaller watch is a better fit for a small wrist, but just make sure you are still able to tell the time on the watch! This is especially true if you plan on diving; you need to make sure the hands and hour markers are still visible in low-light environments.

The vast majority of dive watches are designed for men and they tend to have a case diameter of 36-46mm. Some extra large ones can go past 50mm. If you have small wrists, you should consider getting a dive watch under 40mm. Generally, men with smaller wrists (6-7”) wouldn’t wear a dive watch bigger than 42mm. On the other hand, case diameters of 45mm+ is better suited for 8” or larger wrists.

Bezel Size

How thick the bezel is relative to the overall case diameter can affect how big or small a watch looks. For instance, a watch with a thick bezel (and therefore a smaller dial) will look smaller than a watch with a thin bezel and bigger dial, even if both case diameters are the same.

Lug-to-Lug Distance

Possibly even more important than the case diameter in determining how big a dive watch looks when worn is the lug-to-lug distance. The lug-to-lug distance is the measurement of the length from the tip of the top lugs to the tip of the bottom lugs. This number will be bigger than the case diameter.

The lugs are the pieces of metal that stick out from the top and bottom of the watch and they are where you attach the strap/bracelet to. Some watches have extremely long lugs, and this causes them to overhang the wrist and look large even if the case diameter is small.

Lug Shape

The shape of the lug affects the lug-to-lug distance. Some are pointy and stick straight out, and this shape is better for people with thick, flat-topped wrists. Other lugs have a significant sloped curve, intended to contour to the natural shape of the wrist, and these are perfect for sitting snugly on curved wrists. If the lug shape doesn’t suit your wrist, then it can cause the watch to look disproportionate..

Style

When it comes to style, we enter into the realm of fashion and what’s in vogue changes from day to day. Of course, you can just not care what others think and get a watch that looks good to you. Generally speaking, dive watches are tool watches and therefore they are designed to look and be sturdy.

Many people buy dive watches hoping to wear it like a dress watch and to be honest, some dive watches are visually appealing enough to pull it off. However, don’t be surprised if the watch is slightly bulkier or heavier than what you would normally wear.

Want a dive watch under $200 that looks like a Rolex Submariner? Watches that have obviously taken inspiration from the classics are known as homage watches, and at this price point, this is the closest you can get to the real thing.

Usability

Do you actually plan on diving with your dive watch? No, we aren’t judging you, so don’t be ashamed if the answer is honestly “No.” Many people who buy dive watches have never been on a dive and never plan on going on one either. If that’s the case, then whether a watch is ISO certified or not becomes less of a priority.

If you plan on diving with your watch, then we highly recommend looking for one with a water resistance rating of at least 200m. You should also make sure that the bezel is unidirectional, that the watch has a screw-down crown with crown guards, and that the lume is bright enough to see in the dark.

Whether you plan on diving or not, the accuracy of the watch is important and therefore you should pay attention to what kind of movement it has. Quartz movements are the most accurate, whereas automatic movements are less so, but serviceable. You may need to manually reset the time every few days, or once a week, to ensure that the time isn’t off by more than a minute.

Reliability

Everybody wants their purchase to last forever, however when it comes to buying a budget watch, you often get what you pay for. Pay attention to the materials used. Since your budget is under $200, then there will be some areas where compromises have to be made in order to keep the costs low. Ideally, you want a watch that is mostly made of stainless steel with a sapphire crystal.

The most common areas where entry-level watches compromise on are the crystal, lume, and bracelet. Most watches at this price point will only have a mineral crystal, but a select few may have a more durable sapphire crystal. Mineral crystals will get scratched more easily, and generally will not have an anti-reflective coating.

How easily you can see your watch while underwater or at night depends on how much lume there is and its quality. In budget watches, the lume will often not be very bright nor last a long time, so it is basically not very usable in the dark.

Next, the strap/bracelet is another area where the quality is often low. If there are spaces between the links, for example, then the bracelet will jiggle and feel cheap. You may also feel your skin or hair getting pinched between the links which makes it very unpleasant to wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep can I dive with a dive watch?

A dive watch should have a depth rating of at least 100m. Unless the watch is ISO certified, we would only use a 100m watch for snorkeling, swimming, or other water activities near the surface. If you plan on freediving, you can specifically get a freediving watch instead of a dive watch.

If you actually plan on diving, we recommend a diver that is rated for at least 200m and is ISO certified. ISO certified watches have been rated to resist water pressures at 25% over its claimed capacity, so you can be sure that there will be no water ingress at depth. If the watch is not ISO certified then you dive with it at your own risk.

How big of a difference is there between a budget and high-end dive watch?

There is a big difference between a budget dive watch and a high end one. However, is there really a big enough difference to justify spending 10, 20, sometimes even 50x the price difference? If you are on a tight budget, the answer is a resounding NO. This is definitely not one of those cases where spending more money for a high-end product is a better use of your money.

The reason for that is for many decades dive watches were a luxury product that were worn exclusively by the affluent. To this day, people still wear them to express a high social status. Think Omega Seamaster and Rolex Submariner, the kinds of watches James Bond would wear. When you pay for a high-end watch you are not paying for the functionality, but for the status and the iconic look.

Thus, when you compare a $1,000 watch to a $10,000 one, in terms of functionality, there is not that much of a difference. There are even dive watches under $200 that can punch above their weight and hold their own against significantly more expensive watches.

What you can expect from a high-end watch is: better materials, superior craftsmanship, a significantly higher depth rating (say, 1000m), more accurate movement, and of course, the looks of envy you will get from other people.

We mentioned above in the Reliability section the areas where budget watches often compromise on to keep costs low, which are its crystal, lume, and bracelet. However, they are serviceable enough for an entry-level watch and just might be the stepping stone you need before you decide to invest in something more expensive down the line.

How do I take care of my dive watch?

Knowing that your dive watch is ISO certified and that it can withstand the water pressure at depths of 200m or more, you may feel that your dive watch is indestructible. Unfortunately, that’s not true. For example, even though a dive watch is waterproof, you should not be showering with it. The humidity, high heat, and soap can damage the watch even if there is no water ingress.

Furthermore, you should occasionally wipe your dive watch down using a soft microfiber cloth or use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub off any dirt. Avoid using any chemicals because they can corrode the watch’s case.

Follow the maintenance instructions as described in the included manual that came with your watch. It may recommend sending the watch in to get serviced once every one to three years. When a watch gets serviced, the technician will test that it is still water resistant at the rated depth and that all the components are in perfect working order. Of course, you must do your part to ensure that your dive watch lasts as long as possible as well.

The SKX007 is perhaps the most recommended mechanical watch in the last decade or two. Talk to any watch enthusiast, in person or on message boards, and they will probably gush about how impressive a dive watch the SKX007 is at its price point. The phrase “just get an SKX007” was (and still is) repeated so often it pretty much became a cliché.

Why is it so popular? We have an idea. For starters, it provides the full suite of mechanical dive watch functionality that meets the ISO 6425 standard, making it a legitimate dive watch. Many dive watches claim they have a 200m water resistance rating yet are not ISO certified, casting doubt on their claim.

The SKX007 is the real deal and that’s not all. Take just one look at it and you will see that it is a style powerhouse. So not only is it highly functional and aesthetic, but it is also affordable as far as dive watches go. Having such a combination was basically unheard of until the SKX007 came along.

Seiko products have always punched above their weight when it comes to value and looks, and in this review we will be reviewing the SKX007 and the SKX009 to determine whether all of the praise that they get is deserved. Is the Seiko SKX007/SKX0099 truly the most affordable and highest quality entry-level dive watch on the market, or is everyone else just blowing smoke in our faces?

Seiko SKX007 & SKX009 Overview

Over the years, Seiko has released hundreds of divers at various price points.  Despite being produced in 1996, to this day the Seiko SKX007 is still in high demand. Seiko started making dive watches as early as 1965, and they used to have two separate lines of dive watches: the PROSPEX which is their professional line, and a sport/amateur line.

The sports line originally branched off from the professional line, and the SKX007 is part of this line. The reason for this is because Seiko wanted to focus on recreational divers with relatively low depth limits rather than professional divers diving to extreme depths during saturation dives.

Despite not being part of the professional line, Seiko has never let their entry-level watches suffer from quality issues. In fact, the SKX007 is the replacement for the 7002, which was used by military personnel worldwide up until it was retired in 1996. The torch was passed to the SKX line and they’ve been holding strong since then. So when you hear the words “entry-level” being used to describe the SKX007, know that it’s not some cheap quality watch.

Seiko SKX007 & SKX009 Specs

• Movement: 7S26 mechanical movement
• ISO Certified: Yes
• Water Resistance: 200m (660ft) water resistance
• Bezel: Unidirectional bezel (120 clicks)
• Crystal: Hardlex crystal (harder than mineral, softer than sapphire)
• Case Diameter: 41mm
• Case Thickness: 13.25mm height
• Lug-to-lug Distance: 46mm
• Lug Width: 22mm band width
• Power Reserve: 44-48hrs
• Weight: 80g (no strap)
• Day and date window
• LumiBrite markers

Seiko SKX007 vs. SKX009

You might be wondering why we are reviewing both the SKX007 and SKX009 in the same article. The reason is simple: they are essentially the same watch and they share the same specs in basically every regard.

The main difference is in their appearance. The SKX007 has a very plain black dial with black bezel. On the other hand, the SKX009 has a dark blue dial and a blue/red bezel, which is often referred to as the “Pepsi” style.

Model Variants

The SKX line of watches is no joke. They are all incredibly affordable yet high-quality divers, and the best-selling one is the SKX007/SKX009 which are the focus of our review. With that said, the other watches in this line-up are worth considering as well.

All of these variations differ in the size and style of their bezels, dials, and hands. However, internally and functionally, they are the same watch, using the same case and movement. You can expect a similar level of quality from any of these watches, so if for some reason you don’t like how the SKX007 looks, you can opt for a different one:

• SKX007: Black dial and bezel.
• SKX009: “Pepsi” style red and blue dial, black bezel.
• SKX013: Smaller version of the 007, hands slightly different.
• SKX173: Square bars instead of circles on the dial.
• SKX011: Orange dial, yellow bezel markings.
• SKXA35: Yellow dial with rectangular markers.

The Case

Dive watches look so good sometimes, and the SKX007 and SKX009 have a smooth and flowing case with barely any transitions or hard lines. Examining the stainless steel case closely, it has side surfaces polished to a mirror finish, and a brushed effect on the top surfaces. The outer profile of the case hugs the edge of the bezel closely, keeping a slim profile and is a detail we like to see on watches.

Additionally, the SKX007 and SKX009 case have a diameter of 43mm, a thickness of 13.25mm, and a 46mm lug-to-lug distance. They are quite large even on a 7-inch wrist which is understandable given that it is a dive watch. The case’s gently curved lugs round off the overall profile nicely and has a standard 22mm band width.  Furthermore, it looks sporty and helps you exude a confident vibe.

The Crown

The screw-down crown is located at the 4 o’clock position with prominent crown guards protecting it from impacts. The slightly rounded, flat end of the crown just barely extends past the guards. However, the grooved sides extend well above the sloped area of the guards, providing a small area for your fingers to grip it.

It takes some effort to unscrew the crown, however this is an intentional design decision to reduce the likelihood of it opening while diving. For the price range, the SKX007 and SKX009’s crown operates very well. It threads and unthreads smoothly without any jiggling even when fully unthreaded.

After unscrewing, it provides two audible click positions when pulled out for setting the time and day/date. The crown is an area that budget watches often compromise on. They usually feel poorly machined and are a pain to use, but that is not the case in the SKX007.

Our only complaint is minor: we wish the grooving on the crown matched the patterns on the bezel for a greater sense of unity in its aesthetic. If it seems like we are nitpicking, we kind of are, but at the same time this little detail is very important to those seeking perfection. Furthermore, the logo could have been engraved on the plain end of the crown, and is one of the most common mods for SKX watches.

The Bezel

Additionally, both the Seiko SKX007 and SKX009 have a 120-click, unidirectional (counter-clockwise) rotating bezel made from stainless steel with a black aluminum insert and with markings on it. Every minute is marked with square bars denoting the 5 minute intervals, numerals for 10-minutes, and small circles for the rest.

On the outer edge of the bezel, you will find a two-tiered groove engraved pattern which provides excellent grip for turning the bezel, even while underwater with thick gloves on. As it turns, you will feel a smooth and quiet click action with minimal wobble once it is set in the desired position.

On the 0/60 minute mark, you will find a triangle shielded lume pip and it is the only bit of lume found on the bezel itself. While we would have liked to see lume applied on the other markers, with the 0/60 minute position marked, you can at least get an estimate of where the minute and hour hands are pointing to by using the pip as a reference point.

The timing bezel can be used for all kinds of useful everyday tasks outside of diving, such as timing laundry, timing when to check on the food in the oven, or when to wake up from a nap, etc. The SKX007/SKX009’s bezel is a joy to use. It strikes the perfect balance of being intentionally stiff enough so it won’t accidentally turn when you don’t want it to and at the same time it is easily operable.

The Dial

The dial is best described as simple and utilitarian. A large lume-filled triangle marks the 12 o’clock position, with large lume filled circles marking every 5 minute interval. Larger ovals mark the 6 and 9 o’clock position; the 3 o’clock position is missing one because the day/date window is located there instead. However, its size is similar to the oval opposite to it, keeping a sense of symmetry on the watchface.

On this particular version of the SKX007/SKX009, you have the option of setting the day to display in either English or Spanish. The color of the text is generally in black, with the exception of SAT in blue and SUN in red. The date ticks up from 1-31, so on shorter months you will have to manually adjust it yourself.

Functionally, the date window works perfectly. Aesthetically, we feel that it could have used some styling. As it stands, it is just a plain, boring rectangle. We would have preferred if it had a white border like in the Orient Ray II which would have been a nice detail that’d go well with the SKX.

There are some more texts found on this watch. Below the 12 o’clock triangle reads “SEIKO AUTOMATIC.” Above the 6 o’clock oval, “DIVER’S 200m” is printed, reminding you that, yes, this is indeed an ISO certified watch with a true depth rating of 200m.

This next bit of text is easy to miss. At the very bottom of the dial, just above the chapter ring, if you squint or have a magnifying glass you can find the text “7S26-002R R 2”. This seems like gibberish, but it signifies the automatic movement found in the SKX007.

Back to the markers, every 5 minutes is marked with a thicker rectangular bar. The chapter ring adds depth and a high-quality look to the watchface, and we feel it is well done. Overall, the SKX007 has a clean and good looking face. It feels like it is more of a tool watch than fancy jewellery, but its utilitarian design gives it its own personality that some watch lovers may find appealing.

The Caseback

Next, the screw-down, rounded solid stainless steel caseback provides greater water resistance. You’ll notice that it rises high above the back of the case and you can see the classic Seiko tsunami wave engraved on it. This wave only appears on Seiko’s ISO certified divers which signifies that it is the genuine article with at least 200m of water resistance (older watches with a 150m WR also feature the wave).

The Crystal

The recessed, flat crystal found on the Seiko SKX007 and SKX009 is made of “Hardlex.” If you’ve never heard of it, that’s because it’s Seiko’s proprietary mineral crystal. We would rate its quality somewhere above other mineral crystals, but still below a sapphire crystal.

It has good scratch resistance for a mineral crystal, and it also won’t shatter on direct impact like a sapphire crystal might. The edge of the crystal next to the bezel has been slightly chamfered.

Many users have found the crystal to hold up under rough conditions, everything from diving to boating on a near daily basis. This is thanks to the crystal’s design; having it be flat and recessed slightly below the bezel keeps it from plenty of harm.

Glancing hits from the side, which is probably the most common way a crystal gets scratched, mostly hits the bezel and completely misses the crystal. If not, Hardlex is a durable enough crystal to take a few hits. Overall, the crystal on the SKX007 and SKX009 is very good for the price.

The Hands

Next, let’s talk about the handset. The SKX007 and SKX009 have a shooter sword-shaped hour hand that extends just to the inner edge of the oval markers at each quarter, and the long arrow minute hand extends all the way out to the outer edge of the smaller circle markers at each 5-minute interval. Both hands are filled with lume and outlined in chrome.

Furthermore, the second hand is narrow, long, white, and contrasted by a black shaft with a lumed lollipop at the tip. This is somewhat of a SKX exclusive design, since most divers will have a lumed portion on the main side of the hand instead of at the end.

The purpose of the lumed lollipop is not necessarily to tell you what second of the minute it is, but for letting the wearer know that the watch is still running in the dark. This is one of the requirements for being ISO certified. Should the watch stop operating during a dive due to mechanical failure or water ingress, then it would be extremely dangerous if the diver takes too long to find out the watch has failed.

Keeping with the style of the bezel, the hands have a similar design and are also legible enough to be read at a glance. Each hand is intentionally designed to have a unique length and form so that it is easier to differentiate them from each other.

The Movement

The Seiko SKX007 and SKX009  uses Seiko’s caliber 7S26 mechanical automatic movement, which runs at 21,600 beats per hour and has 21 jewels. This movement has, over the course of 20 years, been used in over 50 Seiko dive watches and has a pretty solid track record of proven performance.

Pros:

There’s lots to like about the 7S26, and here are a few reasons why.

First, it has a mainspring made from Diaflex, which is a special alloy developed by Seiko that is very durable and will not break even when overwound.

Next, the movement features a shockproof Diashock design – an isolation feature that helps protect it from unintended impacts.

Furthermore, the 7S26 is wound by Seiko’s Magic Lever system and features a bi-directional winding mechanism that uses the movement of the wearer’s wrist to power itself. When fully wound, the movement has a power reserve of ~40 hours, so you don’t have to worry about it stopping in the middle of the day.

Cons:

Since this is a lower-end, budget movement, it lacks some of the features found in higher-end movements like hand-winding and hacking seconds. Its accuracy is also not the greatest, ranging anywhere from -20 to +40 seconds a day. This value may differ from watch to watch, however some users claim they managed to get theirs to run at +/- 5s/day.

We suggest you manually reset the time on your Seiko watch every three days or so to keep it within a few minutes of real time. You can potentially make the SKX007/SKX009 even more accurate by letting a watch-maker regulate the movement for you or doing it yourself.

Bracelet/Straps

The Seiko SKX007 and SKX009 by default comes with a rubber diver’s band which is serviceable but nothing special. There are also versions that come with a jubilee bracelet. You are, of course, free to purchase your own strap/bracelet if you feel like switching things up or if the included one just isn’t doing it for you. Since the lug width is 22m, you can find many straps for this watch.

The included rubber strap is indicative of what this watch’s intended use is, which is diving. However, it’s good looking and versatile enough for casual wear as well. By changing the strap, you can change the watch’s (and by extension, your) appearance from “I’m about to go diving” to “I’m ready to have a fun night out” just like that. There are a wide variety of straps that can match your personal style and mood.

Speaking of replacing the stock components for something new, that brings us to the next point, which is:

Modding

Not everyone knows that dive watches can be modded to drastically change its appearance. In addition to being the most recommended entry-level dive watch, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Seiko SKX watches are the most modded dive watches as well. There is a thriving community of watch modders who specialize in modding the SKX line of watches.

You can find many third party mods for components like the bezel, crown, dial, handset, strap/bracelet, even for the crystal and movement for a truly one-of-a-kind timepiece. Some services provide custom engraved bezels or darkening the case by using vapor deposition.

Though it is possible to do all of the modding yourself provided you have the right tools, there is always the risk of user error. You might scratch the watch, install a component improperly, or otherwise mess something up if it is your first time doing things. As such, we recommend practicing on an old watch that had a long life before you try your hand on your current favorite timepiece.

Comfort

We’ve talked a lot about the SKX007’s and SKX009’s looks and functionality, but how do they feel on your wrist? You would think that a watch this big would be too bulky and uncomfortable. But the fact is, the case hugs the bezel so closely it actually doesn’t feel as large as it is. Despite that design, the SKX007/SKX009 have a noticeable amount of weight and thickness, particularly in the main case area, which can cause your wrist to feel unbalanced.

With a weight of 4.8oz/136g, whether it’s too heavy for casual wear or not is up to personal preference. Personally, we are fine with it. After all, this is a diver’s tool watch that is ISO 6425 certified with an automatic movement. With this in mind, it’s actually impressive how comfortable the Seiko SKX007/SKX009 is.

Furthermore, the Rolex Submariner, the gold-standard for dive watches, weighs 4.6oz/130g, which is barely lighter than the SKX007/SKX009.

If you want to keep this watch as light as possible, then the rubber strap version will lighten the load, but the weight imbalance might worsen since the main case area remains heavy.

Furthermore, you might think that the strap or jubilee bracelet has a good chance of pulling on your skin and hair, but it doesn’t. The links on the jubilee bracelet flow smoothly as you move and never pinches or locks up.

The major link adjustment and the clasp’s minor adjustment lets you tweak it until the SKX007/SKX009 fits perfectly on your wrist.

Seiko SKX007 and SKX009: The Verdict

There are lots of expensive and high quality watches in the dive watch market, and both the Seiko SKX007 and SKX009 are a bit of an anomaly. Whereas the gold-standard Rolex Submariner can cost upwards of $10,000 and other high-quality watches can cost several thousands as well, while the price tag of the SKX line of watches are only a fraction of that.

If we are determining value based strictly on a dollar to performance ratio, then the Seiko SKX007 and SKX009 are perhaps the best entry-level dive watches on the market. These dive watches are ISO 6425 certified, so you can be assured that they have the features and performance you need to stay safe while diving.

On top of that, it is a good looking watch that has the support of a thriving modding community. If you don’t like the stock SKX007 or SKX009 for some reason, you can replace literally every single component until it’s basically a different watch. Or you can just make a minor adjustment to the bezel or crown. In any case, the SKX007 and SKX009  are truly the most versatile and affordable watches for what they provide, and it’s no wonder that they are almost universally recommended.

Photo Credits:

• WatchGecko
• JustBlueFish Watch Reviews

Good dive watches are few and far between, particularly if you are on a tight budget. There just aren’t that many that are both affordable and reliable; if something is cheap, then so is its quality; if it’s reliable, then it’s not cheap. The Rolex Submariner, which is the gold standard when it comes to dive watches, is way too expensive for the average joe. Even the Seiko SKX series, which are more affordable homage versions of the Submariner, still costs a pretty penny. That’s where the Orient Ray II comes in.

The Orient Ray II is the new and improved version of the original Ray, and it is possibly the best bang for your buck when it comes to entry-level dive watches. It has better movement than the original, with the same classic design people loved about it. It has also been compared on numerous occasions to the established Seiko SKX007 and SKX009, so what makes this diver such a sought-after watch?

Orient Ray II Overview

If you are just getting into dive watches, you probably want a few starter watches before you splurge on a Rolex or a Blancpain. The Seiko SKX is a favorite among watch collectors and it is often recommended as the most affordable entry-level diver. The Orient Ray II now holds that title. Like Seiko, Orient is another Japanese brand that produces high-quality affordable timepieces.

The Orient Ray II is often compared to the Seiko SKX for many reasons. First is that both watches have identical specs, even the same sizes. Moreover, both have excellent movements. However, the biggest difference lies in their pricing; the Ray II is half the cost of the Seiko SKX, making it not only a great alternative, but probably the mandatory choice if you are on a tight budget.

Orient Ray II Specifications

For the price, you shouldn’t expect something on the level of the Rolex Submariner. However, for an homage watch, the Orient Ray II gives you something pretty close to the original at a fraction of the cost. Even seasoned watch collectors have a Ray II in their diver watch collection because it’s too beautiful not to have.

• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Case Diameter: 41.5mm
• Lug-to-lug Distance: 47mm
• Case Thickness: 13mm
• Lug Width: 22mm
• Bezel: 120-click unidirectional
• Water Resistance: 200m/660ft
• Crystal: mineral crystal
• Dial: day-date function, lume on hands, hour markers, and bezel.
• Movement: Orient F6922 caliber, with automatic hand-winding, hacking, 22 jewels, and 40 hours of power reserve.

Orient Ray II Review

Orient took a long time to develop the Ray II and it paid off. This watch is often recommended as an alternative to the Seiko SKX for an entry-level watch and it is priced at only a little over $100. The price alone makes it an attractive option, but what components did Orient compromise on to provide such an affordable diver?

The Case

The Ray II has a sporty case that should look familiar to dive watch fans. Its silhouette is nearly identical to the Rolex Submariner. The stainless steel case has a diameter of 41.5mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 47mm.

This timepiece feels like it hugs the wrist when worn. The lugs, which are angled downwards, wraps around the wrist for a snug fit and comfortable daily wear. Since this is a nearly 42mm watch, it might be slightly small for the average person. Regardless of the size, its functions remain intact. The screw-down crown, protected by guards, seals tightly and ensures water resistance up to 200m/660ft.

Mixed textures on the Ray II give it a bit of flair, making it look similar to sports watches. It has a polished finish on its sides, but only the top of the case has a brushed finished. This contrast helps make the Ray II maintain a classy vibe. At a glance, this is your quintessential sports watch. It is slightly smaller than the Seiko SKX and exactly the same size as the Mako II, from the diameter, lug-to-lug, thickness, etc.

Looking at the solid caseback, you will see Orient’s iconic dolphin logo, while the mineral crystal sits atop for protection. We would have liked to see a sapphire crystal, however this is one area where the Ray II compromises to keep costs low.

The FAA02003B9 model of the Ray II comes with a PVD coated case for a more durable effect. This version is nicknamed the “Raven” for its deep-black hue that is similar to the bird it is named after.

The Bezel

As expected from any decent dive watch, the Ray II features a 120-click unidirectional rotating bezel. The bezel has an aluminum insert as well as a luminous pip at the 12 o’clock position. This helps make it visible in the dark.

The coin edge of the bezel provides additional grip, making it easier to operate particularly while underwater with gloves on. However, this is not your usual coin-edged bezel. At every 10 minute marker, the notch is bigger. Since it doesn’t stick out of the case, though, it doesn’t provide additional operational benefits.

The Dial

There are two color variations for the Orient Ray II. First the FAA02004B9 features the black dial that is reminiscent of the Rolex Submariner. Next is the FAA02005D9 which has a deep, dark blue hue. Both dials have a matte texture which has a bit of a shine at certain angles. There is also a chapter ring which adds dimension and depth to the dial. In short, the dial looks unique and aesthetic.

The Ray II has applied circular shaped indexes to designate each 5 minute marker except at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. Each marker has a very generous amount of lume and comes with a similar polished edge. The date window can be found at the 3 o’clock position and has a similar metal frame for cohesiveness. One small detail is that the day and date are printed black on white except for Sunday which is red on white.

Next, the hour and minute hands are comparable to other watches’ hands. They are bigger than the second hand and filled with lume for better legibility at night or in the dark. The second hand has a triangle-shaped red pointed tip which adds a bit of personality in this otherwise tame timepiece. Red has always been a color present in many sports watches, so putting it here as well as in the date window is a nice way of affirming “yes, this is a sporty watch.”

Furthermore, the prints on the dial are simplistic and kept to a minimum, with the most recognizable texts being the Orient logo at the 12 o’clock position, plus the word “Automatic” underneath it. At the bottom of the dial you will find the words “Water Resist” and “200m”, which obviously indicate its water resistant rating in case you’ve forgotten that this is, in fact, a dive watch.

Overall, the Orient Ray II’s dial has a neat presentation that is straightforward and easy to understand. Its dimensions are great and very importantly, it has bright green lume for usability in the dark. The blue dial has a striking look and feel, as if you were staring right at the ocean. The black dial version is a classic that watch collectors want to have in their collection.

The Movement

For decades, Orient has relied on their proprietary 46943 movement in their watches. They have since created a newer and better movement, the Calibre F6922, and equipped their latest watches with it. Thus, owners of the Ray II and Mako II are able to experience Orient’s new automatic mechanical movement powered by a motor with 22 jewels.

The Calibre F6922 is significantly more accurate than the movement it is replacing, with an accuracy of -15 to +15 seconds per day. To prove this, you can test the watch at room temperature with the mainspring fully wound and the dial positioned up. It is recommended to run the test for at least one week to have more data to work with. On the other hand, the 46943 movement had a range of -30 to +30 seconds per day, which was simply too high. With the Ray II, you only need to manually sync your watch once a week or so instead of every couple of days.

Additionally, the Calibre 6922 has 40 hours of power reserve. To achieve this, one will have to wind the crown 30 times to fully wind the spring. This movement also includes hand-winding and hacking, which should be a staple in any modern automatic movement. You can rest assured that the quality of the movement is high because it’s made in-house at Orient Japan.

The Bracelet

A common area where entry-level dive watches may compromise on to save on costs is the bracelet. Unfortunately, this is true of the Ray II as well. It originally comes with a stainless steel bracelet with a hollow end link and some rattle as well. The rattling effect comes from the empty spaces between parts of the bracelet and, compared to a sturdy bracelet, feels cheap and brittle. The hollow end links at 22mm don’t do anything to assuage that feeling.

With that said, the bracelet tapers down to a comfortable 20mm but there are still improvements it needs to make. The availability of NATO and rubber straps gives you some options thanks to its generic lug width. If you plan on wearing this watch everyday, then we recommend swapping out the original bracelet for a third party one. This easily “solves” the bracelet issue and puts the focus back on the positive aspects of the Ray II.

The Price

Dive watches are a luxury product, costing hundreds of dollars on the low-end and several thousand in the high-end. Even the so-called “budget” watches can be expensive, but some watches are exceptions to that rule. WIth the release of the Mako II and Ray II, Orient have shook up the market by providing a quality watch that can rival more expensive watches in terms of functionality, at roughly half the price (even if you add on the cost of a third-party bracelet).

Even between the similarly priced Mako II and Ray II, we feel that the Ray II stands out more due to its reliability. Despite being the cheaper of the two products, the Ray II continues to impress watch enthusiasts to this day. This is probably owing to its classic look and reliable movement that puts the Ray II on the radar of many watch lovers. So if you are on a tight budget and want to maximize your dollar, you should give the Ray II a try.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will an Orient Ray II last?

There’s no denying that Orient creates quality watches that last a long time. Even if you put it through hell by wearing it everyday or use it while playing sports, the Ray II can withstand the abuse. It’s also a versatile watch given its sports watch design. You can use it while on a weekend trip but also during your 9-5. There shouldn’t be any concern whether it would look out of place or not no matter if you are in casual or formal attire.

Given its price point, you are understandably concerned whether the quality of its materials will have issues long-term. After all, it only has a mineral crystal and the bracelet isn’t the greatest. While the bracelet can be replaced, there’s not much that can be done about the mineral crystal. It will suffer some scratches over time that you can try to polish and buff out, but any deep scratches may require a full crystal replacement.

With great care, you can definitely make this watch last for years. Either way, for half the cost of the former king of budget dive watches, the Seiko SKX, and a fraction of the price of a Rolex Submariner, you are getting a long-lasting timepiece for the price.

Can the Orient Ray II be modded?

Watch collectors often mod their watches – not only the luxury ones but even more affordable watches can get great mods to further boost their value and appeal. With that said, the Seiko SKX is probably the king of watch mods. There are so many SKX parts on the market compared to other timepieces. The same cannot be said for the Orient Ray II.

If you are looking for a watch that you can mod the heck out of, the Seiko SKX is your best bet. The Ray II does not have many mods available due to its lower demand, so parts are scarce and not much modding can be done.

Orient Ray II: The Verdict

Step aside Seiko SKX, the Orient Ray II is the new king of budget dive watches. Orient has shook up the watch market by offering a quality product in the $100-$200 price range, where previously most offerings were from cheap Chinese knock-offs. Now, you can get a robust and reliable dive watch from a reputable Japanese watch manufacturer.

The Ray II has lots to like with its beautiful dial, luminous hands and markers, highly accurate in-house Calibre F6922 movement with hacking and hand-winding, as well as screw-down crown and case-back which provides up to 200m of water resistance. Its weak points are its bracelet and mineral crystal. The bracelet can be easily replaced by a better third-party one, however one should take great care not to crack the crystal.

You will be hard-pressed to find a better watch than the Ray II at this price point. It provides so much at such an affordable price. If you are a fan of modding, you may perhaps opt for the Seiko SKX which has similar functionality but at double the price.

Overall, the Ray II is a solid offering from Orient, and you should definitely consider getting it as your first dive watch or adding it into your collection. You should also consider checking out the Mako II, which is a similar product from Orient.

If you are just getting into mechanical watches and want to get the best bang for your buck, then Orient watches are the way to go, and the Mako II is a great starting point.

Orient is a Japanese watch manufacturer that makes watches that are in the sweet spot of affordability and quality. If you are in the market for a reliable, sporty, automatic dive watch that can actually be used for diving, then the Orient Mako II may be the best option for you.

The Orient Mako II punches well above its weight by providing features that are rarely found in dive watches at this price point. Furthermore, it has all of the hallmarks of a good dive watch with its rotating bezel, stainless steel case with crown guards, large indices, and good legibility. Let’s dive deeper into what this watch offers in the review below.

Orient Mako II Review

The original Mako was introduced in the early 2000s, and since then has been one of Orient’s best-selling line of watches until now. There is a good reason for that: it is affordable and provides what the casual diver or first-time dive watch buyer needs.

As you can probably tell by the “II” in its name, the Mako is the second version of the original Mako. Most of the original design was retained on the Mako II so as not to alienate the original owners too much. One of the biggest differences between the Mako and Mako II is the removal of the quickset button to modernize its design.

Most importantly, the Mako II does this while keeping its price low and quality relatively high. With that said, at this price point some corners have to be cut and the question is, does the Mako II compromise too much on quality or is it a watch worth wearing?

Specifications

• Movement: Orient F6922
• Accuracy: -15/+15 sec
• Jewels: 22 jewels
• Frequency: 21,600 bph
• Functions: Hacking seconds, manual winding, day, date.
• Crystal Material: Mineral glass
• Diameter: 41.5mm
• Band width: 22mm (tapers down to 20mm)
• Lug-to-lug: 47mm
• Thickness: 13mm
• Water Resistance: 200m/660ft

Case

The Mako II has very standard measurements for a dive watch. Its diameter measures 41.5mm, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 47mm, and 13mm of thickness. These measurements should fit the average man’s wrist size, with a little wiggle room to spare. The 13mm thickness is considered slightly bulky, however this is similar in size to the Seiko SKX or the Ray II, Orient’s other best-selling watch.

The top of the lugs have been polished and are beautifully contrasted by the polished sides, which improve the overall look. The Mako II has rather pointed crown guards to protect the screw-down crown. A minor complaint some users have about this is that it can be difficult getting a grip on the crown with the way the crown guards are positioned, and the small crown could have better teething.

Turning to the back, we find a solid screw-down case back. It does not have a see-through case back which we see as a positive, since it minimizes potential leaking points.

Sitting on top of the dial is a mineral crystal. This material is not as durable as sapphire crystal, but at this price point we weren’t expecting sapphire. If the Mako II came with a sapphire crystal, it would surely be accompanied by a price increase. In case you want a budget watch with a sapphire crystal, then you should check out the Loreo Submariner instead.

Bezel

Moving on to the bezel, the Mako II has a unidirectional rotating bezel with 120 clicks. The bezel has a notched edge which provides extra grip. With that said, the bezel doesn’t sit very tall and the case sticks out more, which can make it hard to operate it regardless. This is one area where Orient can improve in a future model.

The bezel has a navy blue aluminum insert with markers for the last 10 minutes, then markers every 5 minutes after. Like most diving bezels, it will track elapsed time up to 60 minutes.

Perhaps the most important feature of the Mako II is its water resistance rating of 200m/660ft. For a watch at this price point, it is rare for one to provide a rating this high which means it can actually be used underwater, instead of just looking like a watch that can.

Dial

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Mako II is its eye-catching, striking navy blue dial with a sunburst brushed effect and finish.

The Mako II’s dial catches the light beautifully and, depending on how the light hits it, feels like it changes the watch’s personality over the course of the day. This makes the watch feel alive and exciting; it’s not a watch you’ll get bored of easily. The blue enables good legibility by creating a great contrast.

The crystal on the Mako II is just a simple mineral glass. We would have preferred a sapphire crystal, however you can’t expect too much at this price range. This mineral glass should be able to withstand some minor scratches, but if you wear this watch for years, it will pick up some over time.

There are lots of design features and details on this dial. First, there are the applied hour makers for the 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions. The ‘3’ is missing because they had to make space for the date window. The rest of the markers are thicker bars with a pointed end directed towards the center of the dial.

At the 3 o’clock position is the day and date window. They have a metal frame bordering them, with a section separating them, which makes it easier to distinguish them as well as enhances the feel of quality and finish.

Moving onto the hands, you have the usual hour, minute, and second hand. All of them are made of metal with luminova applied to them. Both the hour and minute hands are sword shaped. The second hand features a spear tip that has been painted red. This color contrasts nicely against the blue dial. In fact, it is the only other color on the watch, so it stands out overall.

As a nice added detail, there is a chapter ring around the dial whereby the seconds are printed in white. This adds depth to the dial. Just below the 12 o’clock marker is the Orient Logo, and just above the 6 o’clock dial is the depth rating.

Bracelet/Strap

The Mako II is presented on a brushed, stainless steel bracelet. When it comes to the quality of bracelets on affordable watches, they are often the component that the manufacturers cheap out on. With that said, the Mako II’s bracelet is serviceable but nothing special.

The top of the bracelet has a width of 22m and tapers down to 20mm. We would have preferred it if it tapered even more for a more comfortable fit. The stainless steel material gives the watch a weighty feel to it, and not in a bad way.

One negative about the bracelet is that it has hollow end links which are not as robust and makes the watch feel cheaper. The three-link bracelet fits the overall style of the watch’s overall design. The bracelet has a double-locking clasp that allows for micro-adjustments and comes with a push-button design. Just like the lugs, the clasp and bracelet are satin-brushed.

Movement

The Orient Mako II is powered by the Orient Caliber F6922 movement which is an automatic movement featuring hand-winding functionality, hacking (manually stopping the second hand), and superior accuracy compared to its predecessor.

If you’ve never heard of the F6922 caliber, it is an in-house movement manufactured by Orient in Japan. The Japanese are well-known for making high-quality movements, and they have honed their craft over hundreds of years.

The F6922 caliber succeeds the famous 46943 movement which has been used in Orient watches for 40+ years in other watches in Orient’s collection such as the Ray II, Bambino, Symphony III, and so on.

The main selling point for this timepiece is probably the F6922 automatic caliber. This particular movement provides the best of both worlds for watch enthusiasts since it is automatic yet can also be hand-wound, a rare combination for a watch this affordable.

This movement has a power reserve of 40 hours, 22 jewels, and displays the day and date. Its accuracy is somewhere between -15/+15 seconds a day, and the movement beats with a frequency of 21,600 BPH.

The movement is designed to be reliable and robust, which is crucial for a dive watch especially if you actually plan on taking it diving.

Variations

The Mako II has many variations to choose from. This might be slightly confusing and you don’t want to get the wrong one so pay close attention. There are the regular Mako II models and there are also the Mako USA II models. Both of these watch lines have different color variations. Let’s start with the Mako II variations.

Mako II

The watches in the Mako II have a model number starting with “FAA0200###” with the ###’s at the end being the differentiating numbers. There are three models available: the FAA02001B9, FAA02002D9, and FAA02009D9.

The 1B9 has a black color scheme with its black on black dial and bezel set-up. It is probably the most understated of the three, however one can argue it gives off an elegant vibe. This model is also the most affordable model out of its peers.

Next, the 2D9 adds more color to the Mako line-up. This time, the dial is a deep blue, and the bezel is an even darker blue than that. It does a great job of providing color without losing its classy look. If you already have too many black and white timepieces in your collection, consider getting the 2D9. It’s the most expensive of the three, but only just.

Finally, the 9D9 model pays homage to the traditional watchmaking style. Like the 2D9, it has a deep blue dial, however the blue has more of a matte finish this time around. The standout feature is the Pepsi bezel. The Pepsi layout has become a sort of classic look for diver watches over the years, and so Orient just had to add another one to the list.

Mako USA II

The Mako USA II is an updated version of the Mako II for the western market. The USA model has identical measurements and some small cosmetic distinctions, such as larger minute marks and loss of arabic numerals.

However, there are some subtle but very important improvements that make the Mako USA II superior to the Mako II. First, the USA model has a sapphire crystal which is a huge upgrade over the mineral crystal in the Mako II. This is fantastic news if you plan on using this watch in harsh conditions, or if you just like knowing that you have a sturdier product.

Another improvement is a superior lume coating. The Mako USA II’s lume coating is much brighter and glows for a longer time in the dark. This is crucial when you are on a long, deep dive or during night diving.

Lastly, the Mako USA II has solid end links on its bracelet. The bracelet is somewhat of a weak spot in Mako II products. The Mako USA II attempts to fix this problem with the solid end links which are more durable and rattles less often.

Mako USA II Variations

Like in the Mako II range, the USA line also has three distinct products to choose from. This time, the model numbers start with “SAA0200###”, with the ###’s at the end representing the unique model number.

The SAA0200AB9 is the black version of the Mako USA, the BD9 is the blue model, and the CW9 has a white dial paired with a black bezel. Unlike the Mako II, this time there is no Pepsi design. Furthermore, since the USA range has higher quality components like a sapphire crystal and better lume, it is understandably more expensive but still affordable for a dive watch.

Orient Mako II: The Verdict

The Orient Mako II is a sleek and sporty dive watch that provides excellent value for your money albeit with some minor flaws. Try to find another automatic dive watch in this price range that provides the same features: 200m depth rating, hacking and hand-winding, finished surfaces, with its overall quality as high as this. You will not be able to find very many, if at all.

As with any affordable product, the Mako II does have areas that it has compromised on, such as its bracelet and crystal. However, its other components remain high quality. If you have the extra budget, you can opt for the Mako USA II instead, which has a sapphire crystal and better lume, among other improvements.

For what it is, the Mako II does what more expensive watches can do with its impressive movement and water resistance. On top of that, it can handle harsh conditions and take a beating as well.

If you are in the market for an entry-level dive watch that looks like the Rolex Submariner and feels good on your wrist, one that you can take diving if you want, then you should check out the Orient Mako II.

Pros:

• Depending on the model, it is highly affordable at under $200.
• Caliber F6922 automatic movement which features hand-winding and hacking.
• Sleek, sporty design that looks great on your wrist.
• Screw-down crown and screw-down case back, with 200m of water resistance.

Cons:

• Accuracy of -15/15+ seconds. Every few days, you should expect to adjust the time on the watch.
• Cheap bezel insert, bracelet, and crystal.
• Lume could be brighter.

The Loreo Submariner is an homage watch based on the Rolex Submariner. At first glance, this watch looks like it is worth several times its actual price which is around $100 or less depending on where you purchase it. With a watch this cheap, you are correct to be wary about its quality. It doesn’t help that the watch is manufactured in China, which is notorious for quality as low as its prices.

So why are we even spending time on a watch when all signs seem to point to a questionable product? We don’t want to spoil our verdict yet, but let’s just say there’s more to the Loreo Submariner than meets the eye. In this review, we will be going over what features this watch has, how well it performs, and whether it is worth your money or not.

Loreo Submariner Watch Specifications

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Band Width: 20mm
• Band Length: 24cm
• Case Thickness:13mm
• Weight: 150g
• Features: Auto Date, Complete Calendar, Water Resistance
• Water Resistance Depth: 20 Bar (200m/660ft)
• Case Shape: Round
• Case Window Material: Sapphire Crystal
• Clasp Type: Bracelet Clasp
• Movement: Seagull Automatic Self-Winding
• Band Material: Stainless Steel
• Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case

Being a Rolex Submariner homage, it’s not surprising that the Loreo Submariner not only looks like a submariner, but also has the same classic dimensions: a case diameter of 40mm, 13mm thickness, 48mm lug-to-lug distance, and 20mm lug width. It weighs in at just under 150g, which is pretty much the sweet spot for a stainless steel sports watch.

Loreo has played it safe and followed the basic Rolex design closely. The case is a simple combination of polished and brushed surfaces. When you factor in the dial, the Loreo Submariner becomes a shiny watch in the sunlight. When we say that the design is basic, it means that they haven’t screwed anything up and therefore basic is good.

The screw-down display case back has a Rolex style fitment. You can see that it advertises its water resistance at 20 ATM (200m) which, if we take them at their word, is very impressive. However, we recommend you take this with a large grain of salt; we would only use this watch for shallow diving or recreational water sports at most.

Crown

The Loreo Submariner has a solid screw-down crown. It is smooth and much easier to operate than expected. It does have the Loreo “L” inscribed on it which may be a downside for some, but we didn’t really care for it. Loreo is not exactly a household name like Rolex is, but we can’t really blame a company for trying.

Crystal

Amazingly, the Loreo Submariner has a sapphire crystal. Unlike most other budget watches which usually have mineral crystal, such as its rival the Invicta Pro Diver, the Loreo Submariner legitimately has a sapphire crystal. Color us impressed. Unfortunately, the crystal doesn’t have an anti-reflective coating on it, but at this price point we are amazed that a watch even comes with a sapphire crystal.

Dial

The Loreo has three color options available: black, blue, and green. The color can be found on the dial and bezel. The very safe black is very plain, but the blue and green options are vibrant and make the watch stand out. In addition, the Submariner looks very much like the Rolex that it is imitating and is nicely done.

The hours and hand markers have been applied with lume so that they can glow in the dark to some degree. Depending on the color you chose, particularly if you selected the green one, the dial and the bezel really gleam in the sunlight. The hands turn smoothly and we have no complaints about them.

Bezel

The bezel is made from aluminum which, unlike its sapphire crystal, is not very durable. It scratches easily if you’re not careful.

When we initially received the watch, we had some issues with its unidirectional bezel. It was difficult to turn at first and we eventually forcibly turned it hard enough that it miraculously fixed itself. Suddenly it was easy to rotate and it gave us no issues afterwards.

With it working as intended, we decided to play around with it further. With the way that it aligns perfectly, it honestly felt better than some more expensive Swiss watches. There is a miniscule amount of play if you try to test it, perhaps up to ¼ of a click, but it snaps back after you push it.

Strap/Bracelet

The bracelet is made of stainless steel with solid links, push pins, and end links. The mid-links are highly polished which is a slight departure from the classic Rolex look it is imitating. It fits snug on a 7 inch wrist, but those with a wrist size of about 6 ¼ to 6 ½ inches might be able to pull it off as well. The Submariner comes with a bunch of spare links so you can find one that fits right for you.

The clasp is not a milled clasp unfortunately, just a press one. However, at this price point, you have to expect some compromises and the Loreo Submariner does excel in other areas, so we are willing to look past this. Also the bracelet carries its weight very well because it’s made of stainless steel, as is the rest of the watch.

Lume

You can find some lume applied to the hour markers and hands. No lume pip on the bezel insert,or any lume on the bezel at all in fact. It’s serviceable, nothing outstanding. It will last only a few minutes and is not something you should actively rely on. You can tell this is one area where Loreo skimped out to try to save some money.

If you plan on using this watch for night diving or to read the time in a dark environment, then this watch will not be up to the task.

Movement

Does this watch have a Seiko movement or a Miyota movement? Nice guesses, but it has a Seagull ST16 automatic movement. Seagull is a Chinese company that makes popular movements for discounted watches such as this one. Even though the words “Chinese” and “cheap” are often used in the same sentence, in this case we literally mean that it’s affordable and the quality of the movement is very high.

The Seagull ST16 is a 21 jewel, hacking and hand-winding automatic movement with a 36-hour power reserve. After a few days, we found that the Loreo Submariner was gaining about 10-12 seconds a day which is perfectly within the same set of tolerance ranges as you would find from a Seiko or Miyota movement in a watch at this price point.

Pros

• Sapphire crystal. There are few watches that you can get for around or under $100 that comes with a sapphire crystal, and this is one of them.
• Stainless steel case. The case feels good despite having a few sharp edges. However, once again, for the price it’s decent. It also has a screw-down crown and screw-down back.
• Seagull Movement. We were impressed to find that the Seagull movement performed equally as well as Seiko and Miyota movements. It has hacking, hand-winding, 36 hours of power reserve. Everyday it will gain 13 seconds, so every few days you will need to adjust the time. This is about on par with Seiko and Miyota movements.

Cons

• Bezel insert. The bezel insert is made of aluminum and is not very durable. If you’re not careful, you can easily leave scratch marks on it.
• Lume. This is another area where Loreo cheaped out. The lume is barely functional, not very bright, lasts only a few minutes, and is not very visible on the hands.

Loreo Submariner Automatic Watch Review: The Verdict

If you can’t stand having an Invicta on your wrist, then the Loreo Submariner is a fantastic option in the same price range. Admittedly, there may be some discomfort not having the surety of a reliable movement such as Miyota or Seiko with the Loreo Submariner using a Seagull movement. However, in our testing it appears to perform on at least on par with other movements found in more expensive watches.

With that said, there’s lots to like about this watch. It comes with a sapphire crystal which is highly durable and not something you’d expect to find in a sub-$100 watch. If you are a rough and tumble kind of guy who tends to whack your watch on every surface you find, then the Loreo can actually handle that kind of abuse.

Overall, we feel that the Loreo Submariner is a very comfortable watch with lots to like and a few downsides, particularly regarding its lume and bezel insert. If you don’t care about the lume then we highly recommend it. For its price, the Loreo Submariner is probably one of the best deals you can get.

If you’re interested in another Rolex homage watch manufacturer, take a look at our article discussing Pagani Design.