And it’s this solid bit of self-winding technology that elevates the Reef from a simple dive watch to the official title of chronometer. Less than 3% of Swiss movements meet the accuracy marks required to attain certification. What’s COSC? In short, it’s a testing board for the fanciest of fancy watch mechanisms. The hands, indices, sapphire crystal, and case (42mm diameter) are all of exceptional quality.īut the centerpiece here is the COSC-certified Sellita SW300-1 automatic movement. Most of these combinations don’t affect the price, though a rubber strap will actually bring the tally down. The stunning Reef Chronometer ($1,850) comes with a wealth of customization from bezels to straps to dials. Into that gap have stepped a variety of smaller brands, offering nearly the same quality and functionality without the luxury price.įormex is one of the leaders in this new field. And more often than not, those high-end brands are banking on the name, not the product, to justify up to 50% of their price. But believe it or not, compared to the Breitlings and Panerais of the world, this is a flat-out steal. Yes, this watch is just a hair under two grand. If you’re even casually interested in testing the waters, you’ll find a dive watch to catch your eye.īest Overall Dive Watch: Formex Reef Chronometer Instead, you’ll find a list of timepieces that offer great performance with looks, style, and value all their own. While dive watches can become ludicrously expensive, most of the pieces we’ve included are well within the reach of mortal budgets. Plus, come on - they look kind of cool.ĭon’t stop scrolling after seeing the price of the top pick. Stainless steel, scratch-resistant crystals, and glow-in-the-dark paint are almost universal.īut it’s that water resistance (usually to at least 200 m), that makes these some of the most valuable set-and-forget tools you can wear on your person. That’s how I got hooked into this new world of old-school outdoor gear.īut why dive watches, specifically? In order to meet the requirements for scuba diving, watches of this type need to be extremely durable. If you can’t make the time or contortion to slip the phone from your pocket, a dive watch could be for you. We found the best dive watches of 2021 for every budget and adventure.

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