Good diver watch brands?

[Doctor Rig]

Thanks for the comments & suggestions so far. Keep them coming!

I see Momentum has, or used to have, a model called Deep 6 which is orange. Wonder if that watch has any connection to Deep 6, of Deep6 regulators. Would be a nice watch for Deep6 fans! (I can’t seem to find that model for sale any longer.)

 

[flyboy08]

I dove with a Seiko the first 20 years, a TAG the last 20, but now I just Dive computers.

I own a Zodiac...cool Dive watch that gets many comments and their pretty cheap. Relatively cheap.

 

[Doctor Rig]

I dove with a Seiko the first 20 years, a TAG the last 20, but now I just Dive computers.

I own a Zodiac...cool Dive watch that gets many comments and their pretty cheap. Relatively cheap.

Oooh... duplicate

 

[Doctor Rig]

Yes, the Zodiac does look like a really nice watch. Cheap, they are not on Amazion.... maybe in New York City?

I’m looking for my first analog watch in years for better visibility while snorkeling and lap swimming. Ultimately, I’ll also buy a computer for diving, but first things first.

Yes, the Zodiac watches look very nice, but their “relatively inexpensive” cost is beyond my desired budget. (Are they much cheaper in NYC?)

I’m in the market for analog diver watch primarily for lap swimming and snorkeling, and maybe diving. I’ll likely buy a computer when that need arises. I looked at the Casio many have suggested, but it reportedly has poor visibility due to poor luminance, so that won’t help me with my desire for better visibility.

 

[Marie13]

I have a Momentum that has accidentally gone underwater while diving a few times. Did fine. I actually got it to use while doing pool laps. I like it so much I wear it daily.

 

[ryanski]

i like my citizen pro diver. comes in an awesome box... (looks like a scuba tank) i have only dove with it maybe 10 times. works well though.

 

[tep]

Lots of articles on good/better/best watches here...

Dive Watch News, Reviews, and Info | Dive Watches Blog

Personally, I like Seiko, Citizen, Casio from personal experience.

I see great things about Orient all the time, though.

 

[Blasto]

Not first-hand info, but what I've heard from watch repair specialists is that there are two brands you can never service and still pass down working - Rolex and Orient.

This isn't to say others aren't good; just that these two build their movements a certain way that stands up to things. Seiko is among the highest-regarded brands, and specifically for their diver models - but they're not among the cheapest.

You won't go wrong with either, really, just look through what they have to pick something with large hands and lots of luminova on them.

 

[Jcp2]

I’m in the market for analog diver watch primarily for lap swimming and snorkeling, and maybe diving. I’ll likely buy a computer when that need arises. I looked at the Casio many have suggested, but it reportedly has poor visibility due to poor luminance, so that won’t help me with my desire for better visibility.

Why not try the Casio? It’s not expensive so if it doesn’t work out or is lost, your wallet isn’t sad. The lume is not strong, but I can see the time at 4 am. It won’t matter swimming or snorkeling. In fact, I prefer to wear a digital watch when lap swimming because of the weight of the analog dive watch.

 

[diversteve]

I agree, I wouldn't wear my g-shock swimming laps in a pool as the LCD is harder to read in the glare of overhead lights (indoors) I sometimes hit the illuminate button in restaurants etc. to see it clearly.

Although now I just tell the time with my smartphone - it's been so long since I regularly wore a watch that my tan line has filled in. I bought the Seiko more as an accessory than a functional timepiece - since it's solar the background is dark.