World Ocean Day is an annual event that happens on June 8, shedding a light on humanity’s impact on the oceans and how to protect them. And though we don’t need a reason to admire these mechanical marvels, we’re taking this opportunity to highlight some of horology’s most iconic diver’s watches.
Historically some of the more interesting and technically advanced, diver’s watches remain a technological icon today as watchmakers constantly innovate with them. Designed and machined to withstand the enormous challenge posed by both sea water and pressure, diver’s watches are built to last in the most gruelling conditions – and thus is the perfect forever choice to have.
Functional, sporty, and practical, diver’s watches have long accompanied humanity in their quest to understand and conquer nature, and whether you’re on the same quest or just looking for an accessory that can withstand the daily stressors of life, these five diver’s watches are a good place to start.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
Arguably one of the most popular diver’s watches in pop culture thanks to the watchmaker’s link to James Bond, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M is a front-of-mind name in this category of watches. With a multitude of colour and material variations, our selection this time is the 42mm titanium model (ref. 210.92.42.20.10.001) in bronze gold and khaki green that gives it a vintage feel – while the rubber strap remains decidedly sporty.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
The Fifty Fathoms collection is yet another mainstay in the category, with Blancpain boasting decades of legacy and innovation for diving watches expressed through this line. Though the Automatique is a classic choice, consider the Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune model (ref. 5054 0140 O52A) instead, released earlier this year for a piece that takes a diver’s watch to the next level. Water resistant to 300 meters while running complete calendar and moon phases complications, Blancpain proves yet again why the Fifty Fathoms is so renowned.
Panerai Luminor Marina Titanio
Earlier this year at Watches & Wonders, Panerai unveiled the Luminor Marina Titanio (ref. PAM03325), a new spin on the collection that cuts down up to 44% of the case’s weight by using titanium instead to steel. Featuring the new P.980 calibre – the new standard for the range – which allows for 500 metre water resistance, combined with the Grade 5 titanium case, this particular piece will make any dive a pleasure and match your style outside of the water too.
Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver
The next timepiece on our list comes from Breitling. A name perhaps more known for its chronographs and aviation watches, Breitling’s long legacy covers air, sea, and space instruments. Its offerings in the diver’s watch category are known too, and the Superocean has represented Breitling’s expertise since the 1957. This 46mm Super Diver edition (ref. E10379351B1S1) brings the Superocean to depths of 1000 metres (hence the super moniker), and like all models also features a chronometer. A clean design that maximises legibility so you can operate it easily in any condition, this piece is one you can rely on.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300
Another watchmaker with diver’s watches that are a little underrated in our opinion is TAG Heuer with it’s Aquaracer collection. A watch that combines elegance with meticulously engineered functionality, the Aquaracer is a dive watch meant to be worn everywhere. For the casual sports enthusiast, the outdoor range with a 100 metre resistance is even more understated, but the Professional 300 Date (ref. WBP231N.FT6234) with it’s gorgeous gradient blue dial and small 36mm case is a hard design to beat.
Catch up on horology with more stories here.