These days we want the best of both worlds–something to take us from the beach to the streets and back again. With tech and design-savvy brands pushing the limits in terms of capabilities, more versatile, well-suited wrist wear allows for dress to meet play. If you haven’t learned how to read analog, now’s the time to get yourself a snazzy timepiece that not only tells you the hour but high and low tides, the depth of your dive, and the BAR measurement of how much air is left in your trusty tank. The following watches are fully tricked out to withstand atmospheric pressure, are water-resistant to an ATM degree, can resist a scratch against a rough reef, and are also designed with modern style in mind. Confidently paddle in the water for an early morning surf session, then suit up for an afternoon lunch meeting (now that we’re starting to meet face to face again) with a client you’ve been trying to win over. Only time will tell if one of these watches will actually land you that epic wave and that massive business deal.
Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300M
Omega’s Seamaster Series uploads a high standard of divers across the world. The Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph has a legendary following due to a loyal ocean heritage and some of the best innovation and design. This 44 mm chronograph model is crafted from stainless steel and 18K Sedna™ gold and includes a polished black ceramic bezel with a Ceragold™ diving scale. The pushers are also a polished black ceramic, as well as the luxe dial which features laser-engraved waves and a date window at 6 o’clock. While the face appears fancy, the sleek black rubber strap makes it fully functional and approachable. Its extra-large case means business in the water, while also looking intimidatingly demanding in the boardroom.
Nixon Siren Stainless Steel: 100M / 10ATM
Nixon said it first, “Don’t leave your style at the shoreline.” With a range of rad colors to choose from for the rubber strap and metal accents, the Siren fuses a stylish surf design with an up-for-anything attitude. Basic tide functionality lets you know when it’s time to hit the beach, while sport-ready water resistance means it’s not scared to get wet when it is time to zipper up. While it appears on the higher end, this watch teeters more on the casual activewear scale. Its durability comes from custom stainless steel caseback and gasket pushers. Toggle between its settings that include a date calendar through 2099, option to set your local beach to check the tides, and includes a customizable countdown timer as well as a chronograph. The EL backlight means you can check the time in the dark at last light.
Breitling Superocean Automatic 46: 200BAR/ 2000M
Sponsored by a certain pro surfer’s brand, Outerknown, Kelly Slater has been seen sporting this bold and distinguished wristwatch in and out of the waves. It is said that the Superocean series is designed for daring, adventurous men, looking for a sports watch that combines exceptional performance and contemporary style. The Automatic 46 features a sturdy 46mm DLC-coated stainless-steel case, dark blue dials, and a color-matching rubber strap that fits either a DLC-coated stainless-steel pin buckle or folding clasp. Not only ready for the challenges of the deep seas, it will also attract like-minded watermen/women who tend to linger a little closer to the shore.
DOXA Sub 300 Aqua Lung Sharkhunter: 300M
Bridging history, past, and future, the SUB 300 Aqua Lung US Divers pushes the envelope and is said to mark a first, with a forged carbon case and black rubber strap. DOXA’s limited series of only 300 timepieces with COSC-certified caliber, comes exclusively in partnership with Aqua Lung. The jet black and charcoal two-tone gives an urban, camouflage vibe while the bright yellow-white detailing accentuates a sense of energy and purpose. Its scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating, has a matte, raw look to keep it edgy and tough. All dive-related information is highlighted with a Super-LumiNova® luminescent coating to ensure excellent legibility in reduced visibility conditions during deep-sea exploration. With a diameter of 42.5 mm, the SUB 300 is fitted with a pressure-resistant titanium chamber to protect its automatic movement. The Sharkhunter ensures a power reserve of 38 hours.
Longines Legend Diver Black PVD: 300M
The Legend Diver watch was already considered a fan favorite, but when it upgraded to a black PVD case, it went from classy to cool. Founded in Switzerland in 1832, Longines has built an entire brand on history and elegance, so it’s no surprise they nailed the execution of a modern interpretation of one of its most loved dive watch designs from the past. The vintage Longines watch in reference is the 7042, one of the great vintage dive watches of the 1960s. Its case was built in the Super Compressor style, in which incremental increases in pressure act to increase the water-resistance as it travels deeper underwater. This is a great choice for someone who loves the look and feel of a vintage timepiece but requires a robust modern option that can stand up to the rigors of daily wear and tear.
Le Jour Hammerhead: 200M / 20BAR
Also Swiss-made and retro-inspired, Le Jour’s Hammerhead dive watch collection is a step further towards reliving the 1970’s in today’s world. Available in four sporty color combinations, it features a distinctive 42mm cushion case with subtle sunburst effect finish, an eye-catching dial, a sophisticated window frame for date display at 3 o’clock and an engraved hammerhead shark on its caseback. Powered by Trusted ETA 2824 Automatic movement, Hammerhead is also aesthetically designed with meticulous details and balanced weight for optimum comfort. The traditional three-link bracelet is made from 316L stainless steel, while the classic hands and indices are slightly deepened and filled with Grade 3 Super-Luminova to glow in the dark. After sufficient activation by sunlight or artificial light, the pigments of Super-LumiNova provide stronger light intensity and give long hours of luminescent in the dark–ensuring your legibility whilst freediving in an obscure cenote.
Dan Henry 1970 Automatic Diver: 200M
For those fascinated with the underworld, strap on the trusted and steezy Dan Henry 1970 watch. Designed for intrepid thrill-seekers, whether a spearfisher, scuba diver or entrepreneur on an agenda, this reliable watch can not only help calculate when to return to the surface but has an alluring vintage vibe. Its Automatic Seiko Caliber NH35 comes with 24 jewels and 41-hours power reserve, while the Sapphire-coated, double-domed mineral glass has been coated with an anti-reflective treatment. The screw-back case features a 3D metal octopus wearing an antique diver helmet. The 1970 comes in orange, black, white, or blue and is a limited edition–with fittingly, 1970 pieces made till it runs out…of air.
Baltic Aquascaphe Blue Gilt: 200M / 20ATM
Designed specifically for diving, but perfect for daily rugged use, Baltic’s Aquascaphe toolwatch fires on all cylinders–being waterproof, scratch-resistant, shockproof, and looking sophisticated as hell in any situation. Sapphire is known as one of the toughest materials on earth, making the watch ultra-tough in terms of durability, while also giving it a modern “bakelite” appearance, enhancing a vintage style. The Aquascaphe series is assembled by hand in an atelier in France by professional and experienced watchmakers who assemble, adjust, and test every BALTIC watch that is made. Strap options test your decision-making abilities with the Tropic Rubber Black offering a more casual look or Metal Beads of Rice for a more luxury look.
Marathon Search & Rescue Jumbo Diver’s Quartz: 300M / 30ATM
Manufactured in accordance with US Government Specification, and even issued/worn by troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, this watch is the real deal–capable of withstanding the most extreme of conditions. Commonly known as the JSAR ‘Jumbo Search and Rescue,’ it is designed for actual SAR missions and manufactured under ISO 6425 standards. Marathon utilizes non-tritium MaraGlo paint technology for low light illumination and encompasses ETA F06 high-torque 3-jewels Quartz movement with EOL (End-of-Life) indicator for battery. Includes vulcanized black rubber strap, and optional bands available–including stainless steel bracelets, rubber, or leather straps. Made from 316L surgical grade stainless steel, the JSAR is a hefty, purpose-built watch that will not let you down. The synthetic sapphire will resist scratches and is coated in an anti-reflective coating to ensure maximum dial legibility. The JSAR combines Military toughness with Swiss craftsmanship that gets the job done, and looks good doing it.