Timing is an essential element of diving, which is why watches are an important instrument. Luxury watch brands understand that dive watches need to be practical, reliable, water resistant and legible – not only that but they also need to look good on the wrist. They will all come with similar necessary features, but their depth range can vary from a couple of hundred to a few thousand meters in order to meet everyone’s underwater requirements. Not all dive watches will be reaching the depths of the ocean, but they are also ideal for all water activities, whether you’re surfing, snorkelling or swimming this summer. So as the weather hots up, you may want to cool down in the ocean, which is why I’ve put together the top dive watches that are proving to make a splash this season.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea Dweller
The Rolex Sea Dweller is possibly one of the most iconic dive watches of all time, thanks to its ability to reach entirely new depths. Rolex understand that timing is a crucial element of diving and have therefore created a robust, reliable instrument that goes beyond all others: The Rolex Sea Dweller. The most recent models of the Sea Dweller are able to survive depths near 4000 meters and in 2008, it was known as the most water resistant mechanical watch in production at the time. This year, Rolex are bringing the Sea Dweller to life once more featuring Rolex’s latest standards of innovation, including the helium escape valve – a ground breaking function for which the Sea Dweller is renowned.
IWC Aquatimer Automatic
This year, IWC decided to reinvent their popular dive watch collection, Aquatimer. Possibly the most popular piece of the collection is the Aquatimer Automatic, which was the first major refresh in this particular timepiece family. IWC wanted to create a watch that could be worn in situations beyond water sports and have therefore gone beneath the surface to the depths of 300 meters. The design of the watch is simple and sleek, with a clear-cut and technical dial that includes luminescent material on the hands and markings to ensure maximum legibility. The Aquatimer Automatic comes with a black rubber or stainless steel bracelet and either a black or white dial.
Cartier Calibre de Cartier Diver
Cartier may have a huge range of gorgeous luxury fashion watches, but there had always been something missing until now: a diver’s watch. The Calibre de Cartier Diver fuses technical elements and style seamlessly by including all essential dive watch features yet still maintaining Cartier’s elegance. They have therefore been able to create a well-rounded dive watch that looks good on the wrist while being taken under the surface – so it is guaranteed to look good whether you’re wearing a wetsuit or 3-piece suit. Its slim 11mm case is water resistant to an impressive 300 meters and its dial is easily read in the underwater darkness. It also features a unidirectional rotating bezel and a 60 second sub-dial in order to time dives with ultimate precision.
