![\"Doxa](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Doxa-Sub-300-Professional-1024x427.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen the DOXA Sub 300 was released in 1967, there was nothing else on the market quite like it.\u00a0 Legibility and functionality were prioritized above all else, and it was conceived purely as a tool watch.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fact that it ended up looking super bad-ass was just the icing on the cake.\u00a0 If Jacques Cousteau is wearing your watch, you know you\u2019ve done something right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sold in dive shops, the Sub 300 stood out due to its orange dial \u2013 which was more easily read underwater than the ocean (see what I did there?) of black dial dive watches available from everyone else.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its 42.5 mm case, unidirectional bezel with naval decompression dive markings, and oversized hands with generous tritium lume further enhanced readability.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its revolutionary expandable bracelet that could fit over a wetsuit completed the package for a diver whose watch could literally be the difference between life and death.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After several ownership changes, design pivots, peaks, and valleys, DOXA released a small, limited number of Sub 300 models for the brand\u2019s 50th<\/sup> anniversary in 2017 \u2013 all of which immediately sold out.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n But then to everyone\u2019s surprise, they came back in 2020\u2026with basically the same watch but without limited production.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Produced in the same size as the original and with the obligatory 300 m of water resistance, it was an attractive option for those who missed out on the earlier release.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n This new model, however, did incorporate a chronometer-grade ETA 2824-2 movement, a dive bezel in meters rather than feet, and brighter lume.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Available on a strap or \u201cbeads of rice\u201d steel bracelet, this is the version still available today.\u00a0 You\u2019d be hard-pressed to find another true tool watch with this level of cache, tech, and history for under $2600.00.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Casio G-Shock<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When one thinks of the ultimate value proposition in the watch industry, the G-Shock by Casio usually enters the chat.\u00a0 It\u2019s the watch that many horology nerds use as their \u201cbeater,\u201d and it\u2019s easy to see why. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The G-Shock is absolutely chock full of technical goodies, and it\u2019s basically indestructible.\u00a0 And what\u2019s more – there are almost countless models to pick from.\u00a0 Different cases, materials, finishes, sizes, functions \u2013 the world is literally your oyster.\u00a0 While you\u2019re actually harvesting oysters<\/em> \u2013 if that\u2019s your thing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The story goes that in 1981, Casio Engineer Kikuo Ibe bumped into a pedestrian and his mechanical watch fell off his wrist and shattered.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Soon after, Kikuo assembled a group at Casio nicknamed \u201cTeam Tough\u201d with the goal of creating a watch that would have \u201cTriple 10\u201d Resistance:\u00a0 10 years of battery life, 10 bar water resistance, and could survive a fall of 10 meters.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n After nearly 200 prototypes, a dejected Kikuo wandered over to a playground and discovered that the center of a rubber ball doesn\u2019t suffer central shocks during a bounce.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n The team then pivoted to develop a watch with this material and concept in mind, and in April of 1983, the first production G-Shock was born.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since then, this digital quartz model has continued to grow in popularity, technical prowess, and toughness.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n A commercial showing a G-Shock being used as a hockey puck (with subsequent proof it wasn\u2019t faked) helped drive the watch\u2019s popularity in the 1990\u2019s, with Casio releasing more than 200 different models and selling 19 million pieces by 1998.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Videos of G-Shocks being rolled over by tanks and heavy trucks can be found with a simple Google search, and the list of functions you get are almost endless. The best part?\u00a0 They\u2019re nearly all under $500.00, with most under $400.00.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Professional divers, the U.S. military, professional athletes \u2013 all can be found with a Casio G-Shock strapped to their wrist. It is the definition of a watch you can put on and never have to worry about\u2026at least not for 10 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hamilton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When people think of the history of American watchmaking, three companies come to mind:\u00a0 Waltham, Hamilton, and Illinois (who were eventually bought by Hamilton.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n And while it still feels like watchmaking in the U.S. is a product of a bygone era, Hamilton has managed to survive as a brand due to its focus on value, functionality, and thoughtful design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Hamilton began as a pocket watch manufacturer \u2013 supplying pieces to railroad conductors, military men, pilots, and others who needed a supremely accurate timepiece as part of their kit.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n By the time World War II hit, Hamilton was manufacturing modern (non-conversion) wristwatches and between 1942 -1945, the company produced over one million watches and marine chronometers – earning an Army-Navy E award for excellence in manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the 1950\u2019s were to be Hamilton\u2019s last decade as a fully U.S. manufacturer.\u00a0 A joint venture in 1962 with Japanese maker Ricoh kicked off the quest for distant shores, and though that partnership failed, it was quickly followed by Hamilton acquiring Buren Watch Company of Switzerland in 1966.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n From the next 3 years, Hamilton and Buren were operated as a joint venture, but the writing was on the wall and in 1969, Hamilton fully moved its manufacturing operations to the Buren factory in Switzerland.\u00a0 A sale to SSIH\/Swatch group came in 1974, and that\u2019s where the brand resides to this day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today\u2019s Hamilton is laser focused on offering watches that punch well above their weight.\u00a0 I personally know many folks who think the Khaki Field watch is one of the best deals going\u2026and there are tons of options to pick from.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n For purposes of this article, we\u2019ll focus on the Khaki Navy line, which is quite a nice group of divers.\u00a0 The bronze automatic GMT in 43 mm has quite the wrist presence and will change color over time \u2013 which is pretty neat and makes me think of those old diving bells ala Jules Verne (an analogy further enhanced by its 300 m water resistance rating.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s a solid package for under $1600.00 to be sure.\u00a0 But, for just over half that price, consider the automatic Navy Scuba in 40 mm.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n You get the same level of power reserve (a whopping 80 hours), a stainless-steel case with bracelet, sapphire crystal, and 100 meters of water resistance\u2026which is plenty for 99% of the population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laco Squad Amazonas 300 Meter Dive Watch <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Laco is a German brand celebrating its 100th<\/sup> anniversary this year, and it\u2019s a history worth honoring.\u00a0 Laco is one of only 5 manufacturers to have produced the B-Uhren watch for German Luftwaffe pilots. \u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, the brand excels at showcasing historically accurate aviator pieces from the 1940\u2019s, but at a price point that is much easier on the wallet than a military-issued vintage example.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n But in addition to their pilot watches, Laco has branched out in recent years to create timepieces suited to a wider variety of environments.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n These watches are tough, include plenty of functionality, and like all the rest of the timepieces on this list, they are as at home in the water as they are on land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of my favorite examples from this group is the Squad Amazonas 39.\u00a0 In this piece, easy readability and high function mixes with a fun presentation to create a statement that is a bit unique in this category.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Colored superluminova matches the minute hand to other parts of the dial and bezel, while white matches the hour hand to the rest.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a unique, playful design that works visually while also enhancing usability.\u00a0 A screw-down crown protected by crown guards helps finish things off, but the final \u201cpop\u201d (if you will) is the lollipop-style second hand, adding some vintage charm to this very contemporary piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the scorpion insignia on the back indicates its adaptability in a variety of environments, this watch would be right at home in the ocean.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n 300 meters of water resistance should satisfy both hobbyists and serious divers, and the Sellita SW 200 is dependable and easy to service.\u00a0 To complete the dive look, go for the ruggedly attractive rubber strap option.\u00a0 $1130.00<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nivada Grenchen 14131A01 Depthmaster Black Pumpkin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Founded in 1926 Grenchen, Switzerland, Nivada is a brand that moved with the times.\u00a0 Formal manual wind timepieces in the 1930\u2019s-1940\u2019s gave way to automatic sports and dive watches in the 1950\u2019s-1960\u2019s.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n While never making an in-house movement, their watches were considered to be of high quality and offered a lot of value.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vintage Nivada\u2019s can be found containing a variety of movements \u2013 from time-only ETA\u2019s and A Schild\u2019s, to Valjoux and Venus chronograph calibres\u2026they even made alarm watches using both Vulcain and Phenix movements!\u00a0 But when speaking of Nivada\u2019s historical models, two stand out from the rest.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n The first is the Antarctic, made famous by Admiral Byrd in Operation Deep Freeze during the 1957\/1958 International Geophysical Year.\u00a0 The other is the Depthmaster, or what is known in watch nerd circles as the \u201cPac-Man\u201d (due to the shape of the dial\u2019s Arabic numerals.). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Launched in 1965, the Depthmaster was the first commercially available dive watch to have 1000 meters of water resistance.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nivada would in fact hold that record for 13 years until the Rolex Sea-Dweller ref 16660 surpassed it in 1978.\u00a0 Yes \u2013 this is a rare instance when Rolex was actually playing catch-up<\/em> instead of setting the pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After succumbing to the \u201cQuartz Crisis\u201d of the 1970\u2019s-1980\u2019s, Nivada Grenchen was relaunched in 2018, with the first models rolling out in 2020.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n The new Pac-Man was released in 2021, and like the brand\u2019s other recent releases, it\u2019s a faithful rendition of the watch\u2019s original design language, proportions, and feel.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Measuring only 1 mm more than the original at 39 mm, the cushion-shaped case in brushed steel is quite comfortable on most wrists.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like the original, it features a strong, unidirectional bezel with a classic 60-minute diving scale – with the first 15 minutes being graduated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Inside is a Sellita SW 200-1, which seems well in line with the company\u2019s history (sure it could have been an ETA for historical accuracy but that feels like splitting hairs here.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a rugged dive watch with a strong wrist presence despite its size.\u00a0 For $1250.00, there\u2019s a lot of details to love here.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n But why not take it all the way into the dive look and pick up the Black Pumpkin with orange dial?\u00a0 It\u2019s in stock, in a limited edition of 70 pieces, and just looks super-badass.\u00a0 Note that this one comes with a Soprod P024 Caliber instead, levelling things up a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oris Divers 65<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In our article on Best Casual Watches for Men, I called out one of Oris\u2019 signature pieces \u2013 the Big Crown Date Pointer.\u00a0 The other signature piece for the brand at the moment?\u00a0 The Divers 65.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since its release in 2015, the brand has released over 50 different references of this model.\u00a0 In other words, the Divers 65 is inextricably linked to the brand\u2019s identity \u2013 one of thoughtful designs and high value propositions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A mind-boggling number of dial colors, case constructions and sizes are available for the Divers 65, so it really comes down to personal taste. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their 40 mm offerings feel like a good sweet for many, so in that arena I\u2019d recommend the 65 Blue.\u00a0 Available on either a strap or bracelet, you get an attractive, if slightly conventional look\u2026but with a date function that I think is masterfully incorporated.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n The watch also features the Oris\u2019 own 733 automatic movement (based on the Selita SW 200-1) and a very well-done version of \u201cvintage-style lume.\u201d\u00a0 Offered at $2850.00 on bracelet and $2600.00 on strap, it\u2019s a versatile piece that would be at home anywhere.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a bonus, the bracelet version is being offered with a free Scatola Del Tempo Viaggio 1 case (a $245.00 value), so if you want one of these, now is the time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Squale<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For the uninitiated, Squale may just be the most important dive watch company that you\u2019ve never heard of. Formed in 1946 in Switzerland under the name von Buren SA, it was primarily known as a specialized case maker for other brands.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1959, the company registered the Squale trademark (meaning \u201cShark\u201d in French) \u2013 and decided it had remained in obscurity long enough.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their logo soon began to appear on dials alongside the major brands it manufactured cases for. Most notable of these was perhaps Blancpain, where Squale supplied cases for multiple versions of the Fifty Fathoms under a miltary contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the 1960\u2019s rolled around, Squale started releasing watches fully under its own brand.\u00a0 They featured robust cases with a unique water-resistant construction featuring a domed and armed (not \u201cthat\u201d kind of armed) plexiglass crystal.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n This crystal was sealed from above using a rubber gasket and both a screw down bezel and moveable bezel.\u00a0 In 1965, Italian freediver Enzo Maiorca set a world record of 67 meters while wearing a Squale Master.\u00a0 You don\u2019t get much more hardcore than that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Squale was sold to the Maggi family in 1982 (the Italian distributors of the brand.) A couple of additional models followed before the Quartz Crisis forced the brand into hiatus until 2005, when the Maggi\u2019s decided to relaunch it.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Production of some of Squale\u2019s most iconic models started up again, and in 2017, they became the official supplier of watches to the Italian State Police Divers Unit.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today\u2019s Squale looks just as good as the vintage models, but with much improved tech.\u00a0 There are many models and configurations to choose from and in fact, it\u2019s difficult for me to recommend just one.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the updated version of the Super Squale would be a solid choice\u2026consider Sunray Grey dial on bracelet for a subtle, unique look and comfortable sizing at 38 mm.\u00a0 For more of a head-turner, the 1521 Militare on a Milanese bracelet just looks damn cool.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n At 41 mm and with generous lume, it has an undeniable wrist presence\u2026and the 4:00 crown position is a cool touch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Both models feature the reliable SW200-1 automatic calibre and have plenty of water resistance (200 meters for the Super and 500 meters for the Militare.)\u00a0 And at under $1200.00, it might even be worth adding both to your collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unimatic U1 Classic<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Founded in 2015, Unimatic is known for its minimalist design ethos and robust aesthetic.\u00a0 Started by two Italian industrial designers, they started the company as a response to what they saw as a market filled with \u201cover-designed\u201d watches.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Limited production runs are a hallmark of the brand (typically 1000 pieces or less) and they\u2019ve collaborated with big names like Hodinkee and Massena LAB to create models with even more exclusivity.\u00a0 In the Unimatic universe, form truly follows function \u2013 but in an attractive way (at least in my view.)\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unimatic watches are available fitted with either quartz or automatic movements.\u00a0 The former features at Seiko VH31 movement and the latter uses either a Sellita SW200-1 or a Seiko NH35A \u2013 depending on the model.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Case sizes vary from 38 mm \u2013 41 mm, and there\u2019s quite the variety to pick from.\u00a0 Prices are also super reasonable for this level of design.\u00a0 For my money, the Unimatic U1 classic at $665.00 is hard to beat for an automatic with 1000 feet of water resistance.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zodiac Super Sea Wolf<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I wrote about the history of the Zodiac Sea Wolf and its current iteration in a previous article on the best casual watches for men.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n It would then stand to reason that the Super Sea Wolf would make our list of accessible dive watches as well.\u00a0 Released in 1953, 1957, or 1958 depending on who you talk to, the Sea Wolf had a major, and often underappreciated impact on horology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The original Sea Wolf featured an A Schild automatic movement, a 35 mm stainless steel case, and a water resistance rating of 100 m.\u00a0 What seems like basic design cues today were revolutionary back then.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dauphine hands, Arabic numerals, a rotating bezel, applied triangular markers at 12, 3, 6 and 9:00 \u2013 it\u2019s easy to see why this design has largely carried through right up until today.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Super Sea Wolf Skin is likely closest to its original ancestor. The rectangular lumed markers, bezel, and dauphine hands remain, as does an automatic Swiss movement (STP 1-11).\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n But upgrades include 200 m of water resistance, a sapphire crystal, and a predicted increase in size to a still reasonable 39 mm.\u00a0 Readable in any environment and a value at $1295.00, this one makes a strong case for inclusion in your watch box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of these models offer a compelling package and would look equally cool on a reef snorkel or sitting at your desk. Most watch folks would agree that every collection needs a dive watch, and any on this list would be worthy candidates for those not wanting to put a whale-sized blow hole in their budget.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The history of the modern dive wristwatch began in 1953 with the release of the Rolex Submariner, the Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms, and possibly the Zodiac Sea Wolf (though that one is still the subject of debate.) In the years since, this area of watch collecting has become popular with water sports enthusiasts and \u201cdesk divers\u201d alike.\u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":16177,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16168","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-watch-reviews"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"Casio](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Casio-G-Shock-1024x427.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Hamilton\"](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Hamilton-1024x427.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Laco](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Laco-Squad-Amazonas-300-Meter-Dive-Watch--1024x427.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Nivada](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Nivada-Grenchen-14131A01-Depthmaster-Black-Pumpkin-1024x427.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Squale\"](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Squale-1024x427.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Unimatic](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Unimatic-U1-Classic-2-1024x427.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Zodiac](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Zodiac-Super-Sea-Wolf-1024x427.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n