Dive Watches

Model Collections

Dive watches range from inexpensive automatic models to Swiss watches that are investments meant to be passed down for generations. The common thread among them all is their ability to provide water resistance, readability, and toughness that most wristwatches can't match. Here are the most common references we sell at Bob's Watches, with the features that matter when making your purchase decision.

Rolex Submariner

Reference point for every dive watch made after 1953. Introduced the water resistance standards, bezel design and legibility that every dive watch company tries to achieve ever since. The brand has produced countless Rolex Submariner references throughout the years. The no-date ref. 14060 is one of the most sought-after pre-owned watches due to its clean dial and more affordable price point than date variants. The ref. 16610 and 16610LV (Green "Kermit" bezel) are two of the most traded models of all time and the current production refs. 124060 and 126610LN are equipped with Rolex's in-house caliber 3230 and 3235 movements respectively, both featuring ceramic bezels. Vintage models from the 1960s and 70s such as the 5512 and 5513 are highly coveted by collectors.

Rolex Sea-Dweller and Deepsea

The Rolex Sea-Dweller was made for professional saturation divers who required more than what the Submariner offered with it's 300m rating. Rolex stepped up to the plate with the original ref. 1665 "Great White" released in 1967, which provided 610m of water resistance plus a helium escape valve. Both of these features were features that working divers actually required. This is one of the most coveted vintage Rolex references of all time. Today's Sea-Dweller references (ref. 116600, 126600) are rated to 1,220m and come in just shy of the Deepsea. The Deepsea (ref. 126660) reaches 3,900m and comes with a noticeably larger 44mm case. If you find the Submariner too popular, the Sea-Dweller is a fantastic alternative that has actual tool watch functionality.

OMEGA Seamaster Watches

The OMEGA Seamaster collection has been around since 1948, however, the Professional 300m watches most think of today became extremely popular due to its association with James Bond watches starting in 1995. The ref. 2531.80 worn by Pierce Brosnan began a generation of Seamaster enthusiasts.

The Seamaster collection today includes the 300m Professional, Planet Ocean, Aqua Terra, and the Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial. The Planet Ocean is considered the more hardcore diver of the Seamaster lineup, offered in 39.5mm, 43.5mm, and 45.5mm cases and features a 600m rating. OMEGA's Co-Axial escapement, which was introduced across the brand in 1999, is a legitimate advancement in watchmaking technology that reduces friction and increases the watches long-term accuracy. Pre-owned Seamasters are some of the best values in the luxury dive watch world.

Tudor Black Bay

Tudor is Rolex's sister brand, and the Tudor Black Bay line is where the brand really found its modern identity. Launched in 2012, the Black Bay drew directly from Tudor's vintage dive watch heritage, particularly the "snowflake" hands and domed crystal from 1960s references.

The Black Bay 58, introduced in 2018, is the sweet spot. Its 39mm case size hits a middle ground that many modern buyers prefer, and the bronze version has developed a cult following among collectors who like the natural patina bronze develops over time. The Black Bay Pro, launched in 2022, adds a GMT function to the dive watch platform. All current Black Bay models run Tudor's in-house MT5400 series movements, which are COSC-certified and include a 70-hour power reserve.

OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean

OMEGA's no nonsense professional diver. The OMEGA Planet Ocean wears it on its sleeve. Thick case, big crown guards and blunt indices. With water resistance to 600m as standard across the range and helium escape valve as standard on most models.

The Planet Ocean 600m Co-Axial has become a bestselling watch for consumers looking for something with real technical cred alongside OMEGA’s impeccable finishing. The introduction of the "Deep Black" ceramic models in 2016 brought all ceramic builds to the collection and represent some of OMEGA’s most technically intriguing watches in recent years.

Oris Aquis

Oris punches above its weight in the dive watch segment. The Oris Aquis, launched in 2013, was designed as an accessible entry into serious dive watch territory, and it delivers. Water resistance is rated to 300m on most variants, and the lug-to-lug dimensions are manageable despite the 43.5mm and 41.5mm case options.

The Aquis Date, Aquis Date Upcycle (made with recycled plastic dials), and Aquis Depth Gauge are the main sub-references to know. The Depth Gauge variant actually reads water pressure through the crystal, making it a functional tool watch, not just a water-resistant one. Pre-owned Oris Aquis references are often one of the best buys in mid-range dive watches, since Oris doesn't carry the same brand premium as Swiss watch giants.

Tudor Pelagos

The Pelagos is Tudor's professional dive watch and it goes further than the Black Bay in terms of technical specification. Water resistance is rated to 500m, it uses a titanium case to reduce weight, and it includes a self-adjusting clasp designed to expand with a diver's wetsuit.

The Pelagos LHD (left-hand drive) version moves the crown to the left side of the case, a design borrowed from vintage professional dive watches intended to reduce crown snagging on diving gloves. The Pelagos 39 brought the platform into a smaller, more wearable case size in 2021 and has been very well received. If you want a proper technical dive watch with credible specs, the Tudor Pelagos deserves a spot on any shortlist.

Seiko Prospex

If you're looking for real dive watch capability at an almost universal price point, Seiko's Prospex line has built a reputation around that concept. Seiko's first dive watch was the 1965 62MAS, the first Japanese diver, and the company has thrived on that legacy ever since. Today's Prospex collection ranges from the entry level SPB series to the "Turtle" (SRPD), "Samurai" (SRPB), modern re-interpretations of the original 62MAS and 1968 "Marinemaster", to full-on high-end watches like the Hydropiercer. Most dive watches in the Prospex line are equipped with the in-house automatic 6R35 movement offering a 70 hour power reserve for an entry level price. The Marinemaster 300 (SBDX series) begins to encroach on luxury pricing, putting Seiko in competition with Swiss-made mid-range divers on specifications. Vintage Seiko dive watches from the 1960s to 1980s have a serious cult following amongst collectors and the best pieces have seen prices rise as a result.

Tissot Seastar

The Tissot Seastar is probably the most compelling entry point into Swiss-made watches for those unwilling to pay luxury prices. It has a 300m water resistance rating and the case feels sturdy for its price. As the Seastar features ETA-derived movements, servicing will be easy and obtaining spare parts won’t be difficult. It’s a simple, no-nonsense watch that does the job. Tissot markets this more as a tool than a fashion statement. Used models can be picked up at extremely reasonable prices, making this an attainable first dive watch for many consumers.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

The Fifty Fathoms was one of the first dive watches, released in the same year (1953) as the Rolex Submariner. The Fifty was made for the French Navy's combat divers, and it’s stayed relatively true to that original design ever since. In fact, it existed decades before the ISO standard for dive watches was even created. Today's Fifty Fathoms watches are some of the most revered in the entire diving category. The case size is big at 45mm, the movements are beautifully finished to Blancpain standards, and the price matches the quality watchmaking you’ll get. As there is always demand from collectors, used models will hold their value quite well.

Panerai Submersible

Panerai made watches for the Italian Navy long before Panerai became a brand available for purchase by consumers, that fact is not marketing fluff. The Panerai Submersible was the brand's first reference made available to civilians that was specified to professional dive watch standards, initially to 300m and later increased to greater depths throughout their line.

Today the Submersible line ranges from the PAM00683 (300m, 42mm) to the extreme-depth 2500m Submersible models. Panerai's unique cushion case and crown-protecting device distinguish it visually from every other dive watch available. Second hand models are regularly bought and sold, and make a unique option for those looking to own a watch that no one else has.

Breitling Superocean

First released in 1957, the Superocean is Breitling’s dive watch with aviation DNA. The collection has been in production ever since its launch. Today, all models offer water resistance ratings from 200m to 2,000m depending on the reference. This gives customers options when diving into a Breitling Superocean of their own.

The Superocean Heritage II lineup incorporated vintage inspired elements and was favorably embraced by those who enjoy 1960s design traits. The Automatic 36 opened the collection up to customers seeking a dressier, more compact dive watch. A pre-owned Breitling Superocean will often deliver Swiss made quality and a familiar style at prices comparable to the OMEGA Seamaster collection.

Longines HydroConquest

The HydroConquest is a solid, mid-tier dive watch that doesn’t receive as much hype as it really should. IAT ratings are 300m, movements are reliable ETA derivatives, and the overall fit and finish is on par with what we’ve come to expect from Longines as a legitimate Swiss watchmaker.

Case sizes range from 39mm-44mm depending on which HydroConquest you go with, and there are both automatic and quartz powered versions. Second hand HydroConquests are some of the most readily available Swiss dive watches out there, and they tend to sell at prices that work out to great value for the quality you're getting.

How to Choose a Dive Watch: Key Features to Look For

Before we get to our picks, it's important to understand what qualifies a watch for diving. While many watches have a "dive style," a true professional dive watch meets a strict set of criteria, most of which are outlined in the international standard for divers' watches: ISO 6425.

• Water Resistance: A minimum rating of 100 meters (10 ATM).
• Unidirectional Bezel: A rotating bezel that only turns counter-clockwise to prevent accidental extension of dive time. Must have markings at least every 5 minutes.
• Legibility: The dial must be clearly visible from 25 cm (about 10 inches) in total darkness. The minutes hand must be clearly distinguishable from the hour hand.
• Lume: An indicator that the watch is running must be visible in the dark (usually a lumed seconds hand).
• Magnetic Resistance: Must resist a magnetic field of 4,800 A/m.
• Shock Resistance: Must withstand a specific impact test without significant deviation in timekeeping.
• Strap/Bracelet Durability: Must resist a strong pulling force.

Why Choose Bob's Watches

Bob's Watches has been selling pre-owned luxury watches since 1999, and we've built the business entirely on transparency. We publish our buy and sell prices publicly. We authenticate every watch in-house before it goes up for sale. And we don't play games with vague grading language or hidden fees. Here's what you get when you buy from Bob's Watches:

• Authenticated pre-owned and vintage dive watches from verified inventory
• Transparent, market-based pricing published openly
• In-house authentication by trained watch specialists
• A broad selection of references from Rolex, OMEGA, Tudor, Oris, Tissot, and more
• Accurate condition grading with no surprises
• Secure shipping and responsive customer service
• A trusted buyback and trade program if you want to upgrade later

Sell Your Pre-Owned Watch

If you have a dive watch sitting in a drawer, you may be leaving money on the table. The market for pre-owned dive watches is active, and well-maintained examples from the right brands hold their value exceptionally well. Rolex Submariners, OMEGA Seamasters, and Tudor Black Bay are just a few examples of models that can trade at prices that would surprise people who bought them to wear and never thought of them as investments.

If you're looking to sell my watch for the best value, Bob's Watches is straightforward and fast. You submit your watch details, we provide a same-day offer based on real market data, and if you accept, we handle everything from there. No waiting around, no lowball offers, no runaround. Just a fair price for a watch that deserves to find a new owner who'll appreciate it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dive Watches