Why a Dive Watch Is Not Just for Diving 

When you hear “dive watch,” your mind probably conjures up an image of a rugged, water-resistant timepiece strapped to the wrist of a deep-sea explorer, timing their oxygen supply while navigating an underwater world. While that was the original purpose of these watches, the reality today is quite different. Despite their name, dive watches have long since transcended their original function. Many collectors and enthusiasts wear them as everyday tool watches, appreciating their robust construction, legibility, and timeless style—no diving required. We talked to a few of these collectors to get their takes on why they love dive watches so much.

A Brief History of the Dive Watch 

The dive watch as we know it today emerged in the mid-20th century when scuba diving became more accessible to the public. Brands like Rolex, Blancpain, and Omega developed timepieces that could withstand the pressures of deep water while providing divers with a reliable way to measure their dive times. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, introduced in 1953, is often credited as the first modern dive watch, followed closely by the Rolex Submariner that same year. These watches featured high-visibility dials, rotating bezels to track elapsed time, and robust water resistance, making them indispensable tools for divers of the era. 

Professional and recreational divers relied on these mechanical watches for decades to keep them safe underwater. But as diving technology advanced, dive computers took over, offering digital precision that outperformed traditional timepieces in every way. With depth sensors, decompression tracking, and real-time adjustments, modern dive computers have rendered the mechanical dive watch obsolete in professional settings. 

More Than Just a Diving Tool 

So, if divers aren’t relying on these watches anymore, why are they still so popular? The answer lies in their versatility. While designed for underwater use, dive watches have qualities that make them ideal for everyday wear. Their durability is unmatched. Built to withstand high pressures, extreme temperatures, and shock, dive watches are some of the toughest watches you can wear. Whether hiking, traveling, or just going about your daily routine, a dive watch can handle everything. 

Then there’s the legibility factor. Large indices, high-contrast dials, and luminous hands make dive watches incredibly easy to read in any condition—whether deep underwater or just checking the time in a dimly lit restaurant. And let’s not forget about style. The classic aesthetic of a dive watch has a universal appeal. From the rugged tool-watch look of the Seiko SKX to the refined elegance of a Rolex Submariner, these watches pair just as well with a wetsuit as they do with a business suit. 

For Those Who “Do”

It’s all well and good for me to say these things, but getting some clarification from those who use these watches daily is always helpful. Zachary Piña (@zachxryj), renowned watch and outdoor photographer and creative director at The Pip Media, is well-versed in life on the go. As an avid outdoor enthusiast in both professional and personal situations, he is well-positioned to add some valuable input on this subject: 

“With most dive watches, it’s easy to get hung up on the particulars of the parts themselves. Who needs that kind of water resistance? Who needs a helium release valve? Who needs it to glow in the dark? For me, the collective obsession with a tangible need to justify the utility of these instruments is kind of missing the point. 

An instrument or tool built for action is an instrument that will ultimately inspire action. Through some of my favorite dive watches, I’ve traveled the world, dived sunken ships, jumped off forested waterfalls, and trekked across icy glaciers, always with the hopes of imbuing these totems with some memory of a life well lived.” 

The Evolution of the Modern Collector 

Today’s watch collectors aren’t necessarily looking for a tool to take on deep-sea adventures. Instead, they appreciate the dive watch for what it represents—precision engineering, history, and a connection to a time when watches were essential survival instruments. Many collectors wear them as their go-to everyday watches, appreciating their practicality and robustness rather than their ability to withstand 300 meters of water pressure. Still, most collectors have preferences in what features and specifications resonate best for them individually. Piña is no different: 

With a nod to practical elements, I prefer a bigger watch – 42 or 43mm is perfect for a diver, as long as the L2L stays under 50mm. Stainless steel is fine, but titanium is better. A chunky handset and lots of dial furniture will keep me entertained on long flights. I usually leave the bracelet at home, so give me a rubber strap instead. And since I’m rarely diving or exploring in my backyard, GMT is almost always preferred. With that, I’d rather have a 60-minute timing bezel than a 24-hour bezel because with the former, you can calculate walking or hiking speed—and thereby distance traveled—which is particularly handy in the backcountry and in the absence of GPS. Besides, if I need to track a third time zone, it’s usually because I’m at work, and there are certainly *other* watches to serve this role. 

Moreover, dive watches hold a certain nostalgia. Even if you never plan to dive, there’s something compelling about owning a watch that was once relied upon by Navy divers and underwater explorers. It speaks to a sense of adventure, even if that adventure is surviving everyday life or the old holiday here and there. And there’s nothing wrong with that approach; for some people, that’s precisely what they need their watches for. My good friend, Samantha Haizelden (@time.on.her.hands), a watch dealer and founder of the UK’s Redbar South East chapter, is the perfect example.

“I bought my Oris Aquis four years ago ahead of a big trip to New Zealand. I didn’t plan to go diving but thought it would be a great watch for any activity, and I wasn’t wrong. I took it horse riding, hiking, kayaking, and, of course, swimming. I’ve continued to regularly wear it on many adventures, even if that’s just a trip to the local pub. As a dive watch, the brushed case shows minimal signs of wear, the generous lume allows for easy legibility, and I even use the rotating bezel to time my runs. The 39.5mm case sits well on my 15cm wrists, and the diver’s extension on the clasp means it’s always comfortable to wear. Lastly, I love how the soft grey-green dial gives this sporty watch a touch of femininity.” 

So, What’s the Conclusion? 

At the end of the day, a dive watch is much more than a tool for underwater exploration. It’s a piece of history, a style statement, and a reliable companion for any situation. Whether you’re actually diving or just enjoying the feeling of wearing a timepiece built for adventure, a dive watch is a great addition to any collection—no scuba certification is required. Is there actually a perfect dive watch, though? Piña says, ‘Not a chance’. 

The quirky Oris Aquis Regulateur has been a delight to dive with. The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean’ Deep Black’ is big, bold, and a delight to travel with when there’s water at the end of a long flight. But the Rolex Sea-Dweller 116600′ SD4K’ might just be the most idealized specimen of a modern dive watch there’ll ever be. Still, that doesn’t make it perfect. But it inspires action – and at the end of the day, like any good dive watch, action is the impetus.

It’s hard to argue with that. The ‘dive’ part of the name is more of a suggestion these days rather than the qualification. But the real question is, where do you stand on the matter?