7 Vintage-Inspired Dive Watches To Buy In 2019
As the trend for vintage-inspired watches increases, luxury watch brands continue to dig into their archives to find inspiration from past models. Many luxury watch companies are focusing on the re-production of historical timepieces with additional and advanced features. Dive watches are among these models. As such, brands like Rolex, Omega, Oris, Longines, and more have been producing new iterations of dive watches from the past.
Whether you are a regular swimmer, diver, or just a luxury watch lover— a dive watch is an accessory that would look great on your wrist. In fact, you don’t need to be a diver to wear such high-performing, beautifully designed, and vintage-inspired timepieces for everyday use. In addition, you can wear them at any time and at any place.
If you’re in search of some good dive watches to sport during your vacations at the beach, then have a look at our curated list of seven vintage-inspired dive watches.
Rolex Sea-Dweller
With the latest iteration of Sea Dweller Dive Watch, Rolex has once again proved itself one of the most innovative brands in the world.
Rolex produced its first Sea Dweller watch in 1967. Since then, the company has added a number of modifications to this watch for consumers in the modern era. The Rolex Sea dweller stands out as being one of the best and holds a special place in history. It is a horological masterpiece and indeed a cool product.
The classic Rolex Sea-Dweller comes in both stainless steel and two-tone oystersteel and 18k yellow gold. Its case and outer bracelet links are made of steel while the bezel ring, crown, and centre bracelet links are of solid gold.
In contrast, the recent model of the Sea Dweller has a case size measuring 43mm in diameter. Additionally, it features Rolex’s iconic Cyclops magnification lens as opposed to just a flat crystal. This watch has calibre 3235 movements and offers a 70-hour power reserve. It is also waterproof up to 4000 ft or 1220 m. Thus, you can use it for underwater voyages with ease and without any fear of water damage.
Tudor Black Bay P01
If you’re looking for a new rugged diver’s watch that pays tribute to its heritage without being overly redundant, then check out the Tudor Black Bay. Since 196o, the Tudor watch company has produced long-lasting dive watches, with its first dive watch having been manufactured for the US Navy.
Tudor has plenty of dive watches to choose from. Among them, a standout option is the Tudor Black Bay P01. This latest dive watch is based on a legendary prototype developed in the late 1960s. It measures 42mm in width and comes with a leather strap.
You can easily go deep into the blue with this amazing watch as it is waterproof up to 200m. In addition, it is powered by the chronometer-certified automatic movement MT5612 (made in-house) and features an original assembled strap.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300m
The Seamaster is a classic diver’s watch and is among Omega’s oldest watches. The first Seamaster was produced by the brand in the 1960s. Since then, Omega has released variations that pay tribute to the classic Seamaster model. One of them is the Omega Seamaster diver 300m which is the latest edition of Omega’s dive watches.
The case of this new Seamaster watch measures 42mm wide and has a wave dial, which makes it look unique and attractive. The watch also contains an in-house-made “Co-Axial Master Chronometer” movement called the Omega calibre 8800 automatic. In addition, it offers a power reserve of 55 hours and has a silicon hairspring with non-magnetic parts which protect the movement against magnetic fields.
All models of the Seamaster 300m come with a ceramic bezel, along with the diving scale coloured in Ceragold or white enamel. All indexes on the blue dial are made up of Super-LumiNova material which makes the watch best to use underwater and at night. As such, it is a great option for divers travelling up to 300-metres underwater.
Lastly, the Seamaster Diver 300m features a steel bracelet that can be worn with ease as it provides a comfortable fit for your wrist.
IWC Aquatimer Chronograph
With a clear emphasis on technology and style, IWC has been manufacturing luxury timepieces since 1868, with its first dive watch produced in 1967. Recently, the brand has released its latest dive model called the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph. This watch is considered the most advanced and most modern of the brand’s many dive watches. In fact, its design is very much similar to watch designs of the 1960s.
You can wear this Aquatimer chronograph for a number of underwater activities as it offers a depth rating of 300-metres. In addition, there are three chronographs present in this watch namely a 30-minute register at 12 o’clock and a 12-hour register at 6 o’clock. To operate the chronographs, there are two pushers provided at 2 and 4 o’clock. Meanwhile, the running seconds indicator with a small orange hand sits at 9 o’clock.
This watch also features an inner rotating dive bezel which you can operate with the help of an external rotating bezel. IWC calls this timepiece a DiveSafe system, and its clever construction allows you to operate the bezel underwater. With top-notch accuracy, reliability, and refinement, this watch reflects IWC’s ability to remain at the top of the watch industry.
BR 03-92 Diver Black Matte
Bell & Ross, the French watch company, is famous for making timepieces that replicate and revive early watches with a rich history. The brand has mastered the art of creating unique timepieces that can withstand the most extreme environments or conditions without sacrificing comfort as well as accuracy.
The new BR 03-02 Diver Matte Black is a perfect example of the company’s superb watchmaking abilities. For those who love colour and style, the BR-03 92 is available in a plethora of designs.
The case and bezel of this watch are coloured in black ceramic, with Super-LumiNova markings and hands coloured in white. Not only that, but it also features orange-tinged hands and a depth rating mark at 6 o’clock. These make the watch highly legible and striking to look at.
The BR 03-02 includes a smart square case with anti-reflective glass and measures 42 mm. It is water-resistant up to 300m and conforms with ISO 6425 standards. Overall, it is an excellent timepiece for professionals who want a smart and sturdy dive watch from a brand known for making some of the finest timepieces.
Panerai Submersible Automatic
Being an innovative watchmaking company, Panerai has been known to design its watches with a blend of traditional style and the latest technology. The Panerai Submersible features a unique-looking design that combines modern-looking features with a historic and nautical style.
The Panerai Submersible is an amazing timepiece whose design is fitting for trips to the deep blue. When used underwater, its luminous hour markers glow and allow you to read time with ease. Moreover, it is water-resistant up to a depth of 300-metres.
This watch comes with a black-coloured strap and consists of high-quality stainless steel. There are also many cool details on the case back. What’s most notable, however, is its rectangular shape which differs from other Panerai watches. Whether you happen to be a diver or not, this timepiece is for everyone who wants to wear something trendy and unique.
Breitling Superocean Automatic
In recent years, Breitling has redesigned its old collection of dive watches. Since the 1950s, the brand has been developing a wide range of dive watches under the name “Superocean”. Recently, Breilting has released a revised version of its Superocean watch for buyers.
The 2019 Superocean Automatic collection comprises five models including a 46mm edition in black and a hefty 48mm watch. It also includes three classic dive watches in 36mm, 42mm, and 44mm.
All new Superocean automatic timepieces share the same design, steel case, and calibre. However, each model offers different levels of water resistance. For instance, the 36mm watch case offers a 200m water resistance. Meanwhile, there is a water resistance level of 500m for the 42mm watch, 1000m for the 44mm watch, and 2000m for the 46mm watch. You can pick any size according to your requirements and preference.
Final Thoughts
Luxury dive watches are excellent timepieces with great mechanical movement and water-resistance levels. They make sure that you are safe underwater and help you with depth levels, as well as temperature indications. The hands and indices of dive watches are specially designed with Super-Luminova material to make them easy to read underwater. Above all, they can be worn by anyone.
So, head out now and choose the best dive watch that fits your style, profession, and is tailored to your budget.
We hope you enjoyed exploring this article. For another wonderful read, check out The Trendiest Blue Watches for Women.
