Key takeaways
- A dive watch is built to be worn underwater: high water resistance, easy to read and hard to knock out of action.
- Most dive watches have at least 20 ATM (200 metres) of water resistance.
- A dive-inspired watch has the look, but not always the water resistance for swimming or diving.
- Always check the water resistance on the product page before you take a watch into the water.
A dive watch is a watch designed to be worn underwater. It combines high water resistance with features that make it easy to read and hard to damage, such as a rotating bezel, luminous hands and a sturdy case. Today, many people wear dive watches every day simply because they look rugged and sporty, even if they never go diving.
In this guide
What makes a watch a dive watch?
Watchmakers follow a set of typical features for a true dive watch. Not every diver has every feature, but most have these:
- High water resistance: usually 20 ATM (200 metres) or more, so it can handle swimming, snorkelling and diving.
- A rotating bezel: a ring around the dial with a minute scale. Divers line up the marker with the minute hand to track how long they have been underwater.
- Legibility: large hands and markers, often luminous, so the time is easy to read in low light.
- A robust build: a solid case, a strong crystal and a crown that is protected against water.
- A secure strap: a metal bracelet, rubber or silicone strap or nylon strap that holds up in water.
What does 20 ATM mean?
ATM stands for atmospheres. 1 ATM is roughly the pressure of 10 metres of water, so 20 ATM is often written as 200 metres. That does not mean you can dive to 200 metres with every watch: it is a test pressure in a lab, not a diving depth. In practice, 20 ATM is the level most people look for in a watch they want to swim and dive with.
| Rating | Good for |
|---|---|
| 3 ATM / 30 m | Splashes and rain. Not for swimming. |
| 5 ATM / 50 m | Short swims. |
| 10 ATM / 100 m | Swimming and snorkelling. |
| 20 ATM / 200 m | Swimming, snorkelling and diving. |
Read What does ATM mean on a watch? for the full explanation.
Our dive watch: the N948
The N948 ($250.00) is built for the water. It is an automatic dive watch with a 40 mm 316L stainless steel case, an NH36 automatic movement, sapphire crystal and 20 ATM water resistance, in a 13.5 mm profile with a 20 mm strap. You can choose it on a metal bracelet, a silicone strap or a nylon strap.
Because it is automatic, it winds itself as you move your wrist. New to mechanical watches? Read Automatic vs quartz watch and How to wind an automatic watch.
Dive watch vs dive-inspired watch
Many watches borrow the look of a diver, with a bold bezel and a sporty bracelet, without the water resistance for swimming. That is perfectly fine for everyday wear, as long as you know the difference. Our Baretta ($129.99) is a good example: it has dive-inspired styling, a 41 mm stainless steel case with a bold bezel and 3 ATM water resistance. It looks the part, but it is made for daily wear, not for swimming.
The simple rule: the look of a watch tells you nothing about how water resistant it is. Always check the rating on the product page.
Shop the dive look
How to wear a dive watch every day
Dive watches were made for the sea, but they work well on land too. On a metal bracelet, a diver suits a casual shirt, a knit or even a blazer. On a silicone or nylon strap it feels sportier, perfect for weekends, travel and the beach. Because dive watches are usually a little thicker, they sit best with rolled sleeves or a loose cuff.
After salt water or a pool, rinse your watch with fresh water and dry it with a soft cloth. See How to clean a stainless steel watch for simple care tips. Every DIFFRNT order comes with a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of a dive watch?
A dive watch helps divers keep track of time underwater. The rotating bezel shows elapsed dive time and the high water resistance keeps the watch working at depth.
Can you wear a dive watch every day?
Yes. Most people who own a dive watch wear it every day, from the office to the weekend.
Is 20 ATM good for swimming?
Yes. 20 ATM (200 metres) is suitable for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
What is the difference between a dive watch and a dive-style watch?
A dive watch has the water resistance for diving, usually 20 ATM or more. A dive-style watch has the look, but often only enough water resistance for splashes.
Are dive watches automatic?
Many are, but not all. Dive watches can have an automatic or a quartz movement. The N948 has an NH36 automatic movement.
