From our extensive research on the best automatic dive watch under 1000, Seiko Prospex SBDC029 is our favorite. It’s accurate, attractively designed and endures extreme conditions underwater such as pressure or leaks.
To most people, the thrilling excitements of exploring the depths on a dive is one of the best experiences in life. Now having a gadget you can rely on to tell time while taking the plunge is where the automatic dive watch comes in. As a virtual necessity for great water sports, the importance of the automatic dive watch cannot stay ignored.
Although the automatic dive watches can cost quite a bit, but considering that there are other occasions with bills asides from diving, we will prefer to spend our money wisely. Thankfully, the market has segments to match the consumer’s budget and preference.
Seiko Prospex SBDC029 (Best Automatic Dive watch Under 1000)
As the best automatic dive watch under 1000; Seiko Prospex SBDC029 is probably the most popular across all price categories. Also known as “Seiko Shogun,” it’s as an introduction to a new dimension in the dive watch world. The Prospex serves as a solid piece for dive neophytes. Initially debuted in 1965 as 6217 – it’s a reissue of Seiko’s first dive watch. This iteration measures 44mm in diameter, which is certainly bigger than the 38mm of the original.
The Seiko Prospex packs an R615 automatic movement for power with manual winding capacity. In addition, it has 41 power reserve with water-resistant of up to 200 meters. The watch makes up the entire needs of sea enthusiasts.
Benefits / Drawbacks – Seiko Men’s SBDC029
Tough build-up
Made of pure titanium, which is one of the lightest and toughest materials on earth, the Prospex SBDC029 is suitable to confront both water and pressure. The case, the crown, and the interior parts are well protected. It includes 23 jewels and automatic movement oscillating at six beats per second.
Although the accuracy falls within 15 seconds per day, the value at the price point isn’t bad at all. You may only need to adjust the time after three weeks. Don’t worry; it takes only a few seconds to complete.
Luminous hands and markers
Besides the stylish design, Prospex also emphasizes on reliability. In cases of underwater and less light conditions, the black matte dial gives the best readability and functionality. The oversized hands and index also add to the efficiency of the Seiko Prospex underwater. With the Lumbrite feature of both the hands and makers, it’s a complete dive piece.
Extra Features
The substantial buildup and water-resistant level of the Seiko Prospex SBDC029 already qualify it to be the best automatic dive watch under 1000. Besides the titanium case and band, it also comes with a three-fold clasp, push release button, and an extender to securely lock the watch on the wrist. You never have to bother about it falling off from a dive. The addition features can’t remain overlooked. It’s got stop-seconds hand, date display and unidirectional rotating bezel for diving.
Seiko Men’s SKX007K Automatic
Another Seiko again? Of course, the Seiko Men’s SKYX007K has earned it. This timepiece is the best choice and first watch that should be on your mind when you consider a house-made automatic dive watch. If you want a superb dive watch model that combines, the classic Japanese standards of quality with Western passion; then this SKX007K suits great.
It costs only a couple hundred dollars, making the watch one of the perfect automatic dive watch with better value for the money. In our opinion, despite being rather affordable, the watch looks incredible with impeccable quality.
Benefits / Drawbacks – Seiko Men’s SKX007
Sleek design
Concerning the appearance, SKX007 stands trustworthy. As expected from a Seiko watch, the SKX007K is well-made, sturdy, and robust. Starting from the black dial, the stainless steel case to the tough rubber straps, it would make you feel as if you have won the lottery.
Reliable movement
To match the incredible diver design, it’s got excellent utility. Powered by an automatic mechanical movement, there’s no need for batteries to keep it operating. The watch recharges with the sway of the arm, which may be more precise and reliable than the ones powered by batteries.
As an automatic dive watch, its accuracy and lack of hacking leave the timepiece trailing a bit behind other more capable movements. But it offers the day/date display in addition to reliably telling time. The SKX007K won’t let you down when it counts.
Standard water resistance
For good reasons, it’s earned a global acceptance as the typically affordable dive watch. Its 42mm case is resistant to 200 meters or 660 ft. in water plus ISO certified to be capable for swimming, snorkeling and lots of water sports. The Hardlex crystal reinforcement of the watch is tough enough to withstand wear and tears. Also, to last long while in water depths. For one of the best value proposition you expect from a dive watch, it’s got almost everything.
Davosa Ternos Professional
With 200 years of experience in watchmaking, Davosa has earned its prestige as one of the durable and reliable Swiss watches throughout the world. The Ternos Professional is a reflection of their aim to preserve this reputation.
Just like the names, the Ternos watch serves not only recreational divers, but also the professional ones who enjoy deep diving. It remains fully functional and readable even in deep waters. Although most users tend to compare the Davosa Ternos to the iconic Rolex Submariner, it’s a successful brand on its own and a trusted companion for any diver.
Benefits / Drawbacks – Davosa Ternos Professional
Elegant, Smart-looking timepiece
The luxury and flawless design of the watch naturally draws attention to its details. The stainless steel strap and two-tone ceramic bezel of the Ternos Professional reflect their utmost attempt for outstanding flexibility. Also for the watch to be suitable for any occasion – formal or casual.
What’s more, this watch has the best features. Depending on individual taste, some prefer larger crowns for ease of use. Ternos Professional has got it!
Best Underwater Companion
Underwater, most high-end watches lose their validity. But for automatic diver like this one, you’re sure to have an excellent and reliable experience with each diving session.
With ISO 6425 certification, the Ternos Professional offers an exceptional level of water resistance. It tells time even at 1650 ft. depth underwater. Both the case back, crown and internal mechanisms are secured and protected from water and pressure.
Unmatched quality
The entire watch is Swiss-made, and if you know about watches, you know that it’s a byword for quality. The scratchproof sapphire crystal, the stainless case, luminous hands and markers with super luminova pigment shows enough evidence. It’s both practical and fashionable.
At 42mm, the whole Davosa watch is of great value. You may think of as quite large, but it’s also not so massive to fit anyone with smaller wrists. Asides from the price, there are no real downsides to this Davosa. It all comes down to your preference.
Marathon WW194026
Marathon is another legendary watch-making brand with over 100 years’ experience. Through a reputation of paying utmost attention to quality control and customer service, they have lived up to the expectations of their loyal customers. Making the Marathon WW194026 – one of the best automatic dive watch under 1000 is proof.
The build includes a balance wheel to regulate the time and a mainstream serving as an energy source. Such that it wounds as the wearer moves. It’s a heavy watch and undoubtedly a good one for you.
Benefits / Drawbacks – Marathon WW194026
Classic style design
This time tracker has a sense of vintage for watch enthusiasts and old-style lume watch lovers. While other watches prime on looking flashy, this model seems better for those who don’t target showy accessories.
Marathon offers different colors of rubber wristbands for you to make your preferred choice. If you prefer to modify your piece, the bands are replaceable. You can use leather or fabric to give it a different look.
High level of water resistance
Up to a depth of 1000 feet, it’s able to withstand water pressure. It adopts the International Standard for divers’ watches – the ISO 6425. Meaning the model WW194026 can compete anywhere for the highest reliability underwater.
As expected from the making of a typical dive timepiece, it has a thick and impenetrable glass, ideal to withstand scratches and pressure. Plus, rubber bands and a well-matched stainless steel casing material, typical for underwater expenditures.
Well-built for all purposes
The Marathon WW194026 uses a Swiss Sellita SW200 Automatic movement with 26 Jewels to offer accuracy with less frequent adjustment. Included in the process of making the dial is the Tritium gas so that the diver can tell time even when it’s dark.
The entire features of the Marathon WW194026 in so many ways makes it compatible with diving equipment. But it’s not limited to that alone, Marathon WW194026 suits various occasions.
Wrap-Up
Not only for activities where you find yourself getting wet, dive watches also make fantastic daily wears. If they can handle lots of atmospheric pressure, of course your day-to-day life wouldn’t be that challenging.
Getting the best automatic dive watch under 1000 from the unending models of timepieces on the market requires careful considerations. Starting from the affordability, quality, and level of water resistance. From our research, Seiko Prospex SBDC029 tops our preferences. We hope this review helps you make the right decision. Based on your budget, you can also check out the best automatic watch under 300.
