There’s no doubt about it, we all love a good dive watch. It doesn’t matter whether you’re qualified to explore the oceans depths, or just like washing your hands a little more vigorously than most, there’s something oddly comforting about knowing the watch on your wrist is good for at least 100 metres under water. Luckily these days, we’re somewhat spoilt for choice. However, with great choice comes great responsibility, and it’s sometimes hard to narrow down the list when picking the right diver. So, we decided to help, choosing six of the best dive watches released this year with a
price tag of just under $7000.
Tudor Black Bay Bronze with slate grey dial ($5,100.00 AUD)
Any list about dive watches is sure to feature at least one Tudor, and this list is no different. First up we have the latest Black Bay Bronze. If you’re already familiar with Tudor’s bronze diver, you’ll recognise the same 43mm bronze case as seen on previous models, and the same Manufacture Calibre MT5601 – boasting a more-than-ample 70-hour power reserve. What has changed is that the once khaki dial, then blue for Bucherer, then once-off green for Only Watch is now available in slate grey – with matching aluminium bezel. Looking closely at the brand-new dial you’ll notice that it’s been given a smoky treatment, lighter in colour at its centre and slowly darkening towards its edge. Proving that sometimes even the smallest difference can have the largest effect. One thing’s for sure, where there’s smoke there’s fire.
Bremont Argonaut ($4,750.00 AUD)
Bremont are incredibly proud, and rightfully so, of the special-order watches it produces for the men and women of the various branches of the world’s militaries. And this year the British-brand was honoured by an official partnership with the British Ministry of Defence, making it the only luxury watch producer licensed to use the signs, symbols, and Heraldic Badges of all three branches of the British Armed Forces. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Bremont released a trio of watches, creating one for the British Army, one for the Royal Air Force, and one for the Royal Navy. Rated to 300 metres, the Argonaut’s case is made from specially hardened stainless-steel, protecting an automatic chronometer grade movement inside, and measuring 42mm across. Designed with a style that calls upon the super-compressor dive watches of days gone by, the crown at 4 o’clock operates the internal rotating bezel, while a pop of orange makes spotting the minute hand a cinch.
Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Black Matte ($6,300.00 AUD)
Despite being better known for its aviation-styled designs, every five years or so Bell & Ross delve deep into the world of dive watches – starting with the Hydromax in 1997, then the Diver 300 Chronograph in 2002, and finally the BR02 in 2007. For a decade however, all things Bell & Ross diver remained silent, at least that was until a couple of years ago, when in 2017, the Swiss-made brand released its first ever square case dive watch. Beginning a collection that has continued to grow with each new year since. The latest model to join the fleet is the BR 03-92 Diver Black Matte. As its name would suggest its case and bezel are all matt black, as is its dial, however, there is something far more special once we get below the surface. The 300-metre rated 42mm square case is constructed from highly scratch-resistant ceramic. Culminating in a lightweight, legible, and incredibly functional dive watch with a case construction that’s hard to top at this price.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300 ($7,100.00 AUD)
Last year Omega completely revamped the Seamaster Diver 300 collection, honouring 25 years since the launch of the legend that would come to be known as THE “Bond watch”, after Pierce Brosnan wore the original blue dialled diver on his wrist in GoldenEye. A clear standout hit for 2018, the renewed models saw every aspect of their designs updated. With cases that were upsized slightly to 42mm, and dials that were constructed from ceramic and laser engraved with the return of iconic wave pattern. The biggest update was seen however when you flipped the watch over. Not only were these the first versions to feature a display case back, but inside was a brand-new METAS certified Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8800. This year the collection continues to grow, and Omega have now paired a fresh white dial with a perfectly contrasting black ceramic bezel. Adding a touch more everyday wearability to a watch that could already do it all.
Sinn 206 ARKTIS II ($5,700.00 AUD)
Fact: Sinn make tough watches. Some of the toughest on the planet, and the Sinn 206 ARKTIS II is about as tough as they come. Re-released to commemorate 20 years since the German brand first introduced the world to the Sinn 203 ARKTIS – the very first diver’s chronograph which guaranteed perfect function in temperatures ranging from -45°C to 80°C – Sinn’s latest recreation pays a perfect tribute. Using the very same Temperature Resistance Technology as well as Sinn’s own Ar-Dehumidifying Technology, which works to keep the watch free of fog and moisture. Aesthetically, the two are nearly identical, with both using the same icy blue sunburst dial, however this new version features a larger 43mm case. With Sinn also introducing its D3-System, and directly integrating the crown and pushers into the case, which not only continues the ARKTIS’s solid 300 metre water resistance but also protects the crown and pushers against knocks and leaks. Packed full of Sinn technologies that even the least adventurous of us can appreciate. If you do happen to ever find yourself in an environment that manages to push this one to its limits, I’m certain you’ll have far bigger problems than knowing the time, regardless it’s still nice to know you would.
Oris Diver’s Sixty-Five Chronograph in steel ($5,700.00 AUD)
It’s safe to say that the Oris Diver’s Sixty-Five collection has been one of the most successful collections for the independent Swiss brand. What started in 2015 as a single recreation of Oris’ first dive watch – from 1965 as you may have guessed – quickly turned itself into an all-inclusive collection, with something for every wrist. Not at all by accident either, with Oris releasing hit after hit, year after year. The latest addition to catch our eye (and our hearts) takes the very best of the collection and combines it into a single watch – the Oris Diver’s Sixty-Five Chronograph in steel with bronze bezel. We now have a regular production two-register chronograph, in a 43mm case that will age nicely with its owner thanks to that bronze bezel, a sufficient 100 metres of water resistance, and an inky black dial that curves under a wonderfully domed sapphire crystal. What’s more to love? The vintage inspired legacy continues at Oris.
