When you’re about to invest in a dive watch, the first brand that comes to mind is usually Seiko. And there’s a good reason for that—Seiko is renowned for easy-to-use, stylish timepieces that provide accurate data. And, they’re readable no matter what lighting you’re dealing with underwater.
Seiko’s Prospex line, designed for aquatic sports, offers more than 60 different styles, some true divers and some “diver’s-style.” The true divers are all water-resistant to 650 feet (200 m), while the diver’s-style are water-resistant to 325 feet (100 m)—far more than most of us will ever need. Most feature a screwdown crown and caseback as well.
Seiko dive and diver’s-style watches range in price from only $283 for the PADI co-branded Seiko SNE549 Prospex true diver (reviewed below) to well over $500 for higher-end designs. Below, we’ve chosen a few of our favorites, but you can find a great selection and wide range here as well.
Please note, that a dive watch is not the same as a waterproof watch or fully functional dive computer.
Review of Seiko Prospex PADI SNE549 Seiko Dive Watch Seiko Dive Watch review
Although the Seiko SNE549 Prospex PADI Solar debuted long ago, it’s still topping the charts when it comes to sought-after dive watches. Made of stainless steel with a solid screwdown crown and caseback, as well as a tri-fold push-button release clasp, this watch will stand the test of time.
Bold blue and red colors combine in this eco-friendly true diver, which offers up to 650 feet (200 m) of water resistance. More features include a date calendar with magnified glass, a one-way rotating elapsed bezel, and LumiBrite hands and markers. You can use any light source to power up the energy-efficient solar cell, which offers up to 10 months’ power reserve when the watch is fully charged.
Review of Seiko SNE583 Prospex Solar Seiko Dive Watch Seiko Dive Watch review
With an eye-catching forest green color and a relatively small case diameter of 38.5 mm, the Prospex Solar Diver is a great option for those who want a subtle, stylish true diver—and the affordable price tag of $365 doesn’t hurt either.
Sleek, thin, and compact, the SNE583 offers water resistance up to 650 feet (200 m), a screwdown crown and caseback, and an energy-efficient solar cell with no battery charge required. Use any light source to juice up this watch and enjoy a 10-month power reserve when it’s fully charged.
The bright green sunray finish dial includes a date calendar and LumiBrite hands and markers, and is framed by a green unidirectional bezel. Top the whole thing off with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and you’ve got a winner on your hands—or wrist, as the case may be.
Review of Seiko SNJ025 Prospex Solar Hybrid Seiko Dive Watch Seiko Dive Watch review
Affectionately called “the Arnie,” the Seiko SNJ025 holds a special place in many divers’ hearts. This solar hybrid is a modern take on the classic 1982 H558-5000 model—the first hybrid analog-digital diver’s watch with an alarm and chronograph. The Arnie was an essential companion on several Everest expeditions, as well as making guest appearances in a number of action flicks.
Today’s Arnie offers time, date, alarm, and chronograph readouts with a stopwatch function, power-reserve indicator, and dual time capacity. LumiBrite hands and markers grace the black analog dial, while the energy-efficient solar cell can hold a 6-month power reserve when fully charged.
Finally, the black one-way rotating bezel, secure screwdown crown, pushers, and caseback, durable silicone strap, and 650 feet (200 m) of water resistance all mean this classic watch has stood the test of time.
Review of Seiko Prospex U.S. Special Edition Seiko Dive Watch Seiko Dive Watch review
This unique special edition features an intricately patterned blue dial inspired by turtle shells and a caseback engraved with a sea turtle’s image. And, looks aside, it’s a real underwater powerhouse, with a 24-jewel automatic movement that beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. This automatic diver offers a power reserve of about 41 hours and manual winding capability if needed, too.
The blue ceramic unidirectional bezel frames the turtle-shell dial, where you’ll find LumiBrite hands and markers, along with a day/date calendar. Just as with all other true divers from Seiko, this beauty features a secure screwdown crown and water resistance up to 650 feet (200 m)
Review of Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean Special Edition Seiko Dive Watch Seiko Dive Watch review
The mid-range Seiko comes in at around $525, and it’s a great choice for those seeking a classic-looking timepiece. Though it’s tagged as a “save the ocean” special edition, this diver aesthetically evokes the shimmering blues and whites of an icy environment and the patterns of penguin footprints in snow. That makes sense, as the SRPG57 first proved its mettle as essential gear for the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE).
Made for unforgiving environments, the watch features a 24-jewel automatic movement that beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The power reserve lasts approximately 41 hours, and wearers have the option to wind manually.
The screwdown crown and caseback, LumiBrite hands, unidirectional bezel, and (650 feet) 200 m water resistance are all par for the course.
Review of Seiko SRPJ35 Tropical Special Seiko Dive Watch Seiko Dive Watch review
When you want your watch to match the blues and greens of the underwater world, look no further than the Tropical Special. Inspired by the colors of a tropical lagoon, this bright special edition features marine blue and green accents on the unidirectional rotating bezel. The watch face features Seiko standard LumiBrite hands and markers and a date calendar.
Inside the watch, a 24-jewel automatic movement beats at 21,000 vibrations per minute, with a power reserve of around 41 hours. This beauty also features manual winding capabilities. The stainless steel screwdown crown and caseback, along with a date calendar, LumiBrite hands and markers, and the standard 650 foot (200 m) water resistance make this a solid, fun choice.
Review of Seiko SNE573 Prospex Solar Seiko Dive Watch Seiko Dive Watch review
The SNE573 is a solid, no-nonsense choice if you’re looking for a functional, solid diver. The black silicone band is nicely offset by the stainless steel case, and the LumiBrite hands and markers on the watch face keep everything bright and easy to read.
Inside the watch, you’ll find the standard solar Seiko brains, with an energy-efficient solar cell—powered by any light source—that provides up to a 10-month power reserve when fully charged. The sapphire crystal offers supreme scratch-resistance, and the screwdown crown and caseback offer the peace of mind you need when diving, no matter the depth.
Review of Seiko SRPE33 Prospex Save the Ocean Special Edition Seiko Dive Watch Seiko Dive Watch review
We don’t want to pick favorites, but the SRPE33 and the SRPF77 Special Edition Manta Ray Diver might just win the prize, thanks to the stunning manta ray detail on the face of each watch. This one boasts a sleek stainless steel bracelet and casing, framing the dark blue manta-ray themed gradient blue dial.
Inside the watch, the 23-jewel automatic movement beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour, with a power reserve of around 41 hours. The black ceramic one-way bezel, secure screwdown crown and caseback, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, 650 foot (200 m) water resistance, and manual winding capabilities all combine to make this one special edition indeed.
Review of Seiko SRPE93 Prospex Seiko Dive Watch Seiko Dive Watch review
Very similar to the minimalist SNE573 mentioned above, the SRPE93 Prospex Automatic Diver—affectionately known as the Turtle—offers a no-nonsense, well-priced diver. The black silicone strap is easy to swap out, and the uncluttered black dial offers easy legibility with LumiBrite hands and markers.
Inside, you’ll find all of Seiko’s greatest hits—a 24-jewel automatic movement, beating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of about 41 hours. The screwdown crown and caseback and 650-foot (200 m) water resistance are the cherry on top.
Review of Seiko SRPF77 Prospex Special Edition “Manta Ray” Diver Seiko Dive Watch Seiko Dive Watch review
Did we save the best for last? Maybe, with this absolutely gorgeous SRPF77 “Manta Ray” Diver. Just like the SRPE33 above, this watch face positively glows, with a rich, dark, gradated blue, graced by several manta rays in the foreground. The blue of the dial is meant to evoke variations in sunlight as it penetrates the ocean’s surface, and we daresay it succeeds.
Other aesthetic features include a black ceramic unidirectional bezel, a magnified day/date calendar, and LumiBrite hands and markers.
Inside the watch, the 24-jewel automatic movement beats at a frequency of 21,000 vibrations per hour, with a power reserve of around 41 hours.
Rounding out this beauty, you’ll find a screwdown crown and caseback, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and deep blue silicone strap to match the blue of the watch face. And at around $430, we know we’re sold.
In 2018, when Seiko discontinued its iconic affordable dive watch, the SKX, die-hard fans were quick to dismiss the “diver-style” replacements: the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD range. SKX lovers were disappointed by the fact that the SRPD is not a truly capable diving tool and only has 330 feet (100 m) water resistance compared to the 650-foot (200 m) rating of its predecessor.
However, Seiko understood that most of their customers don’t actually rely on their watches when scuba diving. So, what may be lost in terms of dive credentials was made up for by improving the movement and the finishing, making for a more refined timepiece while retaining the SKX’s “tool watch” appeal.
Take a moment to look at this.
Hi David,
They do, it’s the Seiko Prospex Divers Solar Watch. It’s only the day that it doesn’t show.
Why doesn’t seiko make a diver watch that is solar powered and shows both day and date
That’s also a cool one.
i have a seiko watch the Classic Black Monster..still going strong
Seiko is reliable and affodable watch.
I love seiko…
Hi Jeff,
No, but I suggest you get a watch dealer to check it out, if possible before you buy it.
Hello
I just picked up a Seiko 6309 7049. Can you tell me if it is all original?
Hi Peter,
AS you’re an avid collector I’m sure you’re aware of the pros of a Seiko dive watch. And yes, I’d always recommend a Seiko, if you’re looking for a good quality watch. If you’re looking for inspiration on other brands check out our dive watch guide here.
an avid collector of Seiko watches since 1975 their digital series was groundbreaking .I have a 1990s dancing hands example timekeeping perfect .Have numerous other examples presently wear a SS kinetic divers a lovely accurate watch on the look out for a new addition soon Would recomend this brand over more expensive NAMES
Bought my first one in 1975, learning how to scuba dive in Guam.
Hi,
My message is for all who are reading the comments here. My father bought a Seiko 6106 8227 in early 70s (He doesn’t remember the exact year). The watch was under his use till 1985, after which he replaced it with a Bulova. The seiko was placed somewhere and forgotten. Fee days back, while I was sorting some stuff, I found this Seiko watch lying in old stuff of my father. The watch was looking dirty and I had to spend some time cleaning it. The watch started functioning perfectly thereafter. A watch which is almost 50 years and remained unattended for 35 years functioning perfectly speaks of the quality with which Seiko makes its stuff. Honestly, I am not much into wearing watches, but ever since, I have laid my hands on this watch, I am reading all about different models of Seiko watches. Very soon, I will buy a good seiko, for my son to find in my old stuff ????????
Regards all.
That’s why we love them :)
I bought a second hand seiko over 40 years ago and its still going strong never been serviced
i now have a collection of them
To Seiko Watch Co.
My name is Wardell Jr. I am a scuba Diver turned pro in the 1980. I brought Seiko Divers Quartz Batt. Around 1985 has kept perfect time for me until now. I’ve done some Scuba in my watch, I’ve worked on cars, my motorcycle and I’ve worked
In my watch and school. My watch is about 35years old. Here are some pictures of my watch. I bought a new Seiko is SSc741p (Special Edition). Last week.
I just would like to say Thank-you, for building a great watch.
Wardell Jr.
Hi Charlie,
Depends on where you are in the world?
Where can I get my seiko diver watch repaired? It does not keep correct time.
Thanks, CB
I’ve owned a Seiko Diver’s watch, model number 7548 -700B since about the late 1970’s. It says Sieko Quartz on the face of the watch and also Divers 150m. I wear it pretty much most days and when the second hand starts skipping in 2 second intervals, then I know the battery needs changing. There are other numbers around the back of the watch. What I would like to know is what model is it: ie. is it a SKX007?