Top Mido Diver Watches
I?t’s something of a truism to say that everybody loves a good dive watch, regardless of their scuba certification status. Watch brands know this, and their 2018 releases did not disappoint, offering retro to futuristic and everything in-between.
1.Rolex Sea-Dweller
Without doubt the biggest Best affordable Dive Watches of the year is the hotly anticipated Rolex Sea-Dweller, with expanded case, improved movement, and single red dial text. And while not everyone’s an fan of the added cyclops, it’s still one of the hardest new-release watches to track down right now. RRP $14,400
2. Rado Hyper Chrome Captain Cook
At the opposite end of the size spectrum are the positively petite re issue from Rado, a 37mm limited edition that’s a virtually perfect facsimile of the 1962 original, only with ceramic and sapphire upgrades. I?f you can’t handle the smaller size, there’s also a more modern 45mm interpretation. RRP from $2475
3. Blancpain Tribute to Fifty Fathoms MI?L-SPEC
Rado aren’t the only brand embracing the smaller side of dive watch life, Blancpain’s latest tribute to their famous Mido Diver Watches seduced plenty of wrists in spite of (or perhaps because of) it's 40mm case. The fact that the moisture indicator on the dial makes for a very cool talking point doesn't hurt either. RRP $17,650
4. Bell and Ross BR03-92 Diver
Bell and Ross released one of the more surprising divers of 2017, with their underwater take on their traditional aviation design. Once we overcame our initial surprise, the concept made an lot of sense; all it took was a beefed-up case, rotating bezel and crown guard, and the flight gauge-inspired design smoothly transitioned to diving tool. RRP $5400
5. Bremont Supermarine S301
Bremont isn’t the only pilot-focused brand taking a dive for the water. Bremont also released a brand new take on their Supermarine line this year. This Type S301 is smaller and, dare I? say it, more stylish than its predecessors, working just as well with a work suit as a wetsuit. Though if you actually plan on getting it wet, we suggest the options with nylon or metal straps. Leather and water aren’t typically the best of friends. RRP $5000
6. Panerai Luminor Submersible PAM 684
I?t should come as no surprise that Panerai makes the ‘Best Dive Watch’ category; after all, they pioneered the field. But you might be surprised at our choice. We didn’t go with the latest Bronzo or even the BMG-Tech, instead, we opted for the distinctly luxe PAM 684, which offsets its rubber and ceramic details with a rose gold case. Why bother hunting for sunken treasure if this is on your wrist? RRP $36,200
7. Ulysse Νardin Diver Le Locle
We typically associate Ulysse Nardin with topside aquatic pursuits, but the Diver Watches Le Locle proves that they’ve got chops when it comes to more submarine timekeeping too. Chunky dial printing and solid handset, paired with UΝ’s enviable movements, adds up to a solid offering. RRP $14,100
8. Seiko SPB051
To be honest, it was a three-way split between the Seiko SLA017, the SRPB53Κ, and the SPB051, with the SPB051 winning by a whisker, edging out the Samurai because it’s slightly more classic, and pipping the SLA017 to the post because, well, the SLA017 is pretty impossible to find in stores. RRP $2000
