8 Best Retro Dive Watches: A Journey Through Time and Style

Dive watches have long been a staple in the world of horology, combining rugged functionality with timeless style. Among these, retro dive watches hold a special place, evoking a sense of nostalgia and adventure. 

These watches not only tell time but also tell stories – of deep-sea explorations, pioneering divers, and a bygone era of watchmaking. In this article, we dive deep into the allure of retro dive watches, exploring their key features and some recommendations here.

Key Features of Retro Dive Watches

There are some key characteristics that make retro dive watches unique. Here are some of them:

Classic Design Elements

Retro dive watches often feature design elements that harken back to their mid-20th-century origins. This includes everything from patinated dials and vintage logo placements to distinctive case shapes and traditional bracelet styles.

Robust Case and Crystal

Retro dive watches are known for their sturdy construction, typically featuring stainless steel cases and thick, domed acrylic or mineral crystals. These elements contribute to the watch's durability and water resistance.

Luminous Markings

To ensure visibility in low-light conditions, retro dive watches are equipped with luminous hands and hour markers. The use of radium in the early days has since been replaced with safer materials like Super-LumiNova, but the glow-in-the-dark feature remains a hallmark of these timepieces.

Read also: Mineral vs Sapphire Crystal: Revealing the Differences

8 Retro Dive Watches for Your Next Buy

Retro dive watches are also known as vintage-inspired timepieces. Below are some popular retro dive watches that should be on your list to buy:

1. Seiko Prospex 62MAS 200M Automatic Black Ref. SBDC101

When it comes to vintage-style dive watches, Seiko has a lot to offer, such as the Seiko Prospex 62MAS 200M Automatic Black – a stunning homage to Seiko’s first-ever dive watch from 1965, the 62MAS. 

This modern reissue retains the vintage charm with its black dial, featuring luminescent hour markers and hands that glow brightly in the dark. Additionally, the 40.5mm stainless steel case, with its robust design and 200-meter water resistance, ensures durability and reliability underwater.

Price: $970.00 USD

2. Steinhart Ocean One Vintage GMT

Another best retro dive watch to consider is the Steinhart Ocean One Vintage GMT. The watch combines the elegance of vintage design with the practicality of a GMT complication. Its classic black dial, adorned with vintage-style luminescent markers and hands, is housed in a 42mm stainless steel case. 

The rotating bezel with a 24-hour scale allows you to track multiple time zones, making it ideal for globetrotters. The watch is powered by a reliable automatic movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping.

Price: $570.00 USD

3. Squale 30 ATMOS Black/Red Vintage GMT Ceramica - 40mm - Jubilee

The Squale 30 ATMOS Black/Red Vintage GMT Ceramica stands out with its striking black and red ceramic bezel. This 40mm watch features a vintage-inspired design with a robust stainless steel case and a Jubilee bracelet that adds a touch of elegance. 

Its GMT function, combined with reliable automatic movement, allows you to track multiple time zones with ease. With a water resistance of 300 meters, this watch is not only stylish but also highly functional, making it an excellent choice for both diving adventures and formal occasions.

Price: $965.00 USD

4. Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer GMT Blue - Special Edition Ref. M026.829.17.041.00

Looking for a retro dive watch with a splash of bright colors? The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer GMT Blue would be an excellent choice. It is a special edition that pays tribute to the colorful decompression tables used by divers in the 1960s. 

The vibrant blue dial, adorned with decompression scale markings and a world timer function, adds a unique and nostalgic touch. Moreover, the 42.5mm stainless steel case, paired with a unidirectional rotating bezel, ensures durability and functionality. 

Price: $1,179.00 USD

Read also: Vintage American Brands that Went Down as Classics

5. Evant Tropic Diver 39 Remastered

The next vintage-inspired dive watch you should have is the Evant Tropic Diver 39 Remastered. It is a refined take on the classic dive watch, designed for those who appreciate a more compact and vintage feel. 

With its 39mm case, the watch exudes a classic charm, complemented by a high-contrast dial featuring bold luminescent markers and hands for excellent readability underwater. The watch is powered by a reliable automatic movement, ensuring accuracy and durability. 

Price: $589.00 USD

6. Yema Superman Heritage 41mm - Special Edition

The Yema Superman Heritage 41mm is a retro dive watch which is a faithful reissue of the iconic 1960s dive watch, renowned for its unique bezel-lock mechanism. This special edition combines vintage aesthetics with modern enhancements.

It features a 41mm stainless steel case, domed sapphire crystal, and reliable automatic movement. The striking blue dial, with its vintage lume markers and hands, enhances readability and adds to the watch’s nostalgic appeal.

Price: $1,079.00 USD

7. Seiko 5 Sports “Suits Style” Vintage Black Ref. SBSA017

For an affordable retro dive watch, the Seiko 5 Sports “Suits Style” Vintage Black is one of the best options. This watch features a vintage-inspired black dial with day-date complication, housed in a 42.5mm stainless steel case. 

The watch’s automatic movement ensures reliable timekeeping, while the durable construction and 100-meter water resistance make it suitable for everyday wear and occasional underwater adventures. Its classic design, combined with modern functionality, makes the Seiko 5 Sports “Suits Style” a timeless piece for any occasion.

Price: $378.00 USD

8. Steinhart Ocean One Vintage Chronograph 2 Black

Last but not least, the Steinhart Ocean One Vintage Chronograph 2 Black is one of our favorite retro dive watches. It is a remarkable blend of classic dive watch design and chronograph functionality. 

The black dial, with its contrasting sub-dials and vintage-style markers, features a tachymeter scale that enhances its retro appeal. Housed in a 42mm stainless steel case, the watch is powered by a reliable automatic chronograph movement, ensuring precise timekeeping. 

Price: $1,170.00 USD

Conclusion

Retro dive watches are symbols of exploration, craftsmanship, and enduring style. Their history, distinctive features, and timeless appeal make them cherished items for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

With their rugged functionality and nostalgic charm, retro dive watches offer a fascinating glimpse into the golden age of horology and continue to make waves in the world of watchmaking.

Read also: 5 Best Vintage Reissue Watches for an Appealing Classic