Best Seiko Dive Watches in 2022

deep-sea diver surrounded by sharks

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If you’re in search of a perfect companion to dive into unexplored worlds, at uncharted depths, for adventure and feeling the adrenaline, then a Seiko dive watch is your perfect partner.

It is no undisclosed secret why Seiko is dominating the dive watch market today. It’s well known that Seiko dive watches are accurate, perfectly readable in any condition, and flawlessly easy to use.

Whether at mysterious depths or at spectacular heights, under atypical circumstances, or in your daily life, with a Seiko dive watch as your companion – together, you can defy all limits.

So, when it comes to creating world class dive watches, Seiko hasn’t just been floating around! Ever since rolling out there first dive watches in the 1960s, Seiko has been introducing one masterpiece after another. They’re known for high-quality dive watches with certain attributes: excellent craftsmanship, reliability, safety, exceptional functionality, distinctive design, and affordable prices.

Seiko dive watches, are a product of the brand’s deep and dive-worthy (praiseworthy, rather) history of innovations; that have revolutionized the way we dive, forever! More about that in the faq’s at the end of this article.

For now, slip on your scuba gear! We’re taking you on an expedition like no other – the top 7 Seiko dive watches of 2022! They’re the creme de la creme of Seiko’s extensive dive watch collections.

Selection of the top Seiko divers watches is based on our first-hand experience, hundreds of online reviews and customer forums, and of course, in-depth analysis of each brilliant model’s amazing aesthetic and technological features.

Let’s dive right into it:

Product

Case Diameter

Band

Water Resistance

Price

seiko mens skx007k

Case Diameter: 42mm

42mm

Band: Rubber

Rubber

Water Resistance: 200 meters (660 feet)

200 meters (660 feet)

seiko prospex mens watch

Case Diameter: 44mm

44mm

Band: Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 200m (660 ft)

200m (660 ft)

seiko prospex sun019

Case Diameter: 47mm

47mm

Band: Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 200 meters (660 feet)

200 meters (660 feet)

seiko mens skx175

Case Diameter: 41mm

41mm

Band: Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 200 meters (660 feet)

200 meters (660 feet)

seiko sne499

Case Diameter: 47mm

47mm

Band: Silicone

Silicone

Water Resistance: 200m (660 ft)

200m (660 ft)

seiko mens ssc021

Case Diameter: 44mm

44mm

Band: Rubber

Rubber

Water Resistance: 200m (660 ft)

200m (660 ft)

seiko ska371

Case Diameter: 42mm

42mm

Band: Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 200 meters (660 feet)

200 meters (660 feet)

Top 7 Seiko Dive Watches in 2022

1. Seiko Men's Automatic Analogue Watch SKX007K

FEATURES

Case Diameter: 42mm
Case Thickness: 13mm
Dial Window Material Type: Hardlex
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Rubber
Band Width: 26mm
Band Color/ Dial Color: Black/ Black
Movement: Swiss Automatic
Water Resistance: 200 meters (660 feet)

Topping our list of the top 7 Seiko dive watches, is the classy Seiko Men’s SKX007K. If there’s a dive watch that should be on your ‘must have’ list, it’s definitely this one!

The SKX007K is the quintessential modern dive watch that is also affordable. This is the first watch you’d want when you progress from a quartz to mechanicals.

The SKA007K’s budget friendliness is not to be misunderstood! In line with Seiko’s rich reputation, this timepiece is crafted with a robust build and good looks, an ISO-rated 42 mm case, and grand night time LumiBrite luminosity.

This model is one of several modern divers watches by Seiko powered by the brand’s automatic 7s26 movement. This movement is one of the simplest automatic systems around. It’s accurate, cheap, and reliable. The watch energizes when it detects arm movements. But, that doesn’t mean you have to keep swinging your arms all the time! It can detect even normal basic movements.

It has an impressive iso-rated case with incredible water resistance of 200 meters (660 feet), making it an ideal watch for water activities like scuba diving.

The large crown, featured with coin edging and crown guard protection, is positioned at 4 o’clock. Though, given the height of the crown guards, some divers (not all) may find it somewhat difficult to operate the crown.

The dial window is made with Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex material; a type of hardened mineral crystal that offers greater resistance against shattering.

The sturdy, unidirectional, 120-click bezel, is well executed. It’s designed with a two-tiered groove pattern, resulting in a great grip. This is a perfect example of the kind of additional features found in much more expensive watches.

This watch is an all round beauty. Even the back panel has design aesthetics contributing to its appeal; it’s a screw down solid case back that has a Seiko stamped Tsunami medallion. Along the perimeter of the case back, the technical specs are etched along, giving a reassuring touch.

Adding to the charm is the matte black dial base with rounded white hour markers. The markers are quite large and legible, which is essential for a dive watch. You’ll be able to read the time quite easily in the dark. That hands and markers are well packed with Seiko’s signature LumiBrite solution.

The SKA007K has a stylish quickset day/date display. The day wheel is bilingual (English & Spanish) and it displays Saturday and Sunday in different colors.

All things considered, if you’re looking for the best Seiko dive watch at an affordable budget range, you can’t go wrong with Seiko SKX007K.

PROS

CONS

2. Seiko Prospex SBDC031 'Sumo'

FEATURES

Case Diameter: 44mm
Case Thickness: 13mm
Dial Window Material Type: Hardlex
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Stainless Steel
Band Width: 20mm
Band Color/ Dial Color: Silver/ Black
Movement: Seiko 6R15 23-jewel Automatic Self-wind
Water Resistance: 200 meters (660 feet)

Next on our list is the Seiko Prospex Diver Mechanical Self-winding Hard Rex SBDC031 (nicknamed ‘Sumo’). The SBDC031 is a sleek looking metallic Seiko dive watch with a semi-formal or formal aesthetic.

With this classy looking watch on, you can dive down to 200 meters (660 feet), enjoy your deep sea expeditions, get back on land, change to your favorite tux, and go straight to a formal dinner event. That’s right! It looks great all the time.

Let’s not forget: it’s a Seiko dive watch! This implies, it’s not just a ‘looker’, it’s functions and mechanics are equally superior. The unidirectional bezel on this watch really stands out; it has large white numbers and LumiBrite PIP at 12 o’clock. Additionally, the LumiBrite hands and hour markers (against the black dial background) are brightly visible even in the dark.

The SBDC031 tops the charts due in part because it features a Seiko 23 jewel automatic 6R15 movement caliber. It’s a self-winding watch, but you can also wind it up manually. The movement has a 50-hour power reserve and it is accurate to +25 to -15 seconds per day. Simply put – its accuracy is flawless.

It’s got a date display at the 3 o’clock mark. A screw down offset crown, which is a sensible and consistent feature in all Seiko dive watches. Adding to the robust material craftsmanship of this model, is the Hardlex mineral crystal and solid etched screw-down case back.

We’ve already established why this is definitely a highly recommended dive watch, but how’s the band? Well, it’s relatively narrower than the others on the list, but it sure in heck is nice looking and comfortable! It comes with a stainless steel bracelet 20 mm width) with a double locking fold-over push-button clasp with a divers extension.

All things considered, the SBDC031 is one of the best high-end ( though value for money) Seiko dive watches around. If you’re looking for a refined diver with great lume and super accurate automatic movement offering 50-hour power reserve, we highly recommend the Seiko Sumo.

PROS

CONS

3. Seiko Prospex SUN019

FEATURES

Case Diameter: 47.5mm
Case Thickness: 16mm
Dial Window Material Type: Anti-Reflective Coated Sapphire
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Stainless Steel
Band Width; 24mm
Band Color/ Dial Color: Silver/ Matte Black
Movement: Seiko 5M85 Quartz Kinetic
Water Resistance: 200 meters (660 feet)

The next watch on our list has cool details, clever technology, and makes for a solid sports watch. You may want to think twice before wearing it to the office though.

The Seiko Kinetic Prospex GMT Diver’s SUN019, rated for 200 meters (660 feet) water resistance, is one of the best high-end dive watches in the market. This brute watch has an all stainless steel aesthetic that exudes a sense of macho class and sophistication at all times. Seiko describes the Prospex line as “serious watches for serious sports,” and we will see below, why this is so correct.

Why is it so large? It’s got a kinetic drive and GMT function. While a kinetic drive rotor adds to the overall thickness, a GMT function means a lot more is going on in the dial (an extra hand). With a case 47.5 mm wide and 16 mm thick, it’s most suitable for people with slightly larger wrists. Nevertheless, because the watch is so great, confident skinny wristed people often wear it with equal enthusiasm.

The four hands aren’t just for looks. Besides the hour, minute, and second hand, this model has a GMT hand for a second time zone on the dial. After all, it’s a watch for serious divers, who in all likelihood, travel quite a bit.

While the inner section of the SUN019 houses a quartz kinetic movement mechanism, the outer section incorporates the stainless steel bezel with a shroud.

The dial on this Seiko diver’s watch is matte black and covered with a synthetic sapphire crystal, which is a slight change from the usual Seiko Hardlex glass. The sapphire crystal material makes it extremely durable and scratch-resistant.

The Prospex SUN019 runs on 5M85 hybrid-quartz-automatic movement, powered by a kinetic rotor. Kinetic movement is the most advanced movement technology today. A kinetic dive watch is a low-maintenance and environmentally friendly watch, that doesn’t need periodic battery changes or winding. Instead, kinetic watches are powered by the energy received from human movement.

Furthermore, this Seiko dive watch only has a time offset of approximately 15 seconds per month. This means, it’s pretty darn accurate!

If you like large and rugged dive watches, that can withstand immense underwater pressure, and are low-maintenance and kinetically powered, then the Seiko Prospex SUN019 is the right timepiece for you.

PROS

CONS

4. Seiko Men's SKX175

FEATURES

Case Diameter: 41mm
Case Thickness: 13mm
Dial Window Material Type: Hardlex
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Stainless Steel
Band Width: 22mm
Band Color/ Dial Color: Silver/ Navy Blue
Movement: Swiss Automatic
Water Resistance: 200 meters (660 feet)

The next Seiko dive watch on our list sports the famous Seiko “Pepsi” bezel. This model is rugged, highly-durable, colorful, and action packed. It’s quite similar (not same) to the topper of our list (SKX007K), except for the color scheme, the band, and some other aspects. On the whole, the red-and-blue bezel on this one looks gorgeous!

We’re talking about the Seiko Men’s SKX175! It’s a budget-friendly Seiko dive watch that can also be used as a regular watch. It’s 41mm stainless steel case is compact for a mechanical dive watch. The water resistance to 200 meters (660 feet) give it Seiko’s official endorsement for professional diving use.

This classy watch features a Seiko stamped Tsunami medallion on its case back. There’s more! It has ISO certification. Now that unarguably makes it a seriously capable dive watch, doesn’t it!

The SKX175’s unidirectional bezel is the number one standout styling element of this beauty of a watch. The gorgeous red-and-blue color of the bezel christened these watches with their “Pepsi” nickname. Overall, the flatly shaped bezel imparts a solid and rugged feel.

Functions on the dark grey (or Navy blue as some see it) dial are well balanced. The black-on-white day and date window is easily readable. The hour markers, the hands, and the bezel pearl (at the 12 o’clock mark), all glow brightly once the lights go down.

A word about the bracelet: it’s more “suit and tie” as compared to the watch, which is a “sporty diver.” The stainless steel band looks kind of out of place, but can easily be swapped with a more suitable one.

While we can go on and on about the beauty of the watch, its equally worthwhile to talk about the brains. This watch powers up with Seiko’s widely-used 7S26 automatic movement. It uses 21 jewels, beats at 21,600 mph, and has a 43-hour power reserve. Now that’s a lot of horsepower!

To sum it up. If you’re looking for rugged features, automatic movement, and a budget friendly dive watch that looks good no matter where you wear it to, then this is the one.

PROS

CONS

5. Seiko PADI Special Edition Prospex Solar Dive Watch SNE499

FEATURES

Case Diameter: 47 mm
Case Thickness: 12mm
Dial Window Material Type: Hardlex
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Silicone
Band Width: 22mm
Band Color/ Dial Color: Blue/ Black
Movement: Japan Solar Quartz
Water Resistance: 200 meters (660 feet)

The sun’s been shining bright on our next model. The Seiko PADI Prospex SNE499 (part of Seiko’s Tuna collection of dive watches) is solar powered.

It’s Equipped with a Seiko V157 solar powered movement. When fully charged with solar power, it will run for 10 months. It’s also suitable for those who want a diving watch that can withstand advanced diving.

This model comes at a great price for an ISO dive watch. As one of the more affordable Seiko dive watches out there, it doesn’t hold back when it comes to delivering performance that can rival far more expensive watches.

Like all the other watches on our list, this Seiko dive watch is also water resistant to 200 meters (660 feet).

Moreover, the SNE499 is equipped with a Hardlex window, that protects the screen from damage from water or impact. The stainless steel case measures 47mm in diameter, but is comfortable on the wrist.

The unidirectional ‘Pepsi’ bezel (blue-and-red) features large bold numbers, a segment of which is packed with Lume. The white hour hand and the red-and-white minute hand hand are against a matte black wave patterned dial. The hands and hour markers are featured with blue and green LumiBrite effect.

The sheer styling of it, makes this Seiko diving watch more suitable for casual events than formal. The blue polyurethane band — along with the red and blue accents within the dial — offer a playful and sporty vibe. So if you’re looking for a Seiko diver’s watch that you can wear casually on your wrist and then do some serious diving with, then Seiko PADI Prospex SNE499 is a great option.

In terms of movement, this watch runs on Japan Solar Quartz Movement. There are no batteries involved — this watch absorbs light from the sun, converts it into energy, and stores it in the quartz for future use. As such, Seiko PADI Prospex SNE499 is also one of the most eco-friendly Seiko dive watches out there.

PROS

CONS

6. Seiko Men's Solar Diver Chronograph SSC021

FEATURES

Case Diameter: 44mm
Case Thickness: 15mm
Dial Window Material Type: Hardlex
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Rubber
Band Width: 18mm
Band Color/ Dial Color: Black/ Black
Movement: Japan Solar Quartz
Water Resistance: 200 meters (660 feet)

The Seiko Men’s Solar Diver Chronograph SSC021 is a solar powered dive watch with some brilliant features that make it one of the best and toughest Seiko dive watches on the market. It’s also proof why ranking these watches is quite a challenge. Each of the listed watches on our list is a Seiko masterpiece in its own unique way. The SSC021 is no less!

This Seiko SSC021 dive watch is quite elegant — it features a sleek black rubber band with a stainless steel ion coated black dial with white accents, big hands, and hour markers. The big hands and hour markers have lume for visibility in the dark. The watch features chronograph, adding subtlety. The bezel looks and clicks perfectly. If that’s not enough, the well-chiseled screw-down chrono pusher crowns add to its masculinity.

Like all other Seiko dive watches, this one also has a water resistance rating of 200 meters (660 feet), which is perfect for professional marine activity and scuba diving.

This being a solar powered watch, being under direct sunlight (or artificial light) will prevent the watch from stopping abruptly. Moreover, exact movements from quartz technology ensure precise time-keeping. Another amazing feature is that the second hand acts as an end of life indicator when the watch is found low on charge.

There are no doubts regarding its durability either. This model is ISO diving rated for up to 200 bar underwater pressure and the ion coating helps keep up the cosmetic integrity of the dial markings. The large dial is not only attractive, but also helpful under water. Such features make this a really tough dive watch, worth owning.

It is difficult to find a drawback in this model. Except perhaps some divers may find the rubber strap to be uncomfortable under water. Also, a small number of wearers have described the large dial to be too busy looking. Yet, all such claims are far offset by the sheer elegance of the timepiece.

Seiko Men’s SSC021 is one of the best and toughest Seiko dive watches out there for professional divers. This outdoors watch looks great anywhere. You’ll end up looking at it, just to look at it!

PROS

CONS

7. Seiko SKA371 Kinetic Dive Watch

FEATURES

Case Diameter: 42mm
Case Thickness: 14.8mm
Dial Window Material Type: Hardlex
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Band Material: Stainless Steel
Band Width: 24mm
Band Color/ Dial Color: Silver/ Black
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Water Resistance: 200 meters (660 feet)

Last, but in no way the least, on our list of the best Seiko dive watches in 2022, is the deserving Seiko SKA371 Kinetic Dive Watch.

This sleek and masculine looking dive watch is a design masterpiece, that is loved at first sight. Having a kinetic movement inside ensures the watch is accurate (due to quartz timekeeping) and low-maintenance (due to self-charging mechanism).

It has a water resistance of up to 200 meters (660 feet), making it a true to the core dive watch. It’s tough heavy stainless steel case and proportionately heavy stainless steel band, makes it a robust and durable timepiece, whilst looking great.

It has a dial window made with proprietary Hardlex, ensuring cracks and scratches won’t be cause for concern. Like typical dive watches, the SKA371 too has a unidirectional bezel. The bezel is made of stainless steel.

On the face, you’ll find a date display, that displays only the date counter, from 1 to 31. If you’re in a month with 30 days or less, then you’ll need to manually reset the day to 1 at the beginning of the new month.

The Seiko SKA371 has a 3-Dimensional watch dial face, due to an attractive double layer watch dial. Also, on the face, it uses index markers instead of numerals, which is characteristic of most dive watches. The reason for this is to put in maximum lume on the markers so as to maximize legibility to see in the dark.

The awesomeness of this model doesn’t end here. This model even made it to our best Seiko kinetic watches list. So, if you’re looking for a durable and accurate watch that is ideal for scuba diving, yet one that looks great anywhere, the SKA371 may be the right choice for you.

PROS

CONS

Frequently Asked Questions about Seiko Dive Watches

What makes Seiko dive watches so special?

The answer lies in its rich history. The company started its venture into dive watches in 1965 (Japan’s first 150M Diver’s). In 1968 they developed the Diver’s 300M. Then, something happened.

What happened was, Seiko received a letter from an avid diver in Hiroshima, Japan. The diver explained how, when using a diving capsule and saturation diving techniques, most watches get damaged in depths of water greater than 300 metres.

At this point, it became clear to Seiko, that the diver, and others in the diving community, had deep sea blues that needed expert attention.

What happened next isn’t surprising. The innovation hats of the folks at Seiko were back on. The resolution: the world’s first Professional Diver’s 600M watch with titanium case.

Since then, there have been a series of other firsts and many more brilliant dive watches by Seiko. Today, after over 50 years of innovation, Seiko’s diving watch has become a global standard.

Is a diver's watch only for diving?

The answer is an obvious no. Much like offering sheer glitz of a luxury brand together with value for money has been part of Seiko’s winning formula, the diver’s watch is both functional as a scuba dive watch, and stylish as a fashion accessory.

Why are rotating bezels of the best dive watches unidirectional?

Most dive bezels turn in counterclockwise only. It’s a safety feature –  the bezel cannot be accidentally knocked off position in the clockwise direction and thus understate the elapsed time (the total dive time) being measured.

Your Seiko solar-powered watch suddenly stopped working. Why is that?

The most obvious reason is that solar-powered watches need exposure to natural or artificial light on a regular basis. Officially, you’re supposed to expose your Seiko watch to direct sunlight for 5 to 6 hours every month to keep them going.

Although exposure for 5 to 6 hours of sunlight is quite reasonable to achieve, if you live in an area that receives scant sunlight — or if it’s winter — your watch may not receive a lot of natural light, so it will stop working. In that case, you should expose it to artificial light as much as possible.

Solar-powered watches may also stop working if you keep them hidden for prolonged periods. Some people have a habit of keeping their watches covered under long sleeves. Doing that will prevent the watch from getting any light and it may stop working.

How long can a Seiko solar-powered watch last?

Seiko solar-powered watches can be fully powered through exposure to direct sunlight for about three hours. However, keeping a little buffer , it’s recommended that you expose Seiko solar watches to sunlight for 5-6 hours a month.

Once fully powered, Seiko solar dive watches can reserve energy for approximately 6 to 12 months. Basically, if you power the watch during the summer, it can take you through a long autumn and winter.

What is Seiko LumiBrite technology?

Seiko’s LumiBrite is the high-quality luminescent material that is painted over the hands and indices on the dials of Seiko dive watches. This material is completely safe and it’s a lot brighter than traditional luminous paints. It essentially allows you to read your watch clearly even in pitch darkness.

How water resistant should a dive watch be?

The International Standards Organization (ISO) stipulates that a dive watch must be water resistant to 100 meters.

How much water resistance does a Seiko diving watch rated at 200 meters provide?

Most Seiko scuba diving watches that are rated at 200 meters (660 feet) of water resistance can withstand the following levels of exposure to water:

  • Accidental splashes
  • Heavy rainfall
  • Swimming and showers
  • Diving in swimming pools
  • Scuba diving

The only type of water exposure Seiko diving watches with such rating can’t withstand is in regards to saturation diving –  when divers stay in underwater situations for extended periods that may span several days or weeks.

Final thoughts

As detailed in the information on our list; there are a lot of great Seiko diving watches to choose from. All of them provide incredible water resistance so they can all be used while scuba diving.

Besides the water resistance rating, the listed models have an additional set of features in common: LumeBrite, Hardlex case cover, unidirectional rotating bezel, screw-down crown, larger than usual dial, and easy readability and durability. They differ from each other in terms of power source, material, additional features, design, and pricing.

With the help of the top 7 list, you should be able to pick a suitable Seiko dive watch for yourself. But if your still unsure, we hope by answering the following questions, you should be able to decide:

  • Do I prefer an elegant dressy watch, a rugged sporty watch, or a multi-purpose/occasion one?
  • Am I comfortable with a bulky masculine watch, or am I more particular about size due to my narrow wrist?
  • What are my favorite colors for a watch?
  • What aquatic activities do I frequent: swimming, snorkeling, light diving, deep sea diving?
  • What kind of band do I prefer: rubber, nylon, or stainless steel?
  • Do I like an easy to read dial or a busy multi-function one?
  • Am I a serious diver, or a casual one?
  • Do I travel to other time zones frequently for scuba diving?
  • What is my budget?

Best Seiko Dive Watches in 2022 1

Marilyn

Marilyn Chase writes fashion articles for luxury power houses that want to see their brands surge. Her articles have appeared in various North American and Western European websites. She contributes articles about design, craftsmanship and manufacturing techniques in fashion. Her articles focus on trends and research supported by first hand interviews and pictures. She is qualified by extensive experience and a degree in fashion from New York.

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