You don’t have to spend five figures to own a great dive watch. In fact, some of the most capable and character-filled divers sit comfortably under $2,000 — with the kind of design, durability, and precision that rival far pricier pieces.
Whether you’re new to collecting or just love value-driven craftsmanship, here are some of the most underrated dive watches worth your attention — and how to make them truly yours with the right strap.
1. Longines HydroConquest
Price: Around $1,800
Why It’s Underrated:
Longines nails the blend of elegance and performance. The HydroConquest offers 300m of water resistance, ceramic bezel, and Swiss automatic movement — all from one of the oldest names in Swiss watchmaking.
Perfect Strap Pairing:
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Black sailcloth for a modern, refined look
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Blue rubber to emphasize its ocean heritage
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Brown leather to dress it up for daily wear
2. Oris Aquis Date
Price: Around $1,900
Why It’s Underrated:
Independent spirit, Swiss build quality, and bold design. The Aquis is a workhorse diver with a presence that rivals watches double the price. It’s also one of the most comfortable divers to wear daily.
Perfect Strap Pairing:
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Olive NATO for casual weekends
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Black sailcloth for a sleek, everyday option
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Orange rubber for an adventurous pop of color
3. Seiko Prospex “Turtle” SRPE93
Price: Around $500–$600
Why It’s Underrated:
Few divers have the cult following of Seiko’s Turtle. Its cushion case, lume, and reliability make it a must-own for any collector. It’s affordable, rugged, and iconic — a perfect strap-swapping canvas.
Perfect Strap Pairing:
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Grey NATO for military-inspired style
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Blue sailcloth for everyday wear
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Red rubber for sporty energy
4. Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 300
Price: Around $1,200–$1,400
Why It’s Underrated:
Christopher Ward consistently punches above its price point, offering Swiss-made movements, ceramic bezels, and detailed finishing. The C60 Trident is a modern diver that balances elegance and utility.
Perfect Strap Pairing:
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Navy sailcloth for an upscale, maritime look
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Tan leather for versatility
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Black rubber for sleek sport styling
5. Baltic Aquascaphe
Price: Around $900
Why It’s Underrated:
Vintage-inspired design, perfect proportions, and solid specs make the Aquascaphe one of the best microbrand divers today. Its charm is in the details — domed crystal, gilt accents, and clean dial.
Perfect Strap Pairing:
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Brown Italian leather for vintage warmth
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Olive NATO for classic tool-watch appeal
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Carbon-grain leather for a modern twist
Why Straps Matter More on Dive Watches
A good dive watch is built to handle anything — and the right strap makes it even more versatile. Swap the bracelet for rubber when you’re in the water, NATO for the outdoors, or leather when you’re out for dinner.
With quick-release tech and durable materials, WIS Straps let you transform your watch for any setting — safely and in seconds.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to chase hype to enjoy great horology. These underrated divers prove that craftsmanship, performance, and style can all exist below the $2,000 mark.
Pair them with the perfect strap, and you’ll unlock even more value — and more personality — from your timepiece.
👉 Explore the full WIS Dive Strap Collection to find your next perfect pairing.