The Best Dive Watches Under €250 in 2026
A dive watch is defined by four features: a unidirectional rotating bezel (to time bottom time), a screw-down crown (to seal the case), luminous hands and markers (for underwater legibility), and a minimum water resistance of 100 metres. In 2026, you can get all four — plus sapphire crystal and a ceramic bezel — for under €250. These are genuine tool watches, not fashion pieces pretending to be divers.
What Separates a Real Dive Watch from a Fashion Diver
Look for these non-negotiables: a screw-down crown (not a push-pull crown), a unidirectional bezel (it should only rotate counterclockwise, so if you accidentally bump it, it always errs on the side of showing less remaining bottom time), and water resistance tested to at least 100m/10 ATM. Read our detailed water resistance guide to understand what these ratings actually mean in practice.
CrownCraft DEEPMASTER (€239)
The CrownCraft DEEPMASTER checks every box: Seiko NH35A automatic movement, unidirectional 120-click ceramic bezel, flat sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance, and an exhibition case back. The ice-blue sunburst dial is distinctive in a segment dominated by black and blue. Every piece is assembled to order in Spain — not mass-produced. At €239, it's the only European-designed dive watch in this price segment.
Orient Kamasu (~€200)
Orient's Kamasu is the value benchmark. In-house F6922 movement (Orient makes its own calibres), sapphire crystal, and 200m water resistance — double the DEEPMASTER's rating. The trade-off is a more generic design language and Chinese mass production at a Japanese brand price. Still, the specs-per-euro ratio is hard to argue with.
Steeldive SD1970 (~€80-120)
Steeldive is the undisputed king of ultra-budget dive watches. The SD1970 uses the NH35 movement, sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel, and 200m water resistance at a price that seems impossible. The lume is exceptional — among the best in any price range. The trade-off: very close homage design, Chinese production with variable QC, and a brand name that carries no cachet.
Pagani Design PD-1661 (~€70-100)
Pagani Design's Submariner-style diver is the entry point for the segment. NH35 movement, sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel, 100m water resistance. At €70-100, it's almost disposably affordable. Finishing is rough compared to higher-priced options, and the design is an unambiguous Submariner homage. For a first dive watch on a tight budget, it's hard to beat.
San Martin SN017 (~€200-250)
San Martin occupies the sweet spot between Pagani and luxury microbrands. The SN017 uses the NH35, sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel, and 200m water resistance, but the finishing — case brushing, bezel action, bracelet quality — is measurably superior to anything at this price from China. Many consider San Martin the quality benchmark for sub-€300 dive watches.
The Verdict
For pure value: Steeldive SD1970 or Pagani Design PD-1661. For build quality: San Martin SN017. For water resistance depth: Orient Kamasu (200m). For European design and assembled-to-order exclusivity: CrownCraft DEEPMASTER. All use the same NH35 movement family, so the decision comes down to design, finishing, and what matters most to you.
The Complete Guide to Automatic Watches | Best Watches Under €300 | CrownCraft Collection