If you are one of those who like to go deeper into the blue waters and spend the summer months diving, here are the best new diver watches of 2024.
A Brief History of Diver Watches
Through haute horology world, the first known water resistance test for a watch took place in 1932, when Omega “Marine” was tested to a depth of 73 meters in Lake Geneva. In 1937, the Marine, which is the first commercially produced diving watch, was certified water resistant to a depth of 135 meters. So much so that, the story of water-resistant watches dates back to the 1920s.
Produced in 1926, Rolex Oyster is the first example of a water-resistant case. On the other hand, the Italian brand Panerai developed a radium-based powder and paste called “Radiomir” for the Italian Navy in 1916, and produced the first prototype diving watches, known as Radiomir models, on the eve of the WWII.
Another brand was Cartier, which is known as a jewelry brand, also made history with its water resistance in 1931 (or 1933) with the ancestor of Pasha de Cartier. Starting in the 1920s, water-resistant watches evolved into the first examples of today’s favorite diving watches. Omega announced the Seamaster in 1948, one of the most famous diving watch collections of today. In 1953, Blancpain launched the Fifty Fathoms, considered the first modern diving watch. The watch set the standard for diving watches with its distinctively designed markers, 15-minute unidirectional rotating bezel and automatic movement; it was water resistant to 91.44 meters. That same year, Swiss physicist and explorer Auguste Piccard lowered a submarine with a Rolex strapped to its hull to a depth of more than 3,100 meters. One year later, the Rolex Submariner was launched, which became one of the most iconic diver watches of all time.
Over the years, diver watches continued to go deeper and deeper into the blue waters. In 1982, IWC began production of the first 2.000-meter class diver watch. The Ocean 2000 was a light model made of titanium. Today, dive watches that can exceed 10.000 meters are produced.
After this brief history, let’s talk about this summer’s dive watches; from the gold case Rolex Deepsea introduced at Watches and Wonders 2024 to the ceramic-cased Blancpain, many dive watches are ready for the new season.
The Best New Dive Watches for 2024
Rolex Deepsea Gold
With its deep blue dial and 18k yellow gold case, the Rolex Deepsea Gold is one of the most spectacular diver watches of this summer. Water-resistant to 3,900 meters, the watch uses a ceramic Ringlock system to increase pressure resistance at extreme depths. The 44 mm diameter watch is the first Deepsea model that use a Cerachom bezel. The RLX titanium material in the case adds lightness to the bulky case.
Blancpain Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet de Lune
Would you like to wear a ceramic diver watch with a Moon phase and complete calendar? Producing extraordinary models is a hallmark of high watchmaking, and Blancpain’s Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet de Lune is such kind of timepieces. Designed in a 43.6 mm black ceramic case, the watch is accompanied by a ceramic bracelet. Produced with ceramic from the case to the bracelet, the watch is water resistant up to 300 meters.
Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800
The dial of the Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800, one of the newest models of the brand, is illuminated by the micro generator. The “Power Light” indicator on the dial can provide continuous illumination for up to 30 minutes. The hour and minute hands are designed with SuperLumiNova X1 and SuperLuminova X2, which offers 10 percent more brightness. The watch is water resistant up to 500 meters; however, it is not for underwater use, but a concept watch produced for collectors.
Zenith Defy Extreme Diver
Zenith introduced the Defy Extreme Diver with 600 meters of water resistance at Watches and Wonders 2024. The 42.5 mm titanium case is highly resistant to corrosion caused by salt water. On the other hand, new Defy Extreme Diver display the distinctive design of the Defy with modernized new touches. The watch comes in either blue or black dial with starry sky pattern. It also has three strap options: rubber, fabric strap and a metal bracelet. New Defy Extreme Diver houses the caliber El Primero 3620-SC, with 60 hours power reserve.
Oris Divers Sixty-Five “Waldenburg Valley” Green
Although we associate diver watches with blue-toned dials, Oris’ Divers Sixty-Five “Waldenburg Valley” manages to bring the jungle together with the ocean. Water resistant to 100 meters, the watch is presented in a 40 mm diameter stainless steel case. The watch’s dial, inspired by the forests of the Waldenburg Valley, is accompanied by a 60-minute unidirectional dive bezel designed in the same green color.
Ulysse Nardin Diver Net
Ulysse Nardin Diver Net is a colorful option with its orange accents on the dial and bezel. The limited-edition Diver Net designed in collaboration with Wempe, the watch is water resistant up to 300 meters. The 44 mm diameter case is made of 95 percent recycled stainless steel. The matte black dial is surrounded by a rotating bezel in black carbon. Orange tones on the bezel and bezel are complemented by a bright orange rubber strap.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date models, which were introduced at the beginning of this summer, attracted attention with their deep dials. Water resistant to 300 meters, the watches are available in blue, green and black dials. Designed with 30-minute scale bezels in harmony with the dial color, they are colored with SuperLumi-Nova’s that facilitate legibility underwater.
Breitling Superocean Automatic Rainbow
Breitling’s Superocean Automatic Rainbow models, announced in June, are presented in 36- and 42-mm diameter cases with colorful dials and straps. The rainbow-colored, square or rectangular hour markers are housed in black or white dials. They are complemented by rubber straps in white, yellow, blue or green. Simultaneously announced, the Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver is water resistant up to 1.000 meters.
