The Best Seiko Diver Watch Under $500

Seiko’s production of dive watches is characterized by a storied history, a commitment to innovation, and a dedication to quality. With the best Seiko dive watches combining technological advancements, recognition from industry experts, and collaborations with esteemed partners, the brand has cemented its reputation as a leader in the world of diver watches.

Seiko’s dive watch legacy began in 1965 with the introduction of the Seiko 6217-8001, known as the “62MAS,” the brand’s first diver’s watch. At the time, the demand for reliable dive watches was increasing as recreational and professional diving gained popularity. 

The 62MAS featured a robust stainless steel case with a diameter of 37mm, which was considered large for its time. It boasted a unidirectional rotating bezel for timing dives, with clear markings for easy readability underwater, 6217 automatic movement, screw-down case back and a screw-down crown. The dial featured large, luminescent markers and hands as well as had water resistance of up to 150 meters (500 feet), thus meeting the requirements for recreational diving. 

Another legendary and one of the best price Seiko dive watches of all time is SKX007. Regarded as one of the most iconic and beloved dive watches in the industry, praised for its rugged design, reliability, and affordability. Powered by the 7S26 automatic movement, water resistance of 200 m, and Hardlex crystal, the SKX007 model has garnered widespread acclaim and has become a favorite among watch enthusiasts and divers alike. Its popularity and reputation speak to its enduring appeal and the impact it has had on the world of dive watches.

“One of my favorite watches of all time is the Seiko SKX007. It’s an automatic dive watch. It’s just a great-looking watch. It’s a really beautiful, timeless design.”

John Mayer, musician and watch collector

To exemplify the brand’s commitment to promoting environmental stewardship and celebrating the spirit of exploration, Seiko also partnered with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), the world’s leading scuba diving training organization, and Fabien Cousteau, grandson of legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau. These collaborations resulted in special edition dive watches like SRPJ93. Here, however, I highlight the best Seiko divers under $500 of the last couple of years.

The Seiko Prospex SRPF79 is one of the best Seiko divers. As a part of the “Save the Ocean” series, it’s a special edition dive watch that combines striking aesthetics with reliable functionality. It features a captivating blue dial with a wave pattern, reminiscent of the ocean’s depths. This design is in line with the “Save the Ocean” theme, reflecting Seiko’s commitment to marine conservation. The stainless steel case has a diameter of 43.8mm, providing a substantial presence on the wrist without feeling overly bulky. The bezel is unidirectional and features a blue insert with luminous markers for accurate timing during dives.

The Seiko Prospex SRPF79 boasts a water resistance rating of 200 meters (660 feet), making it suitable for recreational diving and water sports activities. This level of water resistance ensures that the watch can withstand the pressures encountered at moderate depths underwater.

Powering the SRPF79 is the Seiko caliber 4R35 automatic movement, known for its reliability and accuracy. This movement features a hacking function, allowing for precise time setting, and a manual winding capability for convenience. With a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of approximately 41 hours, the 4R35 movement ensures consistent and dependable timekeeping performance.

One of the standout features of the SRPF79 is its sapphire crystal, known for its exceptional scratch resistance and clarity. The crystal is further enhanced by an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface, reducing glare and ensuring optimal visibility in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the watch incorporates a magnifier over the date window at the 3 o’clock position, facilitating easier reading of the date.

The SRPF79 comes equipped with a comfortable and durable silicone band, ideal for active lifestyles and aquatic activities. The silicone material offers flexibility, resistance to water, and easy maintenance, making it a practical choice for a dive watch.

Pros and Cons

Seiko Prospex SRPF79 “Save the Ocean” dive watch offers a compelling combination of captivating design, reliable performance, and practical features. With its 200m water resistance, robust 4R35 automatic movement, comfortable silicone band, and premium sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and magnifier, it stands as a worthy addition to Seiko’s esteemed Prospex lineup.

Pros

• Sapphire Crystal with Magnifier Date Window and Anti-Reflective Coating: The use of sapphire crystal enhances scratch resistance and clarity, while the magnifier date window and anti-reflective coating improve readability and visibility.
• Silicone Band: The silicone band offers durability, comfort, and water resistance, making it suitable for active lifestyles and aquatic activities.
• Masculine and Brutal Design: The bold and rugged design of the SRPF79 exudes masculinity and toughness, appealing to those who prefer robust-looking timepieces.

Cons

• Price: The SRPF79’s price of more than $400 may be considered relatively high for a watch equipped with a standard 4R35 movement, especially when compared to other dive watches in a similar price range with similar movements.
• Standard 4R35 Movement for the Price: While the 4R35 movement is reliable and functional, some enthusiasts may expect a higher-grade movement or additional complications given the price point of the SRPF79.

The Seiko Prospex SRPG57 is one of the best price Seiko dive watches. It’s a special edition dive watch that embodies Seiko’s commitment to marine conservation while delivering exceptional performance and style. It features a captivating blue dial with a wave pattern, paying homage to the ocean’s beauty. This design aligns with Seiko’s “Save the Ocean” theme, reflecting the brand’s dedication to marine conservation.

The stainless steel case has a diameter of 42.4mm, offering a substantial presence on the wrist without feeling overly bulky. The blue and silver color scheme adds to the watch’s aquatic allure.

With a water resistance rating of 200 meters (660 feet), the SRPG57 is suitable for recreational diving and water sports activities. This level of water resistance ensures the watch can withstand the pressures encountered at moderate depths underwater.

Powering the SRPG57 is the Seiko caliber 4R36 automatic movement, renowned for its reliability and accuracy. Notably, this movement allows for the display of both the date and the day of the week, providing practical functionality for everyday wear.

With a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of approximately 41 hours, the 4R36 movement ensures consistent and dependable timekeeping performance.

The SRPG57 comes equipped with a unique stainless steel bracelet featuring a combination of brushed and polished finishes. The bracelet’s design complements the watch’s aesthetic while offering durability and comfort for extended wear.

The SRPG57 incorporates a Hardlex crystal with a magnifier over the date and weekday window at the 3 o’clock position. Hardlex is Seiko’s proprietary hardened mineral crystal, offering enhanced scratch resistance and durability compared to traditional mineral crystals. The magnifier facilitates easier reading of the date and day of the week, adding to the watch’s practicality.

Pros and Cons

The Seiko Prospex SRPG57 “Save the Ocean” dive watch impresses with its striking design, robust construction, and practical features. With its 200m water resistance, reliable 4R36 automatic movement displaying both date and day of the week, unique stainless steel bracelet, and Hardlex crystal with a magnifier, it stands as a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a versatile and stylish dive watch.

Pros

• Magnifier Date and Weekday Window: The inclusion of a magnifier over the date window at the 3 o’clock position enhances readability, while the day of the week display adds practicality to daily wear.
• Stainless Steel Bracelet: The unique stainless steel bracelet offers durability, comfort, and a stylish complement to the watch’s design.
• Price Under $400: With a price under $400, the SRPG57 offers excellent value for money, especially considering its features and build quality.
• 4R36 Automatic Movement: The Seiko caliber 4R36 automatic movement provides reliable timekeeping and the convenience of automatic winding, enhancing the overall user experience.

Cons

• Hardlex Crystal: The use of Hardlex crystal, while offering good scratch resistance, may not match the durability and scratch resistance of sapphire crystal, which is often preferred in higher-end timepieces.
• Weight: Some users may find the weight of the SRPG57 to be on the heavier side, especially for those with smaller wrists or those accustomed to lighter watches.

The Seiko Prospex SRPH77 is one of the best Seiko diver watches. It’s a special edition dive watch that embodies Seiko’s dedication to marine conservation while delivering reliable performance and stylish design. The SRPH77 features a captivating blue dial with a wave pattern, reminiscent of the ocean’s depths. This design reflects Seiko’s “Save the Ocean” theme, showcasing the brand’s commitment to marine conservation.

The stainless steel case has a diameter of 43.2mm, providing a substantial presence on the wrist without feeling overly bulky. The blue color scheme enhances the watch’s aquatic allure.

With a water resistance rating of 200 meters (660 feet), the SRPH77 is suitable for recreational diving and water sports activities. This level of water resistance ensures the watch can withstand the pressures encountered at moderate depths underwater.

Powering the SRPH77 is the Seiko caliber 4R35 automatic movement, known for its reliability and accuracy. This movement features automatic winding capabilities and a power reserve of approximately 41 hours, ensuring consistent timekeeping performance.

The SRPH77 comes equipped with a comfortable and durable silicone bracelet, ideal for active lifestyles and aquatic activities. The silicone material offers flexibility, water resistance, and easy maintenance.

The unidirectional rotating bezel allows for accurate timing of dives, with clear markings for elapsed time. It enhances the watch’s functionality and adds to its dive watch aesthetics.

The SRPH77 incorporates a Hardlex crystal, Seiko’s proprietary hardened mineral crystal. While not as scratch-resistant as a sapphire crystal, Hardlex provides good durability and protection against everyday wear and tear.

Pros and Cons

The Seiko Prospex SRPH77 “Save the Ocean” dive watch offers a compelling combination of eye-catching design, dependable performance, and practical features. With its 200m water resistance, reliable 4R35 automatic movement, comfortable silicone bracelet, unidirectional rotating bezel, and Hardlex crystal, it stands as a worthy tribute to Seiko’s commitment to marine conservation and the preservation of our oceans.

Pros

• Silicone Band: The silicone band offers durability, flexibility, and resistance to water, making it suitable for active lifestyles and aquatic activities.
• Lightweight: The SRPH77 is lightweight, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods without causing discomfort or fatigue.

Cons

• Hardlex Crystal: The use of Hardlex crystal, while offering decent durability, may not provide the same level of scratch resistance as sapphire crystal, which is often preferred in higher-end timepieces.
• Absence of Magnifier for Date Window: The SRPH77 does not feature a magnifier over the date window, which may make it slightly more difficult to read the date, especially for those with vision impairments or in low-light conditions.

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When comparing the SRPF79, SRPG57, and SRPH77, top Seiko dive watches under $500 in my opinion, each model offers unique features and appeals to different preferences.

The Seiko SRPF79 stands out as the top choice due to its sapphire crystal, providing superior scratch resistance, and its relatively affordable price point compared to the other watches on the list. This makes it an excellent option for those seeking durability and value without compromising on quality.

However, for customers who prioritize aesthetics and prefer a stainless steel bracelet for a more prestigious look, the Seiko SRPG57 may be the ideal choice. Its stylish design, coupled with the practicality of a day and date magnifier window, makes it suitable for everyday wear, especially for those who won’t be diving with the watch and prioritize comfort.

On the other hand, the Seiko SRPH77 appeals to individuals seeking an elegant and classic-looking diver’s watch. While lacking the sapphire crystal of the SRPF79, and the stainless steel bracelet of the SRPG57, its timeless design and functionality make it a solid option for those looking for a sophisticated timepiece.

Ultimately, the best Seiko dive watch from this selection depends on the wearer’s priorities and preferences. Whether it’s durability, aesthetics, or functionality, Seiko offers a diverse range of options to suit different tastes and needs in the world of dive watches.