Mid-Sized Dive Watches for Small to Medium Wrists

Blake Malin

Windup Watch Shop     |     August 2, 2024

Dive watches have always been popular, and it is no wonder nearly every brand must have one in their repertoire. People love owning overengineered things. This could be a car capable of reaching speeds well over 100mph, even though the highest maximum speed limit in the U.S. is 85 (in Texas), or a watch with a water resistance rating of 200+ meters, despite the maximum depth for recreational diving being only 40. Not to mention that most dive watch owners rarely get their timepieces wet. The advantage of wearing a rugged dive watch is that it can withstand more than just water; it can also protect against dust, humidity, sweat, and even baby drool, prepared to handle any adventure.

We have curated a selection of medium-sized dive watches suitable for small to medium wrists now that the trend for oversized watches has waned. We even believe that individuals with larger wrists may find them appealing.

ORIS DIVER SIXTY-FIVE – COTTON CANDY EDITIONS

Oris produces some of the finest dive watches available today, with two complete collections. One is called the Diver Sixty-Five, named after a vintage timepiece from 1965, which they reintroduced not too long ago. For our first choice, we selected the ones with exceptionally cheerful dials made of bronze and with a 38mm diameter. These colorful watches are lovingly referred to as "Cotton Candy." They come in bright blue, green, and pink. The timepieces are designed to fit most wrists perfectly, with a thickness of only 12.8mm up to the top of the double-domed sapphire crystal and 48mm from lug to lug. They are water-resistant to 100 meters, powered by a Swiss Sellita SW200-1, and come with a matching bronze bracelet that tapers down to 14mm at the clasp. Sometimes, life calls for a bit of fun on your wrist.

CITIZEN PROMASTER DIVE ECO-DRIVE 37MM

From super fun, we dive right into utilitarian and serious. No other brand has contributed as much to the diving world as Citizen. From their world-famous Aqualand series with mounted depth gauges to their standard Promaster dive watches, aficionados around the globe have come to rely on these tools, and justifiably so. They have recently introduced a new version of their Promaster Eco-Drive dive watch. It still has the toughness of its larger counterpart but now comes in a more manageable 37mm diameter. Additionally, this 200-meter rated timepiece is only 11.2mm thick and is powered by light, eliminating the need for battery changes. It also features top-of-the-line luminescence for easy reading in low-light conditions. If recreational and professional divers trust these watches, we believe they will also meet your standards.

BENRUS SEA LORD

Somewhere between the playful nature of the Oris and the serious demeanor of the Citizen lies the Benrus Sea Lord. This ultra-capable 300 meter dive watch is both rugged and aesthetically pleasing. Quietly straddling the line between tool and dress, it heavily leans on its brand's 1960s dive watch heritage. Measuring 39mm by 13mm thick, it is slightly larger than other options. However, it is significantly more water-resistant, and its short lugs make it wearable for all wrist sizes. Powering these timepieces is a Swiss-made Soprod automatic movement. There are two options available: one has a green dial, a matching ceramic bezel insert, white contemporary lume, and a stainless steel bracelet; the other has a black dial and bezel, cream vintage lume, and comes on a tropic-style rubber strap. Whether at the beach or in the boardroom, either color would make a fine companion.

SEIKO PROSPEX SOLAR DIVER

Another brand synonymous with diving is Seiko, and no dive watch list would be complete without at least one. Seiko’s line of watches with professional specifications is called Prospex, and this is their Solar Diver with a diameter of 38.5mm. As the name suggests, the watch is powered by light, eliminating the need for battery changes. Water resistant up to 200 meters, this one is only 10.6mm thick, allowing it to easily slide under any cuff or be worn proudly on top of a wet suit. It features a sporty black dial with a globe motif and some of the world's best luminescent material. This watch can do it all, from sitting on your wrist at a seaside dining establishment to getting ready to flip over the side of a boat. Everyone needs a solid quartz dive watch that is always ready for anything.

MARATHON MEDIUM DIVER'S AUTOMATIC (MSAR AUTO)

This next watch is as severe as experiencing the bends from staying underwater too long at depth. It is made by Marathon, a Canadian company that manufactures military-grade timepieces in Switzerland. They have been creating timing instruments for the Allied Forces since 1941, and the model we are showcasing here is part of their SAR (Search and Rescue) collection. This series has been around for over two decades but has only recently shrunk to 36mm and earned its new name, the MSAR, which is short for Medium Search and Rescue. Available in two dial colors, white and black, both featuring impressive tritium illumination that glows non-stop for 25 years without needing to be charged. Despite its size, it remains water resistant to 300 meters and comes with a stainless steel bracelet and rubber strap. The Marathon MSAR is exceptionally durable. Are you up to the challenge?

ORIS AQUIS X BRACENET

We may have saved the best one for last. The Aquis x Bracenet finishes this piece and creates the perfect dive watch sandwich on Oris bread. As mentioned previously, Oris has two distinct lines of dive watches, and this one is part of their Aquis line. Unlike the Diver 65, which takes design cues from yesteryear, the Aquis is as avant-garde as it gets. These watches are genuinely different, featuring elegant curves and unconventional lines, and this one is incredibly exceptional. Oris has partnered with Bracenet to create dials made of recycled end-of-life fishing nets, often called “ghost” nets. Since this process is random, no two dials are identical, making each watch as unique as its wearer. It is offered in a 36.5mm size, measuring only 12mm in thickness. Despite its smaller dimensions, it maintains a solid 300-meter water resistance. This is what we call guilt-free splurging.

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