Having to take off your watch to participate in an activity with any sort of proximity to water is a pain in the ass. Buying a water-resistant watch is the obvious solution, but what rating do you need? Unless you’re deep water diving (think ocean, not pool), 200 Meters (aka 200 Atmospheres / 20 ATM / 20 Bar) is good enough for most of us. Here are some of our favorite water-resistant watches rated for at least 200 Meters that won’t break the bank.
TSOVET JPT-NT42
The TSOVET JPT-NT42 has the same aircraft gauge DNA you’ll find in their other watches, but it’s been streamlined and simplified for this smaller version. The 42mm case houses a Japanese Miyota movement, and the watch stays on your wrist with an easy to dry rubber genuine rubber band.
$200
Citizen BN0000-04H Eco-Drive Dive
Citizen has been making quality watches for longer than most of us have been alive, and that is absolutely true of the BN0000-04H Eco-Drive Dive Watch. Sleek, understated and water-resistant to 300 meters, this is the perfect watch for the guy that values simplicity over bells, whistles and pops of color.
$200+
Casio G-Shock GDX6900HT
If you haven’t thought about a G-Shock watch since you were a kid, it’s time to check out one of their newest creations: the GDX6900HT. The same digital face, four-button case and gel body still houses more functions than you’ll probably ever use, but now it’s available with a heather fabric print in seven different colors.
$150
Vostok Amphibia
Originally created for the USSR’s navy, the Vostok Amphibia is one of the most unique watches on the market. The Russian watches can be a little bit harder to find, but most of them are available for less than $100—including the one Bill Murray wore as Steve Zissou. For more history on this watch, hit up Hodinkee.
$56+
Timex Intelligent Quartz Depth Gauge
The company that makes your favorite budget watch with interchangeable straps also makes a 200-meter water-resistant watch with built in depth and temperature gauges. It’s unlike most of their other offerings, but that really works in their favor when you’re looking for a stylish watch you can wear in the water.
$200
Invicta 8926OB
The rotating bezel, domed crystal, stainless link bracelet and even the hands make this watch appear a lot like a watch from a much more prestigious brand. Invicta’s version might not be an heirloom, but it does still include an automatic movement and costs pennies on the dollar compared to the other option.
$90+
