There are many different things to consider when it comes to selecting the perfect luxury accessories to any hobby; style, luxury, dependability and usefulness are all factors that come to mind, and diving watches are no different. When you are going to be diving or snorkeling, you want a watch you can not only count on to withstand the physical trials of the ocean, but also to look good when you return to port and sit down for a cocktail with friends. With these important factors in mind, we have compiled a list of the 3 best luxury diving watches ever made.
Omega Seamaster
It’s almost impossible to discuss high-quality, luxury watches without mentioning the name Omega. First founded in 1848, the Swiss company has become one of the pinnacles of high-end horology. In 1932, Omega became the official time-keeper of the Olympic games, a tradition that continues to this day. Omega is also the watch of choice for many famous faces including Prince William, George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, Michael Phelps, and even the fictional spy James Bond. In fact, it was current Bond actor Daniel Craig that was first seen sporting the Omega Men’s Seamaster 2220.80.00 in the 2006 film “Casino Royale.” Now dubbed “the James Bond watch,” the Seamaster has become the must-have Omega dive watch and has become a symbol of true class and style. This model boasts an anti-reflective, scratch-resistant dial window and is cased in brilliant stainless steel. It is water-resistant to up to 1,000 feet, and thus is more than capable of meeting all your diving and snorkeling needs.
Rolex Deepsea
Omega is not the only trusted name in the industry, however. Another esteemed Swiss watchmaker whose name has become synonymous with luxury is Rolex. Founded in 1905, Rolex has become a popular watch brand among businesspeople, politicians, and celebrities. Rolex was the first watchmaker to create a model that was water-resistant and was tested by famed oceanographer Jacques Piccard in 1960. Rolex is the largest single luxury watch brand and produces an estimated 2,000 watches per day.
Rolex’s deep-sea dependability continues to this day with the Rolex Deepsea. This beautiful model is designed for true deep sea exploration and is designed to handle depths of up to 12,000 feet. The model features a black, scratch-resistant Cerachrom disc with a titanium caseback.
The double extension band was crafted for the Rolex Deepsea model so the watch can fit over both wrist and dive suit. It’s lightweight design makes it a favorite among both professional divers and those who dive and snorkel as a hobby.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor
Another trusted name in the world of luxury goods is Jaeger-LeCoultre. Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre, this company has long surpassed its simple origins to become a well-known and trusted name in the horology industry. Jaeger-LeCoultre has a long-standing history of providing quality parts to other prestigious watchmakers around the world, as well as of creating its own luxurious pieces. Among the famous faces who have been known to sport Jaeger-LeCoultre timepieces are King Edward VIII, Amelia Earhart and, more recently, Elodie Young, one of the stars of David Fincher’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” film adaptation.
One such timepiece ideal for watery adventures is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor. Built to resist depths of up to 3300 feet, this watch is more than capable of handling all your ocean-related adventures. This piece boasts a sapphire dial window and a stainless steel case with a black leather strap, and also features a second time zone window, so you’ll be able to keep track of the hours wherever your travels take you. The watch face also boasts a depth-gauge meter, so you’ll always be able to keep track of just how deep you’re diving.
Regardless of whether you are a professional diver or just make diving and snorkeling a vacation experience, you need the right timepiece on your wrist when you get in the water. Whether you settle on Omega, Rolex, or Jaeger-LeCoultre, you are sure to reap the benefits of true luxury and style!