Dive watches have held a firm place in the world of wristwatches for decades: robust, reliable, and versatile. But while major brands often charge several thousand euros for their divers, microbrand diving watches offer an exciting alternative: top quality, exceptional design, and fair prices.
Why a Microbrand Diver’s Watch Is The Right Choice
At Watchbandit, you’ll find one of the largest selections of microbrand divers under €1,000, combined with a passion that only true watch collectors possess. We know the brands, their creators, and the history behind the models—and we offer the matching straps.
What Makes a Good Diving Watch? – Buying Criteria At a Glance
Before we get to our favorites, let’s take a quick look at the key features that distinguish a good diver’s watch.
- Water resistance – A true diver’s watch should be water resistant to at least 200 meters (20 ATM). Many of our microbrand divers go far beyond that – up to 500 or even 1,000 meters.
- Lume – Underwater and in the dark, legibility must be excellent. Brands like Zelos, RZE, and Squale rely on Swiss Super-LumiNova, often in a solid 3D Lumicast finish.
- Movement – Automatic movements like the Miyota 9015, Sellita SW200, or Seiko NH35 are proven, easy to maintain, and run reliably for many years.
- Robustness – A screw-down case back, a screw-down crown, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and high-quality steel or titanium cases are a must.
- Design and individuality – Microbrands often offer bolder designs than the big players – from unusual watch faces to limited special editions.
💡 Tip: Each of these models can be personalized with our WB Original Straps – from NATO straps to tropical rubber straps to premium leather straps.
Top 10 Microbrand Diving Watches Under €1,000 – Our Recommendations
Here are our favorites from the Watchbandit shop – tested, loved, and ready for any adventure.
1. Squale – 1545 Series
The Swiss cult brand Squale has been building professional diving watches for decades. Most watches cost just over €1,000, but the Squale 1545 collection is available for even less. Originally developed in the 1970s, it now impresses with modernized dials in bold colors, 300 m water resistance, and the legendary Squale case. The screw-down crown with a red safety seal ensures maximum reliability, whether for recreational diving or everyday use.
➡ View in store
➡ Discover matching rubber straps
2. Nordic Marine Instruments – ØSTERSØEN
The ØSTERSØEN by Nordic Marine Instruments, with its iridescent blue wave, full lume, or mother-of-pearl dial, captures the magic of the sea. Crafted from diamond-polished stainless steel, equipped with Swiss Super-LumiNova, and featuring a practical quick-change clasp, it is both functional and stylish. Thanks to its slightly reduced 200 m water resistance, it is particularly slim and defined by its clean lines. It is the perfect choice for lovers of minimalist diver designs.
➡ View in store
➡ Review: Capturing the Essence of the Sea: A Close Look at the ØSTERSØEN by Nordic Marine Instruments
3. Alsta – Nautoscaph Superautomatic
Famous for its appearance in the 1975 film Jaws, the Nautoscaph Superautomatic is a true cult diver. Water-resistant to 300 meters, with a screw-down crown, scratch-resistant sapphire lens, and automatic helium escapement, it’s ready for any adventure. The Seiko NH35 automatic movement ensures reliability—whether for diving or as a stylish everyday companion.
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➡ Combine it with a leather strap in a vintage look
4. RZE – Aspirare
Titanium case, ultra-lightweight, 300-meter water resistance, and extremely robust thanks to the UltraHex™ coating—the Aspirare perfect for adventures on land and underwater. It also features a removable bezel for rinsing off the salt and grime of your adventures, as well as drilled lugs for quick strap changes.
➡ View in store
➡ Review: Hands-On: RZE Aspirare – A Customizable Timepiece for Adventurers
5. Second Hour – Gin Clear Diver
The Gin Clear MKII from Second Hour is a robust yet elegant diver’s watch, designed for adventures above and below water. With 200 m water resistance, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and a unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel, it offers everything a professional diver’s watch should have. The dial impresses with clear indices, powerful Swiss Super-LumiNova, and excellent readability in all lighting conditions.
➡ View in store
➡ WB Perlon Strap for the perfect Sommer-Look
6. Gruppo Gamma – Peacemaker
The Peacemaker is Gruppo Gamma’s robust interpretation of a classic combat diver’s watch—solidly constructed from CuSn8 bronze and water-resistant to 200 meters. The clear dial with its extensive Swiss Super-LumiNova coating ensures excellent legibility. Inside, a reliable Seiko NH35A automatic movement works. With its striking cushion shape and easy-grip bezel, it’s a real eye-catcher for lovers of functional tool watches.
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➡ WB Vintage-Leather strap for a historical look
7. Le Jour – Seacolt
The Le Jour Seacolt is a modern diver’s watch with classic vintage charm, inspired by the tool watches of the 1960s and 1970s. Water resistant to 300 meters and powered by a Swiss-made Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, it offers reliable precision. A unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel, generous Swiss Super-LumiNova, and a solid stainless steel bracelet with a dive extension make it the ideal companion – whether underwater or on dry land.
➡ View in store
➡ WB Perlon strap for the perfect summer look
8. Vandaag – Tiefsee Automatik
The Tiefsee combines modern design with maritime robustness. The 41 mm stainless steel case is water-resistant to 200 meters and houses the proven Miyota 821A automatic movement. The clear dial with generous luminous material offers optimal readability, while the striking bezel brings functional precision to the table.
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➡ WB nylon strap for a casual summer look
9. Zelos
Zelos is known for innovative materials, striking designs, and excellent craftsmanship in the microbrand segment. Their diving watches – often made of bronze, titanium, or Damascus steel – are not only water-resistant to 300–500 meters, but also feature exceptional details such as meteorite-inspired or elaborately textured dials. Each model is limited to 100 pieces and combines technical robustness with a unique look that clearly stands out from the crowd.
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➡ WB rubber strap in orange for maximum contrast
10. Venezianico – Nereide
The Nereide combines Italian elegance with true diving watch functionality. Water resistant to 200 meters, equipped with Swiss Super-LumiNova, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and a ceramic bezel. Powered by the Sellita SW200-1 or Seiko NH70A automatic movement, it is precise, reliable, and a stylish companion—both at sea and in the city.
➡ View in store
➡ Review: Venezianico Nereide Ultraleggero 42
Why microbrand divers often offer more than big brands
Many microbrands invest their budgets not in expensive advertising or brand ambassadors, but in the product itself:
- Higher specifications for the same price
- Limited quantities and custom designs
- Direct contact with the manufacturer
- Enthusiastic service – with us, even from real watch collectors
At Watchbandit, you get an honestly curated selection – we only sell what we would wear ourselves.
Conclusion: Your perfect Microbrand Diver awaits
Whether classic, modern, or experimental – Microbrand Divers under €1,000 are the perfect way to enjoy high-quality watchmaking without spending a fortune. 💬 Our tip: Get the matching WB Original strap now to customize your Diver.
➡ Discover all Microbrand Dive Watches here
➡ Select the right strap