Posted on June 25 2021
This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated
Green is the colour of nature. It's the colour of trees, bushes and grass.
It's the colour that we've missed most during the Covid lockdowns.
Did you know that we can differentiate more shades of green than any other colour? That's because the natural world is green. We associate the colour with spring-time, rebirth and growth.
So, as we're coming out of lockdown we're seeing a big rise in the number of green dialled watches. Manufacturers seem to be on to something.
They know that we love green. They know that we miss the outdoors. And they know that we view green as a refreshing and tranquil colour.
What better colour for your next post-lockdown dive watch?
It's the colour that we've missed most during the Covid lockdowns.
Did you know that we can differentiate more shades of green than any other colour? That's because the natural world is green. We associate the colour with spring-time, rebirth and growth.
So, as we're coming out of lockdown we're seeing a big rise in the number of green dialled watches. Manufacturers seem to be on to something.
They know that we love green. They know that we miss the outdoors. And they know that we view green as a refreshing and tranquil colour.
What better colour for your next post-lockdown dive watch?
The 7 Best Affordable Green Dial Dive Watches
Why only green dive watches?
Two reasons. Firstly, I've already covered green dials a while back. I didn't want to repeat that more general article. Secondly, there really has been a bunch of new green dial watch releases.
I don't want to get bogged down in looking at them all.
Instead, I wanted to acknowledge the recent trend for green dials but only highlight my favourite affordable watches. I wanted to then focus on a smaller niche. Just dive watches and just affordable models.
When I narrow it down like that, I've found that some of the classics stand up well compared to the new releases. So my list includes both.
Green isn't an obvious choice for a dive watch. Not like conservative black, authoritarian blue and vibrant orange.
It's softer and reminds us more of nature and the environment than orange does. But it's more eye-catching and edgy than black or blue.
I'd also suggest that green has military associations, but that still comes back to its use in the field. You can't get away from those links to the natural world.
So let's take a look at some stunning green dive watches. My list covers a selection of styles and price points. There should be something for everyone here.
The name gives this one away.
Rolly Vintage lets you know that vintage Rolex styling has inspired this piece. The result is excellent. A Swiss-Made automatic with a much-loved dive watch aesthetic.
And a bright green dial and bezel.
It’s a comfortable size. The 40mm case is just right and it houses a 20mm distressed leather strap. This works well for a vintage-inspired watch and reinforces the link to nature.
If you're not familiar with Mathey-Tissot, they're an entry-level Swiss brand. They're probably best known for making personalised watches for Elvis.
For us, part of the appeal is the Swiss-made label that the watches carry. I get it, it’s important. Particularly at this low price point. So it’s pleasing to know that this model is Swiss-made, as is the automatic movement.
It’s a big selling point for the brand, but you're also here for the design and colouring.
Rolly Vintage lets you know that vintage Rolex styling has inspired this piece. The result is excellent. A Swiss-Made automatic with a much-loved dive watch aesthetic.
And a bright green dial and bezel.
It’s a comfortable size. The 40mm case is just right and it houses a 20mm distressed leather strap. This works well for a vintage-inspired watch and reinforces the link to nature.
If you're not familiar with Mathey-Tissot, they're an entry-level Swiss brand. They're probably best known for making personalised watches for Elvis.
For us, part of the appeal is the Swiss-made label that the watches carry. I get it, it’s important. Particularly at this low price point. So it’s pleasing to know that this model is Swiss-made, as is the automatic movement.
It’s a big selling point for the brand, but you're also here for the design and colouring.
It’s a straightforward Submariner clone, with an aged lume and a simple green colour palette. But it's not a homage to Rolex's green Hulk Submariner.
The styling works for me. The size, the design, the Swiss production. Once you also take the price into consideration, this is a very good value bold green diver.
The styling works for me. The size, the design, the Swiss production. Once you also take the price into consideration, this is a very good value bold green diver.
Mathey-Tissot Rolly Vintage H900ATLV
|
This is another watch inspired by a vintage design. It's a homage to Seiko's 62MAS, the brands first dive watch.
Originally released in 1965, the watch now has a cult status. Seiko has recently recreated the watch themselves. But it’s not very affordable.
Chinese microbrand Heimdallr has produced this version. It’s slightly larger than the Seiko but is otherwise faithful to the skin diver styling of the 62MAS.
They do a couple of colours, including this deep green variation.
The 62MAS is not an obvious watch to replicate. It's less well-known than the Rolex Submariner.
The styling is vintage, but the watch uses modern watchmaking knowledge. It’s powered by a Seiko Japanese automatic movement and has a domed sapphire crystal.
I like that most people won't recognise this watch. They won't know that it is replicating a classic design. It oozes vintage charm and has a pared-down aesthetic that will make it versatile.
It’s a Chinese watch, inspired by a historical Japanese piece and definitely a green watch to consider.
Originally released in 1965, the watch now has a cult status. Seiko has recently recreated the watch themselves. But it’s not very affordable.
Chinese microbrand Heimdallr has produced this version. It’s slightly larger than the Seiko but is otherwise faithful to the skin diver styling of the 62MAS.
They do a couple of colours, including this deep green variation.
The 62MAS is not an obvious watch to replicate. It's less well-known than the Rolex Submariner.
The styling is vintage, but the watch uses modern watchmaking knowledge. It’s powered by a Seiko Japanese automatic movement and has a domed sapphire crystal.
I like that most people won't recognise this watch. They won't know that it is replicating a classic design. It oozes vintage charm and has a pared-down aesthetic that will make it versatile.
It’s a Chinese watch, inspired by a historical Japanese piece and definitely a green watch to consider.
Heimdallr 62MAS
|
The Oris Sixty Five is the most expensive watch on my list. It's a Swiss-Made beauty from a well-established brand.
It's also a remake of an earlier watch. Oris describes it as “a revival of an iconic diver’s watch that first appeared in the Oris collection 50 years ago”.
This watch is almost a replica of its own original design.
Like the 62MAS remake, this watch has been updated with current watchmaking techniques. This includes a case made of anti-corrosive stainless steel. There is also a vintage-inspired bubble-curved glass made of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
The result is a stunning watch, albeit with a price tag well over £1000.
The design itself is deceptively simple. There’s nothing ornate in the styling. It's all the small things that have been done well that makes this watch a winner.
That includes the movement. The Swiss Sellita SW200 has been modified by Oris in-house. And in keeping with the vintage aesthetic, the lume is Old Radium Superluminova.
With 100M of water resistance, you can't take the Oris Sixty-Five diving. But honestly, would you want to?
It's also a remake of an earlier watch. Oris describes it as “a revival of an iconic diver’s watch that first appeared in the Oris collection 50 years ago”.
This watch is almost a replica of its own original design.
Like the 62MAS remake, this watch has been updated with current watchmaking techniques. This includes a case made of anti-corrosive stainless steel. There is also a vintage-inspired bubble-curved glass made of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
The result is a stunning watch, albeit with a price tag well over £1000.
The design itself is deceptively simple. There’s nothing ornate in the styling. It's all the small things that have been done well that makes this watch a winner.
That includes the movement. The Swiss Sellita SW200 has been modified by Oris in-house. And in keeping with the vintage aesthetic, the lume is Old Radium Superluminova.
With 100M of water resistance, you can't take the Oris Sixty-Five diving. But honestly, would you want to?
Oris Sixty-Five
|
This green variation of Rotary's Super 7 Scuba is a great looking watch. It's much more affordable than the Oris and may be a watch that isn't on your radar.
That's understandable. Like many watch fans in the UK, I see Rotary as a bit of a home brand. They're not so popular elsewhere.
The Rotary head office is in London. They opened their first British office in the late Victorian era, so their link to Britain is strong.
They still manufacture some of their watches in Switzerland, although the Scuba 7 isn't one of them. You'll most likely know Rotary from the high street. There's a good chance that you're unfamiliar with some of their limited edition models.
The Scuba 7 is one such watch. It's not widely available.
Compared to some of the others on my list it's quite a conventional watch. Although the bold colouring does make it memorable. The styling is typical of a modern dive watch and a real contrast to the Heimdallr and Oris.
As you'd expect, both the specs and build quality are good.
For a little over £200, you get a watch powered by a Japanese Miyota automatic movement and equipped with a sapphire crystal. Unlike some of the others, this is a legitimate dive watch. It has 300M of water resistance.
This Rotary model does the basics well.
It’s a great all-rounder and one of the first places you should look if you want a modern green diver.
That's understandable. Like many watch fans in the UK, I see Rotary as a bit of a home brand. They're not so popular elsewhere.
The Rotary head office is in London. They opened their first British office in the late Victorian era, so their link to Britain is strong.
They still manufacture some of their watches in Switzerland, although the Scuba 7 isn't one of them. You'll most likely know Rotary from the high street. There's a good chance that you're unfamiliar with some of their limited edition models.
The Scuba 7 is one such watch. It's not widely available.
Compared to some of the others on my list it's quite a conventional watch. Although the bold colouring does make it memorable. The styling is typical of a modern dive watch and a real contrast to the Heimdallr and Oris.
As you'd expect, both the specs and build quality are good.
For a little over £200, you get a watch powered by a Japanese Miyota automatic movement and equipped with a sapphire crystal. Unlike some of the others, this is a legitimate dive watch. It has 300M of water resistance.
This Rotary model does the basics well.
It’s a great all-rounder and one of the first places you should look if you want a modern green diver.
Rotary Super 7 Scuba S7S003B
|
The 6105 was on my list of must-have Seiko watches. Nicknamed the Turtle, it was the watch worn by Captain Willard in Apocalypse Now. Like the 62MAS, it's an iconic Japanese diver.
The original watch was available to GI's in Vietnam, so despite being a dive watch it's also seen as a military piece. It wasn't initially available as a bright green model, but Steeldive's homage works for me.
Steeldive is a Chinese homage brand in the mould of San Martin, Corgeut and others.
The SD1970 is a chunky watch, with a 44mm cushion case. You can see where the Turtle nickname comes from. It's a vintage-style case with distinctive crown guards.
Like many Seiko's, the crown is repositioned at 4 o'clock. It's an ergonomic design that keeps larger watches comfortable. Steeldive has retained this feature.
And like a lot of Chinese homage watches, this model is powered by a Seiko engine. It also has a sapphire crystal.
It's another very affordable way to get a classic design with a green colour palette.
The original watch was available to GI's in Vietnam, so despite being a dive watch it's also seen as a military piece. It wasn't initially available as a bright green model, but Steeldive's homage works for me.
Steeldive is a Chinese homage brand in the mould of San Martin, Corgeut and others.
The SD1970 is a chunky watch, with a 44mm cushion case. You can see where the Turtle nickname comes from. It's a vintage-style case with distinctive crown guards.
Like many Seiko's, the crown is repositioned at 4 o'clock. It's an ergonomic design that keeps larger watches comfortable. Steeldive has retained this feature.
And like a lot of Chinese homage watches, this model is powered by a Seiko engine. It also has a sapphire crystal.
It's another very affordable way to get a classic design with a green colour palette.
Steeldive Turtle SD1970
|
This model combines the styling of Seiko's discontinued SKX007 and Rolex's discontinued Submariner Hulk. The result is a very affordable and attractive sports watch.
The green dial and bezel are accented with gold and the whole package comes in a substantial stainless steel case.
It makes for a rugged, yet versatile watch. You could wear this watch for a weekend camping or with a suit in the office.
The Seiko 5 range is all about affordability. That was the reason behind its creation. The collection is all inexpensive mechanical watches.
So you get great value for money with the SRPD63K1.
It has an in-house Seiko movement, a hardlex crystal and a bold, legible dial.
The only compromise that you have to make with this budget watch is the water resistance. It's only 100M. If you can live with that, this a beautiful piece.
The green dial and bezel are accented with gold and the whole package comes in a substantial stainless steel case.
It makes for a rugged, yet versatile watch. You could wear this watch for a weekend camping or with a suit in the office.
The Seiko 5 range is all about affordability. That was the reason behind its creation. The collection is all inexpensive mechanical watches.
So you get great value for money with the SRPD63K1.
It has an in-house Seiko movement, a hardlex crystal and a bold, legible dial.
The only compromise that you have to make with this budget watch is the water resistance. It's only 100M. If you can live with that, this a beautiful piece.
Seiko 5 SRPD63K1
|
This legendary Russian dive watch is a favourite of mine.
It was designed for the Soviet military and had to be both inexpensive and durable. I'd suggest that it's the best value mechanical dive watch that you can buy.
There are many variations of the Vostok Amphibia, with this dial design known as the 'Scuba Dude'. The green version is among the most eye-catching.
The Amphibia is quirky and mid-sized. It's powered by a tough Vostok in-house movement. Unlike the Seiko, it’s a legitimate dive watch. It was built to be used in the field. It has 200M water resistance and a screw-down crown.
The case is simple and spartan and has a rotating bezel that doesn’t do much. The design team had to cut a few corners to stay within budget and the bezel was a casualty.
What you'll love about the Amphibia, is that it looks like it was built in the Soviet Union. For the creators, function always trumped style and the watch has a utilitarian aesthetic.
It was designed for the Soviet military and had to be both inexpensive and durable. I'd suggest that it's the best value mechanical dive watch that you can buy.
There are many variations of the Vostok Amphibia, with this dial design known as the 'Scuba Dude'. The green version is among the most eye-catching.
The Amphibia is quirky and mid-sized. It's powered by a tough Vostok in-house movement. Unlike the Seiko, it’s a legitimate dive watch. It was built to be used in the field. It has 200M water resistance and a screw-down crown.
The case is simple and spartan and has a rotating bezel that doesn’t do much. The design team had to cut a few corners to stay within budget and the bezel was a casualty.
What you'll love about the Amphibia, is that it looks like it was built in the Soviet Union. For the creators, function always trumped style and the watch has a utilitarian aesthetic.
I've modded mine with a new bezel and strap.
The rear of the case has various markings in the Cyrillic alphabet which is a nice touch.
If you want an absolute bargain green diver that you won’t see on anyone else wrists, start with this Russian model.
Vostok Amphibia Scuba Dude 420386
|
Conclusion
Green is the colour of nature. It's no surprise that green watches are proving popular following the Covid lockdowns.
Green is a peaceful colour and works well on watch dials and bezels. It sits somewhere between the conservative colours - black and blue - and the bold oranges and reds.
It doesn't strike me as the obvious colour for dive watches. However, as you've seen, there are plenty of brands using green on their divers.
Importantly, it works great in a variety of styles.
Green works as well on a vintage reissue like the Oris Sixty-Five as it does on a modern Rotary model.
It's not for everyone, but I hope you found at least one watch on my list that caught your eye. If so, follow the affiliate link and have a closer look.
And please add a comment below. Let me know what you think of my favourite green watches and tell me about yours in a comment.
0 comments