Gentlemen, it’s time to take your timepiece game to the next level—the waterproof level. Whether you’re an avid swimmer, an adventurous kayaker, or just forget to take off your watch when you shower, it’s time to invest in a watch that can handle it all.
Yes, we’re diving deep (pun intended) into the best waterproof watches for men. But let’s get something important out of the way… Waterproof is just easier to say than water-resistant. Even the most high-tech wrist candy has its limits for taking on water. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some seriously dare-devilish underwater watch companions.
Now that we’ve got that technicality out of the way, it’s time to upgrade from that plastic watch you’ve been sporting for years. Trust us, a good waterproof watch is a must-have accessory for any adventurous man. It’ll keep you on time and on-trend, whether you’re after a classic dive watch, a sporty digital display, or something that you can rock on the beach and in the office.
Grab a towel, and get ready to dive into the world of the best waterproof watches for men.
Key Takeaways
If you are taking the time for due diligence on your next timepiece, then it’s fair to assume you’re looking for a watch that meets your functional and aesthetic needs. The best waterproof watch seamlessly fits into your style and accentuates your wardrobe while hitting the high notes regarding underwater performance.
It’s hard to overlook the Baltic Aquascaphe when carrying out this daunting task, which is why it landed in the top spot on my list. If you want watch recognition, the Rolex Submariner is undoubtedly the most iconic waterproof watch. Or maybe you’re searching for a classic digital standby—look no further than the Casio G-Shock.
Classic Aquascaphe at Baltic
GMT Collection New York at Iota
Meller Makkonen Black Silver at Amazon
Metro Rose Gold Neomatic 39 at Nomos Glashutte
The Hong Kong Special Edition at Iota
Seiko 5 Sports SKX Sports Style GMT at Amazon
G-Shock Frogman at Amazon
Garmin Forerunner at Amazon
Casio MQ24 at Amazon
Expedition Field Watch at Timex
1. Overall Best Waterproof Watch for Men: Baltic Classic Aquascaphe
Baltic watches are an embodiment of the height of French engineering. And the Baltic Aquascaphe Classic is the ultimate waterproof watch for guys who want style and functionality. With its timeless design, this watch is a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern functionality. The stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, and screw-down crown make it incredibly durable, while the 200-meter water resistance rating and easy-to-read dial mean it’s ready for any aquatic adventure.
Whether you’re diving into the deep blue or just splashing around in the pool, the Aquascaphe Classic has you covered. It’s even the perfect accessory for heading to the office. The functional sharp appearance will blend in with pretty much all of your office wear.
Size: 39mm | Material: Stainless Steel | Movement: Automatic Miyota 9039 | Waterproof: 300 Meters
2. Best Waterproof Themed Watch: Iota GMT Collection: New York
Few cities can rival the iconic New York City, which takes center stage during the design process of the Iota GMT New York collection. From the Brooklyn bridge to the burrows of New York, brown is synonymous with the architecture, and this is expertly portrayed on the tan leather band with an accentuating golden case.
The Iota New York GMT watch is a must-have for any guy wanting a versatile timepiece to keep up with an adventurous yet stylish lifestyle. The globetrotters will love the dual timezone feature, and the water enthusiasts will enjoy the 50m water resistance rating. Surprise rain showers be damned, the Iota New York GMT can take the wet while looking snazzy. Pair it with your favorite tee or a smart blazer—the options are endless.
Size: 41mm | Material: Stainless Steel | Movement: Swiss Made Ronda 515.24H | Waterproof: 50 Meters
3. Best Waterproof Minimalistic Watch: Meller’s Makkonen Black Silver
Straight from the dreams of a minimalist comes the Nairobi by Meller. This watch is the epitome of sleek, minimalist style, with an all-black design that exudes an air of sophistication, making it a versatile choice for both formal and casual occasions.
Featuring a black dial with simple markers and a date window, it’s paired with a durable black stainless steel case and silver band for a cohesive, on-trend look. I know the main concern on your mind, the 100m water resistance means you can splash about in the pool at a moment’s notice. And yes, it will look good with anything from swim trunks to a tailored suit.
Size: 38mm | Material: Stainless Steel | Movement: Japanese Quartz | Waterproof: 100 Meters
4. Best Waterproof Gold Plated Watch: Nomos Glashutte Metro Rose Gold Neomatic 39
Nomos is shrouded by style, tradition, and surprise. The Metro Rose Gold Neomatic 39 is another rabbit out of the hat when it comes to beauty and functionality. True to traditional Nomos Glashutte tradition, nothing about the watch is ordinary.
The metro collection is Mark Braun’s brainchild and features an 18-karat white silver-plated case ideal for styling with official wear. With splashproof simplicity like this, need I say more?
Size: 38.5mm | Material: Galvanized White Silver Plated, Leather| Movement: Automatic | Waterproof: 3 ATM
5. Best Waterproof GMT Watch: Iota The Hong Kong Special Edition
Hong Kong is a city unlike any other. It plays host to a clash of cultures and people and is accurately described as the gateway to the West. Iota’s Hong Kong special edition watch captures that by depicting the blend between darkness and elegance seen when the sun goes down on the city.
With 50 meters of water resistance, I wouldn’t recommend it as your scuba diving go-to, but it can handle whatever the nightlife throws at it. Pair it with slim dark jeans, a simple tee, and a leather biker jacket for ultimate city vibes.
Size: 40mm | Material: Stainless Steel, Leather | Movement: Ronda 515.24H | Waterproof: 50 Meters
6. Best Waterproof Digital Watch: Casio G-Shock Frogman
Unless you’re trying to pull off the iconic Ed Sheeran appearance, pairing a digital watch with a tuxedo is simply out of the question. However, what the digital watch lacks in aesthetics, it makes up for in functionality. And none comes better looking than the Casio G-shock.
Casio has long been associated with functionality, and its marriage to G-Shock bore thousands of pocket-friendly waterproof digital watches. This is ideal for guys with an active water sport-focused lifestyle. You’re better off pairing it with casual trousers such as good slim-fit denim trousers or beach shorts. An informal t-shirt or shirt will blend seamlessly with the sporty Casio appearance.
Size: 43.2mm | Material: Resin | Movement: Automatic | Waterproof: 200M
7. Best Waterproof Sports Watch: Seiko 5 Sports SKX Sports Style GMT
Seiko knew what they were doing when they launched the Seiko 5 sports collection in 1968. The collection has since been known as a watch brand you can count on. Relaunched in 2019, the SKX Sports Style GMT got more than a revamp of appearance. The collection now has a standard GMT function that allows you to track the time across multiple time zones.
This sporty number maintains its integrity to a depth of 100 meters while still looking snazzy with its oversized hands and markers. This is ideal as a dress watch, adapting to harsh everyday use. Styling it is as easy as slipping into your favorite weekend attire or casual-official weekday clothing.
Size: 43mm | Material: Stainless Steel | Movement: Automatic | Waterproof: 100 Meters
8. Best Cheap Waterproof Watch: Casio MQ24
You won’t always have money to splurge on a waterproof watch. Being alive is expensive—I get it. So if you’re willing to be creative with your styling, a trusted brand like Casio might be just the ticket. Priding itself on manufacturing timeless, functional watches, Casio devoted the time and effort to deliver a budget-friendly wardrobe staple.
The classic all-black design makes it perfect for everyday life. And the 30 meters of water resistance won’t make it a great diving watch, but if you fall in a pool or forget to take it in the shower, you’re good. And for under $20, it’s not the end of the world if you have to replace it.
Size: 35mm | Material: Resin | Movement: Quartz | Waterproof: 30 Meters
9. Best Waterproof Watch for Swimming: Garmin Forerunner
I love swimming, so I often put on my trunks and goggles and head for the nearest body of water. As we all know, electricity and water form a poisonous cocktail, so I clearly can’t use my phone to track my stats while swimming. This is where my trusty swim watch comes into play.
The Garmin Forerunner does some serious heavy lifting when it comes to swimming. Let’s go over a few features, shall we? Basic swim metrics, stroke type detection, timers, drill logging, heart rate monitoring, and even some swim workouts. Oh, and it’ll look fantastic with all of your swimwear. You’re welcome.
Size: 42.3mm | Material: Fiber-reinforced Polymer, Silicone | Movement: Digital | Waterproof: 5 ATM
10. Best Waterproof Military Watch: Timex Expedition Field Watch
Military watches are not popular for being easy on the eye. However, they are known for being borderline indestructible, and for authentic pieces, they have an unrivaled gritty history. The Timex Expedition Metal Field Watch is among the few military waterproof watches for men available in the civilian market.
The large, brightly lit dials make the watch easily visible in low-light conditions. When natural light is insufficient, the watch packs a useful night light that brightens up the display with the push of a button. Timex, in a true economic fashion, prices the Expedition Metal Field watch in the $50 range, saving you a few bucks when you need them. Rugged good looks on a budget.
Size: 40mm | Material: BRASS & LLB, Leather & Nylon | Movement: Quartz | Waterproof: 50 Meters
11. Best Waterproof Dive Watch: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner
Rolex has been at the forefront of watch manufacturing for decades, producing classic timepieces such as the Daytona and the Cellini collection. Long living on the lips of watch enthusiasts and the upper middle class is the Oyster Perpetual Submariner. The original Submariner was launched in 1953, and with it was the conception of the dive watch idea.
Originally, the watch had water-resistant capabilities of up to 100 meters, a technological breakthrough at the time. Over the years, Rolex has made more than a few minor adjustments, making the latest generation of submariners impervious to water for a depth of up to 300 meters.
Because of the impeccable style, this watch fits into formal wear, the perfect companion for a black tie occasion.
Size: 41mm | Material: Stainless Steel | Movement: Automatic | Waterproof: 300M
12. Best Waterproof Solar Powered Watch: Solios Rainforest Curve with Rose Gold Mesh
You never have to sacrifice style to stand for your beliefs and Solios proves this point with its solar-powered line of the best waterproof watches for men. Take the Rainforest Curve, for example. If a classy rose gold strap and a beautiful matte green display won’t make you stand out, I’m not sure what will.
The minimalist design guarantees graceful aging and styling, so you’ll always be keeping up with the latest trends in the watch scene (especially the waterproof ones). Did I mention you even have the option of a vegan leather strap? There aren’t many downsides here.
Size: 42.3mm | Material: Stainless Steel (leather available)| Movement: Quartz Solar-powered | Waterproof: 3 ATM
What to Look for in the Best Waterproof Watches for Men
Type
There are different types of watches for different situations and occasions. If you are looking for a waterproof watch to fit into your swimmer’s lifestyle, you should consider a diver’s or swimmer’s watch. Settling for a flashy alternative may prove inefficient and might do more to put a dent in your wallet than help you tell time underwater.
Water Resistant or Waterproof
Water resistant and waterproof are words often used interchangeably when describing the underwater capabilities of the best waterproof watches for men. However, according to many regulatory bodies, waterproof and water-resistant could not be more different. Hypothetically speaking, a watch can only be classified as waterproof if it can withstand the pressure of being 10,000 meters underwater, which corresponds to the deepest trench in the ocean.
Use
As much as this sounds counterintuitive, the less you wear a watch, the more you should spend on it. You might not want to rely on your most prized watch for all your swimming exercises because it begs the question, “Is it worth it?”
Material
The watch’s material is critical in its water-resistant capabilities and how you will style it. Metal straps are chic and sophisticated and subtle enough to fit under your coat’s sleeves for a formal dinner or business meeting. If you have the financial capability, going for a precious metal adds much-needed finesse.
Price
As much as you feel like a Rolex Submariner is the perfect watch for anyone who needs a waterproof watch, it attracts an outrageously high price tag that puts you off if you are on a budget. If you throw caution to the wind and make the purchase, it might end up as a collector’s item sitting in a safe instead of on your wrist.
Final Verdict
The Baltic Classic Aquascaphe is a stunning timepiece. From the unidirectional bezel to the rich blue of the display, the craftsmanship that went into engineering this gem is unrivaled.
If you’re looking for a water-resistant watch that doubles as a statement accessory, then look no further. If you need something more specific, I’d bet there’s something on this list for you.
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- Waterproof Vs Water Resistant Watches: What’s the Difference?
The best waterproof watches for men are hypothetically described as indestructible to intense underwater pressure while impervious to water. On the other hand, water-resistant watches have water and pressure-resistant capabilities up to a certain depth.
- Can I Swim with a Water Resistant Watch?
A water-resistant watch with a pressure rating of three atmospheres allows you to do various things, including swimming in pools with a depth of 10-20 meters. However, as much as the watch might claim to be water resistant, it is advisable to keep the luxury watches out of water.
- Are any Men's Watches Actually Waterproof?
Omega has a watch that maintains its integrity to a depth of up to 15,000 meters, the only one of its kind. But considering this is not a conventional watch, it’s largely accepted that there is no such thing as a waterproof watch.
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