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In a 2015 reader poll reported by Fratello, 1,500 watch fans chose their favorites from 40 diving watches. The results named three leaders in each of four euro price bands, plus three quartz models. They document what those respondents preferred at the time—not a diving test, a vote by all divers, or a current buying guide.
How the poll was organized
Fratello’s September 28, 2015 article reports that German WatchTime surveyed readers on a German-language platform. The 40-watch selection was divided into four price bands, with quartz watches presented in a separate category. The results below are the three highest-vote models in each group, with votes and specifications as reported in that article. Fratello’s original poll report
The vote totals show preferences within that selection. The article does not establish that respondents owned or had dived with the watches, and it notes that the results do not necessarily reflect Fratello’s own preferences. It also says the German-language survey showed some preference for German brands. Neither the platform nor the candidate list makes the result a representative ranking of divers or the full watch market.
Top three in each price band
Prices and specifications in this table are historical figures from the 2015 article, not verified current prices or current model specifications.
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#1 Best Overall
- Stainless Steel case with Black Resin Band
- Black Dial with date window at 3 O'clock
- Luminous markers and hour hands; sweep second hand
- Anti-reverse bezel
- Water-resistant to 200 M (660 feet)
| Poll category | Rank and votes | Details reported in 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Up to €1,000 | 1. Glycine Combat Sub — 493 votes | 42 mm stainless-steel case, screw-down crown, ETA 2824 automatic movement; €998 retail price. |
| Up to €1,000 | 2. Victorinox Maverick Mechanical — 448 votes | 43 mm stainless-steel case, ETA 2824 movement; €825 retail price. |
| Up to €1,000 | 3. Limes Endurance II — 372 votes | 42 mm stainless-steel case, Sellita SW200 movement; €865 retail price. |
| €1,001–€2,500 | 1. Stowa Seatime Black Forest Edition — 391 votes | 42 mm titanium case; €1,390. |
| €1,001–€2,500 | 2. TAG Heuer Aquaracer 300M Calibre 5 — 381 votes | 41 mm case; starting price of €2,300. |
| €1,001–€2,500 | 3. Fortis B-42 Marinemaster Day/Date — 184 votes | 42 mm steel case; €1,550. |
| €2,501–€5,000 | 1. Tudor Pelagos — 330 votes | In-house MT5612 movement; €4,110. |
| €2,501–€5,000 | 2. Sinn T1 B — 254 votes | 45 mm titanium case; €2,800. |
| €2,501–€5,000 | 3. Oris Aquis Depth Gauge Chronograph — 177 votes | 48 mm case and mechanical depth gauge; €4,700. |
| Over €5,000 | 1. Rolex DeepSea Sea-Dweller — 484 votes | Reported as rated to 3,900 m; historical price €10,700. |
| Over €5,000 | 2. Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe — 189 votes | Historical price €11,880. |
| Over €5,000 | 3. Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanio — 141 votes | Historical price €16,600. |
Quartz category
Quartz models were grouped separately from the four price bands. The 2015 article reported these three vote leaders:
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The waterproof level of this watch has reached 10 ATM waterproof, which can work normally at a depth of 100 meters (330ft) underwater. It is not only suitable for wearing in water activities such as swimming, diving, snorkeling, surfing, rowing, water skiing, but also suitable for wearing in daily life and outdoor sports, such as jogging, hiking, climbing, cycling, etc.
- The built-in stopwatch and timer function of the watch can meet the precise timing needs of exercise and sports competitions.
- The dual time zone display function will make your trips more convenient; 12/24 hour format display can meet the time reading habits of different people.
- Support multiple useful functions, such as: alarm clock, hourly chime, calendar and back light.
- The watch battery is replaceable. If you find that the watch is not working or the text on the display is not clear, please replace the watch battery in time.
Rank #4
- Iconic Promaster watches with advanced functions designed to venture to the deepest depths.
- 3 Hand, Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Luminous Hands and Markers and Anti-Reflective Mineral Crystal
- Featuring our Eco-Drive technology – powered by light, any light. 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Rank #3
- Black stainless steel case 48mm diameter x 12.5mm thick; Black dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- Japanese quartz movement, VD53 Caliber; Assembled in Japan; SR920SW battery included; Watch weight: 310 grams
- Black stainless steel band, 215mm L x 26mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Flame Fusion crystal; Push/pull crown; Unidirectional stainless steel bezel with black and white bezel ring; Functional Subdials: 60min, 60sec, 24 hour;200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
Rank #2
- It is a 10 atm water resistant Grade, can work or be operated up to 100m underwater, suitable for swimminG, snorkelinG, scuba divinG or other water activities.
- This watch has chronoGraph, countdown, dual time zone, alarm clock and hourly chime functions.
- Precise hour, minute, second, date and day display, support month, date and week day check.
- 12/24 hour format switchable.
- Luminous watch, can set alarms for different time zones.
| Rank and votes | Model | Details reported in 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 471 votes | Citizen Promaster Marine | 44 mm steel case, 200 m water resistance, Eco-Drive powered, ISO 6425 certified; €199. |
| 2. 323 votes | Certina DS Action Chrono | 300 m water resistance; €750. |
| 3. 279 votes | Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 Chronograph Big Date | €995. |
What these results can—and cannot—tell you
- They capture a dated preference. These are votes reported in 2015, not a current popularity measure.
- They are not comparative dive-test results. Vote totals do not establish ownership, performance underwater, or safety.
- The field was limited. The ranking reflects the 40 watches selected for the poll, not every diving watch available.
- Historical prices and specifications need rechecking. The article’s figures should not be used as present-day buying or technical guidance; check current manufacturer information for a specific watch.
- The quartz winner is a poll result, not a current-model identification. The report does not verify a present-day equivalent or availability for the Citizen Promaster Marine it named.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
