The Best Waterproof Watches in 2023, Tested by Style Experts

Dec 19, 2023

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Plunge into the deep end with timepieces that are basically wearable art.

TIMEKEEPING AND time-telling are just as important off-land as it is on-land. I.e., whether you're snorkeling on the Island of Hawai’i, surfing the gnarly waves, or just swimming a few laps in your local pool, you need to strap up in watches that's got style and H2O resistance in spades. In the name of the game, waterproof watches that fear no splash, no downpour, and no undercurrent in the deep end will keep you ticking even in the wettest of situations.

Waterproof watches are the ultimate timekeeping companions for adventurous explorers, sailors, or a simple guy who can't resist occasional splashes here and there. And the best waterproof watches are seriously worth the plunge: they’ve got waterproof ratings that will even impress Poseidon, can withstand underwater pressure, are tough-as-nails like stainless steel watches, and never miss a beat even when the salty water tries to sneak its way in.

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Below, our editors and Fashion Director have tested anything from sports watches to automatic watches by trusted watch brands to find the 13 best waterproof watches that will keep you punctual with resilience and a dash of aquatic charm, whether you're rocking a wetsuit or a three-piece suit.

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There are two big reasons speedway racers sport this TAG Heuer Formula 1 waterproof watch: functionality and durability. It's a chronograph, which means it comes outfitted with a hyper-precision stopwatch. It's also water and shock resistant to handle all manner of pummeling, on the track or otherwise. Whether you're tracking the tides or simply splashing around, this sporty watch will keep you on time and fashionably afloat.

In our testing, we've found that the rubber strap is extra comfortable and—because it's rubber–perfect for water activities. The colorful look only turns up the heat even more.

Citizen makes waterproof watches that won't break the bank and don't need any battery replacement because the brand's signature Eco-Drive tech can convert any light to energy. The look is seriously sporty and fun, for any water sport that can be said just the same. And the build is made for the subaquatic world as well: stainless steel case that can take the pressure, rubber bands that are waterproof, and luminous markers that are always readable.

Five decades ago in 1971, a chronograph built for the lunar environment landed on the surface of the moon during the Apollo 15 mission. The rest is history, which includes the latest update of this lunar icon that now features an exclusive high-precision quartz movement to tell time exactly as it is, and an interchangeable stainless steel bracelet. Its water resistance is on the lower end of the spectrum, but after testing it in the shower and during surface swimming in shallow water, we can vouchsafe for its categorization as a waterproof watch.

With this rugged diver equipped, it's like having a tiny lifeguard on your wrist—minus the whistle and the intimidating muscles. Really, it's got every vernacular you need to tell time during a deep dive. The stainless steel case is tested by us to be unbreakable, the crystal surface is also scratch-resistant because who knows what you'll encounter down there, and the dial comes with luminous treatment to be always legible. Simple in look but mighty in practicality, it's the waterproof watch you can rely on for life.

Whether you're tracking the tides or simply splashing around, this watch will keep you on time and fashionably afloat. And if you're into the hardcore and really want to plunge into the deep end, this watch is water resistant at up to 1,000 feet (!) to make it a perfect dive watch as well. Our favorite part is that its antireflective crystal makes the dials always legible underwater, so you can rest assured you'll be on time no matter how deep you've reached. The glacial design, lastly, simply is a wonder to look at.

Here, we have a diver chronograph that can measure in 1⁄4-second (!) increments for you to fearlessly brave the depths while keeping you punctual even in the most splash-happy situations. As a sports watch, it's truly quite a star with so many complications built in. Whether you want to time yourself underwater or test the speed of your dive or just want to stay tuned to the seconds, you can do it with Movado's Alta Super Sub Sea Automatic.

With cutting-edge technology and a co-axial movement, Omega's waterproof watch is also simultaneous a chronograph and a racing watch with a tachymeter built in. Because why just conquer the water and the whole world is out there waiting for you? Made with shock-resistant stainless steel, it can take whatever curveball your subaquatic life throws at you. We also love that it doesn't look like a tacky timepiece that screams "I’m waterproof!". All in all, its sleek profile and tapestry of compilations make it worth the investment.

With a power reserve that can run for 70 hours straight and a water resistance performance of up to 660 ft, you can snorkel in a turquoise paradise for a whole day with this Tudor watch if you like. We also love that it comes with a rubber strap option which will be more comfortable and feel lighter underwater. Otherwise, you can rely on the signature look of Pelagos to help you not only tell time but also make a great splash—sartorially and physically speaking.

From letting you come out triumph in a rogue water fight or withstand a surprise slip into the hot tub, Seiko's waterproof watch has got the look to make you look like the James Bond of the kiddie pool as well. The watertight design plus a six-month power reserve once fully charged also really make a functional impression. As a hybrid watch nonetheless—with chronograph and tachymeter—it can even let you measure up to 60 minutes of elapsed time in 1/5-second increments with a split time measurement function, above or under water.

A collab we didn't see coming is Oris and Kermit the Frog. And we love that on "Kermit Day"— the first of the month—Kermit will appear on the dial. Fun. But otherwise, it's still a serious performer for underwater activities. From the 10ATM water resistance to the legible dials to an automatic movement that simply doesn't miss, you'll find as much joy as functionality in this timepiece.

Everything screams the '70s in this watch: from the funky vintage red to the hexagonal case to the thick lug, it's truly groovy. And we love that it's extra dressy to boot, meaning after you snorkel or swim a bit with it, simply wear it back to the motherland and put on your best three-piece suit—no unstrapping needed.

Shock-and saltwater-resistant, Breitling's dive watch is designed with a simple mission in mind: to help you keep time underwater. Hence, besides the readable yellow dial and the clear-cut look, any other feature that distracts you from underwater activities and needs is eliminated. You'll also find that its scratch-proof ceramic inlaid bezel will never wear or fade, meaning it'll seriously last a lifetime of aquatic fun.

You will probably be able to unleash your inner merman with such a pricey waterproof watch on your wrist. Not only does it look seriously badass, but it also comes with impenetrable waterproofing technology to survive splashes and downpours, allowing your to explore shallow depths with confidence and style.

In the watch world, there's no absolute waterproofness, which is why water resistance better describes what makes a watch waterproof since a watch can only be waterproof up to a certain extent—and therefore not completely waterproof but definitely water-resistant. With that said, our style experts and editors define waterproof by their maximum water resistance up to a certain depth underwater (more on that below), so some watches will be more waterproof than others because their underwater capability can go deeper. And our curation of tested waterproof watches can at least let you shower or swim in them easily.

The parameter for waterproof watches is ATM—short for atmosphere—which is the amount of pressure a watch is designed to withstand underwater. A waterproof watch with 10 ATM, for instance, can withstand underwater pressure at up to 100 meters or 330 feet, meaning it's water-resistant at up to 100 meters or 330 feet. Below, our watch experts have curated a list of what each common waterproof rating level will feel like for water activities.

3 ATM: Suitable for rain and light splashes, but must not be immersed in water or even in a sauna.

5 ATM: Still limited waterproofness but swimmable for low-velocity and shallow-water activities.

10 AMT: Great for most water sports, sailing, swimming, and snorkeling, but not water-resistant enough for diving. Can be submerged underwater for sure.

20 ATM: Perfect for recreational diving and pretty much all types of water sports, even high-impact ones.

30 ATM: Made for deep diving and professional diving.

Material: Choosing the right material for waterproof watches is of paramount importance especially if you're heading into the ocean where the water's salinity can erode a watch's material. Therefore, look for corrosion-resistant materials like titanium, stainless steel, or aluminum. Otherwise, you'll in general want to look for materials that are tough and can withstand the pressure.

Straps: Look for straps that won't get wet or can at least dry quickly. Which is why waterproof watches can be a downer for leather-lovers since leather straps can't really withstand water or salt that well. On the other hand, stainless steel, rubber, and silicone are tried-and-tested materials best suited for going underwater.

Uses: Depending on the waterproof ratings we've listed above, some watches are better suited for certain water activities than others. So ask yourself: "Where am I taking this waterproof watch to?" If the occasion doesn't really agree with its waterproof rating, please consider strapping it off or getting a more fitted waterproof watch.

Type: Any type of watch can be made waterproof—from chronographs to pilot watches to good ole dress watches—although dive watches are the best-equipped as waterproof watches since, by definition, their water-resistance level is bound to be higher. Adding compilations like tachymeter to waterproof watches only makes your aquatic adventure more fun, though it's by no means necessary.

To curate the best waterproof watches for men, our editors and writers have personally tried on and tested a variety of styles in the water, whether it's swimming with them in pools or going into the ocean with them on our wrists or just taking them to splashy places. Then, our testing editors narrowed the selection by evaluating these tickers based on their style, durability, price point, performance, and versatility. In addition, our selection focuses not on trendy or trend-chasing watches; instead, our picks of the best waterproof watches for men provide great value and performance at reasonable price points and come in styles that will look great years from now.

Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Products

At Men's Health, our testing editors and writers always make sure to actually test and use the products ourselves before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience, and you can read more about our testing process here.

In addition, we have a whole fashion closet in our NYC office dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best and newest watches. We put them on ourselves to see how they look on them before making our final decision. And as style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel and test a watch.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it's the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, designers, etc.—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.

Maverick Li is the Style & Commerce Editor of Men's Health, where he covers clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.

As Men's Health's Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

Ted Stafford is the Fashion Director of Men's Health. He oversees all style and fashion content for the brand, and also styles their fashion stories. His active lifestyle informs his passion for translating great designs into real-life style, a favorite part of his job. Prior to joining Men's Health he worked at GQ magazine and Calvin Klein

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