Posted on March 31 2021
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Blue is a masculine colour.
Admiral Nelson wore blue at the Battle of Trafalgar and Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. It's the traditional colour of boys. The colour worn by Police and security around the world.
We have a Royal blue and a Navy Blue.
But it's also a calming colour. Blue is associated with serenity and stability. The sky and the sea are both blue. Lighter shades of blue are therapeutic and soothing.
So it's a perfect colour for men's watches.
It's second only to black in popularity and makes a great alternative on a dive watch.
Admiral Nelson wore blue at the Battle of Trafalgar and Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. It's the traditional colour of boys. The colour worn by Police and security around the world.
We have a Royal blue and a Navy Blue.
But it's also a calming colour. Blue is associated with serenity and stability. The sky and the sea are both blue. Lighter shades of blue are therapeutic and soothing.
So it's a perfect colour for men's watches.
It's second only to black in popularity and makes a great alternative on a dive watch.
The 7 Best Affordable Blue Dial Divers Watches
I've already covered white and orange dive watches. They're both bold looks, designed to increase the visibility of the dial. Orange dials work particularly well underwater.
Blue is a less obvious choice for a dive watch. Like black, it allows for a nice contrast with the numbers or indices. But it doesn't scream at you the way a bright orange dial does.
Blue is more conservative.
As I stressed in the introduction, it's the colour chosen by authority. It's popular with armies and the Police. It's also a safe choice for a suit.
Blue dial dive watches add a bit of colour and flair while remaining subtle. They're versatile and less sporty than some of the more colourful models.
Having said that, I do want to show you some less well-known watches. I don't want to highlight a selection of bestselling Seiko and Orient watches. As much as I like those brands, that's been done to death.
Trust me, you can find those watches everywhere.
I want to show you the watches that I'm passionate about. Small brands with cool stories and timepieces from around the world.
You'll enjoy the backstories and the unique designs and hopefully find a hidden gem.
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 blue version is among the most eye-catching.
The Amphibia is quirky and mid-sized. It's powered by a tough Vostok in-house movement. Importantly, 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.
The rear of the case has various markings in the Cyrillic alphabet which is a nice touch.
If you want an absolute bargain blue diver that you won’t see on anyone else wrists, start with this Russian model.
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 blue version is among the most eye-catching.
The Amphibia is quirky and mid-sized. It's powered by a tough Vostok in-house movement. Importantly, 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.
The rear of the case has various markings in the Cyrillic alphabet which is a nice touch.
If you want an absolute bargain blue diver that you won’t see on anyone else wrists, start with this Russian model.
Vostok Amphibia Scuba Dude
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Panzera styles their watches for the beaches of Australia. This model is big and bold and designed for diving. It's a far cry from the simple Vostok built for tough Soviet winters.
It's a large watch, aimed firmly at a demographic with an active lifestyle.
At 45mm, and with a cushion case, this isn't a subtle piece. Despite the sedate colour scheme - including a deep blue dial - this isn't a conservative watch.
Part of the Aquamarine collection, this is very much a modern take on a classic design. The bold fonts and prominent hands are contemporary design points. But the case and mesh bracelet are more vintage-inspired.
It straddles those two camps well. Vintage inspiration with a modern facelift.
It has a second crown for rotating an inner bezel. It's not a common feature and helps this watch stand out. Although it also adds to the size.
There is 300M of water resistance and the watch relies on bold numerals and lume to remain legible underwater.
The movement is a work-horse Seiko NH35A which should be both accurate and reliable. The company boasts that they have facilities in Australia and Switzerland. So quality shouldn't be an issue.
This watch won't be for everyone.
It's a large watch, aimed firmly at a demographic with an active lifestyle.
At 45mm, and with a cushion case, this isn't a subtle piece. Despite the sedate colour scheme - including a deep blue dial - this isn't a conservative watch.
Part of the Aquamarine collection, this is very much a modern take on a classic design. The bold fonts and prominent hands are contemporary design points. But the case and mesh bracelet are more vintage-inspired.
It straddles those two camps well. Vintage inspiration with a modern facelift.
It has a second crown for rotating an inner bezel. It's not a common feature and helps this watch stand out. Although it also adds to the size.
There is 300M of water resistance and the watch relies on bold numerals and lume to remain legible underwater.
The movement is a work-horse Seiko NH35A which should be both accurate and reliable. The company boasts that they have facilities in Australia and Switzerland. So quality shouldn't be an issue.
This watch won't be for everyone.
Although the colouring is restrained, the size isn't. If you like your watches chunky, then try this. It works in the sea and just as well in the beach bar.
Panzera Aquamarine Pro Diver A45D-01BM
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This blue Bulova diver is unashamedly vintage.
In the 1970s the company created a dive watch with a water resistance of 666ft. The watch was jokingly referred to as the Devil Diver. This is a remake. A stunning new watch created in tribute to that 1970s Oceanographer model. Albeit with a slightly modern twist.
Like the Panzera, it’s a chunky watch. But there's more colour and more flair.
Unlike the Panzera, this watch doesn't straddle two camps.
Instead, it's a faithful reissue. It has the same retro barrel case and dial as the original Devil Diver. And a sapphire crystal with a box magnifying lens above the date window.
Another notable feature is the lume filled tubes. They are used as hour markers. It's a nice touch that isn't immediately obvious. You'll like it.
The blue colouring features prominently and is complimented with orange. It oozes vintage charm, despite being a modern mechanical diver.
This might be a dive watch, but its true home is on the wrist of a surfer. It's not a desk diver for the office. It's too colourful and too fun.
In the 1970s the company created a dive watch with a water resistance of 666ft. The watch was jokingly referred to as the Devil Diver. This is a remake. A stunning new watch created in tribute to that 1970s Oceanographer model. Albeit with a slightly modern twist.
Like the Panzera, it’s a chunky watch. But there's more colour and more flair.
Unlike the Panzera, this watch doesn't straddle two camps.
Instead, it's a faithful reissue. It has the same retro barrel case and dial as the original Devil Diver. And a sapphire crystal with a box magnifying lens above the date window.
Another notable feature is the lume filled tubes. They are used as hour markers. It's a nice touch that isn't immediately obvious. You'll like it.
The blue colouring features prominently and is complimented with orange. It oozes vintage charm, despite being a modern mechanical diver.
This might be a dive watch, but its true home is on the wrist of a surfer. It's not a desk diver for the office. It's too colourful and too fun.
Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver 96B321
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The blue variation of the Super 7 Scuba is an impressive watch. It's very affordable and another model that may not be on your radar.
Like many watch fans in the UK, I see Rotary as a bit of a home brand. Their head office is in London and the British connection goes back to the early days of the company. They opened their first British office in the late Victorian era.
But they are actually a Swiss brand. They still manufacture some of their watches there. But you most likely know them as a high-street brand. So you might be unfamiliar with some of their limited edition models.
The Scuba 7 is one such watch. It's not widely available.
It is more conventional than the previous three watches I've highlighted. Although it's slightly reminiscent of the Rolex Submariner, it does have its own unique styling.
It also has decent specs and build quality.
For a little over £200, you get a watch powered by a Japanese Miyota automatic movement and equipped with a sapphire crystal. It’s a legitimate dive watch with 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, blue diver.
Like many watch fans in the UK, I see Rotary as a bit of a home brand. Their head office is in London and the British connection goes back to the early days of the company. They opened their first British office in the late Victorian era.
But they are actually a Swiss brand. They still manufacture some of their watches there. But you most likely know them as a high-street brand. So you might be unfamiliar with some of their limited edition models.
The Scuba 7 is one such watch. It's not widely available.
It is more conventional than the previous three watches I've highlighted. Although it's slightly reminiscent of the Rolex Submariner, it does have its own unique styling.
It also has decent specs and build quality.
For a little over £200, you get a watch powered by a Japanese Miyota automatic movement and equipped with a sapphire crystal. It’s a legitimate dive watch with 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, blue diver.
Rotary Super 7 Scuba S7S004B
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Chinese heritage brand Seagull doesn't do many dive watches. They're better known for making watches for the military. The Ocean Star is their diver. And what a watch it is.
There’s nothing ground-breaking with the Ocean Star. Instead, it’s a modern dive watch that ticks all the boxes that it should.
It has a deep blue bezel and a matching sunburst dial, making it an ideal blue diver. Along with the white contrasting hands and indices, the effect is of a very clear dial. It’s easy to read. There’s also a cyclops lens above the date window. All very practical.
Like the last model, it does the basics well. It's not as original as the Devil Diver or as affordable as the Amphibia. But it's a handsome dive watch that is half the price of a Swiss model.
And remember, you won’t see a watch like this on anybody else’s wrist. This is Chinese watchmaking at its best.
There’s nothing ground-breaking with the Ocean Star. Instead, it’s a modern dive watch that ticks all the boxes that it should.
- Reliable Automatic Movement
- 200M Water Resistance
- Sapphire Crystal
- Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel Bracelet
It has a deep blue bezel and a matching sunburst dial, making it an ideal blue diver. Along with the white contrasting hands and indices, the effect is of a very clear dial. It’s easy to read. There’s also a cyclops lens above the date window. All very practical.
Like the last model, it does the basics well. It's not as original as the Devil Diver or as affordable as the Amphibia. But it's a handsome dive watch that is half the price of a Swiss model.
And remember, you won’t see a watch like this on anybody else’s wrist. This is Chinese watchmaking at its best.
Seagull Ocean Star 816.523
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Out of Order watches have a simple mission. That is to damage their watches for you - they run with the tagline Damaged in Italy.
They make their watches look worn-in.
When you receive your new watch it has tarnish, discolouration and scratches. The idea is that you get a new watch that already looks like it's lived a full life.
You can see this with the blue version of the Auto. The case is discoloured and the bezel scuffed. The strap is a hand-sown too.
The overall appearance is of a vintage watch.
It's a quirky USP and makes the Italian brand distinctive. With this model, they've taken a standard dive watch design, coloured it blue and prematurely aged it. So instead of a generic dive watch, you have a one of a kind personalised piece.
The watch beneath the damage has a 44m case and a Japanese automatic movement. It also has a sapphire crystal and 100M of water resistance.
But you don't buy a watch like this for the specs. You buy this because you buy into the brand. Into the idea that they provide you with a one-off, bespoke watch.
They make their watches look worn-in.
When you receive your new watch it has tarnish, discolouration and scratches. The idea is that you get a new watch that already looks like it's lived a full life.
You can see this with the blue version of the Auto. The case is discoloured and the bezel scuffed. The strap is a hand-sown too.
The overall appearance is of a vintage watch.
It's a quirky USP and makes the Italian brand distinctive. With this model, they've taken a standard dive watch design, coloured it blue and prematurely aged it. So instead of a generic dive watch, you have a one of a kind personalised piece.
The watch beneath the damage has a 44m case and a Japanese automatic movement. It also has a sapphire crystal and 100M of water resistance.
But you don't buy a watch like this for the specs. You buy this because you buy into the brand. Into the idea that they provide you with a one-off, bespoke watch.
Out of Order Auto OOO.001.16.BL
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Japanese giants Citizen are best known for their Eco-Drive models. It's where the brand wins - affordable watches that self-charge using light.
They're on point for current trends, with eco-friendly watches being a lively niche. But I prefer their mechanical models.
And when I think of current Citizen automatic watches, this is the picture that I have in my head. A tough-looking sports watch. Big, chunky and with an off-centre crown.
It’s a look that the brand does well. This particular model comes in blue and black variations - the blue version is very attractive. Like the Bulova, it contrasts orange with blue. And again it's a successful colour scheme.
It costs significantly less than the Bulova and is often for sale for under £150. You get a lot of watch for that.
But bear in mind, it is a large watch. The diameter is 46mm and it has a 24mm bracelet. That's big. But I'd say that it works.
It works because the styling suggests a professional divers watch. It is substantial and has a heavily knurled bezel and a tough, angular case. This gives the impression of a watch that has been built to perform in very specific environments.
If you want your blue diver to be rugged, take a closer look at this Citizen automatic.
They're on point for current trends, with eco-friendly watches being a lively niche. But I prefer their mechanical models.
And when I think of current Citizen automatic watches, this is the picture that I have in my head. A tough-looking sports watch. Big, chunky and with an off-centre crown.
It’s a look that the brand does well. This particular model comes in blue and black variations - the blue version is very attractive. Like the Bulova, it contrasts orange with blue. And again it's a successful colour scheme.
It costs significantly less than the Bulova and is often for sale for under £150. You get a lot of watch for that.
But bear in mind, it is a large watch. The diameter is 46mm and it has a 24mm bracelet. That's big. But I'd say that it works.
It works because the styling suggests a professional divers watch. It is substantial and has a heavily knurled bezel and a tough, angular case. This gives the impression of a watch that has been built to perform in very specific environments.
If you want your blue diver to be rugged, take a closer look at this Citizen automatic.
Citizen Marine Sports NH8389-88LE
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Conclusion
Blue is a safe colour.
Blue watches are not as common as black dials, but it's still a safe look. Despite pale blue being soothing and serene, blue is still viewed as a man's colour.
So it's no surprise that blue dial watches are popular with men. Particularly dive watches and other sports models.
These colourful watches can be eye-catching without being as bright as orange or yellow dialled models. I hope that I've demonstrated how blue can be utilised on a dive watch. Because it can be used in a variety of ways.
The Russian's used it on military watches and the American's on surf designs. The Chinese use it conservatively on the Marine Star and the Italian's at Out of Order use it on their wild creations.
And it works in all these designs.
It's successful because it is so versatile. And this versatility means that it is used on vintage and cutting edge models.
If I've piqued your interest in blue dive watches, I'd advise you to follow some of the links and dig deeper.
And as ever, add a comment below.
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