Posted on July 06 2021
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Yellow is a complex colour.
It's associated with the sun. With that comes feelings of optimism and joy.
It's a bright and energetic colour that grabs your attention. It is on warning signs and works well in this role when contrasted with black.
But too much yellow can be overwhelming. There's evidence to show that yellow rooms make babies cry. And dull yellows? They're more associated with sickness, cowardice and deceit.
So it's a tricky colour to use. Designers are careful when using yellow in advertising and tend to view it as a childish colour. It works better with toys than it does with cars.
So why do I want to show you a selection of dive watches?
It's associated with the sun. With that comes feelings of optimism and joy.
It's a bright and energetic colour that grabs your attention. It is on warning signs and works well in this role when contrasted with black.
But too much yellow can be overwhelming. There's evidence to show that yellow rooms make babies cry. And dull yellows? They're more associated with sickness, cowardice and deceit.
So it's a tricky colour to use. Designers are careful when using yellow in advertising and tend to view it as a childish colour. It works better with toys than it does with cars.
So why do I want to show you a selection of dive watches?
Why Yellow Dialled Dive Watches?
Because yellow grabs your attention.
When doing sports or diving a watch needs to be legible. A bright colour can help with this.
It's why Doxa chose to use orange for their original Sub 300. They took prototype watches with different coloured dials to the bottom of a lake. They decided that orange was the easiest dial to read underwater.
Yellow works like that for me. Yes, it's bold, bright and energetic. But yellow dials are also easy to read. That big yellow circle stands out.
And it's fun.
Designers might use the word 'childish' to describe the colour. But I'd use the word 'fun' instead. A bright yellow watch is lighthearted and quirky.
So let's take a look at my favourites.
The Spinnaker Dumas is a distinctive octagonal-shaped watch that is reminiscent of the angular divers from the 1970s.
It has a bold case and a bright colour palette. It's a great alternative to the Omega Ploprof aesthetic that can be too much of an acquired taste.
Like the Ploprof it's angular, vintage-inspired and colourful. But it's also smaller, more conventional and doesn't have the Ploprof's large bezel lock.
Hong Kong-based Spinnaker specialises in affordable mechanical watches. So the Dumas has the specs that you'd expect at this price point.
It has a reliable Japanese movement and 300M of water resistance. So this is a legitimate dive watch.
The yellow dial is contrasted with a black bezel and they've kept the design bright with white markers and red accents. It's colourful without being childish.
The Dumas is an inexpensive way to get an automatic watch with cool 1970s styling.
It has a bold case and a bright colour palette. It's a great alternative to the Omega Ploprof aesthetic that can be too much of an acquired taste.
Like the Ploprof it's angular, vintage-inspired and colourful. But it's also smaller, more conventional and doesn't have the Ploprof's large bezel lock.
Hong Kong-based Spinnaker specialises in affordable mechanical watches. So the Dumas has the specs that you'd expect at this price point.
It has a reliable Japanese movement and 300M of water resistance. So this is a legitimate dive watch.
The yellow dial is contrasted with a black bezel and they've kept the design bright with white markers and red accents. It's colourful without being childish.
The Dumas is an inexpensive way to get an automatic watch with cool 1970s styling.
Spinnaker Dumas SP-5081-44
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The INOX is another angular watch. This time a Swiss-made quartz model in a chunky 45mm case.
It has clean lines and gentle curves that give the watch a refined appearance. But at heart, this is a tool watch.
It has a substantial case and bracelet and 200M of water resistance. The glass is sapphire crystal and, as mentioned, it has a Swiss quartz movement.
Victorinox made their name producing the Swiss Army penknife. Their watches follow the same ethos, with the INOX being typical of the brand. It's versatile and stylish.
They've used the yellow well, and like Spinnaker have opted for white markers and red accents. The second hand is bright red too and really stands out.
This would be a good option if you want a Swiss-made piece with an entry-level price.
It has clean lines and gentle curves that give the watch a refined appearance. But at heart, this is a tool watch.
It has a substantial case and bracelet and 200M of water resistance. The glass is sapphire crystal and, as mentioned, it has a Swiss quartz movement.
Victorinox made their name producing the Swiss Army penknife. Their watches follow the same ethos, with the INOX being typical of the brand. It's versatile and stylish.
They've used the yellow well, and like Spinnaker have opted for white markers and red accents. The second hand is bright red too and really stands out.
This would be a good option if you want a Swiss-made piece with an entry-level price.
Victorinox I.N.O.X 241784
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You'll see me mention Vostok regularly on this blog. The Russian brand makes bullet-proof watches with true heritage. Vostok is the company that supplied watches to the Soviet military.
The Komandirskie is a legend. It's one of the cheapest mechanical watches available anywhere. And this is a watch that really was worn in combat.
There have been many variations of this watch. Remember, it's been in production for more than 50yrs.
This Russian-made model is a recent iteration and is equipped with an automatic movement. Many variations of the Komandirskie are hand-wound, but this yellow version is upgraded.
It's still recognisable as the classic Russian watch and still has an in-house movement.
But it's more modern and, dare I say it, more western looking than previous models.
But as a yellow-dialled diver? This is a cracking watch. Very affordable and with great specs for the price.
Aside from the Vostok automatic movement, it also boasts 200M of water resistance. Again, an upgrade from the classic Komandirskie.
This watch represents amazing value for money. It would be my first choice for a budget yellow watch.
The Komandirskie is a legend. It's one of the cheapest mechanical watches available anywhere. And this is a watch that really was worn in combat.
There have been many variations of this watch. Remember, it's been in production for more than 50yrs.
This Russian-made model is a recent iteration and is equipped with an automatic movement. Many variations of the Komandirskie are hand-wound, but this yellow version is upgraded.
It's still recognisable as the classic Russian watch and still has an in-house movement.
But it's more modern and, dare I say it, more western looking than previous models.
But as a yellow-dialled diver? This is a cracking watch. Very affordable and with great specs for the price.
Aside from the Vostok automatic movement, it also boasts 200M of water resistance. Again, an upgrade from the classic Komandirskie.
This watch represents amazing value for money. It would be my first choice for a budget yellow watch.
Vostok Komandirskie 650859
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Zeno's yellow dive watch is designed for style rather than function. It's a beast of a watch that isn't going to work for everyone.
But if you’re happy with a large watch that looks like a vintage diver, albeit without the water resistance, then this may work for you.
Let’s get the size out of the way first.
This is a big watch that even the manufacturer describes as heavy. It’s bold and eye-catching and, like the Spinnaker, does a great job of recreating 1960s and 70s diver chic.
If the size and water-resistance aren’t deal breakers for you - and I understand if they are - then this watch does deliver in other areas.
As mentioned, the retro styling is on point and very authentic for the period. Coupled with that are the quality and production. This is a Swiss-made watch with a desirable ETA automatic movement.
It may not function as a true dive watch, but that is no reflection on the build quality or the components used. It's all about the unique styling and brand history with this model.
It's a distinctive release from a family-owned business. And you'll either love it or hate it.
But if you’re happy with a large watch that looks like a vintage diver, albeit without the water resistance, then this may work for you.
Let’s get the size out of the way first.
This is a big watch that even the manufacturer describes as heavy. It’s bold and eye-catching and, like the Spinnaker, does a great job of recreating 1960s and 70s diver chic.
If the size and water-resistance aren’t deal breakers for you - and I understand if they are - then this watch does deliver in other areas.
As mentioned, the retro styling is on point and very authentic for the period. Coupled with that are the quality and production. This is a Swiss-made watch with a desirable ETA automatic movement.
It may not function as a true dive watch, but that is no reflection on the build quality or the components used. It's all about the unique styling and brand history with this model.
It's a distinctive release from a family-owned business. And you'll either love it or hate it.
Zeno Deep Diver 500-2824-19
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The Heimdallr Pro Dive is the Chinese brand's homage to Citizen's Fugu dive watch. This is a very affordable alternative, with a bright yellow dial and a Japanese automatic movement.
The first thing you'll notice with this watch is the crown. It's repositioned to 8 o'clock rather than 3. This ergonomic design minimises your chances to bash the crown or have it dig into your hand.
It makes for a unique design.
Like the Citizen original, the Heimdallr is an obvious tool watch. The styling is functional rather than fashionable.
But it's still a handsome watch.
It's rugged, sporty and very practical. Nice touches include the bold hands and a large knurled crown. It has both date and day windows and large makers.
Like most of the watches on this list, Heimdallr has opted for white markers.
This watch doesn't have the refinement of some of the others - it's more obvious as a practical watch. But that doesn't mean that it lacks style.
It's a great example of a watch that marries form and function.
The first thing you'll notice with this watch is the crown. It's repositioned to 8 o'clock rather than 3. This ergonomic design minimises your chances to bash the crown or have it dig into your hand.
It makes for a unique design.
Like the Citizen original, the Heimdallr is an obvious tool watch. The styling is functional rather than fashionable.
But it's still a handsome watch.
It's rugged, sporty and very practical. Nice touches include the bold hands and a large knurled crown. It has both date and day windows and large makers.
Like most of the watches on this list, Heimdallr has opted for white markers.
This watch doesn't have the refinement of some of the others - it's more obvious as a practical watch. But that doesn't mean that it lacks style.
It's a great example of a watch that marries form and function.
Heimdallr Pro Dive
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Canadian brand Momentum specialises in tough watches built for people with an active lifestyle. For the most part, they feature designs with the crown at 4 o'clock.
The M20 is their take on a modern dive watch.
This is a safe, slightly conservative model. It's mid-sized, has modern styling and bold numerals. It's powered by a quartz movement and has a simple black bezel.
Despite the colourful dial and unconventional crown position, this feels like the safest option on my list.
It has everything that you need in a dive watch but is the watch that I'd most likely wear to the office. That's not a negative. It fulfils the role of a dive watch and a smart-casual piece.
It's an ideal desk diver.
It doesn't have the flair of the Zeno or the history of the Vostok but instead has the Momentum DNA that I like so much.
Don't skip past this one too quickly. It's worth a closer look.
The M20 is their take on a modern dive watch.
This is a safe, slightly conservative model. It's mid-sized, has modern styling and bold numerals. It's powered by a quartz movement and has a simple black bezel.
Despite the colourful dial and unconventional crown position, this feels like the safest option on my list.
It has everything that you need in a dive watch but is the watch that I'd most likely wear to the office. That's not a negative. It fulfils the role of a dive watch and a smart-casual piece.
It's an ideal desk diver.
It doesn't have the flair of the Zeno or the history of the Vostok but instead has the Momentum DNA that I like so much.
Don't skip past this one too quickly. It's worth a closer look.
Momentum M20 1M-DN22
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This is the daddy of all yellow dive watches.
When I think of a colourful dive watch, the Doxa 300 Sub is the watch I picture in my mind. It's an iconic vintage diver most notable for its bright orange dial.
But it also comes in yellow.
And the reasons that make the orange 300 Sub so successful are just as evident in this variation. The only downside of both versions is the price. This isn't a watch that I'd really class as affordable.
But it's too good to not include it in my list.
What I love so much about this watch is the story that shaped the design. In a time when the big brands - Rolex and Blancpain - were releasing their latest divers, Doxa took a unique approach.
They took prototype watches to the local lake and tested them to see which worked best. The Doxa 300 with an orange dial was the result.
The watch is a classic.
This new release is based on the original from 1969 and has the same cushion case, distinctive hands and markers and the signature bezel.
It's also Swiss-made and has an automatic movement.
If your budget can stretch a little, this Swiss-made beauty should be a real contender.
When I think of a colourful dive watch, the Doxa 300 Sub is the watch I picture in my mind. It's an iconic vintage diver most notable for its bright orange dial.
But it also comes in yellow.
And the reasons that make the orange 300 Sub so successful are just as evident in this variation. The only downside of both versions is the price. This isn't a watch that I'd really class as affordable.
But it's too good to not include it in my list.
What I love so much about this watch is the story that shaped the design. In a time when the big brands - Rolex and Blancpain - were releasing their latest divers, Doxa took a unique approach.
They took prototype watches to the local lake and tested them to see which worked best. The Doxa 300 with an orange dial was the result.
The watch is a classic.
This new release is based on the original from 1969 and has the same cushion case, distinctive hands and markers and the signature bezel.
It's also Swiss-made and has an automatic movement.
If your budget can stretch a little, this Swiss-made beauty should be a real contender.
Doxa Sub 300T Divingstar
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Conclusion
Yellow isn't an obvious colour for a watch.
Indeed, designers are often told to be wary of using yellows when creating products for men. It's seen as a childish colour, dull shades often being associated with negative character traits.
So there aren't many yellow watches on the market.
But yellow is also the colour of the sun. It's bright, eye-catching and optimisitc.
And that's why to works well for dive watches.
Like orange, it attracts your eye to the dial. When contrasted with black or white the dial becomes very legible. Even more so if the rest of the dial and watch has been well designed.
So, this is my list of the best affordable dive watches with a yellow dial. There's a mix of styles and prices.
Some, like the Zeno, look the part. Others, the Momentum for example, are very capable dive watches.
There should be something here for everyone. And if I've missed one that you think should be included? Let me know in the comments below.
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