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Sometimes owning a diver’s watch isn’t enough proof that you love the ocean. Water resistance is great, but if you can’t hear waves crashing and seagulls every time you check the time, you might be missing out on the exciting power of a wave dial. No matter how realistic or abstract, depicting the ocean on a watch dial can deepen your bond with the ocean and add a pleasant texture. Here are six of the best wave dial watches in a fairly wide range of price points.
Islander Northport
Originally positioned as an alternative to DIY watch modifications, the Islander microbrand has spent years filling just about every dive watch niche imaginable and more. Since then, there have been several fan-favorite collections that seek to become much more than that. One of them is Northport. It’s a melting pot of influences between the Seiko 62MAS, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, and a dizzying array of colors. This dial can certainly be classified as a wave dial, but its texture is reminiscent of ripples in sand or dappled light on the surface of water when viewed from below. It is equipped with a Miyota 9015 with a beat rate of 4Hz and is housed in a case with a diameter of 40.5mm, a lug length of 47mm, and a thickness of 12.5mm, which is also an amazing spec considering the price. Price: $429
Seiko Prospex SPB483
Seiko releases so many watches, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen a completely new design in the Prospex Sea catalogue. The SPB483 is Seiko’s take on the octagonal bezel trend that has been breaking out of Royal Oak homages in recent years, and the rest of the watch extrapolates its personality from its large block-like bezel. . For a chunky 300m diver’s watch, it’s surprisingly compact with a diameter of 41.3mm and a lug-to-lug length of 48.2mm. It features a sapphire crystal and, of course, a gently waving dial overlaid with sunburst brushing. Some of Seiko’s Save The Ocean series depict more accurate ocean scenes, but this is a bold move and an exciting development for the Prospex catalog. Price: $1,100
Christopher Ward C60 #Tide
As a brand specializing in Maximize cost performance without compromiseThat’s right, there’s no reason not to want the Christopher Ward C60 #tide. A slim ceramic bezel frames a psychedelic wave dial made of translucent sapphire, which glows even after dark. Beneath the trippy lines, you can catch a glimpse of the COSC-certified Sellita SW200-1’s bluish components, or cover them with your hands to enjoy their shine. the Collaboration model with #tidewhich collects ocean plastic and recycles it into a variety of new products, including watch straps. In addition to all this, the 42mm case is also water resistant to 600 meters. Price: $1,375
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT
TAG Heuer’s Aquaracer Professional 300 collection is a king’s ransom for fans of wave dials, with both the 42mm and 36mm references offering gorgeous, shiny colors with captivating gradients. However, I decided to highlight this model because it is rare to see a wave dial with a GMT complication. The Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT features a 42 mm case with a dodecagonal bezel, paired with a green or blue high-contrast wave dial and a bicolor bi-color 24-hour bezel. Chronometer-certified, water-resistant to 300 meters, and packed with features, this watch is sure to be one of the most attractive diving watches in TAG Heuer’s current lineup. Price: $4,200
Baume & Mercier Riviera 10769
The Baume & Mercier Riviera aims to embody the relaxed style of the Côte d’Azur, and the wave dial and integrated bracelet case are the perfect combination. This 42mm version features a deep blue ultramarine translucent sapphire dial etched with an alternating wave pattern. The inverted boomerang style is definitely more stylish than organic, but combined with the dodecagonal case it enhances the sharp dressy feel. Below the dial, you can see the workings of the Valfleurier Baumatic caliber with a beat rate of 4Hz and a running time of 120 hours. The stainless steel case with blue PVD contrasts with the sandblasted and black-coated titanium bezel, giving it a beautifully darkened appearance. Price: $4,500
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Summer Blue
At one time, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M’s wave dial, seen on Pierce Brosnan’s 007 wrist, was probably one of the most famous watches in the world. When the series was revamped with laser-engraved ceramic dials and simplified waveforms, the watches took a decisive leap into the modern era. The Summer Blue line takes things even further with a PVD dial coating, sunburst brushing, and a beautiful blue gradient. The luminous markers also have a baby blue coloring that makes them look customized, but almost every shade of blue is represented. At $6,300 with a rubber strap, it’s not much more expensive than the impressive new-look base model. The caseback features a stunning engraving of Poseidon with a chariot driven by seahorses and covers the METAS-certified Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 8800. Price: $6,300
Breguet Marine Equation Marchante 5887
Taking the concept of a wave dial to the height of luxury, the Breguet Marine Equation Marchante 5887 is impressive even without the hypnotic intersection of wave crests and troughs hand-carved into a rose engine. The gray-brown and rose-gold color scheme is also a refreshing change from the combination of waves and blue, reminiscent of a raging sea after dusk. You’ll also get a tourbillon and a perpetual calendar from the brand that invented the tourbillon. The anchor of the pointer-date complication’s hand is also a nice touch, as is the golden sun on the hand that displays the solar minutes. Price: $215,000
Time+Tide Timeless Pick: 1995 Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 2541.80
Yes, this list already includes the latest Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, but it’s a much more distant relative of the one that graced movie theaters in 1995’s GoldenEye. This is a watch that lives on in people’s consciousness as the James Bond watch, the original reference 2541.80 has a quartz movement, and it’s also quite affordable. When a watch is accessible, carries a strong brand name like Omega, and is a Hollywood legend, there’s no way it can’t be our timeless pick. There are many models available for less than $2,000, in various sizes, and with automatic movements.
