The best dive watches in the WatchPoint showroom

How about some big words to start this one off? Ubiquitous, archetypal, and almost arbitrary – dive watches have become the staple of watch collecting worldwide, with their design versatility allowing them to be enjoyed both at the nascent stages of one’s watch journey, as well as their ultimate grails. Whether we’re talking about microbrands, independents, or big industry players, they all likely have a dive watch in their offering, capitalising on the formula that can fulfil multiple roles, from purpose-built to GADA. The WatchPoint Melbourne Showroom and Webstore have no shortage of excellent dive watches at multiple price points – here are some of our favourites.

Erebus Origin

A watch that came together as a result of years of reviewing and collecting experience, the Origin is one of the best-specced micro divers on the market at its price point. Whether it’s the now-discontinued 38 and 41 variants (some of which we’ve still got examples of in the Showroom!) or the new-and-improved Origin 40, it features all the hallmarks of what you’d want from an affordable dive watch. The Aussie brand has ensured to include sapphire crystals, ceramic bezels, and enough lume to keep you up at night should you leave it on your bedside table. Price: starting from A$499, available from the WP Melbourne Showroom

Orient Kamasu II

As one of the OGs of affordable watch collecting, Orient’s dive watch line-up has a long-standing history of well-respected models that have only gotten better over the years. The latest from the Japanese brand sports the in-house F6922 movement with hand-winding, hacking, and 4,800 A/m of magnetic resistance, while a sapphire crystal sits atop a dashing gradient grey dial. Though, this being Orient, the Kamasu II is available in plenty of colourways. Price: A$690 from the WatchPoint Webstore and Melbourne Showroom

Sunrex Anemone City

The recipe of a sub-US$500 diver with a sapphire crystal and black, vintage-inspired dial is, shall we say, one that’s decidedly tried-and-true. Sunrex is a brand that’s miles anything but derivative, using their proprietary Viluminus solar tech and years of design acumen to produce watches that are both funky and functional. The Anemone City is a dive-style chronograph, water-resistant to 100 metres, powered by a solar Seiko Epson VS75A… I could go on and on about the specs, but how about the look? It’s actually a bit of fun, but none of it feels gimmicky, and all the details are beautifully rendered, especially in the sub-A$1,000 price point. Price: A$760 from the WatchPoint Webstore and Melbourne Showroom

Melbourne Watch Co. Sorrento

Just like all other Melbourne Watch Co. releases, the Sorrento is inspired by a part of the Victorian capital. Azure waters, stunning shorelines, and a temperate climate, you could mistake Melbourne’s Sorrento for the Italian one – but trust us, there’s something a little special about the antipodean variant. As for the watch, it’s big and bold in classic MWC style, but with touches that show the brand’s renewed sense of purpose and interest in the enthusiast micro market, from Miyota 9000 calibre to teak decking-textured dial – you can read all about the latest Sorrento here. Price: A$1,195 from the WatchPoint Webstore and Melbourne Showroom

Second Hour Gin Clear Mk3

Melbourne-based Second Hour is a brand downright obsessed with details, so much so that photography rarely does any of their watches justice. Much is the same with the third-generation Gin Clear diver. Colours are bright thanks to anodised aluminium bezels, or muted and subtle with sunray brushed dials and finely textured ceramic bezel inserts. BGW9 lume is plentiful, and the five-link bracelet gets the same hardening treatment as the case, making for a 1,200 Vickers rating. That lovely textured crown lets you interact with the Sellita SW200 that powers the watch, meaning this is the only Swiss-powered watch on our list – and is still doesn’t break the bank. Price: A$1,325 from the WatchPoint Webstore and Melbourne Showroom