The Best Dive Watches for Smaller Wrists : 36mm, 37mm and 38mm Divers.
- Alvin
- 7 hours ago
- 12 min read
This is one for the skinny wristed desk-divers out there, but also for real divers too - we don't discriminate. Imagine taking a dive watch into the sea, ocean or channel, ridiculous idea. I've been thinking about this for a while. I thought that the compromise of case size to legibility and lack of heft might be a deal breaker. But I was pleased to find that there are many smaller divers out there that get the balance right. They don't sacrifice presence or functionality - and they look damn good. Obviously I haven't tried diving in all these watches, but I tried to go with watches that are legit and seen as proper diver watches as opposed to nautical-themed watches - if I've made any errors there, let me know.
It's no secret that smaller watches are often aimed at women. The females, the chicks and the ladies. But as with vintage watches and other things, size doesn't matter. You do you, and if you're happy, I'm happy. That's how we roll. Unfortunately some of these brands insist on the labelling - I say, these watches are gender fluid mate, so get with the program. I didn't think I'd be using that term today, but it's bang on.
We are gonna hit a number of price points. I might throw a Chinese Diver into the frothy, briny mix if I feel so inclined or if I can find one. That's the thing, there aren't many dive watches at this size. Most are 39mm+, they are after all meant to be clear and legible, so bigger may well be better. However, that will not deter us, here's a quick look what we can found!
Watch | Case size | Best for |
Tudor Black Bay 54 | 37mm | Best overall small luxury diver |
Breitling Superocean Automatic 36 | 36mm | Bold compact luxury diver |
Longines Legend Diver 36 | 36mm | Vintage compressor style |
Oris Divers Sixty-Five | 38mm | Vintage charm |
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 | 36mm | Modern compact Swiss diver |
Omega Seamaster 300M midsize | 36.25mm | Classic used Omega diver |
Rolex Yacht-Master 268622 | 37mm | Underrated Luxury compact Rolex sports watch |
Citizen Promaster Dive EO2020-08E | 36.5mm-ish | Affordable proper diver |
Seiko Prospex SNE575P1 | 38.5mm | Solar Seiko diver |
Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 300 | 38mm | Best spec/value modern option |
Certina DS Action Diver | 38mm | Serious affordable Swiss diver |
Tissot Seastar 1000 | 36mm | Best affordable Swiss quartz |
Marathon MSAR Auto 36 | 36mm | Rugged, chunky, proper diver |
BABY DIVERS
That joke didn't really work, but Baby Driver is great movie. Let's goooo...
Tudor Black Bay 54 | 200m | M79000 | £3,690 (bracelet) / £3,490 (rubber) / $4,900
Available in blue, black and lagoon blue, this one is a fan favourite, even for with those with chunkier wrists. The legendary Black Bay was downsized a couple of years ago to much applause. Personally, I like the original, so I like this one - but I haven't seen it in the flesh. It's a classic so I'm not surprised that it was well received. I have 41mm, though it's a bit big, the red bezel, gold accents combo is undefeated. The lug to lug is 46mm meaning there is plenty of presence on the wrist. It's a pricey option, but well worth it for the right, skinny-wristed watch fan.
Case size: 37mm
Lug to lug: 46mm
Case Thickness: 11.2mm
Lug width: 20mm
Longines Legend Diver 36 | 300m | L3.374.4.90.2 / L3.374.4.50.6 bracelet | £2,350 (sailcloth strap), $3,100 |
Now this was a really welcome downsize when it was first released in late 2018. For years the skinny wristed watch fan thirsted after the Longines Legend Diver, but alas, at 42mm and 54mm lug to lug (wtf Longines bro's that's outrageous) it was a sleek but tall bastard. I remember enthusiastically trying one on only to be punched in the guts and the nuts simultaneously - though damaging, it wasn't a wake up call. The black is the classic, but they've got a lot of colour variations too with subtle hombre dial finishes (ladies ones apparently) that look great.
There are deals to be had on the sailcloth, I've seen the blue one, new at £1880 and preowned mint at £1,572. The mesh (or beads of rice) bracelet is the legendary look for this watch and it doesn't disappoint at 36mm. The problem is that it appears that they have been discontinued so prices aren't low in the pre-owned market, they're also quite rare. I want one. The 39mm version is also a possible shout, with a reasonable lug to lug of 47mm.
imgs: Beaverbrooks.com & thewatchsource.com
Case size: 37mm
Lug to lug: 44.5mm
Case Thickness: 11.9mm
Lug width: 19mm
TAG HEUER Aquaracer Pro 300 | 300m | WBP231D.BA0626 | £3200 / $4300
We start with a warning- beware - many of these colour variations feature diamond-esque hour markers - tis a ladies watch after all - Tag being idiots too. I think the black and white dial versions are the only ones without shinies actually. Anyway, besides that it's a nice watch, the only issue as with some others is that the bracelet - aimed at ladies - tapers down too thin and it does ruin the unisexy-ness of the watch. Idiots. The good thing is that you can get these for less than £2000 in the pre-owned market - a great deal. Then you can buy a new strap.
Case size: 36mm
Lug to lug: 43mm
Case Thickness: 11.4mm
Lug width: 17.5mm
Marathon MSAR Auto 36 | 300m | WW194026SS-0130 | £1,200 (rubber strap) / $1580
This is a proper functional, tooly, military, badass piece of kit for people who do tough jobs in tough environments - at least that's what the marketing would have you believe. Actually, I believe it, just taking a look at the deep dish chapter ring makes you feel like something serious might happen. The dial is engulfed by the canyon it sits in exacerbated by the hefty bezel. I have been looking at these for ages, but could never find a deal. Probably, because hardly anyone sells the bloody big beauties once they have them.
Marathon are a Canadian brand that make watches for harsh conditions and hardy professionals. They run quartz and auto's, this one is an auto powered by a Sellita SW200-1. It sports Tritium Gas Tubes and MaraGlo that Marathon calls the 'luminous features' - I like that. I always wanted a tritium lumed watch, not because it's radioactive but it's a cool feature, a rare feature. Ball Watch Co is the other firm that loves using tritium.
Case size: 36mm
Lug to lug: 43.5mm
Case Thickness: 13.6 mm
Lug width: 18mm
Christopher Ward Trident C60 38mm | 300m | C60-38ADA31S0KW1-B0 | £960 / $1275
This is a great midway option, not too big, not too small - Goldilocks? Not for me - it's not 'just right'. Good figures and specs (Sellita SW200-1) but I'm not the biggest fan of this one, only because of the thin bezel. I don't like it ok, it's just not right. But otherwise, if you do, it's a great option, good quality, fan favourite and the dial is quite nice too. The second hand trident and pops of orange are always welcome.
Case size: 38mm
Lug to lug: 45mm
Case Thickness: 11mm
Lug width: 20mm
Citizen Promaster 36.5mm | 200M | EO2020-08E | £200 / $300 | Quartz
This is a nice one, it's often pegged as 37mm, but it's a tight 36.5mm according to the Citizen EU website. I'll take it. Though they say it's for females, I say that's outrageously sexist. If they're gonna say that, then I'm gonna say, aren't Japanese guys kinda small and dainty, so why can't they enjoy watches that fit - ever heard of Unisex, you damn fools. Anyway, there are a bunch of colours, include a dusky pink (ahem, for the ladies).
Look at the date at 4 o'clock, I don't love that positioning, but I do love that it integrates a proper hour marker - with lume. This is often missed (and I missed it from the 'design details that make a watch look better' post). If they add the date alone making that space and the dial look off balance, or empty. Thankfully, none of the watches on this list suffer from that afflication - a cyclops can make up for this also .
Case size: 36.5mm
Lug to lug: 44mm
Case Thickness: 13mm
Lug width: 18mm
Breitling Superocean 36 | 300 M | A17377211C1A1 | £4,700 (rrp) - £3,330 (new) / $6,200
Breitling are known for the chunky, rugged creations, like the Avenger, and the Super AVI - 46mm monsters. They do a Superocean in 46mm as well. So, it's nice to see them on the list, they've released smaller versions of several pieces in the last few years, including the Navitimer and Chronomat. The Superocean 36 is a nice piece, it comes in several colourways and on a bracelet or colourful rubber strap - they both look good - but the bracelet is for me.
imgs: Breitling.com
The bezel isn't very legible, so functionality might be a farce, but the split dial design is noice - hopefully it doesn't look too small as that can happen when splitting the dial. Hence, I like the all white version on a bracelet, it would maximise the dial making it look a bit bigger but still sit nicely on the wrist. It's not the cheapest option, but between 2k - 3k in pounds or dollars and I think you've got a good deal.
Case size: 36.5mm
Lug to lug: 44mm
Case Thickness: 13mm
Lug width: 18mm
Oris Divers Sixty-Five 36mm | 100M | 01 733 7747 4055-07 4 17 18 | £1,875 / $1900
This is an interesting one, it has a particular vintage style to match its vintage proportions - the clues in the name - 1965. It's not my cup of tea, with thin bezel, vintage vibes and domed glass - but it is a well respected diver. Oris are an excellent brand and make top quality pieces that are often left of centre. I've enjoyed a number of their pieces, especially the Propilot Kermit, Big Crown Pointer Date and the Aquis upcycle ones - the latter are available in 36.5 mm / 300m but that bezel doesn't have time markers on it, the bigger one (41mm) does, weird choice. Some people will love the old school vibes of this one but not I.
Case size: 36mm
Lug to lug: 42mm
Case Thickness: 12mm
Lug width: 18mm
Certina DS Action Diver 38mm | 300m | C048.807.44.041.00 | £800 / $1050
These Swiss mid-range boys often go under the radar, but they are legit and bring great value to the table. I used to have one, I sold it because it was too big at 42mm. Thankfully, they do a 38mm version of their diver, in grade 2 titanium no less. The design does have a thin bezel, so not my fave but I like the colourful options and the price.
In fact, to go one better, they do a mini quartz DS Action at a clean 34.5 mm with a mother of pearl dial and a few nice colours - it might be aimed at the ladies but it's a winner for me. This is the pick of the smaller bunch though.
Case size: 38mm
Lug to lug: 45mm
Case Thickness: 13.2mm
Lug width: 19mm
Tissot Seastar 1000 36mm | 300M | T1202101105100 | £390 / $520 | Quartz
Can't go wrong with a Tissot. The Seastar is another example of their ability to create excellent watches at a low price point and but other Swiss watches to shame. Sure it's a quartz, but it's a quality one at an excellent, reasonable price. And that lug to lug of 41mm is impressive, it doesn't lose any presence on the wrist either. I don't like the 30 bar text, just stick with m and ft for goodness sakes.
Case size: 36mm
Lug to lug: 41mm
Case Thickness: 9.7mm
Lug width: 18mm
Rolex Yacht-Master 37mm | 268622 | £10,400 (rrp) £9,500 (pre) / $12,500 (rrp)
The Yachtmaster wasn't on the radar for the post, I just skipped my mind. I don't dislike it, by all measures it's an unpopular Rolex, but I'd say it's underrated. It trades at under retail in the pre-owned market. Personally, I've always liked this, it's a more interesting Submariner, with the sunburst Rhodium dial and the blue pops. I didn't originally love the bezel, but it's grown on me, and it is made of platinum so that's cool. It has all the technical chops, sporting the Rolex caliber 2236, 55 hour power reserve, COSC and the rest.
While some won't like it, prefering the classic Submariner style, I think this is a fantastic option, left of field and technically outstanding. I'm liking it a lot. It is of course, the most expensive watch on the list by a long shot. Standard.
Case size: 37mm
Lug to lug: 43.6mm / 47mm with solid end links
Case Thickness: 10.8mm
Lug width: 18mm
Seiko Prospex Solar 38.5mm | 200M | SNE575P1 | £500 / $520
This is where Seiko are a let down, but I felt like I wanted to add one. Put aside the lack of design innovation and the price hikes, and remember that Seiko makes excellent budget dive watches. This one come with solar power generator and sapphire at a decent price in the pre-owned market, £500 rrp is a bit steep but I've seen a pre-owned one at £270. I like the PADI version though on the whole it's a touch larger than most watches on this list. I don't think Seiko do a 36mm diver - might have to go vintage if you want one of those.
If your wrist allows, you want to go old-school, and fancy a Seiko diver romance, read my Seiko SKX009J1 review. But if you're here for Seiko compact form and function, the SNE575P1 makes more sense.
Case size: 38.5 mm
Lug to lug: 46.5 mm
Case Thickness: 10.6mm
Lug width: 20mm
Omega Seamaster Diver 300m 36.25mm | 300m | 212.30.36.20.03.001 | £2000 - £4000 / $2650 - $5300
The last one on the list will be the best one for many. It's slightly over 36mm, but we can allow that and marvel at the inclusion of the quarter of a mm by Omega, now that's attention to detail - or it's just finicky or they intentionally don't want it to be 36mm. Though discontinued many moons ago (wrong Omega pun) it's popular in the pre-owned market with deals to be had, but mint ones retain their value. It's just full of delightful detail on the case, bracelet and the dial. The lugs are long but it gives the feel of a bigger watch and it is built like a tank. I'm not an Omega guy as such, though I like many of their watches and have had a few. This one is giving me feelings though, I didn't know they did one this size.
There are quartz versions as well for a further bargain but I'd go with the auto. The fundamentals of this watch feature through the Seamaster Professional collection to this day and aren't going anywhere. It's also got a manual helium escape valve, that's just cool. Though discontinued, all this makes makes the 36.25mm Omega Seamaster Professional a legendary piece. Mint ones are still pricey, and rightly so.
Case size: 36.25 mm
Lug to lug: 47.9 mm
Case Thickness: 12.65 mm
Lug width: 18mm
IT'S A SMALL COMFORT
You might be glad there aren't any Chinese offerings, maybe not, but seems they just haven't gotten around to homage the above 36mm pieces. There was one from Addies, a Submariner homage at 36mm, but it had no reviews, therefore I didn't include it. I guess, those watches are good for desk dwellers/divers, but I dunno if a frogman is gonna wanna wear a Chinese 'dive' watch. I mean from Aliexpress that is, there may be some decent ones (probs at 40mm+) from other brands. I haven't included Rado's Captain Cook because I don't like Rado damn it.
So, that's it for this one. I hope you've liked a what you've seen, it's opened my eyes to a few new watches that I want. Great, that's just great - that's all I needed, more thirst. Let's go top 3, I would include the Tudor but I have a large Black Bay Red Bezel that still makes me feel feelings. It's a bit predictable and boring actually, the Rolex Yachmaster, Omega Seamaster and Longines Legend Diver are the winners, with the Citizen Promaster not far behind. It's all masters and a legend, sounds about right. In fact, the Citizen is the one most likely to join the collection. It's cheap yes (the Rolex purchase hurt my wallet deeply), but retains that old school vibe, edge and value that Seiko has lost a bit. And I already have a Rolex and a Longines, I have owned a few Omegas, but never had a Citizen.
On the whole, I'm glad I looked into this. It's good to know there are still chunky, funky dive watches at smaller sizes. No doubt there are more, let me know if you have any others I should add. Thanks for stopping by.
Yours Compactingly,
Alvin
LINKS & THINGS
FAQ
What is the best dive watch for smaller wrists?
The Tudor Black Bay 54 is one of the best overall options because it combines a compact 37mm case with serious dive-watch credibility. More affordable options include the Certina DS Action Diver 38mm, Tissot Seastar 1000 36mm, Citizen Promaster Dive EO2020-08E and Seiko Prospex SNE575P1.
Is 38mm too small for a dive watch?
No. A 38mm dive watch can still have strong wrist presence because the bezel, dial markers, case thickness and bracelet all add visual weight. For many smaller wrists, 36mm to 38mm is the sweet spot.
What is the best affordable small dive watch?
The Tissot Seastar 1000 36mm is one of the best affordable Swiss options, while the Citizen Promaster Dive EO2020-08E and Seiko Prospex SNE575P1 are strong practical alternatives.
What is the best small automatic dive watch?
The Certina DS Action Diver 38mm, Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 300 38mm, Tudor Black Bay 54, Longines Legend Diver 36 and TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 36mm are strong automatic options.
Are there luxury dive watches for small wrists?
Yes. Good luxury options include the Tudor Black Bay 54, Breitling Superocean Automatic 36, TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 36mm, Omega Seamaster 300M midsize and Rolex Yacht-Master 37.
Does lug-to-lug matter more than case size?
Often, yes. A 38mm watch with long, flat lugs can wear larger than a 40mm watch with short curved lugs. For smaller wrists, lug-to-lug length and case thickness are just as important as diameter.
LINKS
TUDOR
LONGINES
TAG
CITIZEN
BREITLING
MARATHON
TISSOT
CERTINA
ROLEX
ORIS
OMEGA
SEIKO
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