When it comes to dive watches, there are a handful of brands that come to mind immediately. Two of the most iconic names in the game are Oris and Seiko. Both have been around for decades and have earned their reputation in the diving community by producing high-quality, reliable timepieces. But if you're looking to add one of these to your collection, the question is: which one is the better option for you?
In this post, we’re diving deep into the details of Oris and Seiko dive watches, comparing their craftsmanship, design, features, and overall value. By the end, you'll know which brand suits your style, diving needs, and budget best.
A Quick Look at Oris and Seiko
Before we start comparing features, let’s take a quick look at where these two brands come from.
Oris
Founded in 1904 in the small Swiss town of Hölstein, Oris has become synonymous with precision and quality. Known for their mechanical movements, Oris focuses on automatic watches that cater to watch enthusiasts who appreciate traditional craftsmanship. The brand is celebrated for offering Swiss-made luxury at a more accessible price compared to its counterparts like Rolex or Omega.
In particular, Oris’s dive watches have gained a dedicated following, with collections like the Aquis and ProDiver series becoming known for their robust performance and sleek designs. Whether you’re exploring the oceans or heading out to a nice dinner in Marina Bay, Oris’s dive watches offer the perfect blend of style and reliability.
Seiko
Now, Seiko is a bit of a legend in the watch world. Founded in 1881 in Japan, Seiko has revolutionised the watchmaking industry, from pioneering the first quartz movement to producing both mechanical and quartz watches that are durable, reliable, and often surprisingly affordable.
For divers, Seiko’s Prospex collection is a go-to. These watches are famous for their durability, performance, and, of course, their price. While Seiko might not always have the same luxury reputation as Oris, it’s known for providing fantastic value for money, making their dive watches extremely popular among both seasoned divers and newcomers.
Comparing the Craftsmanship
When it comes to dive watches, craftsmanship is key. You need a timepiece that can withstand harsh conditions and still perform well. Let’s see how Oris and Seiko measure up.
Oris Craftsmanship
Oris dive watches are built with a focus on high-quality materials and Swiss mechanical movements. Their Aquis and ProDiver series are prime examples of the brand’s craftsmanship. The cases are made from stainless steel or titanium (for the lighter options), and they feature sapphire crystal glass that’s both scratch-resistant and incredibly durable.
The Aquis collection, in particular, is known for its robust construction and screw-down crowns, which enhance water resistance. You’ll typically find ceramic bezels, which are more resistant to scratches than traditional aluminium, ensuring your watch maintains its sleek look even after years of wear.
For a high-end Swiss dive watch, Oris offers something that feels both premium and reliable—a solid investment for anyone who values mechanical precision.
Seiko Craftsmanship
Seiko, on the other hand, is more about practicality. While Oris might focus more on luxurious materials, Seiko dive watches are built to last and perform under extreme conditions—without breaking the bank.
The Prospex series is where Seiko really shines. You’ll find Hardlex crystal in most of their dive watches, which is scratch-resistant and impact-resistant. Some models also come in titanium, making them both lightweight and strong—perfect for long dives or expeditions where weight matters.
The craftsmanship isn’t as high-end as Oris, but it’s more than enough to tackle the rigours of diving and extreme sports. Plus, you’ll often see features like rotating bezels and screw-down crowns, which are essential for accurate timekeeping underwater.
Design
Both Oris and Seiko take design seriously, but their design philosophies are different.
Oris Design
Oris dive watches are designed to look just as good out of the water as they do submerged. The Aquis collection, in particular, features polished ceramic bezels and clean dials with bold hands that make it easy to read underwater. They’re stylish but functional, often offering various colour options to match your style.
The design is sleek and contemporary, which makes them versatile enough to wear with both a wetsuit and a tailored suit. If you want a watch that blends in seamlessly with your day-to-day life while still performing in harsh environments, Oris is the way to go.
Seiko Design
Seiko, on the other hand, leans more toward rugged practicality. Take the Seiko Turtle and Seiko Samurai, for example. These watches have a bulkier look, with bold, easy-to-read dials and larger cases designed for maximum legibility. The focus is on ensuring that you can read the time easily while underwater or in low light—function over fashion, as it were.
If you like a military-inspired, no-nonsense design, Seiko has you covered. But if you’re after something that can handle diving but still looks sleek enough for a night out in Clarke Quay, Oris is the better choice.
Technology
It’s not just about how the watch looks—it’s also about what’s going on under the hood.
Oris Technology
Oris is known for its mechanical movements, and their dive watches are no exception. They use in-house movements, which means the brand can maintain high-quality control over the entire production process. The Aquis watches, for example, often feature rotating bezels and screw-down crowns, making them perfect for those who need both accuracy and durability in extreme conditions.
Oris’s dive watches generally offer 300-500 meters of water resistance, making them ideal for recreational diving and deeper expeditions. Some models even feature depth gauges, which can be crucial for professional divers.
Seiko Technology
Seiko’s dive watches are built for performance, and they’ve packed a lot of technology into their timepieces at a more affordable price point. The 4R and 6R calibers are common in Seiko’s dive watches and offer solid performance with long power reserves.
One of the standout features of Seiko’s dive watches is their water resistance. Some models, like the Seiko Tuna, offer an impressive 1,000 meters of water resistance, making them perfect for commercial divers. You’ll also find Hardlex crystals and rotating bezels on most of their dive models—features that ensure the watch can stand up to harsh conditions and keep you on track during your dives.
Price and Value
When it comes to price, there’s a noticeable difference between Oris and Seiko.
Oris
Oris dive watches sit in the mid-range luxury category. The Aquis collection, for instance, typically costs anywhere from $1,700 to $4,500, depending on the model and features. While this isn’t the most expensive in the luxury dive watch market, it’s still a considerable investment. But for that price, you’re getting Swiss craftsmanship, premium materials, and advanced features—all in a stylish package.
Seiko
Seiko, on the other hand, is known for providing outstanding value for money. The Prospex series starts at around $400, making it incredibly accessible compared to luxury brands. And even their higher-end models, like the Seiko Tuna, are priced around $1,200—a bargain when you consider the features and durability you’re getting.
For those who want a reliable, rugged dive watch without spending a small fortune, Seiko is unbeatable in terms of value.
Which Dive Watch is Right for You?
At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you’re looking for in a dive watch.
Go for Oris if you’re after a high-end, Swiss-made timepiece with a sleek design, top-tier craftsmanship, and all the essential diving features.
Go for Seiko if you want a reliable, durable, and affordable dive watch that still offers professional-grade performance. Seiko dive watches provide outstanding value, with solid craftsmanship at a price point that’s hard to beat.
Both brands produce excellent dive watches, so whether you prefer Swiss luxury or Japanese innovation, you’re in good hands. Happy diving!
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