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A century on from Rolex’s groundbreaking creation of the first waterproof wristwatch in 1926, we are stepping back in time to explore some of the greatest waterproof timepieces in horological history.
Whether you’re looking to sell your waterproof watch or upgrade your existing watch to buy a waterproof model, read on for our top picks.
Where It All Started: Rolex Oyster
Rolex’s creation of the Oyster in 1926 marked a significant leap forward in watchmaking. Featuring a hermetically sealed case to provide optimal protection for the movement, Rolex’s invention of a waterproof timepiece set the groundwork for every waterproof watch to follow it.
Just five years later, Rolex built on the original Oyster model and developed the Oyster Perpetual in 1931. This updated model descended directly from the 1926 model and was the brand’s first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch. Today, both the original Oyster and the Oyster Perpetual are considered to be the purest expression of Hans Wilsdorf’s founding vision and the quintessence of Rolex excellence.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer
TAG Heuer first dipped its toes into the waterproof watch game with the 844 in 1978. This dive watch was waterproof to 200 metres and powered by the automatic Calibre 5. It is now a very rare collector’s piece.
The brand then spent the next few years developing around twenty new waterproof dive watch models. Finally, TAG Heuer made a big splash in 1982, launching the Deep Dive, capable of surviving depths of up to 1000 metres. With a thicker case and 4 o’clock crown, this model was a pioneer of its time.
With roots in the Deep Dive model, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver is the brand’s newest waterproof watch, released in 2022. This impressive new model builds on the previous Aquaracer models from 2004 and 2009. The collection is built for outdoor adventurers to endure the toughest conditions and designed with extreme durability in mind.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep
In recent horological history, Omega released their trailblazing new Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep collection of waterproof watches in 2022. This was following the very first Ultra Deep watches’ historical feat in 2019: they reached the deepest place on Earth, beating Rolex’s deep sea record by several metres.
Since the collection’s release, these watches have been celebrated as a robust and impressive dive watch with exceptional water resistance, not to mention their striking design and impressive features and movements.