Comparison of affordable dive watches and sustainability in horology

The affordable dive watch market is evolving, with brands like Timex and Citizen offering high-quality options at lower price points. The Timex Deepwater Meridian 200 features a 44mm stainless steel case and sapphire crystal, utilizing a traditional battery-powered quartz movement. In contrast, the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver utilizes solar-powered technology to eliminate the need for routine battery changes.

Beyond new purchases, the pre-owned watch market presents a more sustainable alternative to new manufacturing. Buying secondhand reduces the demand for newly mined metals and the energy-intensive processes of machining cases and assembling movements. The longevity and repairability of older timepieces contribute to a circular economy, supported by high rates of metal recycling, such as gold, which accounted for approximately 28% of global supply in 2025.