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Best 40mm Dive Watches Make a Great Look At Any Small Wrist (For All Budgets)

In the watch business, there has been a steady move toward bigger case sizes in the past few decades. Big men’s watches aren’t new. Tool watches like dive watches and pilot’s watches in lengths of 40mm or more have been around for over 50 years, but they used to be the exception. 

Men’s watches are usually between 40 and 42mm, but larger sizes are also standard. Before the late 1990s, most watches were 36 to 38mm long or smaller if they were dress watches. So, where can a man find small watches for men today?

Even though 40mm dive watches aren’t as standard as they used to be, there are still many great ones for people with small wrists or who like classic styles. 

The 40mm dive watches have all the style and features of modern large watches, but they come in a more traditional and comfortable size. Most big watch companies still make at least some men’s watches in smaller sizes, and many newer microbrands are helping to bring back the 30-millimetre watch for men. So, stand up to the problem of big watches and check out our list of the best seven 40mm dive watches below with the different range of budgets to suit all, whether you are looking for a few hundred dollars watch or a few thousand.

Best 40mm dive watches 

This post lists the best 7 40mm dive watches for thinner wrists. We’ll evaluate tiny diving watches on design, features, and pricing to offer you some ideas to help you choose (Ordered from most expensive to cheapest ones)

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Automatic

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Automatic - 40mm Dive Watch

If you’re looking for a dive watch that is both stylish and accurate, then you may want to consider the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Automatic (38mm). This watch is designed for divers looking for a reliable timepiece that can handle all the challenges that come with diving.

This watch features a stainless steel case and bracelet, as well as a unidirectional bezel that allows you to track minute/second readings easily. The 38mm size is perfect for men or women and comes with an automatic movement that ensures accurate timing.

If you’re looking for a high-quality dive watch that will look good on any wrist, then the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Automatic (38mm) is the watch for you!

It is priced at $7500.

Rolex Submariner Date 16610 TRITIUM

Rolex Submariner Date 16610 TRITIUM - 40mm Dive Watch

If you’re in the market for a new dive watch, you’ll want to consider the Rolex Submariner Date 16610 TRITIUM. This watch is an excellent option for anyone looking for a high-quality timepiece to handle any situation.

The Rolex Submariner Date 16610 TRITIUM features a black dial and a stainless steel case. It also has a date display and functions as a daily wristwatch and a dive watch.

This watch is designed with extreme durability in mind. It can withstand any water environment, including salt water and cold water dives. It also has an automatic movement that can keep accurate time even underwater.

If you’re looking for a watch that will give you the confidence to take on any dive, the Rolex Submariner Date 16610 TRITIUM is an excellent choice.

Its price starts from $4500.

Read: Does Rolex Submariner Glow in the Dark? Here Are the Full Details

Tudor Black Bay 58

Tudor Black Bay 58 - 40mm Dive Watch

It’s a heritage watch that pays tribute to the old Tudor Submariners without trying too hard. It’s also a modern watch that doesn’t have the luxury trappings that too often come with Rolex’s new releases. Respectful of the past, but also looking forward with pride. With a diameter of 39mm, this watch is hard not to recommend to anyone for any event.

If you’re looking for a versatile and stylish dive watch, the Tudor Black Bay 58 is an excellent option.

It is priced at $3500.

Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 600

Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 600

Christopher Ward exemplifies small size versus tenacity. Christopher Ward has grown from a microbrand to a manufacturer with a wide variety of models, from thin vintage-inspired to large tool watches. The C60 Trident Pro comes in three sizes, 38mm being the best Diver.

Black ceramic bezel. It sports a Cordura/rubber hybrid band. The case’s sides and lugs have a polished angle above and below.

The case’s large angled bevel affects wearability. Black dial with red C60 lettering. Yes, this 38mm case can withstand 600m or 60 atmospheres.

This makes the 12.7mm bevelled casing more unique and the polished dial details more straightforward; there’s something about elegant decorations on a durable tool watch. Superb lume and sword- and arrowhead-shaped hands boost readability in the dark. 3-in-a-window Neptune’s trident counterbalances Christopher Ward’s second hand. The case back reveals a Swiss automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve. Given the powerful movement and 600m rating.

It is priced at $915.

Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto

Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto

Classy 40mm Swiss automatic watch. Our favourite sub-40mm diving watch is stylish, durable, and offers superb dive specifications.

Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba is our favourite 38-40mm watch. This beautiful Hamilton watch bridges the budget and mid-range categories.

The Navy Scuba combines small dimensions, high performance, and an affordable price. The all-black dial and white markings give the watch a military appearance and feel, as do other Hamilton Khaki watches.

It is priced at $750.

The Spinnaker Croft Elemental

The Spinnaker Croft Elemental - 40mm Dive Watch

The Croft Mid-Size comes with different coloured dials and bezels, some on a bracelet and some on a leather strap, but the case size is always 40mm. The Elemental is a cheap alternative to the famous “Pepsi” colourways of the Tudor Black Bay GMT or Rolex GMT-Master II. It has a “Cyclops”-style bubble above the date window to make it easier to read underwater.

It runs on the strict and functional Japan NH35 TMI Automatic movement, and the case back is not open. The bracelet feels sturdy, looks great, and doesn’t feel loose or jingly, which is a problem with other bracelets in this price range. It has a good 150m water resistance, which is suitable for a cheap dive watch. It’s a no-brainer for someone who wears a diving watch every day and likes one that leans toward being sporty or vice versa.

Its price starts from $350.

Q Timex Reissue

Q Timex Reissue - 40mm Dive Watch

A sleek 38mm dive-inspired watch that’s inexpensive and robust. Timex designed a close-diving watch with classic stylings based on its original watch from the late 1970s.

This watch’s design is first-rate. The blue dial looks good from all angles. The lume-covered circular markings and baton/lollipop hands are akin to expensive watches.

Quartz movement drives the day/date window at 3 o’clock. This model has a rotating bezel, braided stainless steel band, and acrylic crystal; however, it’s not water resistant at 50m, it’s more for the style than serious underwater excursions, although it’s safe for leisure swimming.

This watch’s design is impressive, despite its low specifications. At 38mm, it’s excellent for smaller wrists and offers a diving watch appearance and feel on a budget.

It is priced at $175.

In conclusion 

Dive watches have a reputation for being huge, which puts off people with smaller wrists who don’t want to look or feel weird. Lucky for us, that myth isn’t true. There are several 40mm dive watches on the market, and several models are even smaller. So, many tiny divers watches are available; whether you have a modest or significant budget, you can choose what fits you most from this list.

Sarah Salimah

Sarah has been interested in watches for as long as she can remember. She loves watches and writing about them and enjoys experiencing the feeling of high-end models. She was born in Ohio, went to school for art history, and has a genuine enthusiasm for reading literature, walking, and sometimes playing padel.

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