There’s a sea of selection in the dive-watch line, finds

NINA NOELLE-HALL. Here are five worth the splash

1 IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Galapagos Islands

Swiss watchmakers IWC Schaffhausen’s latest line offers more than sturdy functionality, it’s also eco aware. Last year, IWC partnered with the Charles Darwin Foundation in an effort to protect the Galapagos Islands, unveiling the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Galapagos Islands (US$7,756). The all-black stainless steel casing on this piece has been coated with vulcanised rubber and it’s pressure resistant to 122m. The device is self-winding with a power reserve of 44 hours. It also sports a so-called ‘bracelet quick-change system’, which allows the wearer to swap a rubber strap for one of steel or leather, quickly and without any need for tools. www.iwc.com

2 Rolex Submariner

Ideal for the businessperson with a part-time diving passion, the Rolex Submariner (US$7,780) is sleek enough for the boardroom and smart enough for divemasters – the watch can withstand pressures of 1,000m underwater. Its serious functionality features the necessities: time, date, chronometer, hacking seconds hand, three-dimensional dial, self-wind and power reserve. Plus, of course, its trademark crown. www.rolex.com

3 NauticFish One Thousand

The One Thousand from NauticFish (US$1,550+) sports the same features and style as the Submariner but with a fashionable flair – its design can be custom made for you. Choose your preferred colours (from heaven blue to safari brown) for the face and hands, and the material and colour for your wrist strap. www.nauticfish.com

5 Suunto Stinger

For those thrill-seekers looking to dive deeper, consider Suunto’s top-of-the-line option, the Stinger (US$605). With a PC interface, this is a computer minimised to your wrist-top for all your underwater whims, including an innovative recording feature so technical divers can view, compare and analyse their previous dives. www.suunto.com