Whether your focus is on style, function or practicality, selecting the right dive watch is as much about you as it is the watch. Here are some things to take into account:

Size

There’s no foolproof formula for the “right” size, but consider lug-to-lug distance—the dimension between the strap or bracelet attachments from top to bottom.

That distance should be slightly less than the width across the flat of your wrist, so the watch doesn’t overhang. For men with wrists up to about 7 inches around, a case diameter up to about 46 mm often looks best.

Price

You can spend a lot for a dive watch. But you can also buy a well-crafted, stylish model for a lot less than a smartphone—without worrying about it becoming obsolete with the next software update.

Movement

Automatic (self-winding) and solar-powered dive watches are popular because they’re accurate, robust and convenient. A handy feature in automatics is the ability to manually wind them.

Style

Do you want a 200-meter diver that also looks at home peek- ing out from the cuff of your suit? Or something that only a diver would wear? It’s all up to you.

MORE: The 10 Best Dive Watches for Every Budget