The Maldives, known for its turquoise waters and luxury resorts, is also home to a growing class of sophisticated consumers. Whether you’re a resort manager in Malé, a diving instructor in Hulhumalé, or a tourist buying a gift before flying home, you’ll want to know the best watches to buy in Maldives in 2025.
With growing access to international e-commerce and premium retailers in luxury resorts, the Maldivian watch market is ready for a global update — and this guide delivers exactly that.
Why Watches Matter in the Maldives
In a tropical country like Maldives, watches need to withstand humidity, salt, and sun. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to watches that are not just stylish, but durable, water-resistant, and suited for both land and sea.
Moreover, watches are increasingly being seen as personal status symbols — given as gifts for Eid, weddings, and tourism keepsakes.
1. Best Dive Watches to Buy in Maldives
Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Maldives is a global diving hotspot. Dive watches are a must-have — not just for pros but also as rugged style accessories.
🌊 Seiko Prospex Diver’s 200M
This ISO-certified dive watch is trusted by divers worldwide. It’s reliable, bold, and designed to handle Maldives’ saltwater with ease.
Alt text for image: Seiko Prospex Diver — top professional dive watch in Maldives 2025
🏝️ Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive
Solar-powered and built to endure. It’s perfect for Maldivian guides, boat crew, and diving enthusiasts who want a low-maintenance, high-performance timepiece.
🌊 Casio G-Shock Frogman
With extreme shock resistance, 200-meter water resistance, and full dive functionality, the Frogman is a favorite among marine adventurers and watersport trainers.
2. Best Smartwatches in Maldives: Fitness & Tech on the Island
Smartwatches are useful for keeping track of health and staying connected — even during long resort shifts or beach workouts.
📱 Apple Watch Series 9
With waterproof features, GPS, and fitness tracking, the Series 9 is ideal for both locals and travelers in the Maldives’ luxury tourism economy.
🏃 Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
Made for outdoor athletes, this Garmin watch is solar-powered, ultra-rugged, and offers dive and swim tracking — ideal for islanders who spend time in or near the sea.
⌚ Huawei Watch GT 4
Sleek, affordable, and packed with features. Its long battery life and water resistance make it a strong pick for students, educators, and urban workers in Malé.
Alt text for image: Huawei Watch GT 4 — best affordable smartwatch in Maldives
3. Luxury Watches for Maldives’ Elite and Jetsetters
With its global VIP clientele and luxury lifestyle scene, Maldives has plenty of room for premium watch brands.
💼 Rolex Yacht-Master
This is the ultimate marine luxury watch. Built for boating and sea travel, it suits high-end resort owners and international travelers frequenting the Maldives.
✨ Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean
Combining diving specs with iconic design, the Planet Ocean fits perfectly into the Maldivian aesthetic — beach-ready yet boardroom appropriate.
🕊️ Cartier Santos
A polished dress watch that complements Maldives’ elite resort fashion. This watch is often purchased as a honeymoon gift or anniversary keepsake.
Focus keyphrase usage: If you’re looking for the best watches to buy in Maldives that blend luxury with durability, these are timeless investments.
4. Fashion & Affordable Watches in Maldives
For younger buyers and travelers, style and price are important. Here are the best options under $150.
🎓 Casio F91W
Durable, classic, and affordable. Great for school-going teens or as a backup watch during outdoor activities.
💼 Curren Chronograph
A go-to fashion piece among young professionals in Malé. Curren offers stainless steel styles that look far more expensive than they are.
🧑🎓 Daniel Wellington Petite
Minimalist and clean — a favorite among students and women working in hospitality. Frequently purchased as a gift for birthdays or Eid.
Alt text for image: Daniel Wellington Petite — top fashion watch in Maldives 2025
5. Where to Buy Watches in the Maldives
🏬 Physical Stores & Boutiques:
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Le Cute Lifestyle – Malé – Offers perfumes, watches, and accessories
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Island Bazaar – Malé – Curated store with fashion and travel items
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Duty-Free Shops – Velana International Airport – Carries watches like Fossil, Seiko, and Casio
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Resort Boutiques – Some luxury resorts stock Rolex, Omega, and TAG Heuer
🌐 Online Shopping Options:
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Amazon Global – Delivers Apple, Garmin, and affordable fashion brands
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Chrono24 – Best platform for certified pre-owned luxury watches
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AliExpress – Widely used in Maldives for budget watches and smart bands
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Lazada SG / MY – Used by some Maldivians via freight forwarding
6. Most Popular Watch Brands in Maldives (2025)
Based on local searches and tourist buying trends, these brands are in highest demand:
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Casio
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Seiko
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Garmin
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Apple
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Citizen
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Omega
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Curren
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Daniel Wellington
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Rolex
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Huawei
7. Gifting Watches in Maldives: Personal and Cultural Meaning
Watches are commonly gifted in Maldives during:
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🎁 Eid celebrations – Curren or Casio for youth
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👰 Weddings or engagements – Omega or Rolex for grooms
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🎓 Graduations – Seiko, Casio Edifice, or Huawei for students
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💼 Work anniversaries – Often mid-range brands like Fossil or Garmin
Watches symbolize honor, responsibility, and time well-spent — highly respected values in Maldivian culture.
8. Caring for Watches in Maldives’ Humid, Salt-Rich Climate
With constant exposure to moisture, UV rays, and salt, here’s how to protect your investment:
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Rinse dive watches with fresh water after sea exposure
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Avoid leather straps during monsoon season
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Store in dry, shaded areas with silica gel
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Smartwatches: keep software updated and dry charging ports regularly
Final Thoughts: Which Watch Should You Buy in Maldives?
Whether you’re diving into reef caves, heading to work in Malé, or relaxing in a luxury villa, the best watches to buy in Maldives offer form, function, and flair.
Choose a dive watch if you’re active in marine settings, a smartwatch for tech-savvy convenience, or a luxury brand to commemorate your island journey in style.