Protek Carbon Composite Series 1210 USMC – Automatic Dive Watch Review

Protek USMC Dive Watch Review

USMC Emblem on Protek Series 1210 Dive Watch

Several months ago, I wrote a review for what I think is the best dive watch for divers that actually dive—the Protek Carbon Composite Dive, Series 1000. In that review (https://sidemountscuba.com/2024/11/protek-dive-watch-review/), I admitted that dive computers have, for the most part, made dive watches unnecessary for the majority of divers. Just the same, I think most divers have an affinity for them, whether it’s nostalgia or simply that we’re all gear junkies and a cool watch is, well, cool.

I was first introduced to Protek Watches at the DEMA Show a few years back. I was just walking by the Protek booth with no intention of stopping, when their carbon dive watches caught my eye. I stopped for a closer look, which turned into a conversation. I ended up dropping by to chat 3 or 4 more times throughout the show just because I liked the people so much.

Now Vintage Tag Heuer Dive Watch

When I finally did get the Series 1000 dive watch that I wear now, I was stoked. The only other dive watch I was as excited to own was the Tag Heuer S/EL that I bought in the mid-1990s. That watch, I just recently gave to my son. He loves it, and now he’s hinting at me to get him a Protek (or, give him mine, which is not happening).

Introducing the Protek Carbon Composite USMC, Series 1010 Dive Watch

Protek USMC Series 1210 Dive Watch Red Face

Shortly after writing that original Protek watch review, Protek reached out to offer a discount code (“JoeScuba” for 20% off). That made me feel pretty special, and I am proud to say people really use it!

In talking with the team at Protek, I learned just how deeply they support the United States Marine Corps. For me, one of my biggest regrets is not enlisting after high school, so I don’t feel entirely worthy of speaking on behalf of the USMC edition of this watch. What I can say is that the Marines are unmatched anywhere in the world. I thank God every day for the freedoms we enjoy because of them. To me, every Marine is a hero, and all I can offer is my gratitude.

The USMC, Series 1210 is essentially the same as the watch that I wear every day, but now with a TMI/Seiko automatic mechanical 24-jewel movement (the same workhorse movement in many of Seiko’s top dive models) and made cooler with the USMC designation and the spectacular US Marine Corps seal embossed into the caseback. For those that have earned the right to wear it, the Protek Carbon Composite USMC, Series 1200 Automatic Dive Watch exudes toughness and quality.

About the Protek Carbon Composite Dive Watch

In my earlier review Protek Dive Watch Review, I went into a fair bit of detail about how the most obvious competitor to the Protek 1000/1010 (USMC quartz)/1210 (USMC automatic) watches are the carbon dive watches from Luminox. They are nice, but a lot more expensive. For me, cost had nothing to do with my choosing the Protek. To my eye, Protek makes a better looking watch that, feature for feature, meets or exceeds competing watches.

With regard to their looks and design, the company went after an uncluttered, classic design language that is not trendy but will always be in style, like my old TAG. As it turns out, the founder and former owner of Luminox is the same guy who created and owns ProTek.

USMC Tritium Dive Watch

Protek USMC Series 1212 Dive-Watch Red Close Up

One thing I didn’t realize I’d love as much as I do is their ProGlo tritium illumination. Without any batteries or holding your watch up to a light source, Protek’s tritium hands and dial markings will glow continuously for 25 years! 25 years is a LONG time.This is the same self-powered lume technology that Protek’s founder pioneered with his Luminox brand decades ago, and allows for time-at-a-glance in any light condition including complete darkness.

This isn’t exactly related, but my tritium dive watch started me thinking about how tritium would make quite a few diving products better. For example, I would love for all of my pressure gauges to include tritium illumination. A tritium pressure gauge for night diving, or low light diving in general, would be awesome.

It seems to me that tritium could eliminate the need for chem lights or battery powered marker lights. Anywhere where we want light underwater, tritium seems like a great solution—not just for dive watches.

Is the Protek USMC Dive Watch Worth It?

The Protek USMC Dive Watch is absolutely worth it. Besides having a depth rating of 300 meters, and beyond how great it is having “always on” tritium illumination, Protek dive watches are beautifully crafted and tough as nails.

When you compare Protek to similar competing watch brands, Protek stands out for both features and price. The USMC Protek watch is even more unique in that it celebrates the toughest fighting force in the world, right up there with the US Navy SEALs.

This is probably a good place to talk about Protek discount codes. Protek graciously created discount code, “JoeScuba” to give its users 20% off sitewide. For my part, if for no other reason than my own vanity, I love when people use my code.

In My Earlier Protek Dive Watch Review…

Protek USMC Series 1216 Dive Watch Desert Tan Face

I covered a lot of the details about the Protek Series 1000 Dive Watch. In that write-up, I highlighted its 300-meter water resistance, screw-down crown, lightweight carbon composite case, and the fact that it wears smaller and more comfortably than its dimensions would suggest. All of that applies equally to the USMC Series 1010 and Series 1210 automatics too  The differences are mostly in design cues that pay tribute to the Marines, but that’s also what makes this version so special. It’s not just a great dive watch—it’s a statement piece with real meaning behind it.

Who Should Wear the USMC Protek Dive Watch?

If you’re an active or retired Marine, the answer is obvious. This watch honors your service in a way that’s both subtle and powerful. But I’d argue that anyone who admires the Corps and what it represents could proudly wear this watch. It’s tough, reliable, and built for serious use. Whether you’re diving, traveling, or just want a watch that looks great on your wrist, the USMC Protek Series 1210 checks every box.

Protek USMC Dive Watch Final Thoughts

The Protek Carbon Composite USMC Automatic Dive Watch isn’t just another watch in a crowded market. It’s a durable, professional-grade tool designed for divers, built with tritium illumination that will last decades, and priced more fairly than many of its competitors. Add in the USMC designation and embossed caseback depicting the EGA (eagle, globe, anchor) seal, and you have a watch that blends performance, heritage, and pride in one package.

If you’re thinking about pulling the trigger, I can honestly say you won’t regret it. And remember—Protek has been kind enough to extend the “JoeScuba” discount code for 20% off sitewide. If you decide to order one, definitely use it.

For me, this watch will always carry a little extra weight. It reminds me of my respect for the Marines, my love of diving, and the simple joy of owning a timepiece that’s built to last. The Protek Carbon Composite USMC Series 1210 isn’t just worth it—it’s the kind of watch you’ll want to keep, wear, and maybe even pass down someday.