Krieger Watches

Krieger Watches

Krieger is pure 1990s excess — oversized, overbuilt, and unapologetically flashy. These were watches for Miami speedboats, Manhattan boardrooms, and anyone who

wanted a huge chunk of steel and lume on their wrist before Panerai or Hublot made it fashionable.

If you’re chasing neo-vintage swagger, Krieger is a wild ride worth revisiting.

A Little History

Krieger was founded in the late 1980s by Steven Krieger, with a mission to build oversized, highly legible tool watches — designed for divers, sailors, and anyone who needed

something big, bold, and waterproof. The brand’s breakout hit was the Tidal Wave, a dive watch with a mechanical tide indicator.

The watches quickly found favor with yacht owners, divers, and Wall Street types who wanted something rugged, expensive-looking, and different. Krieger leaned into the

Miami luxury aesthetic — big numerals, big bezels, big wrist presence.

For a while, they were everywhere — from Neiman Marcus counters to the wrists of offshore racers and bankers alike.

What Collectors Love

Krieger watches are overbuilt, overstyled, and full of vintage Miami charm. Think “Wall Street meets windsurfing,” with a touch of Bond villain energy.

Fan favorites include:

  • Tidal Wave — 44mm+ diver with tide indication, quartz or automatic variants, chunky rotating bezel

  • Gigantium — a bold, oversized three-hander with aggressive case styling and high-contrast dials

  • Skeleton Automatic — exposed balance wheel, open dial, often in stainless or gold-tone

  • Mysterium / Aqua Lung — lesser-seen models with hybrid sport/dress vibes

Krieger used both Swiss quartz and automatic movements, usually ETA-based. Water resistance was a focus, and some models featured screw-down crowns, tritium lume

and thick mineral or sapphire crystals.

Why Krieger Deserves a Spot

Because it represents a very specific moment in watch culture — before the “Big Watch” trend took over, Krieger was already there. These watches were built for people

who wanted something bold and different, before that became the norm.

And now? They’re vintage. They’re rare. And they wear like 1990s power pieces, with a side of nostalgia for collectors who miss the analog era of yachting, trading, and tan lines.

Plus, for all the flash, they were actually well-made — decent finishing, reliable Swiss movements, and real dive specs on several models.

What’s Out There Now

Krieger has largely faded from the mainstream, though the name still circulates in niche collections and pre-owned listings.

Expect to find:

  • Tidal Wave models — quartz or auto, with tide subdial, in steel or two-tone

  • Gigantium and Skeleton models — often in larger sizes (44mm+), with bold numerals and open dials

  • Assorted limited editions — with diamond bezels, carbon fiber dials, or Miami-themed engravings

Pre-owned prices are wide-ranging — from $400 to $2,000+, depending on condition, model, and originality. Some diamond or gold-tone pieces can stretch higher, especially in full kits.

Fed’s Take

Krieger is peak 1990s tool-luxury.

I’ve had a few Tidal Waves come through the shop, and every time, they feel like a moment in watch history. Big bezels. Thick rubber straps. Miami Vice DNA in a waterproof case.

They’re not for everyone. But if you want a watch that says “I bought a boat in '98 and still miss it,” Krieger brings the vibe — and the wrist weight.

Check Out Our Krieger Inventory

Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Krieger watches — especially Tidal Wave, Gigantium, and skeleton dial models from the 1990s and early 2000s.

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