Dive watches go beyond fashion. While most are quite stylish, functionality is the main reason why people buy them. Through these watches, not only can you tell time, but also see how far you are going underwater.
For deep sea divers, this is especially important because if they go too far they risk very serious dangers. Their tank may run out of air or they may succumb to underwater pressure. Since either situation can result in death, it is very important that divers choose the right watch the first time around. Fortunately, this process is pretty easy if you know what to look for.
Pressure is one of the most important considerations. The average diving watch can extend 300 feet underwater, and this is usually enough for most people in the sport. For those who engage in deep sea or competitive diving, it is best to find a watch that can handle 800 feet. Although you will never actually reach that depth or even get close to it, it is useful to have a watch that is rated to a higher depth just to give you peace of mind that it won’t spring a leak in shallow water. At that depth, the watch will be able to survive any type of diving situation, whether it is in the ocean or a lake.
Next, you need to look at the watch’s construction. The face should be large and have illuminated hands. The dials should be orange in color, as that maintains the best visibility. In addition, the strap needs to be resistant to salt-water. Some use titanium or other metals to achieve this feat, while others will simply use rubber.
There is also the bezel, a very critical factor when analyzing a watch’s construction. To find it, look closely at the face of the watch. There should be a ring that contains several small lines and a zero mark. This is the bezel. Watches that are well constructed should have bezels that are tight and not easy to turn. Otherwise, the watch will not be able to accurately clock how long you have been underwater. Remember, every time the bezel moves, the main indicator gets reset.
Lastly, you need to see if the watch conforms to the ISO 6425. This is an international standard that determines whether or not a diving watch is safe to use. Watches that conform to this ideal will have “Divers” as a label. Do not confuse this with watches that are identified as “waterproof.” While waterproof watches can survive some underwater activity, they are not suited for anything more in-depth. In addition to lacking the timing features most divers need, waterproof timepieces will collapse when faced with too much pressure. It may also be worth looking at the various Swiss Army Watches that are available. Some brands of army watches are designed to be waterproof and make great dive watches.
Pros of a Divers Watch – Buying a Scuba Diver Watch For Total Peace of Mind in and Around the Water
A divers watch is a special kind of sports watch that is designed for divers who need an accurate and sophisticated timepiece that can operate in an underwater environment. A divers watch must at a minimum be able to withstand water pressure at 10 atmosphere units which is equivalent to 100 meters or 330 feet, although a typical divers watch can withstand much more than this and are usually capable of achieving depths up to 200 meters or 660 feet, with some capable of going much, much deeper.
The International Organization for Standardization (or “ISO”) has a special standard for dive watches. A certified dive watch must pass a series of tests and possess certain qualities to be ISO-compliant. A genuine diver’s watch must pass a series of tests put forth in ISO 6425 and is is permitted to print the words “DIVER’S” on the case if it qualifies. A sports watch with this marking is guaranteed to be at least suitable for recreational diving.
A diver’s watch that passes ISO 6425, has met certain requirements such as possessing a bezel that surrounds the watch face that must rotate unidirectionaly (if an analog watch). It must feature markings at at least five minute intervals and a pre-select marker to denote markings and specific minutes. The face minute markings must be clear and easy to read and these watches must be legible at 25cm (9.84 inches) from the wearer in complete darkness. Diving watches must be chemically resistant and must pass a test whereby the watch is immersed in a solution for 24 hours to test for rust resistance.
Diving watches have become more standardized over time, but in the early days were developed to meet the needs of professional and military divers. Many believe Omega is celebrated as the worlds first dive watch maker. The first Omega diving watch was the Omega Marine which first entered the market in the year 1932.
Soon after the release of the Omega Marine, other companies introduced functional diving watches for serious or recreational scuba diving missions. Designed as tool watches, many are also highly fashionable and sought after for their look rather than their features. More modern and sophisticated diving watches come in digital format and offer computer-like features, making them ideal for serious divers who need to keep abreast of a lot more information during their dives.
Dive watches are designed for both women and men and because they must be resistant to the galvanic corrosiveness of seawater, are manufactured from materials such as resin, plastic, titanium, ceramics and stainless steel. More expensive diving watches include the Breitling Avenger Seawolf Chronograph, the Omega Seamaster 300m Diver and the IWC Aquatimer minute memory. There are many cheaper, quite capable diving watches too, such as those from Citizen, Invicta and even Casio.
A divers watch is a robust sports watch, due to its requirement to comply with ISO 6425 and makes a great fashion accessory as well as a capable scuba diving tool. Unlike the average sports watch, and because of the rigorous testing it must satisfy, a certified diver watch offers you total peace of mind when you are in and around the water and despite a higher price, will last you many years.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, dive watches are a godsend for all who love exploring the depths of the ocean. Best of all, they are available in a variety of brands and models. For example, if you swear by Swiss watches, you should have no problems finding a diver’s version. The same is also true for other brands, as many manufacturers are beginning to realize the demand for these watches. Non-swimmers like the way they look, while divers and anyone else into water sports enjoy what they have to offer. The best Swiss dive watches can cost quite a bit, but there are also some that offer pretty good value if you shop around (just be sure to get an original).
