A quality SCUBA watch is a sensitive piece of equipment, and the newest models are capable of performing a variety of tasks. While technical divers and those making long, deep dives have a clear idea about what they need their dive watches to do, newer divers sometimes have some trouble navigating the maze of products available. Here are some simple hints to help make the task just a little easier.
Primary or Secondary Source of Timing?
Will your dive watch be your primary source of timing, or do you plan to use it as redundant gear? If you want to use it as a primary source, be sure to pick a good watch that will help you log dives accurately. If you plan to use your dive computer instead, then a more basic, less expensive model can be a good choice – just remember that redundant gear needs to function just as well as primary equipment. Be sure your dive watch conforms to ISO 6425 safety standards and is marked “Diver’s”.
Depth Rating
A good dive watch capable of surviving accidents is usually rated for depths much deeper than you’ll probably ever even want to go. Picking a dive watch rated for a depth of 200 meters can help it withstand the occasional bump, and it will help to ensure your safety, too. Don’t give in to the temptation to buy a “waterproof” watch – these instruments may look a lot like dive watches, but they are designed for snorkeling, fishing, and other water sports where the wearer is not subject to pressure. Watches suitable for SCUBA diving will be rated by the amount of atmospheric pressure they can withstand, marked as ATM, or by a depth rating. Taking chances here can put your safety at risk, and at the least, leave you with a ruined, waterlogged timepiece.
Dive Watch Features
Some dive watches can be worn with just about any style of clothing, while others have a sporty look that makes them best for pairing with casual wear when you’re not diving. Many digital models are actually self-contained dive computers, and at minimum they’ll have stopwatches and countdown timers. They are convenient, however divers with eyesight challengers might want to go for a dive computer with a larger readout.
Analog dive watches tend to have illumination to make reading easier. In addition, they have bezels designed to keep track of elapsed time. Normally, time is marked in increments of five minutes. In addition, select a unidirectional bezel that can only be turned clockwise. The reason for this is that if it is bumped, it can only go forward, reducing your dive time instead of putting you at risk. A bezel that can be locked is better yet.
Another important feature is luminescence, both in digital and analog dive watch models. You should be able to read the watch clearly, in the dark, from a distance of 25 centimeters. The best analog models contain tritium, which glows in the dark constantly, without a need for “recharging” by exposure to a light source. Digital watches usually rely on LED lights for luminescence. If you plan to dive at night, or if you hope to dive wrecks or caves, this feature is even more important; so long as you can see clearly, your choice ought to be dictated by how you plan to use the dive watch, with style taking a back seat to safety.
Price
Dive watches can cost thousands of dollars, or they can cost less than one hundred dollars, depending on what your needs are. Be realistic with your budget when choosing a first dive watch; while it is a good idea to get one you can use for a few seasons, it might be wise to put off purchasing a very pricey watch until you’ve become more advanced. Why? New technology is emerging all the time, and by the time you’re ready to use all those bells and whistles, something even better might have come along, leaving you feeling as though you could have made a better decision. On the other hand, be sure that any inexpensive “Dive Watch” you buy is truly a SCUBA diving watch instead of a timepiece with dive watch styling.
Besides these features, be sure that the watch strap is long enough to fit over your wetsuit or drysuit sleeve or pick up a strap extension along with your watch. Last but not least, don’t buy your watch in a hurry, do your homework and be sure you are getting something that will work well for you. Don’t hesitate to ask other divers or dive shop personnel for assistance – they’ll be happy to help.