DS Articles

It would appear that a watch claiming to be water-resistant to 100 meters or 330 feet should be sufficient for recreational scuba diving. Especially since those safe diving limits are set at 130 feet. So what’s the deal?

First off, the water-resistance ratings provided by manufacturers are from testing done under controlled circumstances. Basically they indicate resistance to water penetration assuming there is no movement by either the watch or the water, at a particular depth. Also, they don’t account for what happens if the watch is bumped or jarred.

But what should you look for when buying a diver watch? Perhaps the prime aspect you should consider is whether the watch comes with a unidirectional elapsed timing bezel or not. It is vital that divers know how long they have been submerged in the water.

Citizen has two contenders in the top seven. The Promaster Aqualand’s stainless steel construction makes this a classy choice. The Eco-Drive is the company’s titanium offering. Both watches feature storage for diving depths, current water temperature, present depth, ascent rate alarms, and are water resistant to 660 feet.

A simple knock can dislodge the bezel and could cause you to overstay your bottom time beyond no-decompression limits, which, needless to say, is extremely dangerous. You should also look for a dial which has a clear face, so that it is easy to read at a glance. Luminous dials are a great asset to night divers, and matt finishes on a watch are highly desirable (shiny watches may glint and attract aggressive fish!).

Seals must be used at each point where the case can be opened, and at other joints. This is primarily the case-back and crown (covering the stem). They may also be placed between the crystal and case unless a sealant is used. These seals, or gaskets are usually o-rings made of rubber or some other synthetic.

Even if you aren’t a diver, and are only buying a dive watch as a lucrative addition to your collection, quality, functionality, and purpose should still be considered. After all, should you ever decide to go diving, you won’t need to travel all the way to the shops to buy one that works.

When trying to determine if a particular watch is suitable for diving, look for all of the features previously mentioned and for a water-resistance rating of at least 200 meters or 660 feet. That will be about 20 atm. Some watches will have a depth rating of around 500 feet and adhere to an ISO standard saying they are made for scuba diving. Those are suitable as well.

Ultimately, the watch you select should be one that fits your needs. Compare features on scuba diving watches to ensure you select a watch that meets or exceeds your qualifications.