What makes scuba dive watches different from other watches? Dive watches are water resistant and keep track of elapsed time underwater. They are important pieces of scuba gear because divers need to manage their bottom time while diving.
Most divers use scuba dive computers to monitor their depth and time for decompression purposes. They use diving watches as a backup or secondary tool to mark they elapsed time underwater. But many divers still use a scuba watch and dive tables to manage their nitrogen while diving.
One great thing about scuba dive watches is they stand out in a crowd. They tell people that you spend your free time scuba diving. Professional dive watches are a great way to make a stylish statement above water or underwater.
Here are some tips on the features to look for when you shop for dive watches.
Water Proof or Water Resistant
A waterproof watch is a no-no for scuba diving. They are okay if you want to wear them in the shower, while washing dishes or even for a swim. If you take a waterproof watch diving, it will probably be full of water by the time you finish your dive.
Scuba dive watches are water resistant and will be rated according to depth or pressure. Some dive watches carry a depth rating in feet or meters (660 feet or 200 meters). Others will have a pressure rating (10-20 bar). Even though recreational divers do not dive below the recreational limit of 130 feet (40 meters), a good dive watch will be tested to a depth of 660 feet (200 meters) or 20 bar. To test a dive watch, a certified technician will place the watch in a mini compression chamber and pressurize it to 20 bar. Always check this rating when you shop for dive watches.
Rotating Bezel
Analog scuba diving watches will have a rotating bezel or ring around the face. The ring will be numbered from 0 to 60. These are minute and second indicators similar to the ones on the face of the watch. The bezel is used to mark elapsed time. This is done by placing the 0 on the bezel on the minute hand of the watch.
The bezel on scuba dive watches should move only in the counter-clockwise direction. This is known as a unidirectional (one way) bezel. If you bump the bezel while diving in will in move in a conservative direction, marking your dive as longer instead of shorter. Look for a bezel that has engraved markings. They are more resistant to wear.
Digital diving watches will use a stop watch function to mark elapsed time. Remember to start the timing function just before you enter the water and to stop the timing function when you reach the surface.
Underwater Illumination
All good analog dive watches will have luminous numbers on the face to help you read the time in the dim light underwater. This is normally luminous paint on the numbers and the hands that will glow in dim or no light situations. You will have to charge these luminous watches with light in order for them to glow.
The Crowns and Backs of Diving Watches
All watches will have a crown and a back. The best dive watches will have ones that screw down. Watches that are not water resistant have backs and crowns that snap in and out. Crowns and backs that screw down will keep the seals tight and prevent leaking.
Make sure the crown of your dive watch is screwed down all the way before you get your watch wet.
Dive Watch Band or a Dive Watch Strap
There are two types of dive watch bands, metal and rubber. If you like the look of a metal dive watch band, make sure it is stainless steel or titanium. Both of these metals are very resistant to corrosion.
Most divers prefer a rubber dive watch strap. They usually last a long time and can be worn over a wet suit easier than a metal strap. There are dive watch straps that are made long enough to fit over a dry suit.
If you would like know what other cool features are availible on analog and digital dive watches, visit our page about the types and features of scuba diving watches.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Scuba Dive Watches
Diving watches, like all scuba gear, require care and maintenance to make sure they perform properly. Here are some tips that will help you care for your dive watch. Following these simple tips can ensure that your watch performs like it should and that it will last for a long time.
Always rinse: Make sure you rinse your dive watch with fresh water after every dive and after being in a swimming pool. This will remove any salt or chlorine from your watch.
Check the bezel: Make sure you rotate the bezel. This will get rid of any salt or grit that might have gotten under the ring.
Moisture: If you notice moisture inside the face of your dive watch, it is time to have it serviced. Moisture can be caused by an extreme change in temperature or by a bad seal. This moisture can cause corrosion inside the watch.
Dive watch repair and dive watch battery replacement should always be done by a qualified service technician. They have the tools to do the job right and to ensure the integrity of the pressure or depth rating of your dive watch after service.
The job of all scuba dive watches is to tell the time. It comes down to your personal choice and diving needs when you shop for dive watches. We hope our dive watch information and tips will help you pick your best dive watch.
If you would like to see a great selection of scuba diving watches, visit our Scuba Gear store.
Dive watch repair and dive watch battery replacement should always be done by a qualified service technician. They have the tools to do the job right and to ensure the integrity of the pressure or depth rating of your dive watch after service.
The bezel on scuba dive watches should move only in the counter-clockwise direction. This is known as a unidirectional (one way) bezel. If you bump the bezel while diving in will in move in a conservative direction, marking your dive as longer instead of shorter. Look for a bezel that has engraved markings. They are more resistant to wear.
