Traditionally, dive watches have been identified by their ability to help divers measure bottom time and depth. Technology now allows divers to choose from a simple and inexpensive dive watch with a few standard features, to designer-made dive watches, or very sophisticated dive computers. Choose the right type for you, and a dive watch can become an essential part of your regular diving gear.
Are dive watches essential?
A quality dive watch is essential in order for the diver to be able to monitor the depth and time of the dive. Therefore it’s essential that whatever type of watch you choose, you ensure that it is 100% resistant to water, corrosion, pressure, and temperature. If anything goes wrong whilst you’re underwater, you’ll need to know when it’s safe to make a decompression stop.
The type of dive watch you choose will depend on your personal preferences and how you operate best when diving. If you’re after something to wear daily and prefer the older-style mechanical watch then you’ll find plenty of choices across a range of watch brands in jewellery shops. If you are after a digital watch or dive computer, then you’ll find plenty of options at your local dive shop. Some divers prefer to go for a simple digital dive watch with two or three basic features, and purchase a dive computer to complement this, whilst others prefer to have their dive watch perform all of their monitoring, right on their wrist.
Functionality or fashion
Dive watches such as the Rolex Submariner or other well-known luxury branded watches are often worn for daily use as well as for diving. These types of luxury dive watches can cost thousands of dollars, and can take you to depths of approx. 300-500m, are corrosion-proof, and feature a rotatable bezel to allow divers to monitor dive time and decompression stops.
Dolphin-Scuba-Perth-Dive-Watches
New technology has allowed dive watches to take a turn away from the traditional, with dive computers now commonly used by divers instead. Functions allow divers to monitor their equipment with wireless integration, store data from each dive, and can alert divers if anything is amiss whilst underwater.
Dependent on how often you dive, to what depths, where, and for what purpose, you’ll be able to choose a watch that is suitable for your specific needs. For frequent divers or those looking to keep regular tabs on their equipment and safety, a dive computer situated on the wrist is a fantastic option and suits all budgets, large and small.
Features of dive watches
Dive watches can come with a number of different features alongside the standard dive depth and time, depending on what you need and your budget. Here are some of the features you can come to expect from a dive watch or dive computer for your wrist, along with some of the more premium options.
Solar powered, self-winding, or battery powered
Illuminated screens for seeing in the dark depths of the ocean
Thermometer
Timer
Digital compass
Tide prediction
Wireless integration
Air supply data
Alerts
Dive data recording
Dolphin Scuba offers one of Australia’s most diverse ranges of premium scuba brands, dive watches and dive computers. Our team is made up of full-time dive instructors with years of experience and knowledge to help our clients. We can help you pick the right dive watch at our Welshpool store. Pop into our dive shop today, we’re open 7 days, or you can contact us on 9353 2488.