Dive Watches + Underwater Color Theory: Is This A Thing?
I just watched a video showing how colors shift at different depths, based on the progressive filtration of light from the surface.
So this sparks a question for those more knowledgeable about dive watches than I am: Is this something designers consider, beyond tending toward straight white-on-black (or blue) for legibility? Have some designs leaned into it, maybe revealing a different color harmony (or a hidden image, something I'm too lazy to test but feel one could figure out)?
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Hutch
Photographer and multimedia artist working in the Upper Midwest, USA. I started paying attention to watches circa 2010, and now enjoy a collection ranging from vintage Soviet pieces to field watches a...
Minneapolis
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6.50” / 16.51 cm
Yes, in the 70s many watch brands made Divers with visual color depth gauges, and they are still made just for nostalgia
Color is an issue. It doesn't take much depth to lose true colors.
Yes, in the 70s many watch brands made Divers with visual color depth gauges, and they are still made just for nostalgia
Oooohhh, so would something like this (non-functional, reference-y, only 50m) "diver" work along the same lines? I always thought it looked cool but seemed potentially challenging to read, but if modified by light...?
Also, amazing examples, thanks 😍
I think that was the reason why Doxa uses orange dials
Color is an issue. It doesn't take much depth to lose true colors.
Thanks for confirming, kind of amused I never really thought about it before!
If you're not a big water person, you can still experience this color change for yourself by taking a submarine reef tour. They're a popular tourist activity in Hawaii.
Wear your watch (or a couple) and watch them change on the decent.
I've read that's why most dive watches tend to have dial options in orange, as that's the color that has the most contrast/visibility at great depths.
There are a lot of design elements on divers to guarantee visibility. Different lume tones, different sizes and styles on the handset to different color variations on the bezel and dial, all with a certain contrast for the orientation as well. I guess some colors can be seen and recognized better than others. But when it comes to military divers, color can kill you, so the darker the better. Interesting that the Porsche Design chronograph is not a diver but comes in all black matte. Idea is not to get any light reflection to the drivers eye. I like those theories and how they are being applied to the design of the watch.
I've read that's why most dive watches tend to have dial options in orange, as that's the color that has the most contrast/visibility at great depths.
Cool info, thanks!
If you're not a big water person, you can still experience this color change for yourself by taking a submarine reef tour. They're a popular tourist activity in Hawaii.
Wear your watch (or a couple) and watch them change on the decent.
I am imagining showing up to the trip feeling self-conscious with my multiple watches on, but everyone else in the queue is also a watch dork doing the same test.
There are a lot of design elements on divers to guarantee visibility. Different lume tones, different sizes and styles on the handset to different color variations on the bezel and dial, all with a certain contrast for the orientation as well. I guess some colors can be seen and recognized better than others. But when it comes to military divers, color can kill you, so the darker the better. Interesting that the Porsche Design chronograph is not a diver but comes in all black matte. Idea is not to get any light reflection to the drivers eye. I like those theories and how they are being applied to the design of the watch.
Thanks for these details, light 🕯️ can be so neat!