Dive Watches - do we need 300m plus?
I have many a watch that is 100m water resistant, one with 200m and another with 300m with a helium escape valve ! I have noticed many a post on here (and elsewhere) that people need at least 300m.
I was wondering is this necessary. I did a bit of research at PADI, and for most guys who dive in open water and have advanced qualification its not recommended to go below 130 feet, which is just under 40m. Of course nothing stopping you going deeper. A few people qualified for deeper but I would imagine they have a dedicated dive computer watch.
A watch that can go 100m is actually overkill for most people/divers. A watch that can go deeper will obviously be a pretty solid thing and I am wondering if that's the attraction for us watch nerds.
Personally it doesn't really matter I guess if you like a watch, and why not get one with a higher water resistance, as it is likely to be a bit more sturdy.
I do not mean to be negative about people from buying a deep dive watch, buy what you like and enjoy.
The deepest my watch goes is about 8ft in my local pool and I always wear the one with the helium escape valve for that. I find a hot chocolate from the vending machine helps with the bends.
Wondered what your thoughts were? just a conversation starter really.
From the UK, I am a watch nut, from the age of 18 been putting £5ish aside each week to fund my watch passion and never stopped.
As someone who is a qualified diver, to 30m, most people have a dive computer at any depth. Of probably 2/3 dozen people I know who are divers, only 1 didn't use a dive computer, dive watches are functionally obselete for divers, especially because a decent dive watch is more expensive than a decent dive computer. But for my 2 cents, I wouldn't bring anything with less than 200m diving, because the motion of your hands puts extra pressure on it, and also for peace of mind. 300m is nice but for most divers around 20m is slightly overkill.
As someone who is a qualified diver, to 30m, most people have a dive computer at any depth. Of probably 2/3 dozen people I know who are divers, only 1 didn't use a dive computer, dive watches are functionally obselete for divers, especially because a decent dive watch is more expensive than a decent dive computer. But for my 2 cents, I wouldn't bring anything with less than 200m diving, because the motion of your hands puts extra pressure on it, and also for peace of mind. 300m is nice but for most divers around 20m is slightly overkill.
Cheers Alex was hoping a proper dive person would help me in my ignorance.
Cheers Alex was hoping a proper dive person would help me in my ignorance.
Divers don't use mechanical dive watch, they use dive computer.
Mechanical Dive watch are pretty much obsolete. I personally wouldn't trust my life with mechanical dive watch when their better and cheaper alternatives.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NWwi3Oij0E0
Like someginger pointed out divers don't use mechanical dive watch. They use dive computers. Most dive computers are less than 100 meters WR.
Unless you're working on underwater pipe line or bridges, you will rarely go below 50 meters.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iRzxm0DBTAA
Like someginger pointed out divers don't use mechanical dive watch. They use dive computers. Most dive computers are less than 100 meters WR.
Unless you're working on underwater pipe line or bridges, you will rarely go below 50 meters.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iRzxm0DBTAA
Very informative video. Its great to learn something new.
Yeah. You have to watch your nitrogen level or you get hurt pretty bad.
The dive chart is in feet. So 50m is 164 feet.
Cheers Alex was hoping a proper dive person would help me in my ignorance.
Proper dive person is a stretch, not dived properly for over a year now 😅 but for context for why people buy dive computers rather than watches
My ~£150 dive computer was able to tell me how long I'd been diving, the time, the temperature of the water, the deepest I went, my average depth, how long I could stay down without having to wait on my ascent to decompress, could calculate my decompression times if needed, and had a backlight for maximum visibility
Compared to a dive watch which can tell you the time and time underwater, and you figure the rest out either yourself or with a variety of other gadgets and gizmos (always carry an analogue depth gauge in case your computer goes kaputt). Now find a decent dive watch for below £200 which won't leak and break underwater, and has genuinely good lume, and you see the point.
I only have Vostoks, they're rated to 200m. There are YouTubes of them taking double that. If anyone is worried that their £4figure dive watch can't handle the pressure, maybe they need to trade down 😜
Last time I dived was in the previous millenium (‘98 and ‘99), even then dive computers had replaced watches.
Basic PADI course allows dives up to 18meters and for recreational divers that is plenty to see the nice fishes, underwater landscape and marine life. Next step advanced brings to 40meters. From my memory you saw even less, stayed down less long, but handy for looking at deeper wrecks.
The only reason I could think to bring a watch diving was if I had an inkling it would be robbed topside or if I had an overwhelming desire for a wrist shot.
I would be pretty confident a recent 100m watch would be good to 18meters. I would be happy to swim with such a watch. However unless it was inexpensive I would prefer something with 200m for anything more than snorkelling. Anything more is overkill, but there are some lovely watches with big specs.
For some watch spotting check out Last Breath on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/us/title/80215139?s=i&trkid=258593161&vlang=en&clip=81091048
Proper saturation diving and some interesting watch choices. Interesting to contrast the watches of the divers with those on deck.
As someone who is a qualified diver, to 30m, most people have a dive computer at any depth. Of probably 2/3 dozen people I know who are divers, only 1 didn't use a dive computer, dive watches are functionally obselete for divers, especially because a decent dive watch is more expensive than a decent dive computer. But for my 2 cents, I wouldn't bring anything with less than 200m diving, because the motion of your hands puts extra pressure on it, and also for peace of mind. 300m is nice but for most divers around 20m is slightly overkill.
Yip, it makes me giggle the nonsense discussed about 100, 200, 300 mts of water resistance. I work in the professional diving industry and taught diving physics and physiology, most people don’t know that air (nitrogen) is narcotic beyond 30m. If you’re jumping in the sea, surfing etc. then anything with a screw down crown will do. If diving then you’re mad if you dive without a dive computer these days. Most divers I know, pro Sat divers, wear G-shocks. I remember a few 25-30 years ago turning up with Rolex’s however they always failed and owners got the piss taken out of them so that stopped sharpish. And the nonsense about taking a watch to 5000mts what’s that about hahaha
Since brass knuckles are illegal, I will have to make do with a beefy dive watch. 😉
Yip, it makes me giggle the nonsense discussed about 100, 200, 300 mts of water resistance. I work in the professional diving industry and taught diving physics and physiology, most people don’t know that air (nitrogen) is narcotic beyond 30m. If you’re jumping in the sea, surfing etc. then anything with a screw down crown will do. If diving then you’re mad if you dive without a dive computer these days. Most divers I know, pro Sat divers, wear G-shocks. I remember a few 25-30 years ago turning up with Rolex’s however they always failed and owners got the piss taken out of them so that stopped sharpish. And the nonsense about taking a watch to 5000mts what’s that about hahaha
I have a friend who teaches diving, he won't let his pupils on the boat if they're not equipped with a computer.
But you know, if it's good enough for Zissou then it's good enough for me in the shallow end...
I agree with SomeGinger…. I don’t dive but gave a lot of friends that do and one that is a certified dive instructor, to a person they all wear dive computers. A couple even laughed when I asked about dive watches and one said it’s not the ‘60s any more.
I don’t dive. Have a Ratio Freediver. Escape valve. 1000m it says. Nice. It could survive this depth. But wouldn’t bet on it. It’s like the speedometer of a car. As a child. This car can drive 220km/h. That one 160. Bragging rights.
I agree with SomeGinger…. I don’t dive but gave a lot of friends that do and one that is a certified dive instructor, to a person they all wear dive computers. A couple even laughed when I asked about dive watches and one said it’s not the ‘60s any more.
Yeah, we all made fun of the one who didn't use a computer as diving in the 70s 😅
My Seiko 7002 from 1991 and rated to 150m has seen many dives down to 40m and is still going strong 30 years later. All this anxiety about taking a 100m watch diving etc I think is misplaced. Many YouTubers say that they will never go diving with a watch that’s less than 200m or doesn’t have a screw down crown but then never provide evidence as to why not.
I see both sides of it. I'm someone who has gone snorkeling with my little Seiko DressKX. "Only" 100m and a push/pull crown. 🤯 It handled my max depth of about 8-9 feet just fine. Haha. That's as deep and as extreme as I'll ever need to go. I had quite a few people telling me they'd never do that with a watch that "only" has 100m. I think people get a little too paranoid with that, but I DO understand wanting a watch that's over engineered to a degree (200m/300m). There's something satisfying about knowing your watch could in theory withstand insane pressure.
As someone who is a qualified diver, to 30m, most people have a dive computer at any depth. Of probably 2/3 dozen people I know who are divers, only 1 didn't use a dive computer, dive watches are functionally obselete for divers, especially because a decent dive watch is more expensive than a decent dive computer. But for my 2 cents, I wouldn't bring anything with less than 200m diving, because the motion of your hands puts extra pressure on it, and also for peace of mind. 300m is nice but for most divers around 20m is slightly overkill.
In order to add 1 atm (10m/33ft) of depth to your actual depth under water you have to move your hand 30mph, and it has to be exactly perpendicular to the gasket, which is impossible for a watch rated to 100m. ISO dive watch spec is 100m for a reason.
In order to add 1 atm (10m/33ft) of depth to your actual depth under water you have to move your hand 30mph, and it has to be exactly perpendicular to the gasket, which is impossible for a watch rated to 100m. ISO dive watch spec is 100m for a reason.
Hey you never know, maybe I have little rockets on my hands 😂
I personally appreciate the worknthat has gone into creating a truly capable dive watch. It's great to know your watch is capable of incredible descents, whether or not it is needed. Plus it's always a bonus talking to friends and family about the crazy capabilities of a new dive watch. Not that they listen any more 🙌
From a purely tool perspective it is overkill if you are not an extremely serious diver.
How else would I handle the pressure of day-to-day desk diving?
Typical scuba diving for me on compressed air is around 60ish feet (20m). The deeper one goes, the less light there is, and the less time one can spend down there. 120 feet (37m) is a rough max, but not desirable at all. Unless your diving with nitrox (not air), at 120 feet, one is limited to about 10-15 minutes, before nitrogen build up becomes an issue, and then still one has to do decompression stops pausing to float for a few minutes in an uninteresting point to let the nitrogen dissipate, else it will bubble up in your body, and potentially cause the benz. I did deep diving for higher level certification, but it is not desirable or what a recreation diver wants to do. If one takes a diving vacation, they would much rather be doing a couple of 1 hour or so dives, than deep dim 10 or so minute dives where you are worried about nitrogen bubbles under your skin.
Ok, so if we’re talking real depth 40 meters is my practical limit….throw in a ginormous fudge factor for waivering pressure and older seals, and your dive watch handling higher numbers is desirable. How much is enough? Who knows, but I’d feel comfortable with 200m.
Then there is the question of, is a dive watch relevant if you have a dive computer? Maybe as a back up in case your dive computer fails, and your diver partner’s dive computer fails. Helium escape valves are very cool for desk diving, though not sure about anywhere else, practically speaking.
Great reply, "desk diving " hahah. I agree with everything , and 200mm is just fine for a good backup with a dive watch. And , the watch (really) isn't relevant if you have a good computer , I am being honest in commenting on your post, and most of the coral (unless you are on the north Cayman wall) is sitting in around 30 or 40 feet anyway.
, I am very happy with my CW homage to Jacques Cousteau with their Aquitaine series , I got a black one which really does a nice homage to the Blancpain 50 fathoms ! ,
I see both sides of it. I'm someone who has gone snorkeling with my little Seiko DressKX. "Only" 100m and a push/pull crown. 🤯 It handled my max depth of about 8-9 feet just fine. Haha. That's as deep and as extreme as I'll ever need to go. I had quite a few people telling me they'd never do that with a watch that "only" has 100m. I think people get a little too paranoid with that, but I DO understand wanting a watch that's over engineered to a degree (200m/300m). There's something satisfying about knowing your watch could in theory withstand insane pressure.
gotcha, then I think they (manufacturers should say this watch is great for snorkeling , free diving, (?) It is cool to see the depth on my watch ultra however, I have serious misgivings about apples foray into this realm, and I sort of hate it and do not wear it on the surface , it is NOT a watch.
I've only been scuba diving once. It was boring as could be and made my chest ache afterwards, and I've never done it since. The most water any of my dive watches see now is in my paddling pool in the one week of Summer we get here or when it rains hard.
what a shame, who ever showed you clearly didnt show you how to control your buoyancy , ( which in my book is where all the fun is, here here for NEUTRAL BUOYANCY, which renders one as light as a feather. With schools of thousands of fish , smaller and bigger with varying colors , it is a place where I am happiest.
got it, if it makes you uncomfortable in any way physically or otherwise , dont do it,
I never force it on any of my friends unless they have a real hankering to try it. I lOVE night diving, most of my friends who dive, hate it, etc etc. but a good dive watch for snorkeling is all you need !
Another good read FYI....
https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/can-i-dive-with-a-30m-wr-watch-an-empirical-experience.1847322/
Preface, I am NOT a scientist or physicist and might not fully understand.
From my understanding, to get dynamic pressure to change enough to matter to a case or crystal, you'd basically have to be strapped to an air-surface missile or a torpedo. Not to mention have the exact angle of impact be correctly lined up to guarantee failure. Boils down to (hee hee 🤫), generation of force, speed and whole lot more of 10lb brain stuff.
So, in my opinion, yes dynamic pressure on your watch can cause water ingress/damage, above, entering, and below the surface. But also at that point one would have larger concerns, like getting limbs torn off, skin ripped, bones broken, etc. Not to mention massive trauma to your soft tissues and eyes.
The human body is squishy, a net increase of 5 psi all at once is enough to cause possible fatal damage to the body. Depending on situation, 3psi still hurts. And even at a psi overpressure of .0655psi (K328), you'll still notice. Won't hurt but promise you'll know.
So science! But also aside from making sure a watches gaskets and seals are correct, there is something to be said for going with a higher wr than needed for security. It makes sense, extra security is never a bad thing.
**TL;DR BOTTOMLINE**
If it makes you feel better, go for it.
Follow your manufacturers guide, and if you are diving, check them seals over time.
Your watch is more than likely going to be fine.
Dive watches are 😎!
Yip, it makes me giggle the nonsense discussed about 100, 200, 300 mts of water resistance. I work in the professional diving industry and taught diving physics and physiology, most people don’t know that air (nitrogen) is narcotic beyond 30m. If you’re jumping in the sea, surfing etc. then anything with a screw down crown will do. If diving then you’re mad if you dive without a dive computer these days. Most divers I know, pro Sat divers, wear G-shocks. I remember a few 25-30 years ago turning up with Rolex’s however they always failed and owners got the piss taken out of them so that stopped sharpish. And the nonsense about taking a watch to 5000mts what’s that about hahaha
Bragging rights. People who have to have a helium valve not because they need one, but because they can point to it and tell everyone what it is. In my case, I like to point to it and say look at helium valve on this Chinese homage! It’s completely useless!
Hot take incoming, so avert your eyes, you have been warned.
Is it necessary? No, but does it feel good? You damn right they do.
If they make a dive watch that's rated for 3 kilometers that comes in a 39 - 42mm case, under 15mm tall and not overly heavy you bet your sweet patootie this dugong's gonna be salivating over it.
It's like gunbros/tacticool ninjas with scratching 'Molon labe' on every piece of kit they own. More depth rating, more manly!!!
Off to go pose his musckles like Popeye after eating several cans of spinach just because
Typical scuba diving for me on compressed air is around 60ish feet (20m). The deeper one goes, the less light there is, and the less time one can spend down there. 120 feet (37m) is a rough max, but not desirable at all. Unless your diving with nitrox (not air), at 120 feet, one is limited to about 10-15 minutes, before nitrogen build up becomes an issue, and then still one has to do decompression stops pausing to float for a few minutes in an uninteresting point to let the nitrogen dissipate, else it will bubble up in your body, and potentially cause the benz. I did deep diving for higher level certification, but it is not desirable or what a recreation diver wants to do. If one takes a diving vacation, they would much rather be doing a couple of 1 hour or so dives, than deep dim 10 or so minute dives where you are worried about nitrogen bubbles under your skin.
Ok, so if we’re talking real depth 40 meters is my practical limit….throw in a ginormous fudge factor for waivering pressure and older seals, and your dive watch handling higher numbers is desirable. How much is enough? Who knows, but I’d feel comfortable with 200m.
Then there is the question of, is a dive watch relevant if you have a dive computer? Maybe as a back up in case your dive computer fails, and your diver partner’s dive computer fails. Helium escape valves are very cool for desk diving, though not sure about anywhere else, practically speaking.
Your take on this is spot on. I only wore a watch for nostalgia for too many years until I stopped diving. I never considered my watch as a true backup to my computer/dive buddy's computer. I think when your gear fails the dive ends for safety reasons. Dive watches are like sports cars. If somebody's really is skilled at it they would be getting paid to do it. That said, nobody wants a Super Car with a top speed of 90 mph/145 kmh . A big part of the giant pricetag is buying specs that most people will run out of talent well before exceeding those limits.