What is a dive watch: Key features and uses

If you have set your heart on doing some diving, then kudos to you for your epic sense of adventure and brave heart. However, beyond your scuba attire, you need a little something extra: a dive watch. Dive watches are a must-have for any self-respecting diver. Let’s talk about them

What is a dive watch

A dive watch is a functional watch made for underwater diving. These timepieces can handle water exposure, and they often have the features that divers actually need. Dive watches are not your everyday office-wear watches. These have more durability, compatibility, and water resistance capability than any other ordinary wristwatch out there. If you’re an adventurer by nature and in need of something functional for a waterside getaway, a dive watch has got you covered.

Key features of a dive watch

• Water resistance: If you’re looking for dive watches, the first criterion to be fulfilled would be its water resistance level. The typical water resistance these watches have is 200 meters or a little more.
• Rotatable bezel: Your dead giveaways include minute graduations and a pre-selectable marker. The one you’d rotate has a luminous indicator with clear demarcations – usually, the first fifteen minutes have contrasting numbers or color schemes.
• High visibility: The experienced diver requires luminescence and high contrast, so watch faces and hands are typically detailed to meet these criteria.
• Durability: This type of watch is built tough – to withstand the rigors of underwater environments. Some dive watches might come with a rubber strap to withstand water and salt damage more gracefully than a leather option.
• Automatic movement: Dive watches are known for their high-quality internal mechanisms, which usually mean they’re automatic. This is ideal for divers since there’s no need to open the watch to replace batteries, thus maintaining the water resistance of the case.
• Helium escape valve: Helium is one of the gasses that can seep into the case. Thus, a dive watch has a way to get rid of it. Most wearers will never encounter this problem, but saturation divers might.

Uses of a dive watch

Scuba diving

For scuba divers, a dive watch is so much more than just an expensive-looking accessory; it’s a critical tool for monitoring and calculating dive times, avoiding decompression sickness, and even being aware of how long you’ve spent underwater. Oh, and it can look great on your wrist to boot!

Free diving

Free divers use their dive watches to measure dive times as well as depths. Given that freediving is purely based on time management rather than air supply, using a dive watch for freediving practice can do wonders for skill and performance!

Water sports and everyday wear

Even if it is just ocean kayaking, snorkeling, (or heck) a casual pool party you can easily wear a dive watch. Plus, its tough-as-nails construction and stylish appearance mean you can wear it in the office, out in the field, or just about anywhere!

Wrapping it up

There is nothing that gets your heart thumping and your sense of adventure tingling like deep diving into the sea. You get to experience what very few ever get to and satisfy your craving for adventure. That being said, you don’t just grab a swimsuit and dive into the water – nay, nay. You have to have the right equipment to make sure you experience the dive fully sans some nasty side effects. One such piece of equipment is a dive watch, and with this guide, you will be able to decide if it is something you should invest in. Happy diving!

The article What is a dive watch: Key features and uses first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.