Diving watch: a complete guide
There are many styles of watches on the market. But the dive watch stands out for its truly unique characteristics. In the world of luxury watchmaking, it's a special model that is elegant, functional, and rare. Some dive watches have become iconic, such as the Rolex Submariner, the Tudor Pelagos, and the Omega Seamaster. Some models have even been worn by Agent 007. In this article, Bollwerk explains everything you need to know about dive watches. Discover our complete guide!
What is a diving watch?
Many people think that a dive watch is nothing more than a waterproof watch. While it is indeed waterproof, that alone isn't enough to earn the title. For a watch to obtain official certification, it must comply with the ISO 6425 standard. This standard imposes a series of characteristics for a watch to be marketed as a "dive watch." It's important to understand that a dive watch must meet numerous requirements to be suitable for use during underwater diving.
Water resistance (minimum 100 meters), resistance to salt water, luminosity for visibility in the dark, and durability are just some of the qualities a watch must undergo to be classified as a "dive watch." This is far more than just a simple waterproof watch. Furthermore, a dive watch must offer a timekeeping system to provide the diver with various data, including information on the time spent underwater.
A closer look at water resistance
Even if you don't plan on taking your watch diving, swimming in hotel pools, or doing everyday activities like laundry or washing dishes, a watch's water resistance is something to consider when buying a new timepiece. Just because your watch indicates a water resistance of 30m/3 ATM or even 50m/5 ATM doesn't mean you can dive to a depth of 30 or 50 meters, respectively. Water resistance is a slightly more complex topic. Here's a brief overview of the general water resistance guidelines for a watch and what they actually mean:
- < 50 meters: not suitable for swimming, scuba diving, saturation diving, surfing or other water activities;
50 meters : only suitable for swimming;
- 100 meters: suitable for swimming and other water sports, except diving, saturation diving, etc.;
- 200 meters: suitable for swimming and diving (not for saturation diving);
- > 300 meters: suitable for swimming, scuba diving and saturation diving.
In addition, of course, there are watches with extreme water resistance, such as 500 meters, 1000 meters, 2000 meters, or even more (for example, the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea model, with a resistance of 3900/12800 feet). These watches are suitable for scuba diving or saturation diving, a specific diving technique that allows professional divers to work at great depths (with a reduced risk of decompression sickness).
What are the characteristics?
In the watchmaking world, several characteristics allow a watch to be called a "diving watch".
Water resistance
A dive watch must be water-resistant to at least 100 meters. However, high-end dive watches have higher resistance ratings (200, 300 or 500 meters deep).
Readability
It must remain legible underwater. That's why these models are equipped with a backlight so the diver can read the information even in total darkness.
Rotating telescope
It also features a rotating bezel that allows the diver to know how much time they have spent underwater. More advanced models also indicate the wearer's depth.
Bracelet
The strap of this watch needs to be sturdy. It's usually made of stainless steel or rubber. These materials are suitable for seawater and can withstand pressure, sunlight, and humidity.
Helium exhaust valve
Not all models feature a helium escape valve. This feature allows professional divers to descend to great depths for extended periods. The valve ensures that the watch can release the stored helium during ascent. It is therefore a crucial element in protecting the watch, even in extreme conditions.
Some additional features of a good dive watch
Some of the features your watch should have, and which good quality dive watches generally include, are the following:
- calendar system;
- stopwatch;
- freight alert;
- water sensor;
- decompression alarm.
Your new watch can have all or some of these features, and even more—it's up to you. Now you know everything you need to know about dive watches and their various functions and characteristics.
If this is the type of watch that suits you, feel free to visit our online store where you'll discover benchmark models like the Rolex Submariner. The dive watch is an essential timepiece in the world of luxury watchmaking.
If you need advice on choosing your dive watch, our teams are at your disposal to answer all your questions. You can contact us by phone, directly on our website, or you can also visit us in our watch and jewelry stores.
FAQ:
- Which dive watch should you choose?
A dive watch must be waterproof and able to withstand depths of at least 100 meters. This type of luxury watch meets very specific requirements. Legibility, resistance to salt water, shock resistance, and resistance to magnetic fields make this watch truly unique. Other criteria, such as brightness and the durability of the strap, should also be considered when choosing a dive watch.
- What is a dive watch used for?
A dive watch is specifically designed to allow the user to enjoy scuba diving safely. These models are equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel for measuring dive time.
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